A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The NCAA Accountability Act of 2025 establishes due process requirements for investigations into intercollegiate athletics. It mandates that covered athletic associations provide specific written notices to member institutions regarding inquiries and formal allegations. The bill requires formal hearings to take place within specific timeframes and prohibits the use of confidential sources as evidence. It also provides a mechanism for arbitration to resolve disputes regarding punishments. Additionally, the Act requires annual reports to be submitted to the Attorney General and State Attorneys General. Finally, it establishes enforcement procedures through the Department of Justice, including potential civil penalties.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Due Process for Institutions and Individuals: Under Section 2(a), covered athletic associations must follow specific notice requirements, including detailing the nature of the inquiry, the specific alleged violations, and the rights available to the accused. This ensures that member institutions, student athletes, or other individuals are not left in the dark during an investigation.
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Protection Against Secret Evidence: Section 2(a)(4)(B) stipulates that no information from confidential sources may be offered into evidence or used to form the basis for a decision during a hearing, providing transparency for the accused.
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Independent Review of Punishments: Section 2(a)(5) allows a member institution to compel entry into arbitration through an independent, three-person panel if they dispute a punishment. This provides a way to resolve disagreements outside of the association's own internal systems.
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Fair and Consistent Penalties: Section 2(a)(6) requires that associations conduct proceedings in a fair and consistent manner, ensuring that penalties are equitable based on the severity of the infraction and the institution's history.
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Accountability via Reporting: Section 2(b) requires associations to submit annual reports to the Attorney General and State Attorneys General, which provides oversight regarding enforcement proceedings and punishments.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Risks for Organizations: Under Section 4(b)(3)(A), if an administrative law judge determines a violation of this Act has occurred, they can impose civil penalties ranging from $10,000 to $15,000,000.
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Risk to Leadership: Section 4(b)(3)(C) allows an administrative law judge to order the permanent removal of any member of a covered athletic association's governing body in the event of a violation.
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Strict Timelines for Compliance: Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(3) impose specific deadlines for providing notices of inquiry and allegations, which requires associations to maintain strict administrative schedules.
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Josh HarderDemocrat · California
Burgess OwensRepublican · Utah