BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 885
                                                        By: Brown
                                             Economic Development
                                                         03-15-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

The 72rd Legislature enacted Section 3.075 of the Workers'
Compensation Act as a way to give professional athletes relief from
high workers' compensation premiums.  The statute requires
professional athletes to choose to receive benefits provided in
their contracts or receive the benefits provided by the workers'
compensation statute in the event of injury.  This prevents double
coverage while at the same time ensuring that athletes receive the
wage, medical, and rehabilitation benefits which they require.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 885 redefines "professional athlete" to include
a person employed as a professional athlete by a franchise of the
International Hockey League.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 406.095(c), Labor Code, to redefine
"professional athlete" to include a person employed as a
professional athlete by a franchise of the International Hockey
League, among others.

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.