Louisiana Lawmakers Seek to Hide College Athletic Funding

Bill would exempt public disclosure of payments to student-athletes under new revenue-sharing rules.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Louisiana House committee has advanced a bill that would keep universities from disclosing how much public money they pay athletes under new revenue-sharing rules. Critics say taxpayers have a right to know how public funds are being spent on college sports programs.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation would mark the first public records exemption for public spending in Louisiana, raising concerns about transparency and accountability for how taxpayer dollars are allocated to university athletic departments.

The details

House Bill 608, introduced by Rep. Tehmi Chassion, D-Lafayette, would create a new public records exemption that would conceal the amounts of public money universities pay directly to student-athletes. These payments are allowed under new 'revenue sharing' rules implemented after the NCAA settled a lawsuit brought by student-athletes seeking compensation.

  • The House Education Committee advanced the bill on April 2, 2026.

The players

Rep. Tehmi Chassion

A Democratic state representative from Lafayette, Louisiana who introduced the bill to hide public funding of college athlete payments.

Louisiana Illuminator

A news publication that reported on the proposed legislation to exempt public disclosure of college athletic funding.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Louisiana House for consideration.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation raises concerns about transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are allocated to university athletic departments, as it would mark the first public records exemption for public spending in Louisiana.