Florida high-school sports coaches could be able to spend their own money to help players under a bill filed Thursday for the upcoming legislative session.
The bill (HB 1253), filed by Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, would direct the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt bylaws allowing coaches to support students through personal funds, up to $15,000 annually per team, that could be used to to help players in need of food, transportation or recovery services.
Coaches would have to report the spending, and the money couldn’t be used for recruiting.
Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, has filed a similar measure (SB 178), though it wouldn’t cap the amount spent.
In July, Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas called for more flexibility after former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was suspended from his voluntary coaching position at Miami Northwestern Senior High School for assisting students through Uber rides, meals and branded gear.
The legislative session will start Tuesday.