WASHINGTON — An advocacy group is pushing a “bill of rights” for student-athletes aimed at increasing financial assistance to college players.

Among other things, the legislation would require large athletic programs to cover all sports-related medical expenses incurred by athletes. Such programs also would be required to pay into a state trust fund, with the proceeds going to student loan creditors on behalf of former men’s basketball and football players who are still in school but have exhausted their athletic eligibility.

In addition, the legislation would require all college athletic programs, regardless of size, to continue providing financial aid to student-athletes whose athletic scholarships are revoked despite being in good standing.

The National College Players Association says it will push the legislation in at least 15 states this year. State lawmakers in California and Indiana have already committed to pushing versions of the bill, which could include different provisions than the ones proposed by the players association. The Associated Press obtained details of the campaign Monday ahead of its official release.

California state Sen. Alex Padilla, a Los Angeles Democrat who plans to introduce legislation aimed at increasing the support for student-athletes, said the lack of a requirement under NCAA rules for schools to pay for medical coverage or provide academic support for injured student-athletes mean many lose their scholarships “but are also saddled with medical bills they cannot afford.”

The campaign comes on the eve of the NCAA's annual convention in Indianapolis, where the Division I board of directors will reconsider a plan it approved last fall that would allow schools to award athletes multiyear scholarships. More than 75 schools have requested an override of that plan.

Another rule approved by the board, allowing schools to give athletes a $2,000 stipend for living costs not covered by scholarships, was suspended last month after at least 125 schools objected. At the NCAA meeting, the board can keep the suspension in place until an override vote takes place, eliminate the rule or amend it.