SB 647
Authorizing higher education institutions to enter into agreements relating to student-athlete's name, image, or likeness
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows West Virginia’s public colleges and universities to enter agreements with student-athletes regarding the use of their name, image, or likeness. It limits the ability of athletic associations and conferences to regulate these agreements and sets restrictions on how student-athletes can earn compensation. Importantly, the bill prohibits institutions from using state funds to pay student-athletes for these activities.
Key provisions
- Institutions can enter agreements for compensation related to student-athletes’ name, image, or likeness.
- Athletic associations and conferences cannot penalize or suspend student-athletes for engaging in these agreements.
- Student-athletes can earn compensation, but not for products like alcohol, tobacco, or gambling.
- Institutions cannot use state appropriations to pay student-athletes for NIL activities.
- Student-athletes are not considered employees of the institution for NIL purposes.
- Student-athletes can retain athlete agents or legal representation.
- The bill defines key terms related to NIL and intercollegiate athletics.
- It limits the ability to earn compensation for certain restricted products and activities.
Who is affected
- Student-athletes
- West Virginia public colleges and universities
- Athletic associations
- Athletic conferences
- Institutions of higher education
Notable changes
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