Bill > SB1817

This bill modifies Texas Education Code provisions regarding student athletes' rights to earn compensation and obtain professional representation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The legislation allows student athletes at higher education institutions to earn money from their NIL when not engaged in official team activities, with several important restrictions. Students must disclose proposed NIL contracts to their institution and cannot enter contracts that conflict with team contracts, institutional policies, or honor codes. The bill prohibits compensation for athletic performance, endorsements of certain products like alcohol or tobacco, and contracts extending beyond the athlete's participation in the program. Student athletes are explicitly not considered employees of their institution and cannot use institutional facilities, trademarks, or logos for NIL contracts without express permission. The bill also allows student athletes to sell their autographs and obtain legal representation for NIL-related matters. These changes apply only to contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature or September 1, 2025, if the immediate effect vote is not achieved. The legislation represents a continued effort to provide student athletes with more financial opportunities while maintaining regulatory guardrails.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1817