Bill > HB4643

This bill modifies Michigan's existing law regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes by establishing comprehensive protections and guidelines for how postsecondary educational institutions, athletic associations, and student athletes can interact with NIL opportunities. The bill defines NIL as a student's name, image, or likeness and prohibits educational institutions and athletic organizations from preventing students from earning compensation through NIL activities, interfering with their professional representation, or penalizing them for such earnings. It mandates that NIL agreements over $5,000 must be in writing and include specific details like payment amounts, obligations, and agreement terms. The bill also prevents institutions from reporting NIL information to athletic associations, requires confidentiality of disclosed agreements, and allows students to obtain professional representation without penalty. Additionally, the bill provides legal recourse for athletes who face adverse actions related to NIL activities, allowing them to bring civil actions for damages and injunctive relief, and empowers the attorney general to support aggrieved athletes. Importantly, the legislation maintains that NIL compensation cannot affect a student's scholarship and prohibits advance payments or benefits in exchange for future earnings, thus protecting student athletes from potential exploitation.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4643