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VA HB971

VA HB971
College student-athletes; biometric data, protections and limitations.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
Passed
04/06/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/06/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

College student-athletes; biometric data; protections and limitations. Prohibits any private institution of higher education, associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education, or baccalaureate public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth from disclosing to any individual or entity outside of the institution any enrolled student-athlete's biometric data, as defined in the bill, without the prior written consent of the student-athlete. The bill also prohibits any individual or entity from making the possession, use, or ownership of or the rights to any student-athlete's biometric data a condition of any contract with the student-athlete for the use of the student-athlete's name, image, or likeness without the prior written consent of the student-athlete in a writing that is separate and apart from such contract.

AI Summary

This bill establishes protections for college student-athletes regarding their biometric data, which refers to unique physical or behavioral characteristics like fingerprints, facial scans, DNA, or even detailed health and exercise information that can identify an individual. The bill prohibits any public or private college or university in Virginia from sharing a student-athlete's biometric data with anyone outside the institution without first obtaining the student-athlete's written permission. Furthermore, it prevents any individual or company from demanding rights to a student-athlete's biometric data as a requirement for any contract related to the athlete's name, image, or likeness, unless the athlete provides separate, explicit written consent for this specific data use.

Committee Categories

Education, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0247) (on 04/06/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB971
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB971/text/CHAP0247
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB971) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1213167.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB971/text/HB971ER
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB971) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134971.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB971/text/HB971
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