Bill > HB513

This bill expands the rights of both intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes in Louisiana to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). For intercollegiate athletes, postsecondary education institutions must allow them to secure professional representation from registered agents or licensed attorneys for NIL deals and require athletes to disclose contracts valued at $600 or more to their institutions, which will then establish reporting requirements. The bill also clarifies that institutions and their staff are generally not liable for damages related to an athlete's NIL earnings or eligibility, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, and mandates that management boards adopt policies governing NIL activities, including disclosure, institutional involvement, use of marks, professional representation, and educational resources. For interscholastic athletes, the bill establishes that high schools cannot prohibit them from earning NIL compensation or obtaining professional representation, nor can they declare an athlete ineligible solely for these reasons, though high schools can prohibit NIL activities during academic or official team events or if they conflict with existing school agreements, and athletes cannot use school facilities or intellectual property without permission. The bill also defines "high school," "interscholastic athlete," and "interscholastic athletic program" and prohibits NIL compensation related to certain activities like adult entertainment, alcohol, and gambling, while also requiring disclosure of agreements to the high school and providing for injunctive relief for violations.