The bill amends the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act and related laws concerning athletic program funding. Key changes include granting student-athletes the right to enter into contracts for the commercial use of their publicity rights and allowing institutions of higher education to facilitate and compensate student-athletes for these rights. The bill also clarifies that institutions may revoke agreements if a student-athlete's compensation conflicts with existing contracts or policies. Additionally, it establishes that income from such compensation is exempt from state income tax and that personal information in related agreements is confidential.

Further amendments address the liability of institutions regarding student-athletes' compensation and clarify that student-athletes are not considered employees of their institutions based solely on their participation in athletics. The bill also modifies funding limits for intercollegiate athletic programs at state-supported institutions, increasing the allowable budget percentage from two percent to four percent of total unrestricted educational revenues. The effective date for certain provisions related to tax exemptions is set for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB 1917: 4-75-1303, 4-75-1305, 4-75-1304, 4-75-1307(a), 4-75-1307, 4-75-1308(d), 4-75-1308