The bill aims to revise laws concerning student-athlete rights and protections by removing the existing prohibition against postsecondary institutions or athletic organizations providing compensation to student-athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness. Specifically, it amends Section 20-1-232 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to define student-athlete rights, which include the ability to earn compensation and retain professional representation. The bill also outlines that institutions cannot penalize or restrict student-athletes from exercising these rights, nor can they impose eligibility requirements that prevent such compensation.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that while student-athletes can enter into contracts for compensation, they must disclose these contracts to their institution, and the terms must not conflict with team rules or existing contracts. The legislation allows institutions to include provisions in scholarship agreements regarding the use of an athlete's name, image, and likeness, while also permitting them to manage contracts on behalf of the athlete. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-1-232
SB0271_1(1): 20-1-232
SB0271_1(2): 20-1-232
SB0271_1(3): 20-1-232
SB0271_1(4): 20-1-232
SB0271_1(5): 20-1-232
SB0271_1: 20-1-232
SB0271_X(1): 20-1-232
SB0271_X(2): 20-1-232
SB0271_X: 20-1-232