The bill mandates that a written contract is required for agreements related to a college athlete's student-athlete rights, specifically concerning their name, image, and likeness. It amends Section 20-1-232 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to define "student-athlete rights" and outlines the protections afforded to student-athletes, including the right to earn compensation and retain professional representation. The bill prohibits postsecondary institutions and athletic organizations from restricting or penalizing student-athletes for exercising these rights, while also requiring that any contracts entered into by student-athletes must comply with the written requirements specified in Section 28-2-903.

Additionally, Section 28-2-903 is amended to include agreements related to college athlete rights as contracts that must be in writing to be valid. This includes provisions for the use of a student-athlete's name, image, and likeness. The bill establishes that any evidence of such agreements will not be admissible in court unless they meet the writing requirements. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-1-232, 28-2-903