The bill H. 4902 seeks to amend Section 59-158-50 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the confidentiality of intercollegiate athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation contracts. The proposed changes remove an exception to the existing exemption from public disclosure under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for documentation related to these contracts. Additionally, the bill stipulates that records detailing the total revenue funds expended by public institutions of higher learning for intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing programs each fiscal year will be subject to FOIA, while still protecting individual athlete payments, sport-specific allocations, and negotiation records from public disclosure.

The bill also clarifies that institutions of higher learning are not required to disclose NIL contract information to collegiate athletic associations or other governing bodies. Furthermore, it establishes that documents related to the negotiation of agreements with intercollegiate athletes are confidential and not considered public records. This act will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will apply retroactively to any pending legal actions or disclosure requests that have not yet reached a final judgment.

Statutes affected:
01/14/2026: 59-158-50
Latest Version: 59-158-50