The bill, S.B. No. 1817, amends the Education Code to enhance the rights of student athletes at certain institutions of higher education regarding their name, image, and likeness (NIL). It prohibits institutions from adopting policies that prevent student athletes from earning compensation for their NIL when not engaged in official team activities and allows them to obtain professional representation for contracts related to their NIL. The bill also clarifies that student athletes must disclose any proposed contracts for their NIL to the institution and outlines conditions under which they may not enter into such contracts, including conflicts with team contracts and restrictions on endorsements.

Additionally, the bill repeals certain sections of the Education Code and specifies that the changes apply only to contracts entered into after the bill's effective date. It ensures that student athletes are not considered employees of the institution based on their participation in intercollegiate athletics and allows them to sell autographs under certain conditions. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.9246 (Education Code 51)