The bill, H.B. No. 126, amends Section 51.9246 of 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 related contracts. New subsections (c-2) and (c-3) clarify that these rights apply in the context of conflicts with existing contracts or regulations from athletic associations or conferences, while also ensuring compliance with applicable rules.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions under which student athletes may enter contracts for the use of their NIL, including the requirement to disclose proposed contracts to their institution and restrictions on the nature of compensation. It repeals certain existing provisions and clarifies that the changes apply only to compensation received after the bill's effective date. The act 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)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.9246 (Education Code 51)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.9246 (Education Code 51)