Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote on a motion to adopt an "ought to pass as amended" report for a bill that prohibits colleges and universities from controlling the use of student athletes' likenesses without certain requirements.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any college or university from adopting or enforcing a policy that prevents a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program from doing any of the following (Pgs. 1 & 2):

• Earning compensation for the use of the athlete’s name, image, or likeness while not engaged in official team activities;

• Obtaining professional representation, including by an attorney, for contracts and other legal agreements concerning the use of their name, image, or likeness.

• Prohibits a college or university from disqualifying a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program from receiving a full scholarship based on athletics because they did any of the same above activities (Pg. 2).

• Specifies that full scholarship means a scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance at the institution (Pg. 2).

• Prohibits a college or university from prescribing a team contract for an intercollegiate athletic program that prohibits or prevents a student athlete from using their name, image, or likeness for commercial purposes while not engaged in official team activities (Pg. 2).

• Specifies that for the above provisions, a college or university determines what constitutes official team activities (Pg. 2).

• Authorizes colleges and universities to adopt rules regulating the use of institute logos or names, and policies prohibiting the use of a student athlete’s likeness that is inconsistent with the institution’s student code (Pg. 2).

• Authorizes student athletes to earn compensation for the sale of their autographs, so long as it is conducted in accordance with the provisions of this act (Pg. 2).

• Prohibits an athletic association within the State from preventing a college or university from participating in an intercollegiate athletic program or event as a result of the compensation that an athlete earns for the use of their image, name , or likeness (Pg. 2).

Full Bill Text