Bill of the Day: College athletes could get paid for their participation in advertising

Ever wonder if college athletes get paid for all of the advertising they participate in when playing sports for a Mississippi University? A bill filed in the House of Representatives would ensure there is no question, it would happen.

HB 1030 authored by Rep. Mac Huddleston would create the “Mississippi Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation Rights Act.” This act would ensure that student athletes would earn compensation for the use of his or her name or photo while enrolled in a postsecondary school. However, this compensation would not come from their ability or participation in actual athletics – just advertising.

Athletes would need to hire a certified agent to handle these financial matters with the school. There are currently similar laws in California, and one set to take effect in Florida on July 1.

The bill reads: 

Except as provided in Section 4 of this act, a student-athlete may: (a) Earn compensation, commensurate with market value,  for the use of the name, image or likeness of the student-athlete while enrolled at a postsecondary educational institution; and (b) Obtain and retain a certified agent for any matter or activity relating to such compensation. (2) No student-athlete may earn compensation in exchange for the student-athlete’s athletic ability or participation in intercollegiate athletics or sports competition. (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of applicable law or agreement to the contrary, a student-athlete shall not be deemed an employee or independent contractor of an association, a conference, or a postsecondary educational institution based on the student-athlete’s participation in an intercollegiate athletics program.

The bill was referred to the Judiciary A committee where it passed on committee deadline day.