STUDENT-ATHLETE COMPENSATION/STUDY.

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View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
House Bill 1128 (Public) Filed Thursday, May 14, 2020
AN ACT TO PERMIT A STUDENT-ATHLETE TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR THE USE OF HIS OR HER NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS IN RELATION TO AN ATHLETIC PROGRAM AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN CONDUCT IN RESPONSE TO A STUDENT-ATHLETE RECEIVING COMPENSATION OR REPRESENTATION FROM AN AGENT; AND TO ESTABLISH THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON STUDENT-ATHLETE COMPENSATION AND TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE COMMITTEE.
Intro. by Hawkins.

Status: Ref to the Com on Education - Universities, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action) (May 18 2020)
H 1128

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: May 14 2020 - View Summary

    Identical to S 759, filed 5/14/20.

    Enacts Article 37, Student-Athlete Compensation, of GS Chapter 116. States legislative findings and sets forth three defined terms.

    Permits student-athletes to receive compensation for the use of the student-athlete's name, image, or likeness related to an athletic program at an institution of higher education, which is defined to include a constituent institution of UNC or a private college or university in the State. Defines athletic program to mean a sport program played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements for participation by a student-athlete are established by a national association for the promotion or regulation of intercollegiate athletics. Further, allows student-athletes to contract for athlete agent or attorney representation pursuant to state and federal law.

    Prohibits an institution of higher education or an athletic group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics from providing a prospective student-athlete with compensation in relation to his or her name, image, or likeness; excludes scholarships.

    Details specified retaliatory actions prohibited to be taken by institutions of higher education or groups or organizations with authority over intercollegiate athletics in response to a student-athlete taking action permitted by the statute. Prohibited actions include those taken against the student-athlete and the athletic team.

    Establishes requirements regarding contracts entered into by student-athletes for compensation, including that there is no conflict with the team contract and disclosure of the compensation contract to a designated official for the institution of higher education. Requires the institution of higher education to disclose to the student-athlete or his or her representative any conflict identified in the compensation contract and the team contract. Further, prohibits a team contract from preventing a student-athlete from using the athlete's name, image, and likeness for a commercial purpose when the athlete is not engaged in official team activities.

    Amends GS 78C-94 to modify the standard form of agency contract provided for student-athletes, conforming to the authorities now provided in new Article 37, GS Chapter 116. Makes conforming repeal of GS 78C-98(b)(6).

    The above provisions are effective January 1, 2023, and apply to contracts entered into on or after that date.

    Establishes the  18-member NC Study Committee on Student-Athlete Compensation (Committee). Details Committee membership and appointment, chairs, and meetings. Charges the Committee with studying and making recommendations on ensuring implementation of a fair and equitable system of compensation for student-athletes. Allows for contracting with an independent consultant as necessary. Requires consideration of at least five specified factors, including (1) whether receiving compensation will impact eligibility for scholarships or other financial assistance for student-athletes and (2) whether there continues to be significant limitations related to rules of athletic associations, conferences, or other groups or organizations with authority over intercollegiate athletics. Provides for member compensation and committee powers, expenses, staffing, and meeting location.

    Appropriates $10,000 from the General Fund to the NCGA to support the Committee's operations.

    Requires the Committee to report to the 2021 Regular Session of the NCGA upon its convening. Terminates the Committee upon the earlier of its filing a final report or June 1, 2021.

    The above provisions are effective July 1, 2020.