U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) filed legislation Tuesday to regulate name, images and likeness (NIL) deals in college sports.
The "Protecting Athletes, Schools and Sports Act," also known as the PASS Act, would:
Prohibit NIL agreements that involve alcohol, drugs, or conflict with existing school and conference licenses.
Require collectives and boosters to be affiliated with a college or school.
Require agents and collectives to register with a regulating body.
Establish a public-facing website to publish anonymous NIL data.
Require all NIL contracts to be disclosed within 30 days.
Require student-athletes to complete their first three years of academic eligibility before allowing them to transfer without penalty, subject to a few exceptions.
Guarantee health insurance for sports-related injuries for uninsured student-athletes for eight years following graduation from a 4-year institution.
"Student-athletes should be able to take advantage of NIL promotional activities without impacting their ability to play collegiate sports," Tuberville said. "But we need to ensure the integrity of our higher education system, remain focused on education, and keep the playing field level. Our legislation with Senator Manchin will set basic rules nationwide, protect our student-athletes, and keep NIL activities from ending college sports as we know it."
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts said in a statement, "Auburn University appreciates the efforts undertaken by Senators Tommy Tuberville and Joe Manchin to create a national framework for NIL that establishes clear rules and addresses the patchwork of conflicting state laws governing collegiate athletics."
"We look forward to continuing to work with these offices, other members of the House and Senate, and the Southeastern Conference as this process continues," Roberts said.
University of Alabama President Stuart Bell said, "We are appreciative to the Senators for their leadership in developing national standards aimed at protecting student-athletes and preserving the integrity of, and opportunities provided by, intercollegiate athletics."
"We are grateful for their collaboration and remain optimistic about the efforts to produce effective national legislation," he added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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