Oregon House committee advances HB 3694 to enhance student athlete compensation rights

The Oregon Senate Committee on Education convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3694, a significant piece of legislation aimed at updating the state's laws regarding student athlete compensation. The bill seeks to align Oregon's regulations with recent changes in NCAA policies, allowing universities to directly compensate student athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

Representative John Lively, who introduced the bill, emphasized its importance in ensuring that Oregon athletes can fully benefit from NIL opportunities. He noted that the legislation would establish clear guidelines for NIL contracts, protect athletes from retaliation, and regulate the involvement of universities and athletic associations. Lively also addressed concerns regarding a potential constitutional issue raised by the Department of Justice, indicating that legal counsel would review the matter for necessary amendments.

Student athlete Jennifer McMillan from Oregon State University testified in support of the bill, highlighting how NIL opportunities have positively impacted her education and community engagement. She argued that allowing institutions to share revenue with athletes would reduce reliance on third parties and enable athletes to negotiate beneficial agreements directly with their universities.

Max Ford, a former student athlete and legal expert, stressed the urgency of passing the bill to keep Oregon competitive with other states that have already adapted their NIL laws. He warned that without these changes, Oregon institutions risk losing talented athletes to schools in states with more favorable compensation structures.

Lisa Peterson, Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Oregon, echoed these sentiments, stating that amending Oregon's NIL laws is crucial for maintaining the state's leadership in supporting student athletes. She pointed out that many states have already updated their laws to allow direct payments to athletes, and Oregon must act to avoid falling behind in recruiting.

The committee's discussions underscored the evolving landscape of college athletics and the necessity for Oregon to adapt its policies to protect and empower student athletes. The next steps will involve further legal review and potential amendments to ensure the bill's compliance with constitutional standards.