Conference committee adopts emergency amendment to House Bill 3694-B allowing direct compensation for college athletes

The Oregon legislative conference committee on House Bill 3694-B voted June 9, 2025, to adopt a B-6 amendment that adds an emergency clause and to concur in Senate amendments, sending the measure back to each chamber for final action.

The changes would allow colleges and universities in Oregon to directly compensate student athletes — and prospective student athletes — for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL). "House Bill 3,694 b modifies statutes relating to the rights of college athletes in Oregon to control and profit from their name, image, and likeness," said Chris, the bill analyst, during the committee work session.

Committee members said the emergency clause is intended to align Oregon law with a recent national court settlement. "The reason why is because of the settlement agreement that was signed by the judge on Friday evening. It will go in effect July 1," said Katie Fast of Oregon State University, explaining that without the emergency clause the bill's implementation date would otherwise be at the end of the year.

Lawmakers also discussed broader policy concerns. Senator Kayse Manning noted the potential benefit to athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds, saying, "they can't even afford to get a ticket for their parents to go to watch them play, and yet the university and NCAA is making billions of dollars off their talents." Manning said the bill is part of a national movement to give student athletes additional protections and compensation options.

Procedure and votes

Representative Tawna Hudson moved to adopt the B-6 amendment to House Bill 3694-B; the committee adopted the amendment by roll call. Hudson then moved that the House concur in the Senate amendments dated June 2, 2025, with the B-6 amendments included, and the committee voted to concur and pass the motion. Roll-call votes recorded: Senator Frederick — yes; Senator Manning — yes; Senator Weber — yes; Representative Harvick — yes; Representative Hudson — yes; Chair Lively — yes. The motions carried.

Next steps and administrative details

Committee members designated Representative Hudson to carry the bill in the House and Senator Weber to carry it in the Senate. Committee staff asked members to sign committee documents before leaving.

Background

Committee staff summarized the bill as protecting certain athlete contracts from public-disclosure requirements and permitting institutions to compensate student athletes for use of their name, image, likeness or athletic reputation. Committee members referenced a national court settlement and a judge's final order related to NCAA litigation that committee members said could allow universities to provide retroactive payments; a committee member referenced "about $20 million or more annually," but the meeting did not provide a detailed, verified breakdown of that figure or the settlement terms.

The committee's actions move the amended bill back to each chamber for final consideration.