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Committee advances two NIL bills to the floor to align state law with NCAA settlement
Summary
Senator Ellie Boldman’s pair of bills would allow Montana student athletes to opt into a major NCAA settlement and require written NIL contracts; proponents including student governments and university staff backed the measures, and the committee advanced both bills to the floor by voice vote.
The House Education Committee advanced two related bills to align Montana law with recent developments in collegiate athletics and the NCAA.
Senator Ellie Boldman (Missoula) opened hearings on Senate Bill 271 and Senate Bill 482. She said SB271 updates state law governing student-athlete rights so athletes can opt into a nationwide settlement and SB482 clarifies that name, image and likeness agreements must be in writing. "This bill here today is just the update so that our requirements here in the state of Montana... are now in line with the current court cases and law," Boldman said.
Proponents included undergraduate government leaders and university officials. Isabelle Watson of the Associated Students of Montana State University told the committee SB271 "is a critical step in protecting and empowering student athletes" and urged a yes vote. Patrick Yawake, representing the Blackfeet Tribe, and university communications staff from Montana State University and the University of Montana also voiced support, saying the bills will help student athletes access NIL opportunities and keep campus policies aligned with regional competitors.
Boldman closed by citing a reported federal settlement amount and by saying the bills add protections. "It actually puts more side rails on veil for student athletes so that the university themselves will have a little bit more control over making sure that student athletes understand their contractual agreements and make sure that they're not taken advantage of in the private sector," she said.
Committee action: Vice Chair Greg moved concurrence on SB271 and SB482; both bills advanced to the floor by voice vote. The committee named carriers for floor consideration.
What happens next: Both bills will go to the House floor for further debate and votes.
