Committee advances NIL Protection Act to shield high‑school athletes from open‑ended deals

Representative Cox, sponsor of HB383 (LC492009), described the bill as the 'NIL Protection Act' to protect high‑school athletes from contracts that could carry over indefinitely and reduce future collegiate earnings. Cox said the bill responds to a real case his subcommittee reviewed where an agent’s fee could diminish a prospect’s later college deal: “The purpose of this is to protect these high school kids from contracts that have no sunsets,” Cox said.

Committee members pressed on two main technical points. Several members sought clarity about whether eighth graders who play on high‑school teams would be covered; legislative counsel proposed inserting language to add “an eighth grade student” to the definition of eligible student athletes when participating on behalf of a participating school. That amendment was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Legislative counsel also noted a repealed statutory cross‑reference (former Code section 20‑3‑680) and recommended adding a new definition of 'postsecondary educational institution' referencing Code section 20‑3‑519; members discussed the change and approved the technical amendment by voice vote.

During discussion members raised questions about penalties for bad actors and how to protect minors from contracts involving alcohol or tobacco products. Cox said that violations would be matters for the court system and that the bill excludes minors from certain product sponsorships; several members and the floor leader also discussed optional guardrails such as trust accounts or financial‑literacy programs for athletes.

After amendments, the committee voted and the chairman declared HB383 carried out of committee.

Next steps: HB383, as amended, will move to the full House for further consideration.