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Committee backs bill to register and police NIL agents working with student‑athletes
Summary
Lawmakers reported as amended a bill requiring athlete‑agent registration, training and background checks to protect college and high school athletes; the attorney general’s office and coaches urged education and enforcement tools.
Sen. Cyrena Connick and attorney‑general staff told the Extended Commerce Committee on April 8 that Senate Bill 389 would expand state oversight of agents who negotiate name, image and likeness (NIL) deals for student‑athletes. The bill would require agents who act on athletes’ behalf to register with the Department of Justice Public Protection Division, complete training prescribed by the attorney general, undergo background checks, and face penalties — including denial, suspension or revocation of registration — for misconduct.
Assistant Attorney General Olivia Nuss said the bill fills a gap as NIL activity spreads to high schools. "They are currently unregulated," she said, adding the bill brings Louisiana in line with the Revised Uniform Athlete Agent Act and gives students a legal remedy against harmful conduct. Chief Deputy Larry Freeman said the legislation grew from a task force and represents a signature priority for the attorney general.
Coach JT Curtis and agent Alex Lauricella described widespread harms to young athletes from unqualified or predatory representatives, and they urged education for athletes and parents. Several senators pressed authors about whether the bill covers both established agents working at the professional level and a new class of unregulated, local representatives. Nuss said the bill classifies agents by actions taken, not by professional title, and includes exemptions for professionals acting within licensed scopes.
The committee removed a proposed $1,000 fee and adopted technical amendments; without objection, the committee reported SB389 as amended. Witnesses emphasized the bill’s education component for athletes, parents and schools, and the author said she will continue coordination with the attorney general’s office on implementation.
The transcript records no roll‑call tally; the committee reported the bill as amended by voice vote/no objection and moved on to other business.
