To enact sections 3373.01, 3373.02, and 3373.03 of the Revised Code to prohibit a middle or high school athlete from earning compensation from the athlete's name, image, or likeness.
Summary
HB661 would create new sections in the Revised Code to bar middle school and high school student-athletes from earning compensation tied to their name, image, or likeness (NIL) when that compensation is connected to interscholastic athletics. The bill also prohibits any other compensation related to a student-athlete’s roster position on a school team. The definition of covered schools is broad and includes public school districts, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and certain nonchartered nonpublic schools that participate in regulated interscholastic athletics.
If a student-athlete receives prohibited compensation, the bill would require the school, district, conference, or governing athletic organization to bar that athlete from participating in the specific sport related to the compensation, while allowing participation in other sports not connected to the violation. The bill further directs athletic governing organizations to adopt rules or bylaws to investigate alleged violations and provide an appeal process for reinstatement.
Impact
HB661 would add a new chapter of state law governing NIL-related compensation for minors in middle and high school athletics, limiting student-athletes’ ability to monetize their athletic identity in connection with school sports. It would also impose compliance obligations on schools, school districts, athletic conferences, and organizations that regulate interscholastic athletics, including investigation and appeal procedures. The practical effect would be to prohibit NIL-style compensation for covered student-athletes and to create a sport-specific eligibility penalty for violations.
Sentiment
Because the bill was only introduced and has no recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, there is no documented public debate to gauge broad sentiment. The bill’s sponsors and cosponsors suggest support among its House backers, but the available record does not show opposition, amendments, or committee action. Overall, the measure appears to reflect a precautionary or restrictive approach to youth NIL compensation rather than a negotiated compromise.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether middle and high school athletes should be allowed to receive NIL compensation at all, especially when many states and athletic organizations have moved toward permitting some form of athlete endorsement or compensation. Supporters may view the bill as protecting minors, preserving amateur athletics, and preventing undue commercial influence in school sports. Opponents may argue it restricts student opportunities, creates enforcement burdens for schools and athletic associations, and treats NIL compensation differently from other forms of student benefit or recognition. The bill also raises questions about how broadly compensation “related to the student-athlete’s position on the roster” would be interpreted and how violations would be investigated.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.