Virginia 2024 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB1505

Introduced
1/19/24  
Refer
1/19/24  
Report Pass
1/31/24  
Refer
1/31/24  
Report Pass
2/9/24  
Engrossed
2/12/24  
Refer
2/14/24  
Report Pass
2/29/24  
Report Pass
3/4/24  
Engrossed
3/6/24  
Engrossed
3/9/24  
Engrossed
3/9/24  
Enrolled
3/25/24  

Caption

Intercollegiate athletics; student-athletes, compensation for name, image, or likeness.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the landscape of intercollegiate athletics in Virginia by empowering student-athletes. By providing legal frameworks for compensation related to personal branding and representation, the law opens doors for athletes to capitalize on their identities while retaining their eligibility in college sports. It also establishes that no institutional penalties can be imposed in response to such earnings, thereby reinforcing the rights of students to benefit financially from their talent and ambition.

Summary

House Bill 1505 addresses the compensation rights of student-athletes for the use of their names, images, and likenesses. The bill amends existing Virginia law to ensure that no institution or athletic association can prevent a student-athlete from earning compensation in these areas. It also clarifies that student-athletes can obtain professional representation without jeopardizing their eligibility or their scholarships. This shift in policy supports the movement towards greater financial rights for athletes, paralleling trends seen across various states and at the national level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1505 has been largely positive among advocates for athlete rights and fairness in college sports. Supporters argue that this legislation is a crucial step in correcting long-standing inequities faced by student-athletes who generate substantial revenue for their institutions but have received minimal compensation. However, some opposition exists, primarily from traditionalists within collegiate sports who express concern over potential disruptions to amateurism and regulatory complications. Overall, the discussion reflects a broader societal shift recognizing the need for fair treatment of student-athletes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include how the bill distinguishes allowable compensation from prohibitively regulated areas, such as earnings from alcohol, tobacco, and gambling-related activities. While many applaud the bill’s efforts to align with modern expectations, there are fears that the implementation of such laws could lead to unintended consequences, like increased competition among universities for student-athletes based on potential earnings rather than academic or athletic merit. This evolution raises questions about maintaining a balance between athlete rights and institutional integrity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA SB678

Intercollegiate athletics; student-athletes, compensation and representation for name, image, etc.

VA HB312

Relative to the right of intercollegiate student-athletes to earn compensation through the use of their name, image, or likeness.

VA HB312

relative to the right of intercollegiate student-athletes to earn compensation through the use of their name, image, or likeness.

VA H4902

Intercollegiate Athletes' Compensation for Name, Image, or Likeness

VA SB2517

"MS Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation Rights Act" and "Uniform Athletes Agent Act"; bring forward.

VA HB489

High school athletics, student athletes permitted to receive compensation for name, image, or likeness, subject to restrictions

VA S10289

Refines conditions for name, image, and likeness compensation agreements involving student-athletes and prospective student-athletes.

VA A10964

Refines conditions for name, image, and likeness compensation agreements involving student-athletes and prospective student-athletes.

VA AB1034

Name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation. (FE)

VA S3276

Prohibits contracts for student-athlete's name, image, or likeness from remaining in effect beyond the date the student-athlete is no longer eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Similar Bills

VA SB1217

Higher educational institutions, baccalaureate public; intercollegiate athletics programs.

TN SB0536

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.

TN HB0194

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.

TN HB1386

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to student athletes.

TN SB1419

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to student athletes.

SC H4902

Intercollegiate Athletes' Compensation for Name, Image, or Likeness

US HB2688

Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025

LA HB168

Authorizes income tax deductions for income earned by an intercollegiate athlete and compensation paid by a taxpayer for use of an intercollegiate athlete's name, image, or likeness (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)