State Budget, Including Antani Amendment to Legalize College Athletes Earning Compensation from their Name, Image, and Likeness, Passes Ohio House and Senate, to Governor's Desk

COLUMBUS – Today, the Ohio House and Senate passed House Bill 110, the state budget, which included an amendment legalizing college athletes earning compensation from their name, image, and likeness, with the amendment going into effect July 1 following conference committee. The amendment reflects the language in Senate Bill 187 sponsored by State Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg). The bill will now proceed to the Governor’s desk for his signature or veto. “As I have continually said, I was going to do everything and anything to get this done,” Antani said. “I am thankful that this is finally going to the Governor’s desk so college athletes can have their name, image, and likeness rights in law.” The amendment prohibits any college, university, or intercollegiate athletic association from preventing a student from participating in athletics or otherwise punishing them as a result of earning this compensation. Under the amendment, student athletes will be permitted to obtain professional representation and enter into contracts for endorsements. The student is required to inform their college or university of contracts they enter into. The amendment does not require universities to enable these opportunities for their athletes and athletes will be prohibited from entering into contracts where they will be associated with marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, or casinos.