TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS STUDENT-ATHLETE PUBLICITY RIGHTS ACT; AND TO AMEND THE LAW RELATED TO ATHLETIC PROGRAM FUNDING.

House Bill 1917 amends the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act, significantly changing how student-athletes in Arkansas institutions of higher education can be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The bill allows institutions and qualifying charitable organizations to facilitate, create, and directly compensate student-athletes for the commercial use of their publicity rights. It also clarifies that student-athletes receiving NIL compensation are not considered employees of their institution or athletic organizations. Additionally, the bill exempts NIL income from state income tax and establishes rules for contracts and professional representation. Student-athlete personal and financial information related to these agreements will be kept confidential.