Authorizing higher education institutions to enter into agreements relating to student-athlete's name, image, or likeness

West Virginia's SB 647 allows public universities to enter agreements with student-athletes for compensation related to their name, image, or likeness (NIL), such as endorsement deals or social media partnerships. It prohibits institutions from using state funds for these payments and bans student-athletes from earning NIL compensation for alcohol, adult entertainment, or other specified activities. The bill also prevents athletic conferences or associations from penalizing student-athletes or institutions for engaging in authorized NIL activities, including reducing scholarships. This directly affects student-athletes at West Virginia public universities and the state's higher education institutions. The law aims to clarify NIL rights while limiting certain commercial uses and regulatory interference.