House Committee Begins Hearings on Legislation to Strengthen Ohio NIL Laws

COLUMBUS - On Tuesday, House Bill 660, legislation to strengthen Ohio's Name, Image, and Likeness laws, received its first hearing in the House Civil Justice Committee, announced bill sponsors, State Reps. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville).

The bill will bridge the gap between the NIL Collective and state institutions by allowing universities to officially collaborate in the process of paying student athletes.

"Currently, there's a legal gray area between the collectives and universities, which puts student-athletes in an odd situation," said Mathews. "By allowing collectives to work directly with universities, we can ensure contracts are managed well and students receive the compensation they deserve."

"By streamlining the NIL process, this legislation ensures that universities are not forced to jump through bureaucratic hoops to support the athletes that compete for them so proudly," said Edwards during sponsor testimony.

On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an Executive Order allowing institutions to directly pay student-athletes.

"After looking at other states, especially in the SEC, we should again codify and bolster the Governor's Executive Order to eliminate red tape, legislative issues, and legal problems so our athletes can succeed," said Mathews.

House Bill 660 awaits further consideration by the House Civil Justice Committee.