The Kentucky House has given final passage to the NIL legislation. The measure sets in statute a process for college student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness. It’s now easily passed both chambers of the general assembly. The House vote Monday was 89 to two. Lexington Democratic Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo said the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball coach has been asking for this law.
“Coach Cal has reached out to me for some time about the need for this. The reason this is necessary is because neither Congress nor the NCAA has taken action.”
Palumbo said Governor Beshear’s executive order last summer allowing NIL agreements set in motion the legislation. She noted there are restrictions included in the measure.
“It prohibits institutions from entering the NIL agreement to endorse sports betting, controlled substances, substances banned by the student-athletes intercollegiate association, adult entertainment, or products that would be illegal for the student-athlete to possess or receive,” said Palumbo.
Palumbo told her fellow colleagues it provides protections for universities as well as student-athletes. She said it establishes a process for reviewing agreements. The Senate passed the bill 37 to zero about a month ago.
