HB489 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeremy GrayRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

High school athletics, student athletes permitted to receive compensation for name, image, or likeness, subject to restrictions

Summary

The bill would let Alabama high school student athletes be paid for their name, image, or likeness, with rules to limit school involvement and protect students.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes compensation for high school athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness. It sets rules to prevent incentives tied to performance or enrollment and prohibits compensation arrangements involving the school or school agents. It restricts the use of school logos, uniforms, facilities, and other school-associated items in relation to such compensation. It requires pre-transaction counseling about potential impacts and requires notice to school officials at least seven days before entering any agreement.

Who It Affects

• High school student athletes in Alabama, who would be eligible to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness under defined rules.
• School officials (principals and athletic directors) and other school staff, who would oversee compliance, require advance notice, and ensure school branding and policies are not used to influence compensation agreements.

Key Provisions

• Allows high school student athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL).
• Provides definitions for key terms: ATHLETIC ACTIVITY, COMPENSATION, SCHOOL, and STUDENT ATHLETE.
• Compensation cannot be contingent on athletic performance or achievement, cannot be used as an incentive to enroll or stay at a particular school, and cannot be provided by the school or anyone acting as a school’s agent.
• Any compensation-related activity cannot involve use or endorsement of school marks, logos, names, mascots, school apparel or equipment, school facilities, or other school-associated items, and cannot conflict with school policies.
• Before receiving compensation, the student and a parent/guardian must receive professional guidance about potential impacts (including effects on college financial aid and taxes).
• A student athlete or parent/guardian must notify the principal or athletic director at least seven days before entering into any name/image/likeness contract or agreement.
• The act becomes effective October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education