State NIL laws.

Alabama was an early NIL state, with SB 272 signed by Governor Kay Ivey on April 20, 2021 and effective July 2021. On February 3, 2022, Governor Ivey signed legislation repealing the state's NIL Act after lawmakers concluded the state framework was more restrictive than the NCAA interim policy that took effect shortly after — putting Alabama institutions at a recruiting disadvantage. Alabama currently has no NIL-specific statute. Athletes at Alabama institutions operate under NCAA policy, the House Settlement framework, and institutional rules. The Alabama Athletes Agents Regulatory Act (Ala. Code § 8-26B-1 et seq.) remains in force and governs athlete agent licensing in the state.

Sources

• Original SB 272 (2021, repealed) ↗

Alaska has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Student-athletes in Alaska follow NCAA and/or NAIA policies, including the post-July 2021 interim NIL policy that permits compensation through third-party deals.

Arizona's NIL law (SB 1296) was enacted on March 26, 2021 with an effective date of July 23, 2021 and is codified at Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-1892. The statute focuses on conflict-with-team-contract and intellectual-property protections rather than the explicit product-category bans (alcohol, gambling, etc.) seen in many other state NIL laws. Following the House Settlement, Division I Arizona schools that opt in may directly compensate athletes for NIL under the federal settlement framework.

Sources

• SB 1296 (text) ↗

Arkansas's NIL framework allows student-athletes to profit from their NIL with prohibitions on contracts tied to adult entertainment, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, marijuana, and other categories specifically outlawed by governing bodies. HB 1649 subsequently amended the law to allow Arkansas universities to facilitate and otherwise enable NIL opportunities for athletes and to allow tax-exempt collectives to directly compensate athletes for publicity rights. Starting January 1, 2026, Arkansas student-athletes are exempt from state income tax on NIL earnings paid directly by colleges or universities — the first such state exemption in the country.

Sources

• HB 1671 (NIL framework) ↗
• HB 1717 (2025 tax exemption) ↗

California's Fair Pay to Play Act (SB 206) was the first NIL law signed in the United States in September 2019. The original effective date was January 1, 2023, but subsequent amendments accelerated operative effect to September 1, 2021 — aligning with the NCAA's interim NIL policy. The statute is now codified at California Education Code § 67456 and applies to California Community Colleges as well as four-year institutions.

Sources

• Cal. Educ. Code § 67456 (current text) ↗
• SB 206 (2019 original) ↗

Colorado's NIL law was originally enacted as HB 21-1232 in 2021. The General Assembly amended the framework via SB 23-293 in 2023 and substantially expanded it via HB 25-1041 in 2025, signed by Governor Polis. The 2025 amendment authorizes Colorado universities to directly compensate student-athletes for NIL aligned with the House Settlement, creates a new Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) exception protecting athlete identities and personally identifiable information in institutional NIL contracts, and requires institutions to report aggregated NIL spending to the Department of Higher Education annually, broken down by gender and sport.

Sources

• HB 25-1041 (2025 amendment) ↗
• SB 23-293 (2023 amendment) ↗
• HB 21-1232 (2021 original) ↗

Connecticut's NIL law has evolved across three legislative cycles. The original Public Act 21-132 (2021) established NIL rights but prohibited use of university trademarks and logos. Public Act 22-11 (2022) repealed that prohibition and authorized athletes to use institutional names, logos, trademarks, mascots, and colors. HB 6446 (2025) added direct revenue sharing and endorsement contracts in preparation for House Settlement implementation. Public higher education institutions entering revenue-sharing agreements with athletes must report annually beginning January 1, 2026 to the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee on total compensation amounts and number of athletes compensated.

Sources

• Public Act 21-132 (2021 original) ↗

Delaware's NIL law (HB 199) was enacted in 2021 and became operative for the 2021-2022 academic year. The statute permits student-athletes to earn NIL compensation, hire agent representation, and protects scholarship status from revocation based on NIL earnings. The law includes a specific list of prohibited endorsement categories and a prior-disclosure requirement.

Florida was the first state to have an operative NIL law, signing SB 646 in June 2020 with a July 1, 2021 effective date that pressured the NCAA to loosen its own rules nationwide. In February 2023, Florida amended the statute via HB 7B, removing the prior restrictions on institutional involvement, professional-team compensation, and athlete disclosure — making Florida one of the most permissive NIL states.

Sources

• Fla. Stat. § 1006.74 (current text) ↗
• SB 646 (2020 original) ↗
• HB 7B (2023 amendment) ↗

Georgia's NIL law is HB 617, signed by Governor Kemp in May 2021 and effective July 1, 2021. The original version contained a unique provision permitting institutions to require student-athletes to pool up to a portion of their NIL compensation into an escrow account distributed pro-rata one year after graduation. HB 617 originally contained a sunset provision tying its duration to the earlier of federal NIL legislation or June 30, 2025; the General Assembly amended the statute in 2024 to extend operative effect and align with the post-House Settlement environment.

Sources

• HB 617 (2021 original) ↗
• HB 617 (2024 amended) ↗

Hawaii has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Institutions follow NCAA or NAIA policies. There have been deliberations in the legislature but no bill has been passed to date.

Idaho has not enacted a state NIL statute. Athletes at Idaho institutions (Boise State, Idaho, Idaho State) operate under NCAA policy and the House Settlement framework. Idaho lawmakers have introduced resolutions urging Congress to create a national framework but have not passed a state-level NIL law. High school NIL is permitted under Idaho High School Activities Association rules effective for the 2022-23 academic year.

Illinois's NIL law (SB 2338) was signed by Governor Pritzker on June 29, 2021 and took effect July 1, 2021. The General Assembly amended the law via HB 1175 (May 2022) and substantially expanded it via HB 307, effective January 1, 2025. The 2025 amendment removes limitations on NIL compensation methods, permits Illinois colleges to directly pay athletes when responding to a court order or as a recruiting incentive, expands the definition of student-athlete to cover pre- and post-enrollment periods, exempts NIL agreements from public records disclosure, and clarifies that athletes are not employees of their institutions.

Sources

• SB 2338 (2021 original) ↗

Indiana — home to the NCAA's national headquarters — has not enacted state NIL legislation. A bipartisan bill (HB 1217) was introduced in February 2021 but died in chamber. Athletes at Indiana institutions (Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame, Ball State, Indiana State, others) operate under NCAA policy, the House Settlement framework, and individual institutional rules.

Iowa has not enacted a state NIL statute. An NIL bill was proposed by Senators Boulton and Zaun in 2021 and advanced through subcommittee and committee, but did not become law — the NCAA's interim NIL policy taking effect July 1, 2021 made the state-level effort moot. Athletes at Iowa institutions (Iowa, Iowa State, Northern Iowa, Drake) operate under NCAA policy and the House Settlement framework.

Kansas has not enacted state NIL legislation. House Bill 2264 — which would have permitted student-athletes at Kansas postsecondary institutions to receive NIL compensation — died in the Kansas Senate on May 23, 2022. Athletes at Kansas institutions (Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, others) operate under NCAA policy, the House Settlement framework, and institutional rules. The Kansas State High School Activities Association separately regulates NIL for high school athletes via a 2021 policy.

Kentucky's NIL framework began with Executive Order 2021-418 issued by Governor Beshear in 2021, formalized into statute via SB 6 in 2022. In 2025, Governor Beshear signed SB 3 substantially expanding the law to permit Kentucky institutions to directly pay athletes through revenue-sharing arrangements — a direct response to the House Settlement framework.

Louisiana's NIL law (SB 60) was passed by the Legislature on July 1, 2021. The General Assembly amended the law via SB 250 (June 2022) to relax restrictions and via SB 465 (May 2024) to address direct institutional involvement and agent registration. Athletes may earn NIL compensation through endorsements, appearances, and other business endeavors. A separate state law requires athlete agents working with Louisiana college athletes to register with the Attorney General. Governor Landry has issued an executive order supporting student-athlete NIL compensation aligned with the House Settlement framework.

Sources

• SB 60 (2021 original) ↗

Maine enacted a Student Athlete NIL law that became effective March 31, 2022. The statute prohibits colleges and universities from preventing athletes from earning NIL compensation, permits athletes to earn compensation from selling autographs, and explicitly states that athletes are not employees of their institutions based on athletic participation. The law also bars athletic associations from penalizing Maine institutions for their athletes' compliant NIL activities.

Maryland's NIL law — the Jordan McNair Safe and Fair Play Act (SB 439) — was signed by Governor Hogan and authorizes Maryland college athletes to receive NIL compensation and retain agent representation without penalty to eligibility. The Act became operative for compensation purposes beginning July 1, 2023, codified at Maryland Education Code § 15-131. A 2025 Maryland task force is studying the NIL framework and may signal further updates.

Massachusetts has not enacted state NIL legislation. Athletes operate under NCAA policy and the House Settlement framework. H.1930, introduced February 27, 2025, would establish a comprehensive NIL framework — including 72-hour disclosure, agent registration with a 15% fee cap, Attorney General oversight, institutional NIL compliance officers, and privacy protections — with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2027. The bill was reported favorably in December 2025 and is currently in Senate Ways and Means.

Michigan's NIL law is HB 5217, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and effective December 31, 2022. The statute covers all Michigan postsecondary institutions, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and others. The law combines broad NIL rights with a prior-disclosure requirement and a specific list of prohibited product categories.

Sources

• HB 5217 (2019-2020 session, text) ↗

Minnesota has not enacted a state NIL statute. HF 3329, which would have permitted student-athlete compensation and representation, died with its last action on February 13, 2020. Athletes at Minnesota institutions (Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato, St. Cloud State, others) operate under NCAA policy and the House Settlement framework.

Mississippi's NIL law (SB 2313) took effect July 1, 2021. The legislature amended the law in April 2022 to loosen institutional involvement restrictions and update timing for prospective and current athlete NIL agreements. On April 18, 2024, Mississippi enacted the Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation and Publicity Rights Act, which expressly authorizes individuals being recruited by or enrolled in Mississippi postsecondary institutions to engage in NIL activities and aligns the state's framework with the House Settlement era.

Sources

• SB 2313 (current text) ↗

Missouri's original NIL law (HB 297) took effect August 28, 2021. In 2023, Governor Parson signed HB 417, substantially expanding the law to permit deep institutional involvement in athlete NIL deals — including coach participation in NIL meetings and school-staff facilitation of NIL opportunities. The amendments also authorized athletes to license school logos and colors for their own NIL marketing. Missouri was also a co-plaintiff with Virginia and Tennessee in antitrust actions against the NCAA over recruiting and NIL restrictions.

Sources

• HB 417 (2023 amendment) ↗

Montana's NIL law (SB 248) was signed by Governor Gianforte and went live June 1, 2023. The 2025 Montana Legislature passed (Senate 39-10) an amendment to align state law with the House Settlement, allowing Montana universities to directly compensate student-athletes if institutions opt in. The amendment is pending House action and Governor Gianforte's signature as of the latest reporting.

Nebraska's NIL law (LB 962) was signed by Governor Ricketts and took effect July 1, 2021 — making Nebraska one of the early NIL-enacting states. Senator Ben Hansen's LB 1393, signed April 16, 2024, amended the law to authorize Nebraska universities to actively assist student-athletes with NIL endorsements — including providing legal support, access to team facilities, equipment, social media resources, and university photographers.

Sources

• LB 962 (2021 original) ↗

Nevada's NIL law (AB 254) was signed by Governor Sisolak and enacted on May 29, 2021, with provisions phasing in through January 1, 2022. Nevada became the 17th state to enact NIL legislation. The law covers UNLV, Nevada (Reno), and other Nevada postsecondary institutions, permitting NIL compensation while preserving institutional authority to impose reasonable restrictions.

New Hampshire has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes follow NCAA/applicable association and institutional policies.

The New Jersey Fair Play Act (S 971) was signed by Governor Murphy and took effect June 1, 2023. The Act applies to four-year postsecondary institutions in New Jersey, including Rutgers, Seton Hall, Princeton, NJIT, and Monmouth. It permits athletes to earn NIL compensation, retain professional representation, and includes a specific list of prohibited endorsement categories.

New Mexico's Student Athlete Endorsement Act (SB 94) was signed by Governor Lujan Grisham and took effect July 1, 2021. The law provides standard NIL rights plus an unusual statutory protection for athlete footwear choice during team activities.

Sources

• SB 94 (text) ↗

New York's Collegiate Athletic Participation Compensation Act was signed by Governor Hochul in November 2022, with substantive provisions effective January 1, 2023. A July 2023 amendment strengthened athlete protections by barring the NCAA from imposing penalties on athletes for compliant NIL deals and clarifying that the NCAA, conferences, or athletic associations may not prevent New York colleges from allowing athletes to earn NIL compensation. The law applies to all New York colleges, including community colleges, and established a Community College Athlete NIL Working Group.

Sources

• NY Assembly Bill A7107 (text) ↗

North Carolina's comprehensive NIL framework was established by Executive Order 223 (Governor Cooper, July 2, 2021), issued in response to NCAA v. Alston and the NCAA's interim NIL policy. Governor Cooper rescinded EO 223 on March 8, 2024, leaving NC without a comprehensive state NIL framework. A narrower statute — Session Law 2021-99 — remains in force, authorizing NIL agency contracts and exempting NIL contracts from public records requirements at public institutions. NC athletes now operate primarily under NCAA policy and the House Settlement framework, supplemented by SL 2021-99's specific provisions.

Sources

• Session Law 2021-99 (NCGA) ↗
• Executive Order 223 (rescinded) ↗

North Dakota has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes follow NCAA/applicable association policies.

Ohio's NIL framework is codified at Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3376. The General Assembly amended the chapter via HB 184, effective March 19, 2026, to update contract review procedures, disclosure rules, and permissible-category restrictions for the post-House Settlement environment. The amended law covers all Ohio colleges and universities including Ohio State, Cincinnati, Miami (OH), Toledo, and others.

Sources

• Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 3376 ↗
• HB 184 (2026 amendment) ↗

Oklahoma's Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Act was signed by Governor Stitt in May 2021. In response to the post-House Settlement environment, Governor Stitt issued Executive Order 2025-01 to bridge the regulatory gap, and SB 490 (sponsored by Sen. Todd Gollihare) was passed by the Oklahoma Senate on March 17, 2025 to provide a long-term legislative solution. SB 490 is pending action in the Oklahoma House.

Oregon's NIL law (SB 5) was signed on June 30, 2021. The Oregon Legislature subsequently amended the law via SB 1505 (effective July 1, 2022) and HB 4119 (effective March 6, 2024). The framework integrates with Oregon's Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act (UAAA), requiring agent registration and prohibiting representation by anyone who represented an Oregon educational institution in the preceding four years.

Pennsylvania's NIL law (SB 381) was signed by Governor Tom Wolf and took effect July 1, 2021, codified as Article XX-K of the Public School Code. The General Assembly amended the law via Act 79 (2024), relaxing the prior disclosure requirements, exempting executed NIL deals from public disclosure, and explicitly permitting institutional officials to participate in NIL discussions with athletes. The amendments brought Pennsylvania closer to the more institution-friendly framework adopted by other states. Covered institutions include Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Villanova, and others.

Sources

• SB 381 (2021 original) ↗

Rhode Island has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes follow NCAA/applicable association policies.

South Carolina's original NIL law took effect July 1, 2021. Governor McMaster signed H. 4957 on May 21, 2024, substantially expanding institutional involvement in athlete NIL deals. The 2024 amendment authorizes institutions and their personnel to identify, create, solicit, facilitate, and otherwise enable NIL opportunities for currently enrolled athletes — but prohibits institutions from receiving compensation directly from athletes and bars use of appropriated funds for NIL compensation. The amendment also caps agent commissions at 30% and authorizes schools to provide tax guidance and integrate intellectual property into deals. 2025-2026 legislation pending in the Senate would shield individual NIL agreements from public records disclosure.

South Dakota has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes follow NCAA/NAIA and institutional policies.

Tennessee was an early NIL state and has subsequently positioned itself as one of the most aggressive jurisdictions on athlete compensation. In May 2025, Governor Bill Lee signed SB 536/HB 194, substantially expanding the state's NIL law. The amended statute allows unlimited NIL compensation for Tennessee student-athletes unless expressly limited by federal law, a valid court order, or an antitrust exemption — and provides that Tennessee institutions need not follow NCAA rules that lessen full and free competition affecting Tennessee. Tennessee was also a co-plaintiff (with Virginia) in Tennessee v. NCAA, the antitrust action that struck down NCAA NIL recruiting restrictions.

Sources

• SB 536 (2025 amendment) ↗
• HB 194 (2025 amendment, House companion) ↗

Texas was an early NIL state with SB 1385 (effective July 1, 2021), codified at Texas Education Code § 51.9246. In 2025, the legislature passed HB 126 (89th Legislature), substantially amending the statute to align with the House Settlement era. The amendment eliminated prior restrictions that prevented institutions from providing or soliciting NIL compensation, expanded rights to professional legal and marketing representation, and authorized Texas public universities to compensate student-athletes directly.

Sources

• Tex. Educ. Code § 51.9246 (current text) ↗
• SB 1385 (2021 original) ↗
• HB 126 (2025 amendment) ↗

Utah's current NIL framework was substantially rewritten by HB 202, signed by the Governor on March 12, 2024 and effective May 1, 2024. HB 479 in the 2025 legislative session further amended the law to authorize Utah student-athletes to receive direct NIL compensation without losing eligibility, while imposing financial oversight that prevents tuition and state funds from covering NIL payments.

Vermont has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes follow NCAA and institutional policies.

Virginia's NIL framework is codified at Virginia Code § 23.1-408.1. In April 2024, Governor Youngkin signed HB 1505 — among the first state laws explicitly authorizing institutions to directly compensate student-athletes for NIL and prohibiting the NCAA from punishing schools or athletes for such institutional compensation. The 2024 amendment positioned Virginia ahead of the federal House Settlement on direct institutional pay. Virginia was also a co-plaintiff (with Tennessee) in Tennessee v. NCAA, the antitrust action that struck down NCAA NIL recruiting restrictions. HB 971 (2026) added protections for student-athlete biometric data, prohibiting disclosure without consent and banning biometric-data conditions in NIL contracts.

Sources

• Va. Code § 23.1-408.1 (current text) ↗
• HB 1505 (2024 amendment) ↗
• HB 971 (2026 biometric data) ↗

Washington's NIL law (SB 5913) was signed by Governor Inslee on March 13, 2024 and took effect June 6, 2024. The statute expressly permits the use of public resources by employees of state institutions of higher education to advise, facilitate, acknowledge, or educate student-athletes on NIL matters, so long as such use complies with NCAA rules. The law covers UW, Washington State, Eastern Washington, Central Washington, and other Washington postsecondary institutions.

Washington D.C. has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes at D.C. institutions follow NCAA and institutional policies.

West Virginia's NIL Protection Act (HB 2576) was signed by Governor Patrick Morrisey in September 2025 — making West Virginia among the most recent states to enact NIL legislation. The Act provides a comprehensive framework allowing student-athletes to receive NIL compensation from schools or third parties, authorizes colleges and universities to engage in direct revenue sharing with athletes, and explicitly bars athletic associations from penalizing athletes for NIL activities.

Wisconsin's NIL framework was established by AB 1034, codified as 2025 Wisconsin Act 203, signed into law by Governor Tony Evers in 2026 after passing the Assembly 95-1 and the Senate 17-16. The Act provides $14.6 million annually in state funds for UW-Madison's athletic facilities and additional funding for UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay, while establishing NIL rules for UW system athletes. UW institutions may contract with organizations to help athletes find NIL opportunities. The law also exempts records related to intercollegiate athletic program revenue from the state's open records law to protect competitive interests and student privacy.

Wyoming has not enacted specific NIL legislation. Athletes follow NCAA and institutional policies.