MontanaSB 48269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise contract laws relating to student athletes

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Athletes can use NIL without punishment

If you are a college athlete in Montana, you can earn money from your name, image, and likeness and hire an agent. Schools, conferences, and athletic groups cannot stop you, retaliate, or bench you for using these rights. They also cannot make a scholarship or grant depend on giving up these rights.

Schools cannot pay NIL money

Colleges and athletic groups in Montana cannot pay you for your name, image, or likeness. They cannot give NIL money to recruits or current players. You can still make NIL deals with private companies or people.

New rules for NIL deals and conflicts

Your paid NIL deal cannot conflict with team rules or your school’s contracts. You can still earn NIL money when you are not in official team activities. If you sign a paid NIL deal, you must tell the school when you are on the team or when you seek to join. If the school claims a conflict, it must tell you the exact rule or contract term. NIL and agent agreements must be in writing or proven by a signed note; courts require that writing, except for agreements under the UCC.

Schools can set on-campus NIL limits

Your school can put NIL terms in scholarship deals, including letting the school use your name, image, or likeness. A school can ban NIL use on campus, at school events, or in ads on school property. A school may also act as your agent to manage NIL contracts. General student conduct codes still apply and can be enforced.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ellie Boldman
Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

Mark Thane
Democrat • House
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 291 • No: 7

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 2

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 2