Ohio Senate Approves Compensation for College Athletes
The Ohio College Athlete Compensation bill prohibits universities or colleges from punishing Ohio athletes who receive compensation based on their athletic performance.
16 states have already approved legislation that enables college athletes to earn money from advertisements, sponsorships, and other types of promotions as a result of their performances. Today, the Ohio Senate voted unanimously to join those states.
In order to sign endorsement contracts, athletes must notify universities 15 days in advance. Tuesday, the Ohio Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee adopted the bill, the same day that Ohio State University’s football coach said it was crucial to pass the bill quickly to protect Ohio schools from competition with other states.
Compensation could involve anything from signing books at a bookshop to signing deals with local restaurants. The rules do not apply to sponsorships involving marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, or casinos.