Student Athlete Amendments

HB 449 allows Utah public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education to directly compensate student athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL). It defines key terms, prohibits agreements promoting tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or firearms, and requires institutions to review NIL contracts exceeding $600 before signing. The bill also mandates annual audits by the Utah Board of Higher Education to ensure compliance. This directly affects student athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at Utah institutions and establishes clear rules for NIL compensation.