House Bill 860 Summary

• Brings forward Mississippi Code sections establishing the "Mississippi Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation Rights Act" (§37-97-103 through §37-97-109) and the "Uniform Athlete Agents Act" (§73-42-3 through §73-42-39) for possible amendments.

• Permits student-athletes to earn compensation for use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through agreements with third parties, but prohibits compensation based on athletic ability or participation in intercollegiate athletics.

• Requires athlete agents to register with the Secretary of State and comply with registration requirements, including background checks, disclosure of prior conduct, and submission of $200 application fees.

• Establishes protections for student-athletes including 14-day cancellation rights for agency contracts, mandatory disclosure requirements to athletic directors within 72 hours of signing contracts, and prohibitions on NIL agreements involving gambling, tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or products inconsistent with institutional values.

• Sets criminal penalties of up to $10,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment for violations by athlete agents, and allows educational institutions to sue for damages caused by violations; effective July 1, 2023.