House Bill 302 Summary

• Brings forward provisions of the "Mississippi Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation Rights Act" (sections 37-97-103, 37-97-105, 37-97-107, 37-97-109) and the "Uniform Athlete Agents Act" (sections 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, while prohibiting compensation tied directly to athletic ability or performance.

• Requires athlete agents to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State ($200 fee), maintain records, disclose agency contracts within 72 hours to athletic directors, and comply with federal Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act requirements.

• Allows student-athletes to cancel agency contracts within 14 days and prohibits athlete agents from providing anything of value before contract signing, making materially false representations, or contacting student-athletes without first notifying their educational institution.

• Establishes criminal penalties (up to $10,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment) and civil penalties (up to $25,000) for violations, with educational institutions having right of action against violating agents and awarding attorney's fees to prevailing parties; effective July 1, 2024.