OH HB596

Expands institutions of higher education's right to bring civil actions for damages to include violations by athletes, former athletes, and persons who intentionally induce athletes to violate athletic association or conference regulations, in addition to athlete agents.

Allows courts to award compensatory damages, punitive or exemplary damages, and equitable relief, with punitive damages awardable even without compensatory damages.

Defines institutional harm to include penalties, ineligibility declarations, or probationary status imposed by athletic associations or conferences resulting from violations described in the bill.

Specifies compensable harms including loss of athletic scholarships, recruitment ability, competition eligibility, post-season participation, forfeited contests, and adverse financial impacts from lost media revenue or ticket sales.

Permits courts to award court costs and reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing institutions, but prohibits punitive or exemplary damages awards against sureties.