(The Center Square) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine can help first responders this holiday season, while tightening the reins on college name, image and likeness.
House Bill 184, recently passed by the House after being amended and passed by the Senate, started as an NIL bill but now includes spending $40 million in taxpayer funds for post-traumatic stress treatment for first responders.
In all, the bill made technical changes to the state operating budget, which included funding for first responders.
“This bill ensures private volunteer fire departments can access state Fire Department Grants, providing vital resources to those who bravely serve on the front lines,” said Rep. Ty Mathews, R-Findlay. “It also bolsters the post-traumatic stress fund under the Department of Public Safety, expanding support for public safety officers facing the invisible wounds of their difficult work.”
The legislation also focuses on name, image and likenes contracts and agents.
It prohibits name, image and likenes contracts from extending beyond a student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics.
Mathews said the change was made to preserve a player’s ability to control and benefit from name, image and likenes once their college career ends.
By stopping a person or an agent from entering into name, image and likenes agreements that require future payments or rights after a college career ends, Mathews said the legislation gives safeguards against undue influence and exploitation.
“HB184 protects student athletes by limiting NIL contracts to their period of athletic eligibility, safeguarding their futures. I’m proud of this comprehensive legislation that strengthens our first responders and empowers Ohio’s youth,” Mathews said.
