A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the United States federal government to take steps to ensure international intercollegiate athletes may take advantage of state name, image, and likeness laws.
Impact
The resolution is meant to address a gap in federal immigration guidelines concerning the participation of international students in NIL activities while holding an F-1 visa. HCR94 calls on the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to clarify that NIL activities should be allowable for these students, thus ensuring they have the same opportunities as their classmates and teammates.
Summary
HCR94 is a concurrent resolution from the Kentucky General Assembly urging the federal government to ensure that international intercollegiate athletes can take advantage of state laws regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities. The resolution recognizes that many states are adopting regulations that allow intercollegiate athletes to benefit from their NIL, which is of particular importance for international students studying in the Commonwealth who wish to participate in collegiate athletics while studying in the U.S.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR94 appears to be supportive, primarily reflecting a desire to accommodate and protect the rights of international students in collegiate athletics. The resolution was passed with a significant majority in the House, indicating strong legislative support for the cause. Members of the General Assembly recognize the value these athletes bring both to educational institutions and to the state at large.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the lack of existing federal guidelines clarifying the conditions under which international students may engage in NIL activities under the F-1 visa. HCR94 emphasizes the importance of addressing this uncertainty and urges Congress to consider further legislation to protect these athletes. This highlights a broader discussion regarding the balance between educational opportunities and regulatory frameworks at the federal level.