Maryland House Bill HB1090

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23

Caption

Public High Schools - Student Athletes - Compensation for Name, Image, and Likeness

Impact

This legislation will significantly influence the landscape of high school athletics in Maryland by granting students new rights that allow them to enter into contracts for compensation. While it removes previous limitations imposed by athletic associations, it does not grant student athletes rights over the public high school's trademarks or intellectual property. This means that while student athletes can profit from their own likeness, their usage rights are still governed by specific academic and athletic program contracts that need to coexist without conflict.

Summary

House Bill 1090 introduces provisions enabling public high school student athletes to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL). The bill explicitly prohibits state educational authorities, county boards, and public high schools from establishing rules that would restrict student athletes' ability to monetize their identities in the context of interscholastic athletics. The intention is to align with national trends in college sports, where student athletes have started to capitalize on their personal brands amid the NCAA's evolving policies.

Contention

The debate surrounding HB 1090 is likely to involve discussions about the ethical implications of allowing high school athletes to profit from their identities at such young ages. Advocates argue that this is a necessary measure to ensure that high school athletes can benefit financially, similar to college athletes, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential for exploitation or unequal opportunities among athletes based on their marketability. The bill also stipulates that any contracts entered into by student athletes must be cosigned by a parent or guardian, a point that underscores the protections and responsibilities intended for these young participants.