Plain Language Summary
# SCORE Act Summary **What It Does:** The SCORE Act would create national rules allowing college athletes to earn money from endorsement deals using their name, image, or likeness (NIL). Currently, NIL rules vary by state. This bill would prevent colleges, conferences, and the NCAA from blocking athletes from signing these agreements. It also requires large athletic programs—those generating $20 million or more annually—to provide health counseling and medical benefits to student athletes and maintain at least 16 varsity sports teams. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts college student athletes, universities with major sports programs, and the NCAA.
It would standardize rules across all states and schools, affecting how athletes can earn money from endorsements, sponsorships, and other commercial uses of their identity. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 4312, introduced in the 119th Congress by Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida). It has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill aims to address a recent court settlement related to college athlete compensation rights.
CRS Official Summary
Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act or the SCORE ActThis bill provides a framework for the compensation of student athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL). This includes addressing certain elements of the court approved agreement to settle the In re College Athlete NIL Litigation (i.e., House settlement).Specifically, the bill statutorily prohibits institutions, conferences, or interstate intercollegiate athletic associations (e.g., the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)) from restricting the ability of a student athlete to enter an NIL agreement.The bill also requires institutions of higher education that generate $20 million or more in annual revenue from the institution's intercollegiate athletics activities to (1) provide counseling and medical benefits to student athletes, and (2) establish and maintain at least 16 varsity sports teams.Further, the bill authorizes interstate intercollegiate athletic associations to establish rules with respect to athletic eligibility, transfers, recruitment, and the disclosure of NIL agreements.Under the bill, student athletes may not be considered employees of an institution, conference, or interstate intercollegiate athletic association.The bill also preempts state laws with respect to compensation, payments, benefits, employment status, eligibility, and academic standards applicable to student athletes.Compliance with the provisions of this bill is considered lawful under federal and state antitrust laws.
Latest Action
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 916 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965 and H.R. 4305. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4312, H.R. 1005, H.R. 1049, H.R. 1069, H.R. 2965, and H.R. 4305 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.