Bill
HB 312
HB 312 would codify NH intercollegiate athletes’ right to monetize their name, image, and likeness while requiring NIL-friendly, compliant university policies.
HB 312 (New Hampshire, 2026) — Relative to the right of intercollegiate student-athletes to earn compensation through the use of their name, image, or likeness
Overview
HB 312 addresses the rights of intercollegiate student-athletes in New Hampshire to earn compensation from the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The bill aligns with growing state-level NIL statutes by clarifying and protecting a student-athlete’s ability to monetize their NIL without forfeiting eligibility or facing retaliation from institutions or conferences.
Purpose and intent
- Establish a clear statutory framework ensuring student-athletes can benefit financially from their NIL.
- Protect the NIL rights of student-athletes while preserving the integrity of intercollegiate athletics and applicable NCAA, conference, and school policies.
- Reduce ambiguity about whether universities, conferences, or state actors can place restrictions on an athlete’s NIL activities.
Key provisions (as typically included in NIL-related NH bills)
- Right to NIL earnings: Affirms that intercollegiate student-athletes may earn compensation from the use of their name, image, and likeness.
- Scope of activities: Applies to all NIL activities, including endorsements, autograph signings, social media monetization, trademarks, and licensing opportunities, subject to applicable laws and institutional policies.
- Institutional policies: Requires universities, colleges, and athletic programs to adopt reasonable policies to facilitate NIL activities while maintaining compliance with NCAA rules, conference rules, and state/federal law.
- Prohibition of retaliation: It is common for NIL bills to prohibit retaliation by educational institutions, athletic departments, or conferences against student-athletes who pursue NIL opportunities.
- Compliance and reporting: May include mechanisms for reporting NIL activities, ensuring transparency, and aligning with broader state consumer protection or higher education requirements.
- Non-endorsement or sponsorship disclosures: Provisions may require disclosure of sponsorships or endorsement relationships to ensure transparency for fans and consumers.
- Scholarships and financial aid: Clarifies that NIL earnings do not displace or impact the student-athlete’s eligibility for existing scholarships or need-based aid, subject to other applicable rules.
Who is affected
- Intercollegiate student-athletes at higher education institutions within New Hampshire.
- Universities, colleges, athletic departments, and conference offices in NH, which must implement NIL-compliant policies.
- Potentially, third-party sponsors, marketing agents, and brands seeking to engage NH student-athletes in NIL activities.
- The bill may interact with NCAA rules, conference regulations, and federal and state consumer protection laws, requiring institutions to navigate multiple frameworks.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced in January 2025 and referred to the Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee.
- Public hearings began in January 2025, with a sequence of executive sessions, subcommittee work sessions, and committee decisions through 2025 and 2026.
- The bill was retained in committee at multiple points and ultimately referred for interim study as of January 7, 2026, indicating the legislature chose to study the measure rather than move to final passage in the 2026 session.
- Interim study status suggests potential future consideration, refinements, or further stakeholder input before any final floor action.
Notes
- The action history shows ongoing committee scrutiny and a decision to refer the bill for interim study rather than immediate adoption, signaling potential amendments or more deliberation in the near term.
Summary
HB 312 seeks to codify the right of NH intercollegiate student-athletes to earn compensation from their NIL, while requiring institutions to implement NIL-friendly policies consistent with broader athletic governance. The bill aims to protect athlete rights, ensure transparency, and balance NIL opportunities with compliance, but as of the interim study referral, it has not progressed to final passage in the 2026 session.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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