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Bill

Bill

B 26-0239

Uniform College Athlete Name, Image, or Likeness Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

DC establishes temporary uniform standards for college athlete name, image, and likeness monetization, expiring August 2025 unless renewed.

Act A26-0069 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 006112, Expires on Aug 17, 2025
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Bill Summary · B 26-0239

Legislative bill overview

This DC emergency legislation establishes a regulatory framework for college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights within the District. The bill creates uniform standards and protections for student-athletes engaging in NIL deals while operating under an expedited timeline that expires August 17, 2025.

Why is this important

College athletes have gained the ability to earn income from endorsements and personal branding following NCAA rule changes, but regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction. This DC legislation provides local clarity on NIL contracts, tax treatment, and athlete protections—affecting DC-area universities and the competitive landscape for recruiting student-athletes to the region.

Potential points of contention

  • Emergency/temporary status: The August 17, 2025 expiration creates uncertainty about permanent NIL policy in DC, potentially requiring rapid re-passage or leaving athletes without clear regulations
  • Scope and enforcement: Unclear how DC will monitor and enforce NIL compliance across interstate agreements and whether penalties apply to violations
  • Competitive fairness: Uniform DC standards may disadvantage local universities if neighboring states adopt more permissive NIL rules, affecting recruitment and retention

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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