SPRINGFIELD – Student-athletes in Illinois will have greater opportunities to receive fair compensation, thanks to a new law passed by former student-athlete, State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III.

“Student athletes are constantly on double duty – attempting to keep up with school work along with balancing team responsibilities,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “Ensuring student-athletes have accessibility to fair compensation for their countless hours of dedication will eliminate financial barriers and set them up for success in their future.”

Harris’ House Bill 307 will expand the methods of compensation by eliminating limitations on how name, image and likeness – also known as known as “NIL” – are paid, along with what consideration is allowed on the part of the student-athlete themselves.

The new law will expand accessibility by allowing colleges to directly pay NIL contracts if it is in response to a court order or if the institution is utilizing NIL compensation as an incentive for an athlete to attend their school. It also will expand the definition of “student-athlete” to include individuals prior to and after their enrollment and deletes provisions that restrict a student from preemptively entering into a NIL contract or receive continued benefit from a NIL contract after their enrollment.

Additionally, it will clarify that a higher education facility may aid a student in their search for NIL compensation, or otherwise empower a student’s access to NIL contracts or compensation and that a student-athlete is not considered an employee because of their athletic performance.

The initiative also includes provisions put in place to protect a student athlete’s privacy by exempting them from disclosure under FOIA from information that is related to or would disclose anything related to a student’s NIL contract or compensation.

Harris, a former NFL player and Northwestern University college football student-athlete, led the charge in the 102nd General Assembly with the passage of Senate Bill 2338, which established the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act. The law he crafted allows a student-athlete to be compensated for the use of their NIL and publicity rights.

“This new law will build on the work we did in 2021 to help guarantee that college athletes are receiving fair benefits for their hard work and the contributions they continuously make to our state’s universities,’ said Harris. “We need to continue to ensure students receive fair compensation for their talent and dedication.”

House Bill 307 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III is pleased to see further investments were made into funding schools, supporting public safety efforts and prioritizing children in communities across Illinois. He released the following statement in response to the governor signing the budget on Wednesday:  

“Our children are the future of our state. The state’s budget once again continues our commitment toward the evidence based funding model for K-12 education along with a $10.3 million increase for career and technical education programs to allow an increase in the number of students who are able to enroll in these programs. Every dollar we invest in our students will lay a solid foundation toward their opportunities to be successful adults.

“The state’s budget will continue to invest in the Restore, Reinvest, Renew program to aid communities that have been harmed by violence and economic disinvestment. Additionally, a $3.5 million investment to the Pretrial Success Act will foster holistic healing and strengthening of communities most impacted by systemic inequities. We need to continue to prioritize funding to these data-driven intervention programs, youth initiatives and educational opportunities.

“Today we can celebrate this win but rest assured – I will continue to fight to prioritize our children’s future and keeping our communities safe.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III (D-Harvey) released the following statement regarding the Illinois Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“As a small business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with running a business. I’m proud to support a budget that reduces burdens for entrepreneurs, helping them thrive by increasing grant funding and expanding access to affordable capital.

“Additionally, our investments in workforce development will ensure that our labor force has the skills and resources needed to meet the demands of our growing economy. By funding job training programs, apprenticeships and educational opportunities, we will drive economic growth, attract new businesses and create high-quality jobs throughout the state.

“These initiatives represent a step forward in promoting economic resilience and creating opportunities for all. I remain committed to advocating for policies that support our local businesses and workforce, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this budget on our community.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III passed an initiative to expand opportunities for student-athletes to receive compensation in Illinois.

“Student athletes not only balance their team responsibilities but also keep up with the school coursework to stay up to date with their academic studies,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is important that we support student athletes by eliminating barriers for them receiving fair compensation for their endless hours of practices, events and games.”

Harris’s House Bill 307 would expand the methods of compensation by eliminating limitations on how name, image and likeness – also known as known as “NIL” – are paid, along with what consideration is allowed on the part of the student-athlete themselves.