A bill moving through the Georgia Capitol could reshape high school sports statewide by allowing student-athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) through endorsement and promotional deals.

The measure, House Bill 383, is titled the Georgia High School NIL Protection Act and is sponsored by Rep. Brent Cox (R–Dawsonville). Supporters say the bill puts clear guardrails around NIL activity that is already happening in various forms, while aiming to protect teenagers from long-term commitments that could follow them into adulthood.

One of the bill’s key protections is a built-in expiration date for NIL contracts. Under the proposal, an NIL agreement would automatically end when a student graduates or leaves high school, meaning any future deal would have to be renegotiated later. Backers argue this prevents young athletes and their families from getting locked into agreements that outlast their high school careers.

Even with those protections, some lawmakers have raised concerns about the impact money could have on school athletics—especially for younger teens. Critics warn that introducing compensation could change team culture, create pressure on athletes and families, and open doors for exploitation if strong safeguards aren’t maintained.

The bill passed the Georgia House unanimously and now heads to the Georgia Senate for consideration.