House passes new regulations for agents representing college athletes

The House passed a bill Thursday modeled after other states’ attempts to create a more uniform regulatory system for agents working with college athletes.

Rep. Chris Swedzinski

Approved by a 101-19 vote, HF2363 would modify the statutes governing athletes’ agents by expanding the definition of the agents, creating reciprocity with other states, adding requirements to signing contracts and providing a written warning for the student-athlete.

“That’s really what this bill is about,” said Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent), the bill’s sponsor. “Protecting students.”

Swedzinski said eight other states have implemented the Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act, which he said the NCAA supports.

Under the bill, the Department of Commerce would register agents and be in charge of renewing their two-year registration. The bill would also give the department the authority to suspend or revoke an agents’ registration and refuse to renew their certificate.

The bill would require student-athletes to notify their athletic directors when they enter a contract with an agent and would have 14 days to cancel that contract. It also would give athletes a warning that, by entering into a contract with an agent, they wouldn’t be able to compete as a student.

The bill now goes to the Senate where Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-Edina) is the sponsor.