ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A bill advancing at the state capitol could significantly change high school sports across Georgia.

It would allow student-athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness, or NIL.

House Bill 383, known as the Georgia High School NIL Protection Act, passed unanimously out of the House Education Policy and Innovation Subcommittee on Tuesday.

Supporters say the legislation would place guardrails around a system that already exists, while critics warn it could expose young athletes to pressure and exploitation.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Georgia lawmakers advance bill allowing high school athletes to profit from NIL deals

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville) would allow high school athletes to sign endorsement deals while limiting how long those contracts can last. Under the proposal, NIL contracts would automatically end once a student graduates or leaves high school, requiring any future agreements to be renegotiated.

Still, some lawmakers have expressed concern that introducing money — even in small amounts — could change the culture of high school sports.

“These are young adults. We’re now talking about 14-year-olds,” said Rep. Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta). “Anytime we introduce money at magnitudes and scales that these kids and their families have yet to even think about, it could lead to some unintended consequences.”

The bill passed the Georgia House unanimously Wednesday. It now heads to the state Senate for a vote.

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