A new bill signed by Gov. Jared Polis allows Colorado colleges to pay student-athletes directly, aligning with recent court rulings. The law exempts athletes’ contracts from the state’s open records law, sparking concerns about transparency. Despite this, the bill passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate. Sen. Judy Amabile defended the bill, emphasizing that student-athletes are not employees. The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition opposed the bill, arguing that transparency is crucial for fair earning opportunities. The athletes’ pay will come from funds tied to athletics, not tax dollars. The NCAA recently allowed student-athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness, leading schools like CU to use third-party organizations to pay athletes. The bill was prompted by a settlement in the House v. NCAA case, allowing schools to pay student-athletes directly. The law reflects the changing landscape of college athletics and aims to keep Colorado competitive. The law is set to take effect in July, enabling Colorado schools to pay student-athletes directly. Stay informed on Colorado politics by signing up for the weekly newsletter, The Spot.
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Governor Polis signs legislation permitting universities to compensate student athletes
