(2-4-26) A new Ohio House bill, House Bill 661, would ban an Ohio High School Athletic Association policy generally allowing middle and high school students to earn money from businesses that use of their name, image and likeness. 

The bill sponsors are Reps. Adam Bird and Mike Odioso, both Cincinnati-area Republicans.

Rep. Bird said –

“High school sports are an extension of the classroom. They teach character, discipline, leadership, work ethic and fitness. This bill is about protecting kids, keeping the focus on learning and development, and ensuring students across Ohio compete on a level playing field.”

Related: OHSAA Member Schools Pass NIL Referendum Proposal 

Lawsuit Filed in Franklin County Against OHSAA Regarding NIL

State Rep. Rodney Creech (R) – West Alexandria is one of the bill’s co-sponsors and told News Center 7 why state legislature needs to get involved if the OHSAA has already approved the measure –

“Well, I think the OHSAA, I’ve disagreed with them on things before, and it’s okay to disagree with them. And we are the state legislature, we’re elected by the people to make decisions, and these decisions affect our kids and our communities. And again, we need to focus on education, character building, teamwork. That is what high school sports is all about.”