Minnesota would become the latest in a string of states to allow college athletes to sign endorsement deals with apparel and equipment manufacturers, energy drinks, supplement makers, and other sponsors under a new bill from Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes). The College Athlete Freedom bill was heard by the Senate Committee on Higher Education Tuesday and laid over. It will be revisited later in session.

“The NCAA is a billion dollar-per-year behemoth built on the backs of student athletes who are busting their tails all day, every day to balance classes, homework, and their sport commitments,” said Sen. Chamberlain. “It’s crazy that we have not yet allowed them the same basic freedom as any other student on campus. You want to talk common sense? This is about as common sense as it gets.”

The legislation would become effective January 1, 2024 if the NCAA does not proactively allow student athletes to earn money from their name, image, or likeness prior to that date. Last September, California became the first state to allow athletes to earn endorsement money. Nebraska is on track to do the same, as are several other states.

According to an Associated Press poll in January, 66% of Americans support allowing college athletes to earn endorsement money.