Louisiana lawmakers just sent a clear message to anyone circling young athletes for name, image and likeness deals: if you want a cut, the state wants a closer look at you first.
The Louisiana Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved Senate Bill 389, a proposal that would put new oversight on anyone trying to represent high school or college athletes in NIL deals. The bill would require these would-be agents to register with the state’s Department of Justice Public Protection Division, complete training and pass background checks. Regulators would also gain the power to deny or pull registrations tied to fraud or harm. The measure now heads to the state House, with supporters arguing it is aimed squarely at “rogue” representatives who have rushed into the high school NIL gold rush.
What's in the bill
Senate Bill 389, authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, essentially stretches the rules that already apply to professional sports agents so that they cover anyone representing high school or collegiate student athletes. As reported by KATC, the bill would require agents to register with the Attorney General's Public Protection Division, complete training and clear background checks. The division could deny renewals or revoke certificates for fraud or for causing harm to student athletes or their schools. Backers say that framework is meant to give students and schools a clear legal remedy and to shine more light on NIL endorsement deals.
Senate vote and timeline
The Legislature’s official roll call shows the Senate adopted the measure on April 21, passing it 36-0 and ordering it reengrossed before sending it to the House. The floor action included amendments that were read and adopted before the final vote, according to the Louisiana Legislature. Next up are House committee hearings, followed by a full House vote.
Why supporters say it's needed
Coaches and legal staff told senators that unregulated agent activity has already pushed deep into the high school ranks, with pitches sometimes hitting athletes as early as middle school. J.T. Curtis, the longtime John Curtis Christian coach in River Ridge, told the committee that agents are "selling the kids to universities" and that "they're being directed; they're being lied to," as reported by WBRZ. Assistant Attorney General Olivia Nuss, a former NIL lawyer, told lawmakers that registration and training requirements would help hold representatives accountable and lower the risk for both athletes and schools.
Where this fits nationally
Supporters framed the bill as part of a broader national push to rein in the NIL marketplace. Officials said similar registration systems are already in place in roughly two dozen states. They also pointed out that there are only about 102 registered agents in Louisiana right now, most of whom work with professional athletes, which leaves a wide gap when it comes to those representing student athletes, according to reporting by the Business Report. A state NIL task force has previously recommended expanding the legal definition of “agent” and boosting education for athletes and parents, as documented by the Louisiana Illuminator.
Legal implications
If it becomes law, SB 389 would bring agent conduct under the umbrella of administrative registration and consumer-protection oversight, giving the Attorney General's Public Protection Division tools to deny, suspend or revoke registration certificates for misconduct without immediately resorting to criminal charges. The bill text and digest outline how current agent statutes would be extended and spell out enforcement powers for the Public Protection Division, according to the Louisiana Legislature. Advocates argue that pairing administrative discipline with education for families offers a faster way to shut down predatory behavior than relying on lawsuits alone.
What's next
With the Senate’s unanimous green light, the measure now rests with the Louisiana House, where lawmakers and committees will sort through any final tweaks and scheduling. Schools, athletic associations and the Attorney General’s office have been floated as key partners for outreach if the registration system is put in place, and supporters are pressing the House to move quickly to protect minors who are already signing contracts. Lawmakers have not set a firm House calendar date, according to WBRZ.
