Senator Mark Moores’ Student Athlete Endorsement Legislation Clears Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2021 Contact: Joaquin Romero joaquin.romero@nmlegis.gov (505) 506-5798 Senator Mark Moores’ Student Athlete Endorsement Legislation Clears Senate with Unanimous, Bipartisan Support SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Senate passed the “Student Athlete Endorsement Act” with unanimous, bipartisan support. Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), sponsored by Senator Mark Moores (R-Bernalillo), Senator Bill O’Neill (D-Bernalillo), and Representative Antonio Maestas (D-Bernalillo), would allow intercollegiate student athletes at New Mexico’s post-secondary educational institutions to receive compensation from the branding of their name, image, or likeness. “Our student athletes should be able to benefit from their hard work and earn a living,” said Senator Moores, a former University of New Mexico football player. “Some athletes receive full scholarships, but most do not. I am pleased that we are now a step closer to providing some compensation to those who help bring in millions of dollars to our colleges and universities.” In 2019, the State of California enacted the nation’s first law to provide compensation for student athletes. Current regulations from the National Collegiate College Association (NCAA) do not allow student athletes to receive compensation beyond the cost of attending school. SB 94 will now advance to the New Mexico House of Representatives for consideration. ###