On April 25, the Oregon Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill intended to protect student-athletes. HB 3296 tightens existing law surrounding agent/athlete relations by redefining “athlete agent,” “agency contract,” and “athletic director.”  The modifications make it more difficult for sports agents to solicit student-athletes. The bill also expands the law to cover student-athletes in elementary and middle school.

Protecting student-athletes from unscrupulous athlete agents has been an area of legislative interest for Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) and State Representative Phil Barnhart (D-Eugene) for multiple sessions. UO Senior Associate Athletic Director Jeff Hawkins testified before both the House Committee On Higher Education and Workforce Development and the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee in support of the bill.

The bill passed the House and Senate unanimously. It now goes to Governor John Kitzhaber.