Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca (R – Lighthouse Point) released the following statement on the passage of the Collegiate Athlete Bill of Rights (Senate Bill 646). Rep. LaMarca was the first lawmaker in Florida to begin drafting this legislation in August of 2019 on behalf of the more than 11,000 collegiate athletes in the state.
“Florida is not a follower. We are a bold leader that takes leaps while others sit on the sidelines. For far too long, the collegiate athlete system professionalized everyone associated with athletics except for the young women and men who put in the work and sweat to hone their skills and talent. Today’s action in the Florida Legislature for our more than 11,000 collegiate athletes tells the NCAA that we won’t stand for greedy rules that put athletes at a disadvantage.
“Together with Florida’s athletic directors, university leaders, sports industry professionals, former and current athletes, and fellow legislators we created the standard for other states to follow. Wearing a school’s jersey shouldn’t mean choosing between using your talent and earning extra money to support your education.
“Gov. DeSantis has been a champion of this legislation since day one and I couldn’t be more thankful for his support. I look forward to the day the governor signs this bill into law.”
About Senate Bill 646
The Florida Collegiate Athlete Bill of Rights ends the practice of discrimination against collegiate athletes in Florida by allowing them to join the rest of the student body population in being able to economically benefit from their name, image, and likeness. This bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
Rep. LaMarca will be available outside of the House Chamber on the 4th Floor Capitol following adjournment of the Florida House of Representatives.
