In the USA, collegiate students can avail a world of opportunities for themselves. Aside from the chance to become a national celebrity with their athletic skills, students can also make use of the NCAA’s NIL regulations as well. The Name, Image, and Likeliness rules ensure that collegiate stars can monetize their brands to the fullest, and it looks like Georgia University is looking at a bump up from their current situation, thanks to a proposed bill by the state.

From LSU’s Olivia Dunne to Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, the NIL has been an incredible source of income for some of the country’s top student-athletes.But the situation in Georgia has been a bit different. However, the newest proposed bill by the state could bring a broader smile to the faces of the folks over at Georgia University, especially considering how it could seat the college in the same row as many of its SEC peers.

Georgia University eyes some much-needed relief to get on par with its colleagues

A bill proposed by the State of Georgia (SB 71) on Monday will look to make all earnings by student-athletes from the NIL tax-exempt. As per the LegiScan entry, the act is “A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to income taxes, so as to exempt from taxable net income compensation of athletes for the use of the athlete’s name, image, or likeness; to provide for related matters; to provide for applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.”

Five Senators have sponsored the proposed tax exemption amendment, which has progressed 25% to be accepted by the Georgia Senate. Georgia University athletes are currently subjected to paying 5.39% in taxes to the state on all its income, making it difficult for many athletes to choose Georgia to pursue their collegiate careers. Carson Beck, the former Bulldogs QB transferred to Miami and landed an incredible NIL deal, which is speculated to be valued at $3-$4 million. However, with the new bill, the university can now also hope to recruit talent without the sinking thought that they could transfer elsewhere for better NIL opportunities.

The bill would also put the Georgia University Bulldogs on the same row with SEC states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, which do not levy income taxes. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said about the unfolding situation, “Student-athletes in the State of Georgia should compete on a level playing field and not forgo compensation available to student-athletes in other states while the settlement is pending.” However, it should be noted that while individuals and institutes might be spared from paying taxes in the state, they would still need to file for Federal taxation.

However, while NIL came as a welcome relief for college athletes, it has not been without its fair share of critics.

NIL comes with its own baggage

In October last year, the reigning NCAA gymnastics champion Olivia Dunne of the LSU Tigers claimed that the NIL doesn’t cater to women’s sports in general. “Women’s sports, in general, it’s quite unfair still with NIL,” said Livvy, “A big school like LSU [has] collective money. None of it goes to women’s sports. Most of the collective money goes to football, basketball, baseball—the men’s sports.” But the LSU queen hasn’t been the only one to criticize NIL.

UNC wrestling head coach Rob Koll has also noted his frustration with the NIL previously. “….it has not changed the sport at all it’s the exact same thing,” he said citing that coaches only try to secure the best deal for themselves instead of investing their minds in developing a program to its fullest potential.

What do you think? Do you see Georgia University walking a different path with the tax money exemption? Tell us your thoughts in a comment!