HB 1400
Mississippi High School Student-Athlete NIL Protection Act
Introduced
January 16, 2026
Sponsor
Rep. Jeffery Harness
Committee
House Judiciary A Committee
Vote Deadline
February 12, 2026
Effective Date
July 1, 2026 (if passed)
Summary
Would allow Mississippi high school athletes to earn NIL compensation with a tiered trust account system. Up to $10,000 can be paid directly; amounts over $10,000 must be held in trust until graduation or age 18.
Key Provisions
Direct Payment Threshold
Up to $10,000 can be paid directly to the student-athlete or their parent/guardian.
Trust Account Requirement
Any compensation over $10,000 must be deposited into a restricted trust account.
Fund Release
Trust funds are released when the student graduates high school or turns 18, whichever comes later.
Written Contracts
All NIL agreements must be in writing with parental consent for minors.
School Neutrality
Schools and coaches cannot arrange, facilitate, or approve deals.
Current Law
Currently, MHSAA Bylaw 2.39 prohibits accepting cash or gifts over $1,000 for "athletic fame." Athletes can sign deals but cannot receive payment until eligibility ends (the "Escrow Loophole").
Potential Impact
If passed, Mississippi would join 46 other states allowing high school NIL. If it fails, elite recruits like Akylin Dear (#1 RB nationally) may continue transferring to Florida or Georgia prep schools.
Official Resources
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