Special hearing set on bill to hide NIL deals from public records

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A South Carolina bill that would block public access to college athletes’ name, image, and likeness deals has been temporarily delayed after lawmakers uncovered new financial information.

The legislation had been moving quickly through both chambers and appeared headed for the governor’s desk. But Senate leaders have now scheduled a special hearing for next week to question athletic directors from the University of South Carolina, Clemson and Coastal Carolina.

Senate Education Committee Chair Gregg Hembree said lawmakers want to ensure they have all the necessary details before taking final action on the bill.

“The specific concern is whether there is state‑appropriated funds and tuition funds that are being transferred into an athletic department revenue account, then there’s money from that revenue account being used to pay players,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said.

This will be the first public hearing on the bill. The House and Senate advanced it earlier this month without taking public testimony. The House has already passed the legislation.

Clemson University confirmed that Athletic Director Graham Neff will attend the hearing; USC and Coastal Carolina did not respond to requests for comment.

The bill stems from an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in which a South Carolina resident is seeking access to NIL-related documents. Universities asked lawmakers to intervene, and a judge has delayed ruling in the case while the General Assembly considers changing the law.

Gov. Henry McMaster’s office said he would carefully review the legislation if it reaches his desk. McMaster has expressed concerns about NIL deals but also does not want state programs placed at a recruiting disadvantage.

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