Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed bill HB 7 B on Thursday, repealing the state’s restrictions for college athletes to make money on NIL deals, state representative Chip LaMarca shared via social media. Here’s what you need to know:

• The amendment removes restrictions put in place by the first version of the law from 2020 and now allows coaches to assist players in facilitating deals.
• Universities will still not be allowed to pay student athletes directly, but the changes will put Florida “on an even playing field with the rest of the nation as it relates to what other states are doing,” Sen. Travis Hutson, a supporter of the bill, said.
• Florida coach Billy Napier and Florida State coach Mike Norvell were present for DeSantis’ signing in Tallahassee.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

What this means for Florida schools

The state effectively repealed the restrictions on schools or coaches facilitating NIL deals. This allows schools in Florida to operate under rules more similar to schools in states with either no NIL law or a minimally restrictive NIL law. Previously, a school or coach helping a player get an NIL deal would have violated the law.

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The new version also establishes liability protection for coaches so that decisions such as benching or suspending a player don’t open the coach to a lawsuit because the decision affected the player’s NIL deals. — Staples

 (Photo: James Gilbert / Getty Images)