Committee concurs with amendment to bar taxpayer funds for NIL payments at UAMS

The Senate Insurance & Commerce committee on a voice vote concurred with a House amendment to HB456, which prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars to pay students for name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation at UAMS. Senator Irvin presented the bill and the committee adopted the amendment without recorded opposition.

Ricky Hill ("Ricky Hill, district 11") explained the effect of the bill during the committee discussion, saying the legislation "basically in overall just says that taxpayer dollars cannot be used to pay NIL students." Committee members clarified that private foundation funding—such as foundation money tied to UAMS—would still be permitted under the amendment.

Committee members asked whether private foundation funds could be used; presenters confirmed they could. With no public testimony in opposition and no recorded objections from committee members, a motion to concur with the House amendment was made, seconded, and carried by voice vote.

The committee’s action means the amendment will be reflected in the Senate version before further consideration. The committee did not record individual roll‑call votes; the chair announced the ayes had it.