The Legislature on Tuesday gave final 37-6 approval to a bill that would allow college athletes in Nebraska to earn money through personal endorsement of products and use of their name, image or likeness. The measure (LB962), sponsored by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, was modeled after legislation enacted by California lawmakers a year ago. The proposal, part of a growing movement that would dramatically alter the traditional status of amateur college athletes, will head to Gov. Pete Ricketts' desk. Hunt's Nebraska Fair Pay to Play Act would also allow athletes to make money by promoting sponsored content on social media and by giving private lessons or hosting camps.Opponents of the change have argued that it will ignite a new kind of bidding war in the recruitment of college athletes in which donors or business leaders may play a leading role in offering the prospect of lucrative endorsement prospects or opportunities to recruits. Supporters have argued that universities, TV sports networks and other businesses are enriched by the performance of college athletes while they receive no financial benefit beyond athletic scholarships and accompanying benefits provided by the universities they attend. "With more than 25 states looking at this issue, Nebraska has an opportunity to be a leader in providing economic freedoms to college athletes," Hunt said in a statement following enactment of the bill. "Nebraska is the third state in the nation to enact name, image and likeness rights legislation," she said. - Lincoln Journal Star