The Texas House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would allow universities to directly pay student athletes for their name, image, and likeness. Texas House Bill 126COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns hands the ball to Quintrevion Wisner #26 during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas. Under current Texas law, outside entities like national advertisers or athletic boosters can pay student athletes, but universities are not allowed to do that directly. House Bill 126 would change that to allow universities to make direct payments to their student athletes. Rep. Hawkins said she does support the idea of compensating student athletes.