Quinn Signs Bill to License Agents for Student Athletes

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation aimed at protecting Illinois student athletes from dishonest agents.

Quinn signed Senate Bill 2542 Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Uniform Law Commission. The group works to make sure state laws are consistent across the country.

The bill requires government licensing for sports agents who want to represent students.

Agents could be investigated and lose their license for misconduct, such as defrauding a client or abusing drugs.

The legislation also would require agents to notify student athletes that signing a contract might endanger their eligibility to compete. Athletes could cancel contracts within 14 days.

The law takes effect Jan. 1.