To enact section 3345.35 of the Revised Code to authorize stipends for student athletes attending public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

Section 1.  That section 3345.35 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3345.35.  (A) As used in this section, "institution of higher education" means a state institution of higher education as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code and any nonprofit institution with a certificate of authorization issued under Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code.

(B) An institution of higher education annually may award a stipend to a student athlete as follows:

(1) If the institution is a member of the division I classification, or any equivalent succeeding classification, under the national collegiate athletic association, or any succeeding national organization that regulates intercollegiate athletic conferences or events, an amount equal to or less than eight thousand dollars.

(2) If the institution is a member of the division II classification, or any equivalent succeeding classification, under the national collegiate athletic association, or any succeeding national organization that regulates intercollegiate athletic conferences or events, an amount equal to or less than six thousand dollars.

(3) If the institution is not described in division (B)(1) or (2) of this section, an amount equal to or less than four thousand dollars.

(C) A student athlete annually may receive stipends totalling in the aggregate not more than four thousand dollars from sources other than the institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled.

(D) No institution of higher education, intercollegiate athletic conference, or organization that regulates intercollegiate athletic conferences or events shall have a rule, bylaw, or other regulation that conflicts with this section.