State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) filed a bill in the Alabama legislature late last week that could be a game-changer for college athletes in Alabama.

HB240, also known as the “Competitive Edge NIL Tax Cut Act,” would exempt any compensation earned by student-athletes through the use of their name, image, and likeness from the state’s individual income tax.

The goal of the bill is to benefit schools within Alabama from a competitive standpoint to assist with recruiting.

“One common thread shared among Alabamians is their love for collegiate athletics,” said Lovvorn.

“Alabama is proudly home to many of the nation’s top programs, and celebrating their success is a central part of our state’s identity. NIL has changed the landscape of collegiate athletics, and the state must work to foster an environment that helps our schools land America’s top recruits. Exempting NIL earnings from state income tax gives Alabama a competitive edge, leading to more students receiving a quality education here and more championships coming home to Alabama.”

State Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) weighed in as well, saying the programs that spend the most win the most.

“One thing has become clear over the last four years in college sports: the teams that best utilize NIL will be the teams that compete for championships,” said Blackshear. “Recruiting top athletes has become similar to attracting top businesses; you need to offer the best facilities, incentives, and opportunities for success. This legislation gives Alabama’s colleges and universities another useful tool to best represent our state on the national stage.”

RELATED: State of Louisiana gifts LSU $225k in NIL after $10 million lawsuit against JUUL

It’s not the first time state lawmakers have tried to give their schools a competitive advantage regarding NIL.

In December, state officials in Louisiana gifted the LSU Tigers athletic programs $225,000 of a $10 million lawsuit settlement against Juul Labs to fund anti-vaping campaigns promoted by LSU student-athletes through NIL.

A similar bill was also proposed this week in the state of Georgia by Republican Senator Brandon Beach, who dubbed his proposal the ‘Kirby Smart Bill.’ The goal of the legislation, according to Beach, is to give the Georgia Bulldogs another ‘tool in their toolbox to be able to compete.’

“A few years ago, the State Legislature passed a bill that, at the time, firmly placed Alabama at the forefront of NIL but later proved to be too restrictive after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling in NCAA v. Alston,” State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), chairman of the education budget committee said.

“The status of NIL can change rapidly, so it is important for this legislation to include a sunset provision. I am proud to support this bill to ensure that Alabama’s colleges and universities remain competitive at the national level.”