LANSING — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation on Wednesday allowing college student-athletes to use their own name, image, likeness and reputation for financial compensation.

It’s the first time in the state’s history college athletes have such an opportunity.

“For years we have all enjoyed the incredible talent of young athletes across the state,” Whitmer said in a press release. “This legislation will change the lives of young men and women for years to come.

The legislation, House Bill 5217, was sponosored by Rep. Brandt Iden, R-Kalamazoo. The bill prohibits post-secondary educational institutions from enforcing rules prohibiting student-athletes from being compensated in promotional deals.