Lawmakers gave the measure final approval with a 37-6 vote. It now heads to Gov. Pete Ricketts.
The measure would apply to student-athletes at the University of Nebraska and its smaller state colleges.
It would cover athletes in all sports, although Nebraska’s football, basketball and volleyball players are likely to have the most money-making opportunities. Student athletes wouldn’t get salaries but couldn’t be punished for signing with an outside sponsor.
California last year became the first state to let college athletes use their status to make money, following criticism that universities and athletic sponsors are getting rich off the backs of athletes and not sharing the wealth.