HB 226

Abstract

Students who receive home instruction; participationin interscholastic programs. Prohibits public schools from joiningan organization governing interscholastic programs that does notdeem eligible for participation a student who (i) receives home instruction;(ii) has demonstrated evidence of progress for two consecutive academicyears; (iii) is in compliance with immunization requirements; (iv)is entitled to free tuition in a public school; (v) has not reachedthe age of 19 by August 1 of the current academic year; (vi) is anamateur who receives no compensation but participates solely forthe educational, physical, mental, and social benefits of the activity;(vii) complies with all disciplinary rules and is subject to allcodes of conduct applicable to all public high school athletes; and(viii) complies with all other rules governing awards, all-star games,maximum consecutive semesters of high school enrollment, parentalconsents, physical examinations, and transfers applicable to allhigh school athletes. The bill provides that no local school boardis required to establish a policy to permit students who receivehome instruction to participate in interscholastic programs. Thebill permits reasonable fees to be charged to students who receivehome instruction to cover the costs of participation in such interscholasticprograms, including the costs of additional insurance, uniforms,and equipment. The bill has an expiration date of July 1, 2025.