Bill > HB0025

This bill establishes new rules for middle and high school students transferring between schools in Tennessee, aiming to clarify eligibility for interscholastic athletics. Generally, a student transferring for the first time between grades six through twelve (6-12) during the summer break between school years will be immediately eligible to play sports at their new school. However, this immediate eligibility does not apply to transfers that happen during the school year or to any subsequent transfers at the middle or high school level, reinforcing academics as the primary focus and preventing the exploitation of students for athletic purposes. The bill also clarifies that this new rule does not prevent athletic associations or schools from having their own eligibility requirements, and a student must still meet those other criteria to be eligible. Additionally, public schools are prohibited from using public funds to join athletic associations unless those associations comply with open meeting laws, with exceptions for discussing confidential student information. The bill also includes provisions for notifying athletic associations about students in foster care, requiring parental consent, and mandates annual audits for voluntary associations that govern interscholastic sports for public secondary schools.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0025&ga=114