Bill > HB0355

This bill addresses athletic participation for virtual school students in Tennessee by requiring local education agencies (LEAs) to allow virtual school students to try out for interscholastic athletics under certain conditions. Specifically, if a public school is a member of an athletic organization that has established eligibility requirements for virtual students, the LEA must permit those students to participate if they meet those requirements. For schools not part of such an organization, virtual students zoned for that school and otherwise eligible will be allowed to try out for athletic teams. The bill importantly clarifies that this does not guarantee team placement - coaches still have full authority to make team selection decisions - but ensures virtual students cannot be excluded from tryouts solely because of their virtual student status. The legislation seeks to provide virtual school students with the same athletic opportunities as traditional students while preserving the existing authority of athletic organizations and school officials to determine team composition and eligibility. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law, with the stated purpose of serving the public welfare by expanding athletic opportunities for virtual school students in Tennessee.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0355&ga=114