Bill > HB298

This bill requires athletic associations that include public high schools to adjust their athletic classification system in a specific way starting with the 2026-2027 academic year. The bill mandates that when determining athletic classifications for championship programs or interscholastic athletic events, the association must adjust a school's classification to account for English language learner (ELL) students who do not participate in athletic events. The State Board of Education is tasked with creating rules to implement this adjustment. Additionally, the bill requires athletic associations to include two non-voting members on their governing body: one minority party member from the House of Representatives (appointed by the Speaker) and one member from the Senate (appointed by the President Pro Tempore). The term "athletic association" is defined according to existing Alabama state law, and the provisions of this bill will take effect on June 1, 2025, with the classification changes first applying in the 2026-2027 academic school year.