Bill > HB625

This bill, known as the Student Athlete Mobility (SAM) Act, establishes a policy allowing students to petition to participate in team sports at neighboring schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines key terms such as "neighboring school" (which includes schools in directly bordering districts or within the same territory), "team sports" (including baseball, basketball, football, and other sports requiring multiple participants), and covers public high schools, community schools, and STEM schools. Under the proposed legislation, students can petition to join a team sport at a neighboring school if their current school does not offer that sport, subject to approval from their school's superintendent and the athletic organization's executive director. The bill includes specific requirements, such as students must first try to join a team at another school within their own district before petitioning elsewhere, and a student cannot participate in the same team sport at more than one school in a single year. Additionally, schools with insufficient students to form a team can partner with neighboring schools to create a joint team. The bill aims to provide more athletic opportunities for students by allowing them to participate in team sports even if their home school does not offer a particular sport.

Education

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb625