Bill > H7039

This bill revises regulations surrounding extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletic competitions, particularly concerning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). It allows the Education Practices Commission to suspend educator certificates for up to three years for a third recruiting offense, as defined by the FHSAA, which involves pressuring or enticing a student to attend a school for athletic purposes. The bill also mandates that the FHSAA report certain information to the Department of Education (DOE) and requires DOE staff to inform the commissioner of all referrals from the FHSAA related to recruiting offenses. Additionally, it expands eligibility for extracurricular activities to include students from public schools of choice, virtual education, and unaffiliated private schools, and clarifies rules for home education students participating in these activities. The bill also updates definitions and procedures for student eligibility disputes and athletic recruiting violations, aiming to ensure fairness and transparency in athletic participation.