AN ACT TO ENACT THE TIM TEBOW ACT TO AUTHORIZE HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY OR ENGAGED IN BY THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TO WHICH THE STUDENT WOULD BE ASSIGNED ACCORDING TO DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ATTENDANCE POLICIES; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH STUDENTS; TO PROVIDE THAT TRANSPORTATION OF THE STUDENT TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT, GUARDIAN OR STUDENT; TO PROHIBIT A PUBLIC SCHOOL FROM DISCRIMINATING AGAINST SUCH STUDENT IN THE SELECTION OF INTERSCHOLASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR TEAM MEMBERS; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH PARTICIPATION SHALL BE CONSIDERED A PRIVILEGE AND NOT A RIGHT, AND THAT NOTHING IN THE ACT SHALL BE INTERPRETED TO CREATE A CAUSE OF ACTION; TO CREATE THE "HOMESCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY FUND" AS A SPECIAL FUND WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; TO PROVIDE THAT DISTRICTS MAY RECEIVE $2,250.00 PER HOMESCHOOL STUDENT WHO PARTICIPATED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE PRIOR YEAR; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REPORT DISBURSEMENTS TO THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The enactment of SB2070 would amend existing policies concerning the inclusion of homeschooled students in public education systems. The bill emphasizes that participation in extracurricular activities shall be considered a privilege rather than a right, thereby shielding school districts from potential legal actions related to these matters. It is designed to enhance educational opportunities for homeschooled students while ensuring that public schools manage equity in participation and funding effectively. Moreover, the responsibility for transportation to public schools falls on the parents or guardians, which may raise some logistical challenges for families.
Summary
Senate Bill 2070, known as the Tim Tebow Act, seeks to allow homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities sponsored by public schools. The bill mandates that these students must adhere to district school board attendance policies and provides a framework for funding, stating that districts may receive $2,250.00 per homeschool student participating in such activities. This funding is aimed at supporting the cost of inclusion for homeschooled students within public school extracurricular offerings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing time for districts to prepare for its implementation.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB2070 involve the implications for public schools' budgets and the overall accessibility for homeschooled students. Critics argue that tying state funding to student participation could place an undue financial burden on public schools, especially if the number of participating homeschooled students is significant. Additionally, concerns have arisen regarding potential discrimination issues if public schools favor certain students in selection processes for teams and activities. Supporters advocate for the increased integration of homeschoolers into public school systems as a means to enhance educational flexibility.
Requires school districts to allow home-schooled students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities in student's resident district; directs Commissioner of Education to establish guidelines.