This listing of sports access bills is not yet complete. If you have a sports access bill we should add to this list, whether for the current legislative session or for a previous session, please email us at research@responsiblehomeschooling.org.
2015 Legislative Session
Arkansas
Senate Bill 331, which would require the Arkansas Activities Association to allow member schools to play homeschool teams, was introduced on February 11th and referred to the education committee. See HB331.
Hawaii
House Bill 468, which would allow homeschooled student to participate in extracurricular activities in the school district they would have attended, was introduced on January 26th and referred to the education and finance committees. See HB468.
Kansas
Senate Bill 60, which will allow homeschooled students to participate in any public school activities, including athletics, was introduced on January 22nd and passed by the senate by a 30-9 vote on February 26th. The bill has been referred to the house education committee. See SB60.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2329, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities in their local public schools, was introduced on January 19th and referred to the education committee. On February 12th, the senate voted against the bill 31-17. See SB2329.
Missouri
House Bill 232, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in athletics and band at their resident public school, was introduced on January 7th and referred to the elementary and secondary education committee. On March 3rd, the bill passed the elementary and secondary education committee and was referred to the committee on education. See SB232.
Nebraska
Legislature Bill 103, which would allow public schools to require homeschooled students to enroll in no more than one course in order to be eligible to participate in extracurriculars, including athletics, was introduced on January 8th and referred to the education committee. See LB103.
New York
Assembly Bill 3678 and and Senate Bill 2175, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in district interscholastic sports, were introduced on January 27th and January 1st and referred to the assembly and senate education committees. See A3678 and SB2175.
Tennessee
House Bill 545, which would allow students homeschooled through church schools to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on February 10 and referred to the education committee. See HB545.
Texas
House Bill 347 and Senate Bill 391, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, were introduced on November 20, 2014, and January 28, 2015. The bills are currently before the house and senate education committees. See HB347 and SB391.
South Carolina
House Bill 3552, which would require the state athletic association to allow member schools to play homeschool teams, was introduced on February 11th and referred to the education committee. See HB3552.
Virginia
House Bill 1626, which prohibits public schools from joining athletics associations that bar homeschooled students from competing for member schools, was introduced on January 8th and passed the house and senate on January 29th and February 17th. The governor has yet to either sign or veto the bill. See HB1626.
West Virginia
House Bill 2749, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics and other extracurriculars, was introduced on February 13th and referred to the education committee. See HB2749.
2014 Legislative Session
Alabama
House Bill 503, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate on public school athletic teams, was introduced on February 18th and referred to the education committee where it was postponed indefinitely. See HB503.
Georgia
House Bill 1149, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate on public school athletic teams, was introduced on March 13th and referred to the education committee, but died in committee. See HB1149.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2515, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in any extracurricular activities at their local public schools, including athletics and band, was introduced on January 20th and referred to the education committee where it died in committee. See SB2515.
Missouri
House Bill 1347, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school athletic activities, was introduced on January 14th and passed the education committee on April 2nd and the rules committee on April 28th. However, the bill was never put up for a vote and subsequently died in the chamber. See HB1347.
New Jersey
Senate Bill 125 was introduced on January 14th and referred to the education committee, and subsequently referred to the budget and appropriations committee on June 9th. Assembly Bill 3430 was introduced on June 23rd and referred to the education committee. These identical bills would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics. Both bills failed to progress out of committee. See A3430 and S125.
New York
Senate Bill 1715, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic sports, was reintroduced and again referred to the education committee, this time on January 8th. The bill died in committee. See SB1715.
Michigan
House Bill 5613, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in any public school extracurricular activities, was introduced on March 29th and referred to the education committee but died in committee. See HB5613.
Virginia
House Bill 63, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on December 5th, 2014, and immediately referred to the education committee. The bill passed the house on January 30th, 2015, and was referred to the senate committee on education and health, where it failed to make further progress and ultimately died. See HB63.
West Virginia
House Bill 4230, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on January 20th and referred to committee, where it failed to make further progress. See HB4230.
2013 Legislative Session
Arkansas—Passed
House Bill 1789, which opened the door for homeschooled students to participate in athletics and extracurriculars at their resident public school and prevented superintendents from requiring homeschooled athletes to be enrolled in more than one class period per day, was introduced on March 7th and referred to the education committee. The bill passed the house and the senate in April, with only one nay vote, and went into force on April 22nd. See HB1789.
New York
Senate Bill 1715, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic sports, was referred to the education committee on January 9th. The bill failed to make further progress and died in committee. See SB1715.
Hawaii
House Bill 1050, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurriculars, including athletics, was introduced on January 24th and referred to the education and judicial committees. On December 18th, the bill was carried over to the 2014 regular session but made no further progress. See HB1050.
Ohio—Passed
House Bill 59, the state’s omnibus spending bill, was introduced on February 12th and was signed into law on June 30th. Tucked within this bill was a provision requiring school districts to allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities in their local public schools. See HB59.
Tennessee—Passed
Senate Bill 240, which allowed some homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on January 29th and referred to the education committee on January 31st. The bill passed the senate on March 4th and the house on March 25th and was signed into law by the governor on April 19th. See SB240.
North Carolina
Senate Bill 569, which would have allowed homeschooled students access to public school athletics and other extracurriculars, was introduced on April 1st. The bill was referred to the rules committee on April 2nd, and died in committee. See SB569.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2129, which would have offered homeschooled students access to public school athletics, was introduced on January 14th and referred to the education committee, where it died in committee. See SB2129.
Indiana—Policy Change
The Indiana High School Athletic Association voted on April 29th to allow homeschooled students who enroll in one public school class to participate in athletics at the school where they are enrolled. This was a change over the previous policy, which allowed only students enrolled full time to participate in athletics governed by the association. See here.
New Jersey
Senate Bill 3043, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic sports programs in their local school districts, was introduced on November 14th and referred to the education committee. It was referred to the budget and appropriations committee on December 16th, where it died in committee. See S3043.
2012 Legislative Session
Alaska—Passed
Senate Bill 119, which opened public school athletics to students educated at home through the state’s popular correspondence schools, was introduced on April 1, 2011, but did not make progress until March 2012. The bill was passed by the senate and house in April and signed into law in June. The bill did not open sports participation to students educated at home under the state’s homeschool statute, as it only allowed for participation by students educated in “accredited” homeschools, and such accreditation does not exist. See SB119.
South Carolina—Passed
Senate Bill 149, which required school districts to allow homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic activities, including athletics and other extracurriculars, was introduced on January 1, 2011, and referred to the education committee. The bill made no progress until April 2012, when it was approved by the committee and sent to the house. The bill was passed by the house and then the senate in May, and was signed by the governor in June. Each vote was unanimous. See SB149.
2011 Legislative Session
Arkansas
Senate Bill 774, which would have opened public school athletics and other extracurriculars to homeschooled students, was introduced on March 3rd and referred to the education committee. The bill was passed by the senate on March 29th, but died in the house. See SB774.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting West Virginia’s House Bill 2749
For Immediate Release: Sports Access Benefits Homeschooled Students
Canton, Ma., 3/13/15—The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission requires student athletes to be enrolled in the public school they represent, thus barring participation by homeschooled students. House Bill 2749 could change this, opening the door to homeschooled students who meet certain eligibility requirements. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
West Virginia’s House Bill 2749 is part of an ongoing trend toward increasing homeschooled students’ access to extracurriculars in their local public schools. Over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting Virginia’s House Bill 1626
For Immediate Release: Public School Sports Access Benefits Homeschooled Students
Canton, Ma., 3/13/2015—The Virginia High School League (VHSL) requires student athletes to be regular students at the school they represent, thus barring homeschooled students from participation. House Bill 1626 could change this, requiring the VHSL to change its criteria to include student who are being homeschooled and opening the door to homeschoolers. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education. The bill passed the Virginia General Assembly in February, but Governor Terry McAuliffe has until March 29th to decide whether to sign it into law.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
Virginia’s House Bill 1626 is part of an ongoing trend toward increasing homeschooled students’ access to extracurriculars in their local public schools. Over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers has led the charge for sports access for homeschoolers in recent years, promoting sports access bills in Virginia and conducting a survey of state athletics associations. Homeschooling parents and students across the state have spoken in favor of the bill. “I just look at it as giving all kids in Virginia a chance to play and a chance to experience being part of a sports team,” said homeschooling mother Jennifer Miller in an interview with the Daily Progress. “I think it’s just a great opportunity—as homeschooling becomes more mainstream—to see those kids as part of the community.”
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.” We thus urge Governor Terry McAuliffe to sign Virginia House Bill 1626 into law.
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting Kansas’ Senate Bill 60
For Immediate Release: Homeschooled Students Benefit from Extracurricular Access
Canton, Ma.—The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) requires student athletes to be students at the school they represent, thus barring homeschooled students from participation. Senate Bill 60 could change this, requiring school districts to permit any student residing in the district to participate in activities offered by the school district, including athletics. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education. The bill passed the Kansas Senate in February and was referred to the House Committee on Education.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
Kansas’ Senate Bill 60 is part of an ongoing trend toward increasing homeschooled students’ access to extracurriculars in their local public schools. Over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting Nebraska’s Legislature Bill 103
For Immediate Release: Public School Sports Access Benefits Homeschooled Students
Canton, Ma.—The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) requires student athletes to be enrolled at least half time in the schools they represent. Legislature Bill 103 could change this, requiring the NSAA to change its criteria to include student athletes enrolled in only one course, opening the door to homeschool participation. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, a group that advocates for homeschooled children.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
Nebraska’s Legislative Bill 103 is part of an ongoing trend toward increasing homeschooled students’ access to extracurriculars in their local public schools. Over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting Hawaii’s House Bill 468
For Immediate Release: Access to Public School Extracurriculars Benefits Homeschoolers
Canton, Ma.—The Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) requires student athletes to be enrolled as students in the schools they represent, thus barring homeschooled students from participation. House Bill 468 could change this, making homeschooled students eligible for involvement in extracurricular activities at their public school of residence, including athletics. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
Hawaii’s House Bill 468 is part of an ongoing trend toward increasing homeschooled students’ access to extracurriculars in their local public schools. Over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
Hawaii has some of the most comprehensive oversight of homeschooling in the country, meaning that homeschooling parents already work with their local school districts to ensure that their children are receiving an adequate education. Homeschooling parents must maintain records, have their children tested at the end of select grades, and submit an annual assessment demonstrating adequate progress. “Hawaii’s existing oversight should aid school officials in determining whether a homeschooled child is academically eligible to participate in athletics or other activities predicated on maintaining a certain grade point average,” noted Coleman.
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
2015 Statement Supporting New York Assembly Bill 3678 and Senate Bill 2175
For Immediate Release: Public School Athletics Should Be Open to Homeschoolers
Canton, Ma., 3/11/15—Currently, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) requires student athletes to be “regularly enrolled” at the public school they represent, thus barring homeschooled students from participation. Assembly Bill 3678 and Senate Bill 2175 could change this, prohibiting school districts from barring homeschoolers from interscholastic sports and thus requiring the NYSPHSAA to open the door to homeschoolers. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
New York’s Assembly Bill 3678 and Senate Bill 2175 are part of an ongoing trend toward increasing homeschooled students’ access to extracurriculars in their local public schools. Over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
New York homeschoolers, including LEAH, the largest statewide homeschool organization, support Assembly Bill 3678 and Senate Bill 2175. Gina Varrichio, a homeschooling mother, has created a website, Let Homeschoolers Play, and launched a petition to bring the bills to the floor. “The overarching aim of our public school system should be to educate the minds, exercise the bodies, and open the hearts of our children and our communities,” wrote Varrichio. “The goal should be one of supporting as many children as we can in this mission, not the fewest we’re legally allowed.”
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting Missouri’s House Bill 232
For Immediate Release: Public School Sports Access Benefits Homeschooled Students
Canton, Ma., 3/11/15—Currently, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) requires student athletes to be enrolled in an 80% course load at the school they represent. House Bill 232 could change this by requiring school districts participating in MSHSAA activities to give homeschooled students the opportunity to participate. “Granting homeschooled students access to public school extracurriculars is one of the most important ways lawmakers can support homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
Participation in public school athletics and other extracurriculars has been found to have pronounced benefits for children’s socialization, self-esteem, and leadership skills. A recent study of homeschool alumni found that those who participated in public school athletics rated their homeschooling experience more highly than did other respondents. Further, researcher Joseph Richard Barno found that college admissions officers weighted extracurriculars more heavily for homeschool graduates than for traditionally-schooled graduates, suggesting that extracurricular participation is especially important for homeschooled students who are college-bound. “Excluding homeschooled children from this important aspect of physical and personal development puts them at a profound disadvantage with respect to their peers,” Coleman said.
House Bill 232 is sponsored by Representative Elijah Haahr, a homeschool alumnus. “Missouri is in the minority of the country as far as not allowing homeschoolers to even try out for the local public school athletic teams,” Haahr noted. Currently, over half of all states provide homeschooled students some form of participation in athletics or other extracurriculars through their local public schools, and that number is growing. Many states also allow homeschooled students to take individual courses at their local public schools. In fact, in 2007, the most recent year for which we have data, 16% of homeschooled students were enrolled in school part time. “Cooperation between homeschoolers and local school districts benefits homeschooled students and creates a positive relationship between schools and families,” said Coleman.
While there are often a variety of community athletic leagues available to younger children, these options tend to narrow as children grow older, forcing parents to choose between homeschooling and athletic participation. “Discriminating against homeschooled children based on the educational choices their parents make for them is detrimental to these children’s development and prevents them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers,” said Coleman. “Children of all educational backgrounds should be able to play together.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 26 October, 2023 by CRHE
Statement Supporting Iowa’s House File 214
For Immediate Release: Homeschool Statutes Should Support Homeschooled Children
Canton, Ma., 3/6/15—Iowa lawmakers are considering restoring oversight that has historically safeguarded the interests of homeschooled children in the state. House File 214, which is currently before the house education committee, would provide accountability and support for both homeschooled students and homeschooling parents. “By passing House File 214, Iowa lawmakers have the opportunity to show that they value homeschooled students,” said Rachel Coleman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
Prior to 2013, Iowa did more to protect the interests of homeschooled children than nearly any other state in the country. Parents homeschooled under the state’s “competent private instruction” statute, which allowed parents to choose between homeschooling with the support of a certified teacher and having their children’s academic progress assessed annually by standardized test or portfolio review. This made Iowa’s homeschooling laws one of the best in the country for both homeschooled students and homeschooling parents.
In 2013, an amendment to House File 215 gutted the state’s homeschool law by creating an “independent private instruction” provision. Under this option, parents are not required to notify their local school districts that they are homeschooling or to have their children participate in any form of assessment. “When a state fails to provide protections for homeschooled students or support for homeschooling parents, both groups suffer,” said Coleman. “Under its current law, the state of Iowa does nothing to ensure that homeschooled children receive an education. By passing House File 2014, Iowa lawmakers have the chance to restore their state’s record of protecting the interests of homeschooled children.”
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 23 March, 2021 by CRHE
Statement Supporting the Report of the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission
For Immediate Release: Commission’s Proposal Aims to Support Homeschooled Children
Canton, Ma., 3/6/15—On March 6, 2015, the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission presented its final report to Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. The report contains recommendations that parents of homeschooled children with significant emotional, social and/or behavioral difficulties create individual education plans in cooperation with public school special education personnel, and that they file annual progress reports. “These recommendations are an important step forward for homeschooled children,” stated Rachel Coleman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education. “I applaud the Committee for crafting a proposal that aims to foster cooperation between homeschooling parents and local special needs providers and works to ensure that the needs of troubled children are not ignored.”
Like children in other groups, many homeschooled children struggle with mental health issues. According to 2011 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 15% of homeschool parents report homeschooling because of their child’s physical or mental health problems. Also in 2011, the Cardus Education Survey found that some homeschool graduates struggled with more feelings of helplessness and lack of direction than their peers. A 2014 survey conducted by Homeschool Alumni Reaching Out (HARO) found that approximately 25% of the 3,700 homeschool graduates surveyed had been diagnosed with a mental illness by a mental health professional. Homeschooled children do not always have access to appropriate mental health care—nearly one in five of the homeschool graduates surveyed by HARO reported that they suffered from mental health issues while being homeschooled, but that nothing was done to help them.
“Homeschooled children have rights, needs, and interests that do not always align perfectly with those of their parents,” Coleman added. “One of those interests is being able to access mental health care even in cases where parents may be negligent about getting them help. We need to reimagine children’s mental health care in a way that ensures that all children—including homeschooled children—receive the mental health care they need.” The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission’s proposal is a step in the right direction.
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education is a national organization founded by homeschool alumni and dedicated to raising awareness of the need for homeschooling reform, providing public policy guidance, and advocating for responsible home education practices.
Last Updated: 31 July, 2015 by Rachel Coleman
Homeschool Sports Access Timeline
This listing of sports access bills is not yet complete. If you have a sports access bill we should add to this list, whether for the current legislative session or for a previous session, please email us at research@responsiblehomeschooling.org.
2015 Legislative Session
Arkansas
Senate Bill 331, which would require the Arkansas Activities Association to allow member schools to play homeschool teams, was introduced on February 11th and referred to the education committee. See HB331.
Hawaii
House Bill 468, which would allow homeschooled student to participate in extracurricular activities in the school district they would have attended, was introduced on January 26th and referred to the education and finance committees. See HB468.
Kansas
Senate Bill 60, which will allow homeschooled students to participate in any public school activities, including athletics, was introduced on January 22nd and passed by the senate by a 30-9 vote on February 26th. The bill has been referred to the house education committee. See SB60.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2329, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities in their local public schools, was introduced on January 19th and referred to the education committee. On February 12th, the senate voted against the bill 31-17. See SB2329.
Missouri
House Bill 232, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in athletics and band at their resident public school, was introduced on January 7th and referred to the elementary and secondary education committee. On March 3rd, the bill passed the elementary and secondary education committee and was referred to the committee on education. See SB232.
Nebraska
Legislature Bill 103, which would allow public schools to require homeschooled students to enroll in no more than one course in order to be eligible to participate in extracurriculars, including athletics, was introduced on January 8th and referred to the education committee. See LB103.
New York
Assembly Bill 3678 and and Senate Bill 2175, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in district interscholastic sports, were introduced on January 27th and January 1st and referred to the assembly and senate education committees. See A3678 and SB2175.
Tennessee
House Bill 545, which would allow students homeschooled through church schools to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on February 10 and referred to the education committee. See HB545.
Texas
House Bill 347 and Senate Bill 391, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, were introduced on November 20, 2014, and January 28, 2015. The bills are currently before the house and senate education committees. See HB347 and SB391.
South Carolina
House Bill 3552, which would require the state athletic association to allow member schools to play homeschool teams, was introduced on February 11th and referred to the education committee. See HB3552.
Virginia
House Bill 1626, which prohibits public schools from joining athletics associations that bar homeschooled students from competing for member schools, was introduced on January 8th and passed the house and senate on January 29th and February 17th. The governor has yet to either sign or veto the bill. See HB1626.
West Virginia
House Bill 2749, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics and other extracurriculars, was introduced on February 13th and referred to the education committee. See HB2749.
2014 Legislative Session
Alabama
House Bill 503, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate on public school athletic teams, was introduced on February 18th and referred to the education committee where it was postponed indefinitely. See HB503.
Georgia
House Bill 1149, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate on public school athletic teams, was introduced on March 13th and referred to the education committee, but died in committee. See HB1149.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2515, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in any extracurricular activities at their local public schools, including athletics and band, was introduced on January 20th and referred to the education committee where it died in committee. See SB2515.
Missouri
House Bill 1347, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school athletic activities, was introduced on January 14th and passed the education committee on April 2nd and the rules committee on April 28th. However, the bill was never put up for a vote and subsequently died in the chamber. See HB1347.
New Jersey
Senate Bill 125 was introduced on January 14th and referred to the education committee, and subsequently referred to the budget and appropriations committee on June 9th. Assembly Bill 3430 was introduced on June 23rd and referred to the education committee. These identical bills would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics. Both bills failed to progress out of committee. See A3430 and S125.
New York
Senate Bill 1715, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic sports, was reintroduced and again referred to the education committee, this time on January 8th. The bill died in committee. See SB1715.
Michigan
House Bill 5613, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in any public school extracurricular activities, was introduced on March 29th and referred to the education committee but died in committee. See HB5613.
Virginia
House Bill 63, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on December 5th, 2014, and immediately referred to the education committee. The bill passed the house on January 30th, 2015, and was referred to the senate committee on education and health, where it failed to make further progress and ultimately died. See HB63.
West Virginia
House Bill 4230, which would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on January 20th and referred to committee, where it failed to make further progress. See HB4230.
2013 Legislative Session
Arkansas—Passed
House Bill 1789, which opened the door for homeschooled students to participate in athletics and extracurriculars at their resident public school and prevented superintendents from requiring homeschooled athletes to be enrolled in more than one class period per day, was introduced on March 7th and referred to the education committee. The bill passed the house and the senate in April, with only one nay vote, and went into force on April 22nd. See HB1789.
New York
Senate Bill 1715, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic sports, was referred to the education committee on January 9th. The bill failed to make further progress and died in committee. See SB1715.
Hawaii
House Bill 1050, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurriculars, including athletics, was introduced on January 24th and referred to the education and judicial committees. On December 18th, the bill was carried over to the 2014 regular session but made no further progress. See HB1050.
Ohio—Passed
House Bill 59, the state’s omnibus spending bill, was introduced on February 12th and was signed into law on June 30th. Tucked within this bill was a provision requiring school districts to allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities in their local public schools. See HB59.
Tennessee—Passed
Senate Bill 240, which allowed some homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics, was introduced on January 29th and referred to the education committee on January 31st. The bill passed the senate on March 4th and the house on March 25th and was signed into law by the governor on April 19th. See SB240.
North Carolina
Senate Bill 569, which would have allowed homeschooled students access to public school athletics and other extracurriculars, was introduced on April 1st. The bill was referred to the rules committee on April 2nd, and died in committee. See SB569.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2129, which would have offered homeschooled students access to public school athletics, was introduced on January 14th and referred to the education committee, where it died in committee. See SB2129.
Indiana—Policy Change
The Indiana High School Athletic Association voted on April 29th to allow homeschooled students who enroll in one public school class to participate in athletics at the school where they are enrolled. This was a change over the previous policy, which allowed only students enrolled full time to participate in athletics governed by the association. See here.
New Jersey
Senate Bill 3043, which would have allowed homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic sports programs in their local school districts, was introduced on November 14th and referred to the education committee. It was referred to the budget and appropriations committee on December 16th, where it died in committee. See S3043.
2012 Legislative Session
Alaska—Passed
Senate Bill 119, which opened public school athletics to students educated at home through the state’s popular correspondence schools, was introduced on April 1, 2011, but did not make progress until March 2012. The bill was passed by the senate and house in April and signed into law in June. The bill did not open sports participation to students educated at home under the state’s homeschool statute, as it only allowed for participation by students educated in “accredited” homeschools, and such accreditation does not exist. See SB119.
South Carolina—Passed
Senate Bill 149, which required school districts to allow homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic activities, including athletics and other extracurriculars, was introduced on January 1, 2011, and referred to the education committee. The bill made no progress until April 2012, when it was approved by the committee and sent to the house. The bill was passed by the house and then the senate in May, and was signed by the governor in June. Each vote was unanimous. See SB149.
2011 Legislative Session
Arkansas
Senate Bill 774, which would have opened public school athletics and other extracurriculars to homeschooled students, was introduced on March 3rd and referred to the education committee. The bill was passed by the senate on March 29th, but died in the house. See SB774.