Mississippi House Bill HB873

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Tim Tebow Act; create to authorize homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities.

Impact

The legislation specifically seeks to encourage inclusivity by prohibiting discrimination against homeschool students in selection processes for extracurricular teams. It mandates that homeschool students adhere to the same registration and eligibility requirements as their public school counterparts, such as maintaining passing grades, meeting health and safety standards, and paying the same fees. The bill therefore aims to integrate homeschoolers into the public school extracurricular culture while requiring them to fulfill similar obligations as traditional students.

Summary

House Bill 873, known as the 'Tim Tebow Act,' aims to allow homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic extracurricular activities. It defines the eligibility criteria for such participation and establishes a framework for ensuring that homeschooled students can engage in sports and activities sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. The bill emphasizes that participation in these activities is considered a privilege rather than a right, thus limiting legal recourse against schools or districts in cases where a student is not selected for an activity.

Contention

Controversy surrounding the bill revolves around the implications for school funding and the autonomy of public school districts. While supporters contend that the bill provides essential opportunities for homeschooled students, critics highlight potential financial burdens on school districts that may need to accommodate these students without receiving adequate financial support. The establishment of the Homeschool Extracurricular Activity Fund, designed to reimburse districts for the costs incurred, is seen as a necessary mechanism, though concerns remain regarding the adequacy and reliability of this funding source to meet the incoming demand from participating homeschooled students.