Missouri Senate Bill SB230

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Provides that school districts shall not prohibit home school students from trying out or auditioning for team or club membership in any event or activity offered by the school district

Impact

The impact of SB 230 on state laws centers around increasing the accessibility of public school activities for home school students. By preventing school districts from imposing restrictions based on a student's home schooling status, the bill seeks to create a more equitable environment that allows home school students to fully engage with their peers in public school extracurricular activities. This potential change could affect local policies regarding student participation, leading to more comprehensive guidelines that recognize the diversity of educational experiences among students.

Summary

Senate Bill 230 aims to amend chapter 167 of Missouri's Revised Statutes by adding a new section that addresses the participation of home school students in public school activities. The bill specifies that no school district can restrict a home school student from trying out or auditioning for teams or clubs offered by the school district. Additionally, it prohibits school districts from mandating that home school students attend more than one class per day for grades six to eight or a specific amount of credit for high school students in order to participate in school activities. The bill defines the requirements for home school participation in a way that promotes inclusivity for those students in extracurricular events.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 230 appears to be generally positive among its supporters, who argue that it fosters inclusivity and equal opportunities for home school students. Advocates believe that participation in public school activities can benefit these students socially and educationally. However, there are concerns voiced by some educators and school administration groups regarding the possible implications for public school resources and the management of extracurricular activities, leading to a somewhat mixed sentiment where caution is expressed about implementation.

Contention

Key points of contention related to SB 230 involve discussions on the balance between integrating home school students into public school systems and maintaining the integrity of public school activities. Critics of the bill may worry about the potential strain on school resources and how schools will accommodate additional participants in competitive or resource-limited activities. Additionally, there are questions regarding the oversight of academic standards when home school students participate, as the bill places the responsibility for oversight on the parents or legal guardians. This aspect raises queries about how effectively these standards can be enforced in public settings.