Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

Ohio Senate Bill SB259

Caption

Regards interscholastic athletics for bullied students

Impact

If passed, SB259 would likely result in changes to existing policies regarding how schools handle cases of bullying in relation to student participation in athletics. The bill intends to ensure that school districts have specific protocols in place that support bullied students, potentially leading to increased awareness among staff and faculty, as well as more resources directed toward mental health initiatives in schools. This legislative change could further motivate schools to review and strengthen their anti-bullying policies and programs leveraging athletics as a means of fostering inclusion and support.

Summary

SB259 seeks to address the intersection of interscholastic athletics and bullying, specifically focusing on protecting students who have been bullied in relation to their participation in sports. The bill aims to create a framework where bullied students are given clearer access to participate in athletic programs, ensuring that their rights are protected in school sports. This legislation reflects a growing awareness of the impacts of bullying on students' mental health and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for supportive measures in educational environments.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding SB259, particularly concerning the balance between protecting bullied students and the implications for school athletic programs. Critics may express concerns over the interpretation of what constitutes bullying and how it could affect team dynamics and student selection processes. Additionally, opponents may worry that the measure could place a burden on schools to continuously adapt their policies and practices, or that it could lead to misuse of bullying claims to gain unfair advantages in sports participation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OH HB147

Regards teacher licensure revocation, hiring practices, conduct

OH HB2798

Interscholastic sports; student eligibility; transfers

OH HB3596

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

OH SB281

An Act To Amend Title 14 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association.

OH HB691

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

OH HB2605

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

OH H0443

Interscholastic and Intrascholastic Activities

OH S3374

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

OH A4698

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

OH SB145

AN ACT relating to interscholastic athletics.

Similar Bills

NJ S3374

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A2691

Requires public schools to allow certain students not enrolled in the school to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A3349

Requires public schools to allow certain students not enrolled in the school to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A4698

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ S1553

Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.

NJ S2445

Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.

NJ A4143

Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.

NJ A2737

Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.