S.B. No. 776
AN ACT
relating to the creation of an inclusive sports program by the
University Interscholastic League to provide students with
intellectual disabilities access to team sports.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as Zariah's Law.
SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.097 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.097. INCLUSIVE SPORTS PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. (a) The University Interscholastic
League shall ensure students with intellectual disabilities have an
opportunity to participate in team athletic activities by
establishing and maintaining an inclusive sports program.
(b) The University Interscholastic League shall adopt rules
as necessary to establish, maintain, and expand the inclusive
sports program. The rules must:
(1) accommodate inclusive team sports offered through
the program at participating public middle schools, junior high
schools, and high schools in the state;
(2) establish eligibility requirements for
participation in each inclusive team sport offered through the
program;
(3) identify best practices for school districts to
incorporate inclusive sports; and
(4) require the program to incorporate activities that
promote:
(A) bullying prevention;
(B) moral intelligence;
(C) character development;
(D) leadership development;
(E) physical fitness; and
(F) positive school culture.
(c) In adopting the rules under Subsection (b), the
University Interscholastic League shall consider and incorporate
as appropriate:
(1) federal guidance regarding providing access to
extracurricular athletics for students with intellectual
disabilities;
(2) guidance available from nationally recognized
organizations that promote inclusion and acceptance among students
with and without intellectual disabilities;
(3) information regarding inclusive sports programs
that have been successfully implemented in this state, in other
states, and by nonprofit organizations;
(4) input from school districts and the agency; and
(5) guidance provided by impacted stakeholders,
including by parents of or persons standing in parental relation to
students with intellectual disabilities.
(d) The University Interscholastic League may appoint a
person to provide guidance on behalf of impacted stakeholders for
purposes of Subsection (c)(5).
(e) In maintaining the inclusive sports program, the
University Interscholastic League shall, to the greatest extent
possible, require:
(1) students who participate in the inclusive sports
program to be subject to the same rules and requirements as students
who participate in other athletic programs offered by the league,
including:
(A) grade and disciplinary requirements under
Section 33.081(c); and
(B) requirements related to student safety in
athletic activities under this chapter and Chapter 38; and
(2) team sports provided through the inclusive sports
program to be organized similarly to other athletic programs
offered by the league, including with respect to team practices,
seasonal play, and local and statewide competitions.
(f) In addition to using funds available or appropriated for
the purpose, the University Interscholastic League or a partner
affiliated with the league may seek and accept gifts, grants, or
donations of money from public and private sources for the purpose
of establishing or expanding the inclusive sports program.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 776 passed the Senate on
April 29, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 776 passed the House on
May 24, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 2, one present
not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor