Today, the Senate
took a final vote on House
Bill 1626, commonly known as the Tebow bill. The bill prohibits school
divisions from joining an athletic/interscholastic organization that doesn’t
allow homeschool students to participate in public school athletics or
interscholastic activities. In addition to the vote, Senator Garrett offered an
amendment, which was accepted, that explicitly gives localities the option to
allow homeschoolers to participate in interscholastic activities. The
amendment, which is added to the end of the bill states, “Nothing in this section shall require
a local school board to establish a policy permitting participation in
interscholastic programs at its schools by students who reside in the school
division receiving home instruction.” With the amendment, HB1626
passed the Senate on a 21-14 vote. Two democrat senators, Alexander and Lewis,
joined most the republicans to pass the bill. Five senators did not vote on the
bill including Senators Watkins, Stosch, and Norment. Senators Puller and Lucas
also did not vote on the bill as they are absent for health reasons. HB1626
will now go back to the House for its approval of the amendment then onto the
governor for him to sign, amend, or veto.
Thank you to all of you who called, emailed, and visited your senators. Your
advocacy efforts kept the heat on the legislators and made a difference in the
language of the bill. We will keep you apprised of any additional updates.
