HB287 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed Henry

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Mike Ball

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Schools, students taught at home by either private tutor or under church school law may participate in public K-12 extracurricular activities, Tim Tebow Act

Summary

HB287, the Tim Tebow Act, would let students taught at home or in church schools participate in public and certain nonpublic school athletics under the same rules as public school athletes.

What This Bill Does

The act would allow home-schooled students and church-school students to participate in athletics and athletic teams at public schools (and nonpublic schools that permit it). Participants must register with the local district, pay the same participation fees, and meet the same behavior, academic, and residency standards as public school athletes. They would commit to participating for the full school year in a single public school per activity (though they can do multiple activities at that school), with eligibility rules starting in the first semester of 7th grade; district policies would apply for disciplinary issues, and insurance coverage would be provided by the district. The act also states that no school team using these students would be impeded from competing against other schools, and students could participate in nonpublic schools if permitted by those schools; the act would take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Students taught at home by private tutors or under church school law, who would be allowed to participate in athletics and athletic teams
• Public school students, who would participate under the same rules and standards
• Nonpublic schools that permit home- or church-school students to participate, and the students who join their athletic programs
• Local boards of education / school districts, which would handle registration, fees, standards enforcement, and insurance coverage

Key Provisions

• Defines extracurricular as school athletics and athletic teams
• Allows home-taught or church-school students to participate in athletics at public or permitted nonpublic schools
• Requires participation to meet the same fees, behavior, academic, and residency standards as public school students
• Requires registration with the local board of education; mandates fee payment and adherence to standards
• Participation for a school year must be with one public school per activity; multiple activities at the same school allowed
• Standards for interscholastic participation begin in the first semester of 7th grade
• District insurance would cover participating students; any extra premium is paid by the student
• No school team using these students may be impeded from competing against other schools; nonpublic schools may participate if allowed
• Eligibility rules apply for ineligible students; transfer provisions and eligibility evaluation from previous year; residency requirements apply
• Effective date: immediately after passage and gubernatorial approval; bill is exempt from local-funds voting requirements under Amendment 621

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education