SB251 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to K-12 school athletics, to prohibit certain entities from restricting a student athlete's or coach's eligibility due to his or her participation on a team or in an event outside of the school team; and to prohibit public K-12 schools from membership in athletic associations under certain circumstances.

Summary

SB251 would prevent penalties or eligibility restrictions on student athletes or coaches for outside-school participation and could bar some public K-12 schools from joining certain athletic associations.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits athletic associations, public K-12 schools, and local boards of education from restricting a student’s or coach’s eligibility to participate on a K-12 team because of participation on outside teams or events. It also bans penalties for taking part in non-school teams or showcase events. Public K-12 schools may not join athletic associations that violate this rule, and the act defines athletic associations as state organizations that oversee member programs, receive public funds, and use public facilities. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Student athletes and coaches at public K-12 schools would be protected from eligibility restrictions or penalties for participating in non-school teams or events.
• Public K-12 schools, local boards of education, and athletic associations operating in Alabama would be restricted from enforcing penalties based on outside participation and from joining associations that violate the rule.

Key Provisions

• No athletic association, public K-12 school, or local board of education may restrict eligibility or impose penalties on a student or coach for participating in non-school teams or events (such as USA teams, club teams, or showcase events).
• Definition of 'athletic association': any organization operating in Alabama with authority over member schools’ athletic programs, receiving public funds, and whose members use public facilities.
• Public K-12 schools may not be members of an athletic association that violates this rule.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after the bill’s passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

K-12 school athletics, to prohibit eligibility being impacted by participation in event outside school