The Missouri House has approved a bill that would let homeschooled students take part in public school sports and extracurricular activities.
In a 91-53 vote, lawmakers passed SB 63, sponsored by State Senator Ben Brown. Under current law, public school districts can block homeschooled students from joining athletic programs. Brown’s bill would stop public and charter schools from excluding homeschooled and full-time virtual students from participating in these activities. State Representative Ben Baker, who has homeschooled children, introduced the bill in the House. During debate, Baker emphasized that all children deserve opportunities that support their academic, social, and personal growth.
“These students are often excluded due to their educational setting, and I believe they deserve the same educational opportunities to develop. To develop teamwork, to develop leadership, creativity, just as much as their public school peers have the opportunity to do as well,” Baker said.
He also pointed out that these students’ families pay taxes and should be allowed access to state-funded school programs.
However, State Representative Kathy Steinhoff raised concerns, noting that public school students must meet specific standards to enjoy these privileges.
“Often, you have to keep your grades up, you have to keep attendance up, you have to maintain positive relationships with peers and adults. All of that is stuff that we can see in the school. Sometimes you have to participate in activities that get you to where you are. This bill is seeking to cut through all of this and allow opportunities for students outside the school community to come in and participate in the activity portion alone,” she explained.
The House made minor amendments to the bill, so it now returns to the Senate for another vote. Although it passed unanimously in the Senate earlier, time is running out in the legislative session, and the bill may not come up again before it ends.
