Missouri Bill Expands Access for Homeschooled Students, Raises Concerns, US

A proposed bill in Missouri seeks to grant homeschooled students the opportunity to participate in public school sports and activities. Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, filed the legislation, which also includes provisions to roll back state oversight of homeschooling families. Under the current policy of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, homeschooled students can participate in their local school districts’ sports if they are enrolled in at least one credit hour of instruction. However, school districts reserve the right to impose further restrictions. The bill would eliminate the requirement for enrollment in classes while still allowing for necessary instruction or training for the desired club or sport. Although no opposition was voiced during the bill’s discussion, Democratic Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City expressed concern regarding the lack of reporting procedures to identify homeschooled students. In addition to allowing homeschool participation, the bill also aims to remove attendance officers’ authority over homeschool families. Supporters of the bill believe it could extend educational opportunities to homeschooled students while addressing privacy concerns often associated with public school activities. However, amendments attached to the legislation during the last legislative session will ultimately determine its fate.