Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends and modifies regulations related to interscholastic athletics, prohibiting public funds from going towards membership with associations that regulate interscholastic athletics in Tennessee, effective July 1, 2025.

Highlights:

• Amends and modifies regulations related to interscholastic athletics, prohibiting public funds from going towards membership with associations that regulate interscholastic athletics in Tennessee (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits public schools and public charter schools from using public funds to join or maintain membership in any athletic association that doesn't allow students from participating in interscholastic athletics due to transferring schools no more than once (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits membership with athletic associations that fail to comply with Tennessee's open meeting law, except when discussing confidential information protected by privacy laws like FERPA (Sec. 1).

• Requires schools to notify athletic associations about a student’s placement in foster care if non-notification could affect the student's athletic eligibility (Sec. 1).

• Requires that local education agencies and public charter schools must annually document compliance with these provisions to the TDOE (Sec. 1).

• Requires that athletic associations regulating interscholastic sports undergo annual audits conducted by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning July 1, 2025 (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text