MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Hall

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC SCHOOL INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section:

(a) "Home school students" are those children taught by private teachers, parents, guardians or custodians in a legitimate home instruction program as defined in the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law, Section 37-13-91, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(b) "Interscholastic activities" includes, but is not limited to, athletics, music, speech and other related activities provided in an accredited public school.

(2) Home school students shall not be denied by a public school district the opportunity to participate in all interscholastic activities if the student fulfills the following conditions:

(a) The student's home instruction program must be in compliance with Section 37-13-91(3)(c), Mississippi Code of 1972, and the student shall provide the school administration with a copy of the certificate of enrollment as evidence thereof.

(b) The student must meet all school district eligibility requirements with the exception of any class requirements of the voluntary association administering interscholastic activities.

(c) The parent, guardian or custodian of a home school student must certify that the student be making academic progress consistent with academic eligibility standards for students in the public school. Report cards or transcripts indicating academic performance, with supportive documentation, shall be a sufficient basis upon which such certification may be made.

(d) The home school student shall be required to fulfill the same responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance, including related class or practice requirements, of other students participating in the interscholastic activity of the team or squad and shall be required to meet the same standards for acceptance on the team or squad.

(e) A home school student participating in interscholastic activities must reside within the attendance boundaries of the school for which the student participates.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.