Senate Bill 2044

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT ANY STUDENT MAINTAINING MINIMUM PROFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR PROMOTION ESTABLISHED BY THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD MAY PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL-SPONSORED ATHLETICS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, any student in Grades 7 through 12 enrolled in a public school of this state shall be allowed to participate in any school-sponsored athletic program if that student maintains at least the minimum student proficiency standards for promotion to the appropriate grade level as established by the local school board. Minimum standards and procedures for students participating in school-sponsored athletic activities are as follows:

(a) At the end of each semester, the student must have maintained at least the minimum student proficiency standards for promotion to the next grade level as established by the local school board, with no more than one (1) failing grade.

(b) Any student that does not maintain at least the minimum student proficiency standards shall be placed on probation status for the next semester, and any student that has two (2) consecutive semesters on probation status shall be ineligible for school-sponsored athletic participation until such time as the student completes a semester with the minimum proficiency level.

(c) Students suspended from school are ineligible for participation in any school-sponsored athletic activities or practice during the period of suspension.

(d) The local school board shall establish a procedure for monitoring a student's eligibility including setting dates for eligibility checks and probation weeks.

(e) Students are allowed to participate in nonschool-sponsored athletic activities, competitions, camps and clinics at any time during the school year and summer, unless prohibited by local school board policies. Student participation in a nonschool activity shall not be a prerequisite to participation in a school-sponsored athletic activity.

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