The Tim Tebow Bill, which would allow home-schoolers to participate with their local public schools in UIL athletics and other activities, has passed in the Texas Senate.
Now it will be considered in the Texas House and then voted on. Both chambers of the legislature must approve it before it is signed into law.
The Senate passed it by a 21-7 vote.
From Terrence Stutz (This post originally appeared on the Trail Blazers blog)
Called the “Tim Tebow” bill by supporters – named for the Heisman trophy winner and current New York Jets quarterback who was home schooled as a youth – the bill drew mild opposition from some public education groups. Some home school supporters also dislike the idea, but the Texas Home School Coalition voiced its support, rejecting the notion that it will lead to increased government regulation of home schoolers.
According to the Texas Home School Coalition, Texas has 320,000 home schooling students and parents. From their web site:
“Thousands of home schooling parents pay property taxes that fund public school activities and facilities, but their home schooled children aren’t even allowed to use them.”
According to the THSC, there are 27 states that allow home school students to participate in their versions of UIL.
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wyoming