25 January 2024
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow students who attend school online to participate in after-school activities.
State lawmakers and educators met Wednesday to discuss House Bill 2506. This bill would allow virtual students to take part in Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) regulated activities at area high schools without requiring them to attend that school unless class enrollment is required for participation.
Last year, lawmakers passed a bill allowing all non-public school students to participate in KSHSAA-sponsored events. Lawmakers discussed the pros and cons this bill could have on both virtual and public school students.
“A lot of time times are public schools may not have enough students for debate, or they may not have enough students for the eighth-grade volleyball team, but when you open it all up to community members in that resident district, everybody wins,” Kristy Williams, R-House Majority Caucus chair said.
“It is important in their [kids] development if somebody wants to be a debater that’s really hard to do at home on your couch on our on the computer,” State Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, D-Leawood said. “So, I would agree that we should let students participate, but we do need to be assured that we’re not creating unintended consequences and an unlevel playing field.”
If approved, the change would take effect July 1, 2024.