The bill introduces Section 16-6J-10 to the Code of Alabama 1975, establishing enforcement mechanisms for the CHOOSE Act's prohibition of discrimination against students participating in the CHOOSE Act regarding their eligibility for K-12 interscholastic athletics. It asserts that denying these students the opportunity to participate in athletics based solely on their status as CHOOSE Act participants undermines the educational choice promised by the Act. The bill allows CHOOSE Act participants, which include students and their parents, to bring civil actions against interscholastic athletic associations for actions that limit or impede their participation in athletic activities. It also provides for the awarding of reasonable attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties in such actions.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific terms and conditions under which a CHOOSE Act participant can seek injunctive relief against interscholastic athletic associations. It emphasizes that courts should prioritize allowing participation in athletic activities over maintaining the status quo and establishes a presumption of irreparable harm for participants seeking injunctions. The bill also stipulates that civil actions for economic damages must be filed within two years of the alleged discriminatory action and specifies the proper venue for such actions. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-6J-10
Engrossed: 16-6J-10
Enrolled: 16-6J-10