The bill SB1564 amends existing Arizona law to expand the eligibility for interscholastic activities to include certain students from private schools and those with empowerment scholarship accounts (ESAs). Under the new provisions, qualified private school students who reside within the attendance area of a public school and are educated in a private school with fewer than 100 students can try out for interscholastic activities in the same manner as enrolled public school students. Additionally, the bill requires that the policies and requirements for these students be consistent with those for enrolled students, including the need for written verification of passing grades and satisfactory progress.

The bill also specifies that a student who was previously enrolled in a different school is ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities for the remainder of that school year. Furthermore, it prohibits school districts from contracting with private entities that do not allow qualified private school students to participate in interscholastic activities. The definition of "qualified private school student" is clarified to include those educated in private schools with fewer than 100 students that do not offer the specific interscholastic activity for which the student is trying out. Overall, the bill aims to create more inclusive opportunities for students in nonpublic educational settings to engage in school sports and activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-802.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-802.01
House Engrossed Version: 15-802.02