This bill amends Section 280.13D of the Iowa Code to expand the participation of nonpublic school students in extracurricular activities provided by public schools. Previously, nonpublic school students were only allowed to participate in interscholastic athletic contests or competitions. The new language allows these students to also engage in extracurricular interscholastic activities, such as theater, show choir, and band, under the same eligibility criteria. Specifically, students must reside within the school district or a contiguous district, and the activity must not have been offered by their nonpublic school in the past two years, nor can there be an existing agreement with another school that allows participation in that activity.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a public school district charges a fee for participation in these activities, the nonpublic school student or their guardian is responsible for paying that fee, which cannot exceed the fee charged to students enrolled in the public school district. Nonpublic school students participating in these activities must adhere to the same conditions as public school students, including compliance with the district's student code of conduct. Overall, this legislation aims to provide greater access to extracurricular opportunities for nonpublic school students in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 280.13D