Senate Bill No. 198, introduced by Senator Stine, aims to allow students enrolled in nonpublic schools that are approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to participate in extracurricular activities and interscholastic sports at public middle and high schools. This participation is contingent upon the nonpublic school not offering the specific activity or sport and the student residing within the attendance zone of the public school. The bill outlines that nonpublic school students must try out or apply for these activities in the same manner as public school students.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that nonpublic school students must adhere to the same eligibility requirements as public school students, including maintaining a minimum grade point average and complying with disciplinary standards. If a nonpublic school student fails to meet these requirements, they may be removed from participation in the extracurricular activities or sports teams. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.