This bill mandates that starting in the 2026-27 school year, all school boards and governing authorities of approved or accredited private, denominational, or parochial high schools must create and implement policies allowing seventh and eighth-grade students to participate in high school sports. The participation is contingent upon several conditions, including the student's skill level being approved by the school's coach or athletic director, a documented physical evaluation by a healthcare professional, written consent from a parent or guardian, and compliance with any relevant athletic association rules or state and federal laws. Additionally, once a student participates in a high school sport, they will no longer be eligible to compete at the seventh or eighth-grade level, but their eligibility for high school sports remains unaffected.

The bill also empowers the State Board of Education to establish rules and regulations to facilitate the implementation of these policies. Given the urgency of the matter, the bill is designed to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.