House Bill 355 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to establish guidelines for the participation of virtual school students in interscholastic athletics. The bill mandates that if a public school, under the jurisdiction of a local education agency (LEA), is a member of an organization that regulates interscholastic athletics, then virtual school students who meet the eligibility requirements set by that organization must be allowed to participate in athletics at member schools. Additionally, if a public school offers athletic opportunities without being part of such an organization, virtual school students who are zoned for that school and meet eligibility criteria must also be permitted to participate.

The bill clarifies that while virtual school students are allowed to try out for athletic teams, this does not guarantee their selection, as the authority to decide team membership remains with coaches and school officials. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that it does not limit the authority of the regulating organization to set and enforce eligibility rules for virtual school students. This legislation aims to ensure equitable access for virtual school students in athletic programs while maintaining the integrity of existing eligibility standards.