House Bill 1785 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to allow high school students enrolled in private schools with fewer than 200 students to participate in interscholastic athletics at public high schools, provided they meet certain criteria. Specifically, these students must reside within the geographic boundaries of the local education agency (LEA) and satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the relevant athletic organization or association. The bill stipulates that students can only participate in sports that are not offered by their private school and must be zoned to attend the public school where they wish to compete. Additionally, the bill clarifies that participation does not guarantee a spot on the team, as selection remains at the discretion of coaches and school officials.

The bill also introduces similar provisions for middle school students, allowing them to participate in interscholastic athletics at both public and private schools under the same conditions. It emphasizes that the authority of athletic organizations to set and enforce eligibility requirements remains intact. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to the 2026-2027 school year and subsequent years.