House Bill No. 619 amends the Education Code to allow students under 19 years of age, who are eligible for enrollment in grades 9 through 12, to transfer once for athletic participation purposes from their school district of residence to another district in Texas. This transfer requires joint written approval from both the receiving district and the student's parent or guardian. The bill prohibits the receiving district from denying the transfer based on the student's sex, race, national origin, ancestral language, or disability. Once transferred, the student remains enrolled in the receiving district until graduation, unless they choose to withdraw.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the University Interscholastic League (UIL) cannot penalize or sanction a student or the receiving school district for such transfers, provided they comply with the new requirements. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.036, Education Code 33.081 (Education Code 25, Education Code 33)