FRANKFORT, Ky. – Representative Stan Lee, R-Lexington (45th District), will sponsor legislation in the upcoming 2016 Regular Session of the General Assembly that if passed would allow students who are home schooled the ability to play sports in their public school district.
Rep. Lee’s bill is known as the “Tim Tebow Bill,” and is named after former University of Florida and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who was home schooled and allowed to play for his local high school team in Florida after their legislators approved a bill in 1996. Since that time nearly half of all U.S. states have passed the Tim Tebow Bill.
“Tim Tebow has been a success at all levels of athletics and academics in part because he was allowed the choice of being home schooled and participate in sports through his local public school district,” said Rep. Lee. “If we truly want children in Kentucky to strive for success like Tim Tebow, then why not give parents the legal option of home schooling their children and allow their children to participate in sports in their local public school district. I think parents should have the same freedom as half of all other states which is why I’m filing this bill for the 2016 session.”
Rep. Lee’s proposal, Bill Request 396, would allow home school students to register with the local middle or high school in their district, and be subject to the same requirements as public school students to participate, including taking a physical and meeting academic requirements to be eligible. The proposal would also require the parents of a home schooled student to transport them to and from athletic events.
Joining Rep. Lee as co-sponsors of the Tim Tebow Bill are Rep. Lynn Bechler, R-Marion; Rep. Robert Benvenuti, R-Lexington; Rep. Tim Couch, R-Hyden; Rep. Ron Crimm, R-Louisville; House Republican Whip Jim DeCesare, R-Bowling Green; Rep. Kenny Imes, R-Murray; Rep. Jerry T. Miller, R-Louisville; Rep. Phil Moffett, R-Louisville; and Rep. Addia Wuchner, R-Burlington. For more information on BR 396, which was filed on October 30th, go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/16rs/HB76.htm.
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