Minutes for HB2030 - Committee on K-12 Education Budget

Short Title

Authorizing nonpublic school students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association and allowing nonpublic school students who enroll part time in a public school to participate in nonpublic school activities.

Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 24, 2023

The Chair opened the hearing on HB 2030.

Nick Myers provided an overview of the legislation. (Attachment 1)

Mr. Myers responded to questions.

Proponents

John Eck provided proponent testimony. He has a daughter who is enrolled in public school part time. He stated his daughter is not allowed to play sports in non-accredited or private sports organizations or public school activities. (Attachment 2)

Hannah Self provided proponent testimony. She detailed her experience in trying to help her daughter meet eligibility for participation in sports. (Attachment 3)

Shannon Pahls, representing Yes. Every Kid., stated the legislation would expand choices for students and provide parents with the flexibility to tailor their child's education without having to sacrifice traditional public school sports or extracurricular activities. (Attachment 4)

Philip Hoppe has seven children who are homeschooled by his wife. Mr. Hoppe stated passage of the bill would give his children a chance to interact with other children in the community. (Attachment 5)

Opponents

Bill Faflick, Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) represents 354 senior, junior high, and middle schools across the state. He stated HB2030 would impose eligibility for students attending non-accredited schools who would not meet the same athletics eligibility criteria for students attending schools accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education. He noted the organization offers two remedies for athletic endeavors for students attending non-accredited schools. (Attachment 6)

Deena Horst, Kansas State Board of Education, opposed the bill due to several concerns: the legislation could set up the opportunity for potential abuse if a student does not meet eligibility requirements within the public school setting and moves to a non-public school to qualify for athletic participation; the potential that a non-public student could displace a public school student; the legislation appears to intrude on the responsibilities and enforcement of the KSHSAA as defined by current statute and a concern about transportation responsibilities. (Attachment 7)

Leah Fliter, Kansas Association of School Boards, presented opposition testimony. The organization supports the role and responsibilities of the KSHSAA and local control of schools. HB2030 would overturn the statutory authority of the KSHSAA and intrude on the local control of schools, including the locally elected school boards. (Attachment 8)

The conferees responded to questions.

Written Only Testimony

Proponents

James Franco (Attachment 9)

Kristin Cavender (Attachment 10)

Brittany Jones (Attachment 11)

Veronica Miller (Attachment 12)

Erin Sullivan (Attachment 13)

Jonathan Luthe (Attachment 14)

Opponent

Byrce Wachs (Attachment 15)

Patty Jurich (Attachment 16)