AUSTIN — The Texas Senate has voted to allow home school students to participate in public school athletics and extracurricular activities statewide — advancing the so-called “Tim Tebow bill.”
Plano Republican Sen. Van Taylor's proposal sanctions home school participation in University Interscholastic League events, which are currently only open to public school students.
Monday’s Senate approval sends the measure to the House. It’s similar to legislation that has advanced in other states.
Supporters point to Tebow, who played high school football in Florida while being home-schooled. He later won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Florida.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick oversees the Senate and has likened expanding UIL participation to the 1960s civil rights movement.
The Texas Home School Coalition estimates that 300,000-plus students statewide are being educated at home.
