Relating to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions

This bill relates to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs (IEP) to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions. The bill provides that the lead special education teacher described in a student’s IEP shall determine whether the student is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions provided by a public school or a nonpublic school. The bill establishes that a coach or athletic director employed by the public school or nonpublic school shall not determine whether such student is eligible to participate. The bill provides that, when determining whether a student with an IEP is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions, the lead special education teacher is required to consider the student’s record of attendance and whether the student is attaining passing grades in the student’s classes. The bill’s provisions do not apply to students who require special education and who have severe and profound disabilities.