Politics & Government

Senate Committee Punts 'Tebow Bill'

Virginia will remain among the 21 states that do not give home-schoolers access to play public school sports.

By Paige Baxter, Capital News Service.

A Senate committee Thursday shot down the “Tebow bill” aimed at allowing home-schoolers to participate in public schools’ sports and other extracurricular activities.

The Senate Education and Health Committee defeated House Bill 1442 on a 7-8 vote, taking the matter off the table for this legislative session.

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All of the Republicans on the committee voted in favor of HB 1442, except Sen. Harry Blevins (R-Chesapeake), who joined the seven Democratic committee members —including Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd), who represents a part of Chantilly, in opposing the bill.

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The legislation is nicknamed for NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who as a home-schooler in Florida played football for his local high school team. HB 1442 would have allowed home-schoolers in Virginia to do the same.

Virginia is one of 21 states that do not give home-schoolers access to play public school sports. The remaining states have a policy or law permitting home-schooled students to participate in public school activities and sports.

The committee heard testimony on the bill Thursday morning. Bell brought many home-schooled children, teenagers and even a few college students to testify and show their support.

“All I’m asking you … is to give me simply the opportunity to play sports,” said Eli Marellus, a 14-year-old home-schooler.

Should the bill have been heard by the full Senate? Speak out here.

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How They Voted

Here is how the Senate Education and Health Committee voted Thursday on HB 1442 (“Public school interscholastic programs; participation of students receiving home instruction”).

02/14/13 Senate: Failed to report (defeated) in Education and Health (7-Y 8-N)

YEAS – Martin, Newman, Smith, McWaters, Black, Carrico, Garrett – 7.

NAYS – Saslaw, Lucas, Howell, Blevins, Locke, Barker, Northam, Miller – 8.


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