Bill Status of HB3037 104th General Assembly
Illinois House Bill 3037 would create the “Right to Play Act” in Illinois and override existing rules of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), which sets eligibility rules for student athletes and regulates their ability to participate in non-school programs.
State Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr, D-Naperville, the lead sponsor of the bill, told the House Education Policy Committee last week that the rules have resulted in students being disqualified from competition over seemingly minor infractions.
“We have cross country runners who are running a charity race during the cross country season. IHSA found out and disqualified that runner for the rest of the season. We have members of a high school pom squad in Will County. Members of that pom squad went to a dance competition, and IHSA found out and disqualified those dancers for the rest of the season.”
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Eligibility: The bill permits students to participate in non-school athletic activities for the same sport as their school team during the school season, provided they do not engage in both a non-school activity and a school practice or competition on the same day.
- Definition of Activities: Non-school athletic activities are defined as organized sports not sponsored by or associated with a school, involving games, competitions, or practice for such events.
- School Definition: The bill applies to both public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools.
Shaw Local News Network Opinion – Eye On Illinois: Once again, lawmakers consider stepping on IHSA’s self governance
High Schooler Libby Magnone testifies on the Right to Play Act | Capitol News Illinois
The bill passed last week by the Education Policy Committee with a 12-0 vote, and one member who voted “present.” It will now move to the full House for further consideration.
State Legislatures
This recent bill by the Illinois State Legislature is part of a recent trend that sees the involvement of politicians in the rules and regulations of state athletic associations across the US.
Most concerns of political pressure seems to have been on transfer issues facing student-athletes.
- IHSAA Approves Wide-Open Transfer Rules
- Kentucky High School Transfer Bill Introduced By Lawmakers…Follows Indiana Lead
- Illinois High School Association Schools Approve All Eight Proposals On Membership Ballot, New NIL Sections And Transfer Changes Approved
- Iowa Legislative Bills…Conference Help Is On The Way For Decorah and Waverly-Shell Rock
- Pennsylvania State Legislators Talk Private Vs Public Schools And Transfers
- Pennsylvania Bill Introduced To Separate Public and Private Schools State Championships
- UPDATED – Governor Does Not Line Veto Item: Ohio’s Budget Bill Includes Legislation On Athletic Eligibility Issues, OHSAA Concerned
- NFHS: Supporting High Schools, State Associations to Determine Eligibility, Transfer Rules
In the past many state athletic associations would not have been concerned about oversight by legislatures…that seems to be changing.
Stateline Sports Network 