A measure intended to make it easier for home-schooled students to play sports on public school teams was given preliminary approval in the House of Delegates Tuesday.
House Bill 947, sponsored by Del. Robert B. Bell, R-Albemarle, is scheduled for a final vote today. Supporters of the so-called Tim Tebow bill, nicknamed for the once home-schooled Denver Broncos quarterback, argue that they pay taxes that support the public schools but, for various reasons, choose to educate their children at home.
Del. Brenda L. Pogge, R-James City, said about 32,000 families that home-school live in Virginia.
"This bill is about … equal opportunity for the children of Virginia," she said.
Opponents say it would create an unlevel playing field. Children who attend public schools are on similar schedules — rising early to catch the bus, meeting their academic requirements, practicing and running drills for the same amount of time.
"The bill, as currently written, would take away the level playing field," said Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax.
Twenty-two states give home-schoolers some type of access to public school classes or sports, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.
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