'Tebow Bill' Up for Vote. What Do You Think?

The Virginia House of Delegates is preparing to vote on a bill that would require public schools to allow the participation of home-schooled students before joining any organization that governs interscholastic programs.

The Washington Post posted a story about the legislation — gaining attention at “the Tebow bill” after Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow— as well as a feature. Tebow was home-schooled, but participated in local high school sports, which is allowed in Florida.

Three members of Loudoun's delegation to the General Assembly are on the House Education Committee that supported the bill and sent it to the full chamber floor. Dels. Thomas A. "Tag" Greason (R-32) and James M. LeMunyon (R-67) supported the bill, while Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-86) voted against it.

In addition, Dels. J. Randall "Randy" Minchew (R-10) and David I. Ramadan (R-87) are chief co-patrons of the bill.

As currently amended, the bill would expire in 2017. What do you think the proposed legislation? Submit your comments below and vote in the poll.

House Bill 947:

Nonpublic school students; participation in interscholastic programs. Prohibits public schools from joining an organization governing interscholastic programs that does not deem eligible for participation a student who (i) is receiving home instruction, (ii) has demonstrated evidence of progress for two years, (iii) is entitled to free tuition in a public school, (iv) has not reached the age of 19 by August 1 of the current school year, (v) is an amateur who receives no compensation, but participates solely for the educational, physical, mental, and social benefits of the activity, (vi) complies with all disciplinary rules applicable to all public high school athletes, and (vii) complies with all other rules governing awards, all-star games, parental consents, and physical examinations applicable to all high school athletes. The bill allows such students to be charged reasonable fees for participation.

An amendment adds the following language after line 28, introduced:
2. That the provisions of this act shall expire on June 30, 2017