A measure intended to make it easier for homeschooled students to play sports on public school teams was given preliminary approval in the House of Delegates this afternoon.
House bill 947, sponsored by Del. Robert B. Bell, R-Albemarle, is scheduled for a final vote tomorrow.
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 child at home.
Opponents argue that 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.
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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