SF 2066 (LSB 5775XS (2) 90)

SENATE FILE 2066

BY  DONAHUE

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  280.13D  Students with individualized education programs —— eligibility for extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.
   1.  The lead special education teacher described in a student’s individualized education program shall determine whether the student is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions provided by the public school or nonpublic school in which the student is enrolled. A coach or athletic director employed by the public school or a nonpublic school shall not determine whether such student is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.
   2.  When determining whether a student with an individualized education program is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions provided by a public school or a nonpublic school pursuant to subsection 1, the lead special education teacher shall consider the student’s record of attendance and whether the student is attaining passing grades in the student’s classes.
   3.  This section shall not apply to students who require special education under chapter 256B and who have severe and profound disabilities.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs (IEP) to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.
   The bill provides that the lead special education teacher described in a student’s IEP shall determine whether the student is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions provided by a public school or a nonpublic school. The bill establishes that a coach or athletic director employed by the public school or nonpublic school shall not determine whether such student is eligible to participate.
   The bill provides that, when determining whether a student with an IEP is eligible to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions, the lead special education teacher is required to consider the student’s record of attendance and whether the student is attaining passing grades in the student’s classes.
   The bill’s provisions do not apply to students who require special education and who have severe and profound disabilities.