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House approves new high-school transfer rule for athletes and passes a package of bills
Summary
The Arkansas House on March 12 approved House Bill 16-33, changing when students must sit out after high-school transfers for athletic eligibility and adopted a batch of other bills ranging from tax credits to criminal statutes. The chamber also recorded votes on more than a dozen measures during a busy floor session.
Representative Brooks, the sponsor, told colleagues House Bill 16-33 "is actually fairly simple and straightforward," saying the measure aims to reduce high-school transfer churn in athletics.
The bill allows a high-school student to transfer schools without limitation up to June 1 before their rising 10th-grade year; after that date any subsequent transfers require the student to sit out 365 days before regaining athletic eligibility. Brooks told members the language was negotiated with school leaders and that "84% of our public schools agreed upon this language." He said the change is intended to prevent a transfer-portal dynamic in high-school athletics.
Representative Wheaton asked whether private schools were included; Brooks responded that the rules are "equitable across the board" and apply to all schools under the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA).
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