College Station ISD told to decide by Sept. 1 whether to opt out of Senate Bill 401 for homeschoolers in UIL activities

District staff briefed the College Station ISD Board of Trustees on June 17 about changes in state law—Senate Bill 401—that alter how homeschool students may participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities at public schools.

A district staff member explained that prior to the 2024–25 school year, districts had to exercise board action to allow homeschool students into UIL activities. That requirement changed in the recent legislative session: the board must now take action by Sept. 1, 2025 to opt out. "If a board takes no action by September 1 of 2025, homeschool students are eligible to participate in all of our UIL activities," the staff member said.

Trustees asked about funding and logistics. One trustee observed, "we don't get funded on those kids," noting that districts do not receive additional state funding for homeschool students who participate in extracurricular activities. The staff member confirmed the district would not receive state funding for participating homeschool students and said the item will be brought to the board at the July meeting for potential action.

Background and next steps: staff said about 50 districts statewide had previously allowed homeschool participation under the old rule, but the change in law flips the default: districts must affirmatively opt out by Sept. 1 to restrict eligibility. The board will consider the item for action at the July meeting and must take any opt-out action prior to the statutory deadline.

No formal board vote was recorded during the workshop; staff will return with an action item for the July meeting so trustees can decide whether to opt out of Senate Bill 401’s default eligibility.