Committee hears bill to let nonpublic, virtual and Kansas Academy students join district activities; KSHSAA raises competitive-balance concerns

Senate Bill 114 would amend KSA 72-71-21 to authorize nonpublic and virtual-school students to participate in ancillary activities at the public school district where they reside and to prohibit discrimination by districts or the Kansas State High School Activities Association based on enrollment status, the bill's reviser told the House Committee on Education.

The bill's language also was amended to make students enrolled at the Kansas Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) eligible to participate on the same basis as resident students; the reviser said the Senate passed SB 114 on a final vote of 32 to 8 and the changes would take effect July 1.

Students and families described local incidents they said the bill would prevent. Bryce Stephan and another CAMS student described being barred from CASSA‑regulated postseason participation and asked…