Virtual students could try out for zoned schools under bill reported favorably

Summary

HB 363 would allow students enrolled in virtual schools to try out for athletic teams and participate in extracurricular activities at the public school where they are zoned, provided they meet the same GPA and conduct standards as peers; the committee reported the bill favorably and heard testimony from virtual‑school students.

Representative Jacob Landry told the House Education Committee that HB 363 simply extends an existing framework (which already covers home‑study students) to students enrolled in virtual public schools, giving them the opportunity—but not the guarantee—to try out for athletics and participate in extracurricular activities at their zone school.

Rep. Landry and supporters said the bill levels the playing field for students in online programs who are nevertheless part of Louisiana communities. The committee heard on‑the-record testimony from students at University View Academy: Sadie Petrie described athletics as more than a game, saying participation builds belonging and life skills; Vincent Petrie described how access to high school sports affects his long‑term goal of playing college baseball. Rep. Landry estimated the measure could affect about 7,000 students who currently lack such opportunities.

Members clarified that participation would be at the zoned school (where the student would attend based on residence) and subject to the same academic and discipline standards as other students. The committee moved HB 363 favorably by voice vote with no objections recorded in the transcript.