Bill would open public-school activities

A bill that would allow home-schoolers and private school students to participate in public school clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities received preliminary approval from the Senate Friday.

Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, said some districts do well with embracing un-enrolled students while others bar students from participating. SB81 would allow those students to participate in all districts across the board.

They would be permitted to be involved in any of the activities in their neighborhood school.

"They can still try out for the team — they may not make it, but they can still try out," Madsen said.

He said that since private school and home school families are helping to pay for public education, it is only fair they are granted the ability to participate if they choose.