TN HB1785

Local education agencies (LEAs) must allow private school students to participate in interscholastic athletics at public high schools if the private school serves fewer than 200 students and is located within the LEA's boundaries.

Eligible students must reside within the LEA's geographic boundaries, meet the athletic association's eligibility requirements, and may only participate at the public high school they are zoned to attend.

The bill guarantees private school students the right to try out for teams but does not guarantee they will make the team or override coaches' authority in roster decisions.

Athletic associations retain full authority to establish, modify, and enforce eligibility rules, including those specific to private school students.

Effective July 1, 2026, applying to the 2026-2027 school year and thereafter.