UT SB0271

Summary of S.B. 271: High School Activities Governance

• Creates the Office of Interscholastic Activities within the State Board of Education to govern high school athletic and extracurricular activities, including establishing rules for student eligibility, transfers, recruiting, classification, and alignment of schools.

• Allows the new office to contract with a private association (such as the Utah High School Activities Association) through a memorandum of understanding to manage day-to-day operations like scheduling events, venue logistics, and official training.

• Establishes an Interscholastic Activities Advisory Council composed of school representatives, athletic directors, coaches, parents, and at least one student athlete to draft rules, resolve eligibility appeals, and adopt classification models for school regions.

• Requires the State Board of Education to report annually to the Education Interim Committee on eligibility appeals data, financial transparency, realignment models, and office performance.

• Takes effect July 1, 2027, and repeals the existing appeals panel structure under Section 53G-7-1106.