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Bill Summary · HB 3485

Overview

HB 3485 (Missouri, 2026) would authorize private school students to participate in extracurricular activities at public schools under specified conditions. The bill targets private schools that are not members of a statewide athletic association and allows eligible students to try out for and participate in sports or activities offered by the local public school district or a charter school, provided the activity is not offered by the private school.

Main purpose and intent

  • Expand opportunities for private school students to participate in public school activities, particularly when the activity is not available at the private school.
  • Ensure participation is contingent on meeting certain requirements and consistent with existing rules for other students participating in public school activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 167.790):

    • Clarifies terms: Athletics, Eligible school (FPE schools, full-time virtual programs, or home schools), Eligible student, Event or activity, Fine arts activities, Integrated cocurricular activities, and Private school (as defined by state law).
    • Establishes that a private school not belonging to a statewide athletic association can be considered an eligible school for a private school student, if the requested event or activity is not offered by the private school but is offered by the local public school district or charter school where the student resides.

  • Participation rights (Section 167.790, subsections 3 and 4):

    • A school district or charter school shall not prohibit an eligible student from participating in events or activities offered by the local public school or charter school, contingent on any applicable tryout.
    • A district or charter school shall not require an eligible student to attend classes or enroll in the private school’s district for the purpose of participation.

  • Conditions on participation (Subsection 5; new numbering):

    • Subsection 5 allows districts to require participation in certain instructional components when they are integral to the activity (e.g., fine arts with in-course instruction, career and technical student organizations with applied learning, or integrated cocurricular activities requiring specific coursework during the school day).

  • Disciplinary and eligibility policies (Subsection 6, formerly 5):

    • Districts may establish disciplinary/attendance policies for required participation aspects.
    • Policies must be applied uniformly to all students trying out or participating.
    • The bill clarifies that no separate policy may be created specifically for eligible private-school students regarding these activities.

  • Eligibility and enrollment rules (Subsection 8; previously 8 in draft):

    • To be eligible, a student must show residency within the district/attendance area, provide a physical for sports with relevant medical details, comply with behavior and conduct standards, and meet financial requirements applicable to public school or charter school participants.
    • Records created under this section must remain confidential except as required by law.

  • Miscellaneous:

    • The term “event or activity” is restricted to athletics, fine arts, integrated cocurricular activities, or related activities; other miscellaneous extracurriculars are not automatically included.
    • No district is required to create or must avoid creating policies that exclude eligible private-school students from other non-listed gatherings.

Who is affected

  • Private school students enrolled in private schools that are not members of a statewide athletic association.
  • Local public school districts and charter schools in Missouri.
  • Private schools that may currently offer no equivalent programs for certain activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and sponsorship: Rep. Hurlbert; co-sponsored by Josh Hurlbert.
  • Action timeline (as of provided text):
    • 2026-02-26: Introduced and read First Time
    • 2026-02-27: Read Second Time
    • 2026-05-15: Referred to Emerging Issues (H) committee
  • The bill would become operative upon passage and could require further implementation guidance through state rules or department guidance for residency verification, enrollment status, and eligibility determinations.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Access: Potentially increases participation opportunities for private school students in public school activities when not offered by their private school.
  • Equity and logistics: Requires districts to apply consistent policies and manage cross-district participation, including eligibility verification, medical disclosures, and cost requirements.
  • Compliance: Districts must ensure privacy of student records and avoid race- or school-status discrimination while implementing participation rules.
  • Next steps: Requires passage by the General Assembly and any subsequent regulatory rules or guidance from relevant Missouri education authorities.

If you’d like, I can tailor this into a one-page brief for policymakers or a lobby-ready summary for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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