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Bill

SB 114

Authorizing nonpublic and virtual school students to participate in ancillary public school activities and making it unlawful for the Kansas state high school activities association and school districts to discriminate against such students based on enrollment status.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas law now requires public schools to allow private and virtual school students to join extracurricular activities, prohibiting enrollment-based discrimination by districts and the state activities association.

Enrolled and presented to Governor on Monday, March 31, 2025
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Bill Summary · SB 114

Legislative bill overview

SB 114 requires Kansas public school districts and the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) to allow students enrolled in nonpublic and virtual schools to participate in ancillary public school activities (such as sports, clubs, and competitions). The bill prohibits discrimination against these students based on their enrollment status and has been signed into law as of April 7, 2025.

Why is this important

This law expands access to extracurricular opportunities for approximately 100,000+ Kansas students who attend private, charter, or online schools but previously could not compete in or join public school activities. It affects participation in high school athletics, academic competitions, and student organizations—activities that can influence college admissions, social development, and community engagement. The policy also creates new administrative obligations for public school districts regarding eligibility verification and resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource and capacity concerns: Public schools may face increased costs for facilities, transportation, equipment, and coaching staff without corresponding funding increases to accommodate additional participants.
  • Competitive fairness and recruitment: Private and virtual school students gaining access to public school athletic programs could create perceived competitive imbalances or allow students to "choose" the best athletic opportunities, potentially disadvantaging traditional public school athletes.
  • Accountability and oversight gaps: Nonpublic schools have less regulatory oversight than public schools; questions arise about whether private school students meet the same academic and behavioral standards required of public school participants.

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

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