Senate passes contentious private school sports bill, advances opioid and public safety measures
The Kansas Senate approved a bill allowing non-accredited private school students to participate in nonpublic school activities, one of several bills passed in a busy session of final votes.
TOPEKA, Kan. — In a contentious 23-16 vote, the Kansas Senate on Thursday advanced SB 515, a bill that would permit non-accredited private school students, often homeschoolers, to participate in activities at nonpublic schools. The legislation, which also places a moratorium on certain interscholastic event rules, has sparked debate over competitive fairness and the role of the state's high school activities association. Proponents argue it provides equal opportunities for all students, while opponents, including some school administrators, have raised concerns about eligibility and oversight.
The chamber also gave overwhelming, bipartisan support to several public health and safety measures. Senators voted 39-0 to pass HB 2250, which expands the definition of emergency opioid antagonist to include expired doses for those rendering aid. The unanimous vote signals broad agreement on tackling the state's opioid crisis. Another bill, HB 2413, which makes livestock theft a severity level 5 nonperson felony, also passed unanimously.
House-originated bills now head to the governor's desk, while SB 515 goes to the House for further consideration.
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