JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri House panel has approved a proposal to allow homeschooled students to play sports at public schools.
A House education committee voted 9-2 Monday in favor of the measure.
Republican Rep. Elijah Haahr of Springfield's bill would allow homeschool high school students to participate in activities sponsored by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Homeschooled students would have the same opportunity to try out for sports in their home district as their peers in traditional public schools.
The bill states they'd be subject to the same eligibility and performance requirements as other students, such as grade standards.
But Democrat Ira Anders of Independence said there's less state oversight of homeschooled students and their grades, which might give them an advantage over public school athletes trying out for teams.