Transfer bill presented to Governor

Posted Apr 13, 2012 by Rick Harmon

Updated Apr 13, 2012 at 01:16 PM

House Bill 1403, recently approved by the House and Senate, has been presented to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.

Under this bill, any high school, including a traditional public school, a charter school, a private school, a virtual school, and a home education cooperative, is eligible for membership in the Florida High School Athletic Association. Membership, however, is voluntary.

It also clarifies eligibility for transfer students, so that they can continue to play as long as their transfer is approved by the local district school board.

The FHSAA will be required to adopt bylaws for the following:

• Required background screening for investigators and reasonable conditions under which investigations can take place.

• Sanctions for coaches who have committed major violations.

• Procedures and standards for student eligibility determination.

Due process protections will be preserved for student eligibility appeals when new evidence is available.

If approved by the Governor, which was passed 21-18 by the Senate and 78-24 by the House, will take effect July 1.