SC bill allows homeschoolers to play sports

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Home-schooled students in South Carolina could play sports at their local public school under a measure advanced by a Senate panel.

An education subcommittee voted 6-3 Wednesday on a bill giving homeschool students access to athletics and other extracurricular activities at the school they’d otherwise attend.

Officials estimate that 18,000 students are taught at home in South Carolina. How many would pursue the option is unknown.

Oran Smith of the Palmetto Family Council says 28 states already allow it.

Opponents include the South Carolina High School League, which regulates high school and middle school sports. Commissioner Jerome Singleton says its members believe students should attend the school they represent.

A bill under debate on the Senate floor would give the option to students in charter schools that don’t offer sports.