87R6909 JES-D
 
  By: Lucio S.B. No. 776
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of an adaptive sports program by the
  University Interscholastic League to provide students with
  disabilities access to team sports.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  This Act may be cited as Zariah's Law.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 33.097 to read as follows:
         Sec. 33.097.  ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH
  DISABILITIES. (a) The University Interscholastic League shall
  ensure students with disabilities have an opportunity to
  participate in team athletic activities by establishing an adaptive
  sports program. In establishing the adaptive sports program, the
  league shall consider and incorporate as appropriate:
               (1)  federal guidance regarding providing access to
  extracurricular athletics for students with disabilities;
               (2)  guidance available from nationally recognized
  organizations that provide or promote adaptive athletics;
               (3)  information regarding adaptive sports programs
  that have been successfully implemented in other states or by
  nonprofit organizations; and
               (4)  input from school districts and the agency.
         (b)  In establishing the adaptive sports program, the
  University Interscholastic League shall, to the greatest extent
  possible, require:
               (1)  students who participate in the program to be
  subject to the same rules and requirements as students who
  participate in other athletic programs offered by the league,
  including:
                     (A)  grade and disciplinary requirements under
  Section 33.081(c); and
                     (B)  requirements related to student safety in
  athletic activities under this chapter and Chapter 38; and
               (2)  team sports provided through the program to be
  organized similarly to other athletic programs offered by the
  league, including with respect to team practices, seasonal play,
  and local and statewide competitions.
         (c)  In addition to using funds appropriated for the purpose,
  the University Interscholastic League may seek and accept gifts,
  grants, or donations of money from public and private sources for
  the purpose of establishing or expanding the adaptive sports
  program.
         (d)  The University Interscholastic League shall adopt rules
  as necessary to establish, maintain, and expand the adaptive sports
  program. The rules must:
               (1)  require that team sports offered through the
  program be available to students at public middle schools, junior
  high schools, and high schools in the state;
               (2)  establish eligibility requirements for
  participation in each team sport offered through the program; and
               (3)  identify best practices for school districts to
  incorporate adaptive sports.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.