Senate Committee on Education considered a committee substitute to Senate Bill 401, sponsored by Senator Paxton, to simplify homeschool students' access to University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities.

What the substitute does: The proposal changes the default mechanism from “opt in” to “opt out,” so districts would be treated as permitting homeschool participation unless the local board votes to opt out. It also authorizes a homeschool student residing in a district that declines to permit homeschool participation to compete through the nearest district that permits homeschool participation.

Witnesses and concerns: Anita Scott of the Texas Homeschool Coalition and other homeschool parents and advocates testified in favor, saying the change would expand opportunities—especially in rural areas where nearby districts may not currently permit homeschool participation. Testimony emphasized increased access and community benefits; witnesses pointed out that fewer than 50 districts had opted in under the prior law and that implementation problems had not been reported by participating districts.

UIL perspective: Jamie Harrison, executive director of the UIL, told the committee that the program has not produced examples of gaming or competitive imbalance in districts that allow homeschoolers. He noted UIL rulemaking has attempted to create a parallel eligibility path for homeschoolers and described existing safeguards (e.g., eligibility hearings for students who move districts within 12 months). Committee members asked about competitive fairness and funding implications; sponsors and witnesses said districts retain full discretion and that the change is intended to reduce burdens on parents seeking access.

Disposition: Public testimony was extensive; the committee confirmed a quorum and left the committee substitute pending subject to the call of the chair.

Provenance: Sponsor remarks, multiple witness testimonies (Anita Scott, Crystal Hedinger, Tammy Kresche, Jamie Harrison) and committee Q&A are recorded in the transcript.