MONTGOMERY — Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 342, known as the “Let the Kids Play!” Act, into law. The legislation is intended to reinforce existing state law and prevent discrimination against students participating in athletics while benefiting from Alabama’s CHOOSE Act.
According to the governor’s office, the law aims to ensure that students are not denied athletic eligibility solely because their families participate in the CHOOSE Act, a program designed to expand educational opportunities for students across the state.
“The Let the Kids Play Act stands up for students and families who followed the law and played by the rules,” Ivey said. “The CHOOSE Act was designed to expand educational opportunities for all Alabama students, not to be twisted to take it away. That is why I was proud to sign this bill into law. Every child deserves a fair shot both in the classroom and on the field.”
During her State of the State address, Ivey referenced concerns involving the Alabama High School Athletic Association(AHSAA), noting instances in which student-athletes were sidelined due to their participation in the CHOOSE Act. She also referenced legal action taken in response to those decisions.
“Unfortunately, we have seen circumstances where the Alabama High School Athletic Association tried sidelining our CHOOSE Act recipients,” Ivey said. “This session, Rep. Danny Garrett and Sen. Clyde Chambliss will carry the Let the Kids Play Act to make sure no family benefitting from the CHOOSE Act is unfairly benched again.”
The new law establishes a formal process for students and schools to challenge potential violations of the CHOOSE Act’s nondiscrimination provisions. It applies specifically in cases where a student’s participation in the CHOOSE Act is the sole reason for denial of athletic eligibility.
At the same time, the legislation maintains that interscholastic athletic associations may continue enforcing rules that apply equally to all students, regardless of their participation in the CHOOSE Act.
Clyde Chambliss, who sponsored the bill, said the measure strengthens protections for student-athletes.
“This legislation reinforces the core promise of the CHOOSE Act by ensuring that no student is denied the opportunity to participate in athletics solely because of their educational choice,” Chambliss said. “By establishing clear enforcement mechanisms, we are ensuring that every student has a fair and equal chance to compete.”
Danny Garrett, who carried the legislation in the House, highlighted the broader role of athletics in student development.
“Participation in athletics is a vital part of a student’s overall development, and this bill ensures that CHOOSE Act students are treated equally both in the classroom and on the field,” Garrett said. “With real accountability measures in place, this legislation ensures that no student is treated differently because of their participation in the CHOOSE Act.”
The “Let the Kids Play!” Act took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.
