PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL SPORTS

SB 465 prevents New Mexico schools from barring students from participating in school sports based on prior participation at another school, club sports, or athletic training camps. It allows eighth-grade students to join high school sports teams without losing future eligibility and permits private schools to offer sports scholarships. The bill directly affects student-athletes, especially those transferring schools, participating in non-school sports, or attending training camps, ensuring they face no penalty for these activities. Key provisions include removing eligibility restrictions for these scenarios and defining "athletic activity" as sports regulated by the New Mexico Activities Association. The bill was referred to committees but was postponed indefinitely in June 2025.