Ohio House Passes Legislation Pertaining to High School Physical Education Requirements

State Representative Mike Henne (R-Clayton) today applauded the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of House Bill 113, which specifies that school districts and chartered nonpublic schools may excuse from high school physical education those students who participate in a school-sponsored athletic club.

“High school students participate in various types of activities that require a commitment to physical activity, yet do not meet the current guidelines to exempt them from the physical education requirement,” said Rep. Henne, who sponsored the legislation with State Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood). “House Bill 113 would allow each school district and chartered nonpublic school to determine which school-sponsored athletic clubs would meet the requirements. Our state is diverse with different interests, and it just makes sense that this issue should be more locally controlled.”

Under current law, a school district board or chartered nonpublic school governing authority may adopt a policy under which it may excuse from high school physical education students who, during high school, participate in 1.) interscholastic athletics, marching band, or cheerleading for at least two full seasons, or 2.) Junior ROTC for two full school years.

House Bill 113 includes athletic club participation as a waivable activity with the same requirements.

House Bill 113 passed with strong bipartisan support and will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.