A bill allowing students enrolled in nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular sports provided by public schools passed the Iowa House of Representatives on Wednesday with 56 votes in favor of the measure. House File 2553 received approval from most of the Republicans as well as Democrat State Representatives Chuck Isenhart and Kenan Judge.
Democrat State Rep. Sue Cahill said parents who choose a nonpublic school know what that school offers when they make a decision to attend the nonpublic school. She said at some point the state has to stop shifting resources to nonpublic schools.
Democrat State Rep. Sharon Steckman acknowledged she voted yes in committee but heard a compelling argument that led to a change of mind. Steckman said the decision should be up to the Iowa High School Athletic Association, not the legislature.
Republican State Representatives Jane Bloomingdale, Austin Harris, Chad Ingels, Shannon Latham, Tom Moore, Ray Sorensen and David Young voted against it.
