House committee approves bill to track student-athletes’ eligibility, transition plans

BIRMINGHAM — Public high school athletes may soon receive structured guidance on maintaining NCAA eligibility and planning for post-graduation life under legislation that cleared its first major hurdle Wednesday. The House Education Policy Committee unanimously approved a bill that would require schools to begin monitoring students’ academic progress toward NCAA standards as early as freshman year.

If enacted, the measure would create a formal tracking system designed to ensure that athletes remain on course to meet collegiate athletic eligibility requirements throughout their high school careers. In addition to academic oversight, the bill mandates that schools provide transition-planning resources to prepare student-athletes for opportunities after graduation, whether in higher education, vocational training, or the workforce.