Bill validating school absence for rodeo participation moves forward

SALT LAKE — A bill to include rodeo participation as a valid excuse for missing high school classes is closer to becoming law.

“I’ve had some high school kids tell me this could be the best bill of the session, so pay attention,” said bill sponsor Sen. Michael McKell, R-Spanish Fork.

SB279 would expand the definition of a “valid excuse” for a school absence. Namely, it adds rodeo competitions sanctioned by certain organizations to the list.

“We’ve got an excused list with schools, and we are now adding kids that participate and compete in high school rodeo. They’ve kind of felt like they’ve been excluded from that too long, and this bill changes that,” said Sen. McKell.

Bill doesn’t excuse a school absence to attend rodeo

This bill would not excuse a school absence to watch a rodeo. It solely applies to those who compete in a rodeo “sanctioned by an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and character in youth through the sport of rodeo.”

“We rock it in rodeo,” said  McKell. “There’s been a couple of situations where these kids will go compete in nationals, will go compete in an event, and they are having struggles getting it excused.”

“We’ve got the High School Athletic Association and we call that a valid excuse, so now we’re going to call [events with] the High School Rodeo Association [a valid excuse].”

This bill passed through the Senate Education Committee and two hearings on the Senate Floor with little to no discussion.

“This is a good bill. If there is any reason to miss school, rodeo would be that reason,” said Sen. Derrin Owens, R-Fountain Green. “The things that these young people learn, taking care of their animals and performing in this sport. I love this bill.”

“Senator McKell has a great bill here. It’s part of our rural heritage. I think it should be an excused absence, I’ve thought that for years,” said Wade Garrett, Vice President of the Utah Farm Bureau.

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