A bill that could change who has final say on student transfer eligibility, referee calls for MSHSAA waits governor approval
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A bill that could change who has the final say on high school sports and activities appeals is sitting on the governor’s desk after months of back-and-forth with the private nonprofit that organizes many of Missouri’s interscholastic activities.
Senate Bill 863 would create a governor-appointed oversight commission for the Missouri State High School Activities Association. The five-member commission would have the final say on appeals that have either exhausted MSHSAA’s appeals process or were made directly with the board.
The oversight board is supposed to be an independent voice for students and their families, so that it’s not just MSHSAA making decisions, say its supporters.
“What people felt like is when they went through the appeals process through MSHSAA, that MSHSAA was making judgment calls on their officials,” bill sponsor Sen. Jason Bean (R-Holcomb) said.
The bill has changed considerably since it was introduced in December, when it included more oversight over MSHSAA. MSHSAA released a statement noting the bill and a Senate substitute bill looked like a possible “government takeover.”
“We’re happy with the final version,” MSHSAA’s Executive Director Jennifer Rukstad told ABC 17 News in an interview. “Being a private nonprofit, ultimately, no government interference would be ideal.”
Rukstad said that MSHSAA isn’t opposed to having an oversight commission.
“If we can figure out ways to be as fair as possible, and if our state government wants to have some say in that, ultimately, it’s not a bad thing,” Rukstad said.
The bill was approved by both chambers and sent to the governor’s desk in late April and is now awaiting his signature. Kehoe said the bill is being reviewed by his office now.
“They just wanted some accountability, parents, coaches, teachers, etc., as well as the student athletes,” Kehoe said. “We believe this bill gives a little more accountability and still allows us to have a great system here in Missouri.”
The bill is one of Kehoe’s legislative priorities, and he announced his support during his State of the State Address in January. If signed, the oversight commission would begin reviewing appeals in the 2027-28 school year.
After avoiding what appeared to be a brief attempt at a total state takeover of high school sports, MSHSAA also faces a discrimination lawsuit over a board policy.
Tune into ABC 17 News at 6 p.m. on Thursday to learn more about the state's oversight of MSHSAA.
