Alabama lawmakers threaten to dismantle athletic association after new rule

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — High school athletes that transfer schools using financial aid like the CHOOSE Act are ineligible to play for one year, according to the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

State leaders said there will be consequences if this rule is not changed.

A $7,000 tax credit in the CHOOSE Act allows students to change schools and cover their expenses. State Sen. Chris Elliot, R-Josephine, said those state dollars enable students to get a better education. As it’s written in the law, Elliott explained the CHOOSE Act has no bearing on a student-athlete’s eligibility.

“It is tough for me to see where the Alabama High School Athletic Association thinks their rules trump the law of the state of Alabama, which says nothing shall impact a player’s eligibility,” Elliot said. “It is just as clear as a bell.”

That eligibility allows athletes to flourish on and off the field, according to state Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika. While he disagrees with the CHOOSE Act overall, he said the AHSAA needs more oversight.

“It was meant for people to be able to choose … whether it was for education reasons, athletic reasons,” Gray said. “Give them an opportunity. So for them to come down with this ruling, I feel like it’s kind of a slap in the face to the legislature.”

State Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham, said the legislature should repeal or revise the CHOOSE Act in 2026. He said, however, the association’s rule is targeting student athletes.

“I do know that their concern is fairness and fair play, and I get that because that should absolutely be priority,” Datcher said. “But it should not come at the expense of the experiences and opportunities that our young men and women have.”

State Sen. Lance Bell, R-Pell City, said his colleagues are talking about dismantling the association altogether.

“That’s just a kick in the teeth,” Bell said. “That’s why we specifically put in the CHOOSE Act that these kids are entitled to do anything and everything at the school they left.”

CBS 42 reached out to the AHSAA for an interview.

“NO one is in the office today,” AHSAA Director of Communications Ron Ingram stated.