RICHMOND, Va.— A measure to allow home-schooled students to play public school sports has died in the Virginia Senate, but a version remains alive in the House.

The bill’s sponsor pulled his legislation in the Senate’s Education and Health Committee Thursday. But the committee still could consider the issue if a version up for final passage in the House is approved.

Last year, the same Senate committee voted 8-7 to kill the so-called “Tebow bill” — a reference to New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, who was home-schooled but played high school football and won a Heisman Trophy at the University of Florida.

Supporters say home-schooled children deserve the opportunity to play because their parents pay taxes to support public schools. Opponents say parents know the consequences of home-schooling their children.

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