BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama political leaders and the state’s high school sports association are at odds over how to apply athletic eligibility rules to students using CHOOSE Act funds, with the AHSAA saying the program counts as financial aid and legislators arguing it does not.

On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter announced legal action against AHSAA. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth said he’ll pursue legislation addressing the matter.

At stake is whether student-athletes who use state education savings account funds must sit out a year when they change schools. The dispute has sparked confusion for families and frustration among lawmakers who say AHSAA is defying legislative intent.

By classifying CHOOSE Act education savings accounts as financial aid, AHSAA is ap

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