Conservative lawmakers in Illinois are sounding the alarm about a bill that could drastically change homeschooling rules in the Prairie State.
The Homeschool Act, also referred to as HB2827, proposes that homeschooling parents must complete a “homeschool declaration form” to officially register with their local public school district.
Failure of parents to submit the form would result in their children being labeled as “truant, with corresponding penalties,” as outlined in the summary of the bill. Additionally, it necessitates the submission of documentation confirming that the children have received necessary immunizations and health check-ups if they intend to engage in public school activities.
The legislation specifies that if a child from a homeschooling program intends to attend public school on a part-time basis or participate in school-related events on or off-campus, the homeschool administrator must provide evidence of the child’s immunization records and health assessments or present a Certificate of Religious Exemption.
Conservatives at the Illinois General Assembly, seen here, have voiced opposition to the bill. (iStock)
“Make your voice heard and protect our right to homeschool!”
Chris Miller, a Republican representative in the Illinois House of Representatives, also called attention to the bill in a Facebook post.
“HB2827 is scheduled for the House Education Policy Committee tomorrow,” Miller wrote. “As a father of 7 homeschooled children, I find this bill to be a direct assault on families across Illinois!”
Some left-leaning politicians have also voiced concerns about HB2827. Illinois state representative La Shawn Ford, a Democrat, told local outlet The Center Square that he’s “not for it.”
The bill would require homeschooling parents to register their children to a public school district. (iStock )
“From the constituents that I’ve gotten calls from, I’m understanding why they don’t like it,” Ford is quoted as saying. “The loss of their autonomy, that’s a major concern that they lose the autonomy over their children, which is why they choose homeschooling. They want to have control over their children’s education, including the curriculum, how they teach and the philosophy.”
