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 known as HB2827, would mandate homeschooling parents to fill out a “homeschool declaration form” that would essentially register them in their nearest public school district.
The children of parents who don’t fill out the form are considered “truant, with penalties applying,” according to the bill’s synopsis. It also requires documentation of immunizations and health examinations for children who wish to participate in public school activities.
“[If a] child in a homeschool program seeks to enroll part time in a public school or participate in any public-school activities taking place on or off of school grounds, the homeschool administrator must submit proof that the child has received all required immunizations and health examinations or a signed Certificate of Religious Exemption,” the text states.
The bill also “sets forth requirements for homeschool administrators and programs and reporting requirements.”
“[The bill] makes conforming and other changes in the Freedom of Information Act, the School Code, and the Illinois School Student Records Act, including requiring (rather than allowing) nonpublic schools to register with the State Board of Education,” the synopsis concludes.