A House committee in Illinois voted 8-4 to advance the Homeschool Act, which would impose new regulations on homeschooling. The bill mandates that families notify school districts when they choose to homeschool, and requires parents to have at least a high school diploma. It also allows education officials to request proof of teaching materials if there’s concern about a child’s education.
Supporters, including Rep. Terra Costa Howard, argue that the bill is necessary for child protection, citing cases of abuse linked to homeschooling. Opponents, including homeschool advocates, criticize it as an overreach that could disproportionately affect low-income families and lead to harassment. They submitted over 40,000 witness slips against the bill, arguing there’s no evidence that homeschool children are at greater risk of abuse.
The debate highlighted tensions between parental rights and government oversight, with supporters insisting the measure is a safeguard for vulnerable children.
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