Overview

• The Illinois Homeschool Act (HB2827) passed the Education Policy Committee with an 8-4 vote and will now be debated on the state House floor.
• The bill proposes mandatory registration for homeschooling families, requiring submission of a 'Homeschool Declaration Form' to local public schools.
• Failure to comply with the bill's requirements could result in truancy charges and a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
• Proponents, including the bill's sponsor Rep. Terra Costa Howard, argue the legislation addresses gaps in oversight to ensure children receive adequate education.
• Opponents, including homeschooling families and advocacy groups, criticize the bill as government overreach, citing concerns over parental rights, privacy, and potential disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities.