SPRINGFIELD, IL…State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) issued the following statement after HB 2827, known as the “Homeschool Act,” passed committee, although over 41,000 individuals filed witness slips in opposition to the legislation.
The bill creates the “Homeschool Act” and mandates non-public schools to register with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), annually. The legislation then tasks ISBE with creating a “Homeschool Declaration Form” that must be used by homeschool parents to divulge personal information about their students and families. Failure to submit this form to the proper channel will result in truancy, which could lead to fines and imprisonment.
“This is just another example of government overreach that pushes residents out of our state,” said Rep. Halbrook. “This legislation will negatively impact many Illinois homeschooling families that have either left the classroom or decided to homeschool from the start to avoid the egregious amount of red tape that has infiltrated our public schools. I support homeschooling families and will continue to fight against these costly, unfair, and intrusive mandates.”
The bill passed committee, with all Republican members voting against the legislation. Thousands of homeschoolers and their families came to the Capitol to show their strong opposition towards the legislation.
To sign the petition in support of Homeschool Freedom, residents may visit RepHalbrook.com and click on quick link or by clicking the link here.
With questions, please reach out to Rep. Halbrook at (217) 342-0220 or by visiting RepHalbrook.com.
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