Senate Bill 139: Regulation of Public Online Education Program

Author:
Senator Sue Windels (D-District 19)

Summary:
This bill establishes a state agency for the regulation of online education programs. The agency would be responsible for authorizing specific programs and enforcing agency guidelines. While this bill does not expressly create new online education programs, it is a formal establishment of the authority to do so.

Unfortunately these types of programs are often aimed at bringing homeschool students back into the public school arena by offering free equipment and curriculum to parents who enroll their children. This enrollment, however, waives the rights that many people in Colorado have fought hard to preserve. The government does not offer "free materials" without obligation.

Status:

01/31/2005		Introduced and placed in Senate Education Committee
02/17/2005		Passed by amendment out of Education Committee, referred to Appropriations Committee
04/01/2005		Referred to Senate Committee on Appropriations
04/07/2005		Referred to Senate Committee on Education
04/15/2005		Passed Senate Committee on Appropriations
04/20/2005		Passed Second Reading in the Senate
04/21/2005		Introduced In House - Assigned to Education + Finance + Appropriations
04/21/2005		Senate Third Reading Passed
04/26/2005		Referred to House Committee on Education
04/27/2005		Referred to House Committee on Finance
04/29/2005		Passed House Committee on Appropriations
05/03/2005		Passed House Second Reading
05/04/2005		Passed House Third Reading
05/05/2005		Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA is opposed to this bill.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Other Resources

Bill Text