Senate Bill 59: Homeschool Freedom Bill

Author:
Senator Mark Madsen

Summary:
This bill would clarify Utah homeschool law by taking away the school district's "approval" power. It provides that a school-age minor shall be excused from attendance upon the filing of an affidavit by the parent stating that the child will be homeschooled.

Furthermore, this bill makes it clear that a parent is in charge of the child's education. It states that:

• The parent is solely responsible for the selection of instructional materials and textbooks, though the required subjects must be taught.
  
• The parent is solely responsible for the time, place, and method of instruction, though a child must be taught "for the same length of time as minors are required to receive instruction in public schools."
  
• A school board may not require a parent to keep records of instruction or attendance.
  
• A school board may not require credentials for individuals homeschooling their children.
  
• A school board may not inspect homeschool facilities.
  
• A school board may not require standardized or other testing of homeschool students.
  

Status:

01/28/2005		(S) Introduced
01/31/2005		(S) Referred to Senate Education Committee
02/02/2005		(S) Senate Education Committee - favorable recommendation
02/03/2005		(S) Senate 2nd reading calendar report favorable
02/15/2005		(S) Senate/ Pass 2nd
02/16/2005		(S) Senate/ To House with amendments
02/17/2005		(H) House/ Read 1st time (Introduced)
02/18/2005		(H) House/ To standing House Education Committee
02/25/2005		(h) House/ Read 2nd time (under suspension)
02/28/2005		(H) House/ Read 3rd time
02/28/2005		(H) House/ Passed 3rd reading
03/01/2005		Enroll draft
03/18/2005		Governor signed

Action Requested:
This bill is now law. No action is required.

HSLDA's Position:
Strongly support! This bill would clarify Utah's homeschool law and greatly increase every parent's freedom to educate their children at home. It would also decrease governmental intrusion into a parent's decisions for their children.

Other Resources

Mar-01-2005 — Utah--Update - Homeschool Freedom Bill Passes House of Representatives

Feb-18-2005 — Utah--Update-Homeschool Freedom Bill Passes Senate

Feb-03-2005 — Utah--Update--Call Now for Homeschool Freedom

Feb-02-2005 — Utah--Call now for homeschool freedom!

Jan-31-2005 — Utah--E-mails needed: Bill introduced to expand homeschool freedoms!

Bill Text