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IDAHO

New requirements proposed

Leaders of the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators (ICHE) recently received word that a new effort is being planned to restrict the freedom of Idaho homeschoolers.

Two Idaho senators plan to introduce a bill during the 2005 legislative session that would add new requirements to the existing homeschool law. Attorney Barry Peters of ICHE obtained a copy of the bill language, which would add the following new requirements:

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The bill would add this paragraph to A4 33-202 of the Idaho Code: "If the child will attend a home school, the parent or guardian shall file with the school district superintendent in the school district in which the child resides an affidavit of intent stating that the child is being provided instruction in a home school program. The affidavit of intent shall be on a form prescribed by the department of education and shall state the name, age and place of residence of the child."

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The bill also would change A4 33-207 to provide that the parent or guardian of any child who is not properly educated shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

While the bill is still just a proposal, Home School Legal Defense Association and ICHE will be keeping a close eye on its progress. If it continues to move forward, HSLDA will inform our members when and who to call in order to make sure these new requirements do not see the light of day.

— by Christopher J. Klicka