Governor Signs Two Good Bills
    In legislative matters, home schoolers are typically seen as being on the defensive, asking their legislators to vote against further regulations and reductions of freedom. This year in Arizona, that trend has been reversed in the case of two bills addressing fair treatment of home schoolers.
    On April 26, Governor Jane Dee Hull signed both bills. The first, Senate Bill 1282, was written by a 17-year-old home school graduate, Bethany Lewis, whose father, Tom, is legislative Liaison for Arizona Families for Home Education. S.B. 1282 will give home school graduates access to regents scholarships for the three Arizona state universities. The new law requires these universities to treat home schoolers fairly and consistently when it comes to scholarship and tuition waivers. The universities must provide another method of evaluation besides class standing for home schoolers and shall report to the board of regents each year the number of scholarships provided to home schoolers.
    Second, House Bill 2129, introduced by Debra L. Brimhall (R-4), requires public schools to allow home schoolers in the district to try out for interscholastic competitions. Should the school decline, the student may be allowed to participate in any other school’s interscholastic activities. The parent providing the home instruction must submit written verification that the student is receiving a passing grade in each course or subject being taught, and that the student is making satisfactory progress toward advancement or promotion.
    The success of this legislation points to what can happen when a home school organization like AFHE has earned the right to be heard because of their long-term credibility. Much of this credit must go to the Lord because He has opened up doors for AFHE to be heard.