A new bill, HB2827, known as the Homeschool Act, is currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly. Introduced on February 6, 2025, by Representatives Terra Costa Howard (D – 42), Michelle Mussman (D – 56), and Kelly M. Cassidy (D – 14), the bill aims to establish a framework for homeschooling in Illinois, addressing notification, requirements, and oversight.

Key Provisions of the Homeschool Act

The proposed legislation seeks to create a more structured environment for homeschooling in Illinois. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

• Homeschool Declaration Form: The State Board of Education (ISBE) would be required to create a standardized Homeschool Declaration Form by June 1, 2026, and make it available online by July 1, 2026. This form would be used by homeschool administrators to notify the principal of the public school or the school district that the homeschooled child would otherwise attend.
• Notification Requirement: Beginning August 1, 2026, homeschool administrators would be required to submit the Homeschool Declaration Form annually. Failure to do so would result in the child being considered truant, with associated penalties.
• Curriculum and Qualifications: The bill mandates that homeschooled children receive instruction in core subjects such as language arts, mathematics, sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health. Homeschool administrators must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Health Requirements: If a homeschooled child seeks to enroll part-time in a public school or participate in public school activities, the homeschool administrator must provide proof of required immunizations and health examinations or a signed Certificate of Religious Exemption.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Regional offices of education and intermediate service centers would be required to collect and store information on homeschooled children and report data annually to the State Superintendent of Education. ISBE would then compile a report for the General Assembly.

Rationale Behind the Legislation

The bill’s synopsis highlights the increasing prevalence of homeschooling and the perceived need for better protection and oversight of homeschooled children. It states that current laws do not adequately address situations where notification of a child’s schooling type could help reduce vulnerabilities to abuse and neglect. The bill’s findings emphasize that the requirements for homeschooling are in the best interests of children to receive a safe and sufficient education.

Impact on Homeschooling Families

If passed, the Homeschool Act would introduce new requirements for families choosing to homeschool in Illinois. These include:

• Increased Accountability: Homeschool administrators would be required to formally notify the state of their homeschooling activities and ensure their children receive instruction in core subjects.
• Potential for Oversight: Regional offices of education could request educational portfolios to assess the adequacy of the homeschool program.
• Access to Public School Resources: The bill encourages public schools to offer programming to homeschooled students and families and to have open communication with homeschool families.

Broader Implications

The bill also includes changes to the Freedom of Information Act, the School Code, and the Illinois School Student Records Act. Notably, it mandates that all non-public schools, including those not home-based, register with the State Board of Education. The bill seeks to ensure that non-public schools meet certain standards, including health and safety requirements and background checks for employees.

Next Steps

HB2827 is currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly. It will need to pass through the legislative process, including committee hearings and votes in both the House and Senate, before potentially being signed into law by the Governor. The bill’s implementation, if passed, would begin with the creation of the Homeschool Declaration Form and the establishment of reporting procedures, with the majority of the requirements going into effect in 2026 and 2027.