Illinois parents oppose new homeschooling registration bill

Parents and lawmakers in Illinois are worried about a proposed homeschooling bill called HB2827. This bill could change the way homeschooling works in the state. The bill would require parents who homeschool their children to fill out a "homeschool declaration form." This form would register them with their local public school district. If parents do not complete this form, their children would be marked as "truant," which could lead to penalties. Additionally, the bill would require children in homeschool programs to have proof of vaccinations and health exams if they want to join public school activities. The bill also sets new requirements for homeschool programs and administrators. Many lawmakers and parents oppose this bill, saying it threatens parental rights. Over 30,000 people have submitted complaints against it. Some lawmakers are encouraging more people to voice their concerns before a committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning. Republican state senator Neil Anderson and others argue that the bill infringes on families' rights to choose how they educate their children. Even some Democratic lawmakers, like La Shawn Ford, have expressed concerns about the bill, highlighting that many parents worry about losing control over their children's education.