As education continues to evolve in Illinois, House Bill 2827 (HB2827)—known as the Homeschool Act—has become one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation in the 104th General Assembly. Proposed to introduce greater oversight and structure to homeschooling in Illinois, the bill has sparked both praise and concern across the state.
With thousands of public witness slips filed both for and against the bill, it’s clear that HB2827 touches on deeply personal and philosophical beliefs about education, parental rights, and government oversight.
Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes, why it matters, and what both supporters and opponents are saying.
🔍 What Is HB2827?
HB2827 aims to establish a formal framework for homeschooling in Illinois by creating processes for:
- Voluntary and eventually mandatory registration of homeschools
- Submission of a Homeschool Declaration Form
- Optional recognition of non-public schools (including homeschools)
- Assurances of compliance with state and federal regulations
- Fingerprint-based background checks for employees of recognized non-public schools
Originally introduced by Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), the bill is part of a broader push to standardize and monitor alternative education settings across the state.
📋 Key Provisions of the Homeschool Act (HB2827)
1. Homeschool Declaration Form
- The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will create a standardized form for families who homeschool.
- The form will collect basic information about the homeschool setup and the individuals providing instruction.
2. Voluntary Registration (Until 2026)
- Beginning immediately, non-public schools—including homeschools—may voluntarily register with the ISBE.
- Registration becomes mandatory starting August 1, 2026.
3. Optional Recognition Status
- Homeschools can apply for “Non-public School Recognition” status.
- To qualify, they must meet additional safety, instructional, and administrative standards established by the ISBE.
4. Compliance Assurances
- Registered schools must provide assurances that they comply with:
- Health and immunization laws
- Compulsory attendance rules
- Nondiscrimination policies
- Other state and federal laws
5. Background Checks
- Schools applying for recognition must conduct fingerprint-based criminal background checks on all prospective employees, similar to those required in public schools.
6. Amendments Regarding Public School Activities
- A recent amendment clarifies that homeschoolers are only required to provide proof of immunizations and health exams if they participate in public school-sponsored extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, band, etc.).
✅ Pros of HB2827
Supporters of the bill argue that HB2827:
1. Improves Child Safety
- Background checks ensure adults interacting with children in a school setting are vetted, just like in public schools.
2. Encourages Accountability
- Registration creates a baseline standard for homeschoolers, ensuring children receive at least a minimum level of education.
3. Supports Data Collection
- With a central registry, the state can collect more accurate data on how many students are homeschooled and where.
4. Promotes Equity
- Helps identify whether students are being left behind or underserved in alternative educational settings.
5. Optional Recognition Encourages High Standards
- Homeschools seeking formal recognition may benefit from better access to programs, scholarships, or other educational resources.
❌ Cons of HB2827
Opponents argue the bill:
1. Infringes on Parental Rights
- Many families choose homeschooling specifically to avoid government oversight. Critics say mandatory registration sets a dangerous precedent.
2. Creates Unnecessary Bureaucracy
- Submitting paperwork and forms annually could burden families already overwhelmed with educational responsibilities.
3. Opens the Door to Overregulation
- While registration starts as a data-gathering effort, some fear it may lead to curriculum mandates or inspections later.
4. Fails to Address Real Educational Gaps
- Critics argue that public education systems themselves are underperforming—and this bill targets homeschoolers, who often outperform their peers academically.
5. Raises Privacy Concerns
- Collecting personal and educational data from private families could create security risks or potential misuse of data.
📈 Public Response
HB2827 has generated intense interest from the public.
As of early April 2025:
- 1,000+ Proponents have filed witness slips in support.
- 42,000+ Opponents have filed witness slips against it.
This level of response signals a deeply engaged community on both sides, with homeschool advocacy groups mobilizing to protect what they see as educational freedom, while education reformers and child advocacy groups argue for greater transparency and protection for students.
You can view public witness slips here:
🔗 Witness Slip Record – HB2827
🧾 Fiscal and Legal Impact
According to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability:
- The bill, as amended, has no fiscal impact on public pension systems.
- It does not impose new costs on school districts unless they choose to pursue recognition for their non-public institutions.
You can view the full fiscal note and legal impact summary here (PDF).
🗳️ What Happens Next?
As of now, HB2827 remains in the House Rules Committee, awaiting further hearings or revisions. Given the public attention, it is likely to be heavily debated before reaching a full House vote.
🔚 Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Moment for Illinois Homeschooling
House Bill 2827 represents a significant shift in how Illinois approaches homeschooling—potentially moving from nearly no oversight to a system of registration and optional recognition.
For families, lawmakers, and education advocates, the coming months will shape how much trust Illinois places in parent-led education and how much state involvement is deemed necessary to protect students.
Whether you’re for or against the bill, one thing is clear: HB2827 is sparking a statewide conversation on how we define and regulate education in the 21st century.
📣 Call to Action
- 📄 Read the full bill text: HB2827 – Full Bill Text
- 🗳️ Submit your opinion: You can file a witness slip online to voice support or opposition.
- 📢 Contact your state representative to let them know how you feel.
