New Blue State Bill Has Provisions That Could Send Homeschool Parents to Jail For Up to 30 Days

A proposed bill in Illinois would require homeschooling parents to register with the state or face potential jail time. Activists warn that this legislation is an attempt to exert more government control over homeschooling families.

Key Facts:

Illinois’ HB2827 would require parents to submit a “homeschool declaration form” to their local public school.
Failure to comply could result in parents facing up to 30 days in jail and fines.
The bill passed through the Democrat-controlled House education committee on a party-line vote despite overwhelming public opposition.
Opponents argue that this is an attempt to increase state oversight over homeschooling, similar to past failed attempts in California.
The bill now heads to the full House for a vote before possibly reaching Governor JB Pritzker’s desk.

The Rest of The Story:

California activists are warning Illinois parents that this bill is part of a larger trend by Democrat-led states to impose stricter regulations on homeschooling.

The bill’s requirements would make failing to register children as homeschoolers a punishable offense, treating it as truancy.

Despite 50,000 witness slips in opposition, the bill passed out of the House education committee along party lines.

Critics argue that this is a backdoor effort to force homeschoolers to comply with state curriculum and oversight.

Proponents claim it will help protect children from abuse, but opponents point out there is no evidence that homeschooled children are more at risk than those in public schools.

If passed, the bill would set a precedent for future restrictions on homeschooling families.

🚨 Parents in Illinois are protesting a bill that would require homeschool parents to REGISTER their children and could potentially require submitting teaching materials to authorities.

What if you are a parent that teaches Creation?

What if you are a parent that teaches life… pic.twitter.com/OgMZmxAGqb

— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) March 19, 2025

Commentary:

This is yet another example of Democrats prioritizing control over actual educational outcomes.

Public schools are failing in core subjects like reading and math, yet lawmakers continue to focus on increasing regulations rather than fixing the system.

This bill is not about protecting children—it’s about forcing homeschooling parents into state oversight, making them adhere to government-approved teaching methods.

The requirement to register may seem minor, but history has shown that these measures are often the first step toward broader restrictions.

California tried a similar bill in 2018, and had it passed, it would have subjected homeschooling families to involuntary home inspections.

Christian Homeschool Father of 8, Dave Smith & Illinois State Representative, Chris Miller joins @SandraSmithFox to discuss homeschooling in Illinois. #AmericaReports pic.twitter.com/obvaMwaPEj

— America Reports (@AmericaRpts) March 20, 2025

Democrats know they cannot outright ban homeschooling, so they chip away at it incrementally, making it harder and harder for families to educate their children independently.

Any parent who values their children’s education and personal freedom should strongly reconsider living in a blue state.

The Bottom Line:

Illinois’ homeschool bill is a direct attack on parental rights and school choice.

The legislation sets the stage for more government intervention in how families educate their children.

If passed, it will likely face legal challenges, but in the meantime, homeschool families should remain vigilant.

Parents must take action now to protect their rights before it’s too late.