Committee considers bill to block state agencies from increasing homeschool regulation

House Bill 26 74 would prohibit the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education and other state educational institutions from creating new rules that increase regulation of homeschool programs as specified in Education Code §29.916(a)(1). The bill explicitly references the 1994 Texas Supreme Court decision Lieber v. Arlington ISD as the legal foundation recognizing homeschooling.

Nut graf: Supporters said HB 2674 codifies long‑standing parental rights for homeschooling families and prevents a repeat of past agency actions that attempted to restrict homeschooling. Senators discussed interactions with the school choice/ESA (SB 2) statute and indicated willingness to consider clarifying amendments.

Body: Senator Hagenboo presented HB 2674 as a measure to reinforce educational freedom and parental rights for homeschoolers, tracing the issue to historical attempts by TEA to restrict homeschooling in the mid‑20th century and noting the Texas Supreme Court’s 1994 Lieber v. Arlington ISD ruling. The sponsor said the bill would prevent state educational institutions from unilaterally making rules that increase regulation on homeschool programs described in Education Code §29.916(a)(1).

Anita Scott of the Texas Homeschool Coalition testified in support, saying THSC represents up to 700,000 homeschool students and urged protection for parental rights. Committee members questioned how HB 2674 would interact with SB 2 (education savings accounts for homeschoolers); Senator Hagenboo and witnesses said they believed the statutes are compatible but were open to clarifying language and working with colleagues to avoid conflicts.

Ending: The committee closed public testimony and left HB 2674 pending; sponsor and members indicated willingness to work on clarifying language related to ESA implementation and approved vendors.