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Lee County Board adopts resolution opposing Illinois House Bill 28 27 "Homeschool Act"
Summary
The board passed a resolution opposing House Bill 28 27, citing parental-rights, privacy and unfunded-mandate concerns; the resolution will be sent to statewide lawmakers and the governor.
LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Board voted to adopt a resolution formally opposing House Bill 28 27, legislation the resolution describes as a proposed "Homeschool Act."
The resolution, read into the record during the meeting by a board member identified as Jack, lists concerns that the bill would impose annual registration and reporting requirements for homeschooling families, require homeschool administrators to hold at least a high school diploma, subject families to portfolio inspections by regional education authorities and invoke truancy enforcement with potential fines or criminal penalties.
The resolution says these measures would amount to "burdensome and intrusive mandates" on homeschool and private education institutions, raise data privacy concerns and create unfunded local obligations for regional education offices. The measure urges the Illinois General Assembly to reject House Bill 28 27 and asks Governor Pritzker to veto the legislation should it reach his desk.
The resolution's author, Ali Huss, who told the board she had followed the bill closely, spoke in support and noted that thousands of witness slips had been filed in opposition at the state level. Jack moved adoption of the resolution and Katie seconded; the board approved the resolution by voice vote.
Why it matters: If taken up by the state legislature, the bill would change how homeschooled students and certain private schools are registered and monitored, according to the county's adopted resolution. The county characterized the proposal as raising constitutional and privacy concerns and creating new administrative obligations without funding.
What was said: Jack read the resolution's text aloud and credited Ali Huss for drafting it and researching hearings. Ali Huss told the board she had watched hearings and that "so far there have been over 56,000 petitions filed for or ... witness slips filed in opposition" according to her remarks recorded in the meeting.
Next steps: The Lee County Clerk was directed in the resolution to send copies to Governor Pritzker and the legislative leaders and members who represent Lee County.
Ending: The board's action is a formal local statement of opposition; it does not change state law or carry regulatory force beyond sending the county's position to state officials.
