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Senate advances broad homeschool bill that removes recurring state requirements and streamlines re‑entry to public schools
Summary
The Senate advanced the first substitute of SB 39, which would remove recurring state requirements on homeschool families, adopt a one‑time affidavit in place of annual filings, and set a streamlined 30‑day reintegration and assessment pathway when a child returns to public school.
Senator Robert Osman (sponsor) told the Senate the first substitute to SB 39 would remove many statutory requirements placed on homeschooling families, replace annual filings with a one‑time affidavit, and create a clearer process for students reintegrating into public schools. "This bill removes all state requirements that are currently placed upon homeschoolers and says, when a parent makes the call to homeschool a child, they decide the curriculum, they decide the number of hours in the classroom," Osman said on the floor.
Osman said the bill also addresses reintegration: when a homeschooled child returns to public school the parent and school would initially decide placement by age, with a 30‑day review window; if concerns remain the teacher or parent could request an assessment (public or privately funded) and placement would then be adjusted. He emphasized the aim was to respect parental liberty while giving schools a fair process for placement and remediation without forcing the state to pay for private remediation.
Supporters praised the measure as modernizing homeschool law and reducing bureaucratic burden. Senator Madsen described the bill as helping families use diverse educational options and noted many homeschooled students perform above grade level; Senator Matson and others described streamlining the annual exemption letter. Opponents and questioners raised concerns about who would pay for remediation if a returning student is academically behind and how districts would verify academic level; the sponsor responded that schools could place children at their academically appropriate level and parents could opt for private assessment if desired.
On the record the transcript shows first substitute SB 39 received 28 ayes, 5 nays, and 4 absent and was ordered read for a third time. The bill sponsor said he would return for third reading after floor clarifications and (where necessary) technical fixes.
