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Senate amends SB 59 to clarify homeschool exemption language and preserve voluntary cooperation with schools
Summary
Senate amended and advanced SB 59 to change permissive wording to a mandatory directive for issuing homeschool exemption certificates (may -> shall) and added a provision ensuring voluntary cooperation, resource sharing and testing opportunities between homeschool parents and public schools are not prohibited; bill moved toward third reading following unanimous committee and floor support.
Senators amended and advanced Senate Bill 59 to remove a statutory ambiguity that had produced inconsistent application for homeschooling families.
Senator Madsen said the bill seeks to eliminate vagueness in the statute that governs homeschool families by changing a single word so that, when parents complete the required application and commit to the state-mandated subjects and hours, "the school district shall issue an exemption certificate" rather than "may issue" one. Madsen described the change as largely aligning statutory text with long-standing practice and noted it had passed the committee unanimously.
Senator Aaron offered a floor amendment requested by the State Office of Education clarifying that "nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit or discourage voluntary cooperation, resource sharing, or testing opportunities between a school or school district and a parent or guardian of a minor attending a home school." Senator Thomas asked whether "voluntary" was meant to be read as mandatory; Aaron replied it was not, and that the language originated with the State Office of Education and counsel.
Floor discussion included concerns about accountability and testing standards. Senator Bell said he supported homeschooling in principle but raised the risk that some parents might not take responsibilities seriously, framing the topic as a balance between parental choice and ensuring minimum academic standards. Multiple senators noted existing testing mechanisms and fee-waiver programs; supporters argued the bill levels the playing field and prevents disruption for families moving between districts.
The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the bill was placed on the calendar for further consideration. Senators described the measure as preserving parental authority while clarifying state expectations and protecting voluntary cooperative arrangements between districts and homeschool families.
