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Emotional testimony on SB 1031 as senators consider ending religious exemption to compulsory education
Summary
SB 1031 would eliminate Virginia's longstanding religious exemption and require families who homeschool on religious grounds to follow basic homeschool notification and subject‑list rules. Dozens of homeschool graduates described educational neglect under the existing exemption; faith‑based groups and legal advocates called the proposal an intrusion on religious liberty.
Richmond — The Senate subcommittee heard hours of testimony for and against Senate Bill 1031, a proposal to repeal Virginia’s religious exemption from compulsory‑education requirements and instead require families who choose religious homeschooling to meet the state’s existing basic homeschool notice requirements.
Sen. Pokarski, sponsor of the bill, said Virginia is among the few states that allow a religious exemption that permits children to receive no documented instruction and…
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