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Kansas Senate Education Committee hears bill to define 'homeschool'; supporters say clarification, opponents warn of funding and regulation risks
Summary
Senate Bill 338 would add 'homeschool' to the statutory definition of 'private elementary or secondary school' and define it as a nonaccredited nonpublic school directed by a parent. Proponents said the bill codifies current practice; opponents warned it could open the door to public funding or increased regulation without further clarifying amendments.
The Kansas Senate Education Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 338, which would explicitly add and define the term 'homeschool' in state statute. Reviser Tamara Lawrence told the committee the bill would amend KSA 72-43-45 to include 'homeschool' and define it as "a nonaccredited nonpublic school where a parent or person acting as parent directs the private instruction of such parent's or person's child," with the bill taking effect July 1 upon publication.
Supporters — including Jennifer LaPorte of the Christian Home Education Coalition of Kansas, Robert Simmons of Midwest Parent Educators, homeschooling parent Jennifer Woodward, and Amy Buckmeyer, staff attorney at the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) — said SB 338 simply formalizes a term already used in practice and does not change registration, oversight or requirements. LaPorte told…
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