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Homeschool families press committee to allow extracurricular access; sponsors propose local discretion in HB 15‑28
Summary
Witnesses from homeschool groups, alumni and military families urged the Ways and Means Committee to allow homeschool students access to public school extracurriculars and athletics under local rules, arguing for equity, socialization and college exposure; sponsors said the bill leaves participation and priorities to local districts.
Staff for Delegate Kim Ross and a wide set of homeschool advocates, alumni and parents asked the committee for a favorable report on HB 15‑28 to permit homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities, including clubs and (at each district’s discretion) athletics.
Julie Benitez, testifying for Delegate Ross, said the bill would not mandate local policies but would allow local schools to admit homeschool students when space is available and public school students receive priority. Military parent Kevin Harrington described multiple moves that forced his family to homeschool and said his children lost access to sports they had played for years when relocating to Maryland.
Multiple witnesses — including the Coalition for Responsible Home Education and homeschool alumni who credited extracurriculars with connecting them to supportive adults and opportunities — urged inclusion. "Extracurriculars are an essential part of education. They’re not really extra," said one testimony presented during the hearing. Homeschool advocates told the committee Maryland’s existing COMAR review process and registered non‑public entity framework can supply eligibility documentation such as transcripts and annual summaries for participation eligibility.
Some committee members questioned logistics and fiscal mechanics: if extracurriculars are funded as part of a school’s budget tied to enrolled students, how will districts accommodate non‑enrolled participants? Witnesses and advocates said most programs already operate within fixed budgets and that participation would not change existing team budgets, while noting local districts would determine details such as proof of academic eligibility and tryout rules.
Committee members requested models and fiscal estimates; no vote was taken on HB 15‑28 during the hearing.
