Stop HB 2827: End the Attack on Homeschool Freedom

HB 2827 is a reckless and oppressive measure that threatens to dismantle the freedoms of homeschool families across Illinois

Sign The Letter

Dear Official(s),

Illinois has long been one of the best states in the nation for homeschooling, spurring vibrant and innovative homeschool programs across the state. But that long-standing freedom is under a threat from over-regulation that would deem some homeschooling parents criminals. Every family should have the freedom to choose an education that aligns with their values, beliefs, and unique learning needs, free from government mandates and one-size-fits-all policies. 
HB 2827 is a reckless and oppressive measure that threatens to dismantle the freedoms of homeschool families across Illinois. By forcing families to file a Homeschool Declaration Form with local public schools, this bill criminalizes alternative education, branding noncompliance as truancy and inviting invasive DCFS probes and harsh criminal penalties—with no recourse for appeal.
The Unjust Consequences:
- For Parents: The bill imposes a Class C misdemeanor charge, up to $500 in fines, and even jail time for parents who choose to educate their children at home—punishing families for their educational choices.
- For Students: It exposes students to the risk of juvenile court referrals, driver’s license suspensions for routine truancy, academic probation, forced community service, and lasting mental health repercussions.
For those who wish to allow their children any participation in public school programs, additional burdens such as compulsory health documentation or religious exemptions are required. Moreover, the unfunded mandate to maintain an educational portfolio not only invades family privacy but also overwhelms local schools that are already crippled by underfunding and staff shortages.
HB2827 is not just bad policy—it is an attack on parental rights, academic freedom, and individual privacy. This unfunded mandate wastes taxpayer money and forces Illinois into a one-size-fits-all approach that does nothing but stifle diversity in education. Now is the time to act.
Illinois has long been one of the best states in the nation for homeschooling, spurring vibrant and innovative homeschool programs across the state. But that long-standing freedom is under a threat from over-regulation that would deem some homeschooling parents criminals. Every family should have the freedom to choose an education that aligns with their values, beliefs, and unique learning needs, free from government mandates and one-size-fits-all policies.

Sincerely

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The Homeschool Act (HB2827) would require homeschool families to submit a Homeschool Declaration Form to the principal of their local public school or to their school district.

Homeschool administrators, often parents, that fail to submit the appropriate paperwork will be considered truant and subject to investigation, DCFS involvement, and legal penalties including possible criminal charges.

HB2827 does not include any process for appeals or remediation, allowing local school districts unlimited power over home education families.

Penalties for parents:

Class C misdemeanor: Parents can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if their child is absent without a valid reason.
Jail time: Parents can face up to 30 days in jail.
Fines: Parents can face fines of up to $500.
Court referral: Judges may refer parents to criminal court if they fail to take responsibility for their child's supervision.

Penalties for students:

Truancy referral: Students may be referred to juvenile court.
Driver's license suspension: High school students who are habitual truants may have their driver's license suspended.
Academic probation: Students may face academic probation.
Community service: Students may be required to complete 20-40 hours of community service over a 90-day period.
Mental health issues: Truancy can impact a student's mental health.
Future academic pursuits: Truancy can impact a student's future academic pursuits.