Prairie State Wire

Illinois House Republicans have reaffirmed their opposition to a proposed amendment to the Homeschool Act, which advanced on a partisan vote. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.

According to Capitol News Illinois, House Bill 2827, known as the Homeschool Act, proposes increased oversight for homeschooling families in Illinois. The bill would require families to notify their local school districts if they decide to homeschool their children and, under certain circumstances, provide authorities with teaching materials and completed work to document instruction. These measures have raised concerns among homeschooling advocates about potential government overreach into educational choices.

As reported by the Illinois Policy Institute, House Bill 2827 would mandate the collection of personal information, including religious affiliation, from private school and homeschool families across the state. This requirement has been criticized for potentially violating families' constitutional rights. The bill has generated significant opposition, with over 29,000 individuals filing witness slips against it as of March 14, 2025, compared to fewer than 700 in support.

On March 6, 2025, hundreds of homeschooling advocates rallied at the Illinois State Capitol to protest House Bill 2827. The demonstration was part of a broader grassroots effort to oppose increased regulation of homeschooling, with participants expressing concerns over potential infringements on educational freedom. Events like the annual Illinois Christian Home Educators’ Cherry Pie Day have been instrumental in mobilizing opposition to such legislative efforts.

The Illinois House Republican Caucus comprises 47 elected representatives serving diverse communities across the state. The caucus focuses on developing and advancing a Republican agenda within the Illinois General Assembly and provides guidance to members on legislative matters. Leadership includes Minority Leader Tony McCombie, who assumed the role in January 2023, becoming the first woman to lead the House Republican caucus.