As the Texas legislative session progresses, the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) continues to champion critical bills designed to strengthen parental rights and expand opportunity for Texas homeschool families. Here’s a look at the key legislation THSC has worked with lawmakers to file and where these bills currently stand.

Homeschool Constitutional Amendment Voted Favorably Out of the Senate Committee (SJR 12 Senator Paxton/HJR 155 Representative Vasut)

The Homeschool Constitutional Amendment, SJR 12/HJR 155, is making significant strides, having passed out of the Senate Education Committee as being reported favorably without amendments meaning that a legislative committee has reviewed a bill, approved it in its original form, and is recommending it for further consideration by the full legislative body without making any changes.

Anita Scott, Director of Policy at THSC, testified in support of this amendment, emphasizing its importance in securing parental rights for future generations. With its passage out of the Senate Education Committee, the amendment now moves forward for further consideration in the legislative process.

Why is this important?

This amendment would enshrine parental rights in the Texas Constitution. Current parental rights rely heavily on federal judicial interpretations, which can change with new appointments or rulings.

UIL OPT Bill (SB 401 Senator Paxton, HB 775 Representative Frank)

Filed by Senator Paxton (SB 401) and Representative Frank, this bill focuses on expanding opportunities for homeschool students in Texas to participate in University Interscholastic League activities at their local public school by requiring all school districts to participate by default and opt-out only through a vote of the school board.

How does this support homeschooling families?

The UIL Opt Out helps to ensure that homeschooling families are less likely to experience exclusion from extracurricular activities. It also promotes transparency by requiring school districts to publicly indicate they do not wish to allow homeschooled students to participate in UIL.

Higher Education Admission and Financial Aid Eligibility (SB 1716 Senator Middleton, HB 3041 Representative Paul)

This bill creates fairer rules for college admissions by ensuring that homeschoolers are eligible for the financial aid programs offered to other students and by ensuring that class rank for homeschool students is calculated in a fair manner. Simultaneously, it helps students from nontraditional backgrounds, like homeschoolers, have an equal opportunity to pursue academia through higher education.

How does this support homeschooling families?

This bill reinforces the principle that homeschooling is a legitimate form of education which families should be free to choose without fear of exclusion from higher education opportunities. 

Protection for Homeschoolers from State Regulation: HB 3674 Rep Cook

HB 2674 prohibits the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board of Education (SBOE) from imposing new restrictions on homeschooling without explicit legislative approval. It also creates a legal precedent that non-traditional forms of education, such as homeschooling, are not to be regulated.

How does this protect homeschooling families?

HB 2674 ensures that homeschooling families are left free to educate as they see fit. It also limits the power of government education agencies in order to prevent abuse.

Looking Ahead

THSC remains committed to advocating for these bills and ensuring they progress through the legislative process. With the Homeschool Constitutional Amendment (SJR 12) advancing in the Senate,  gaining favor with 9 of the 10 Senate Education Committee members, THSC will continue working tirelessly to protect families and secure parental rights in Texas.

We will provide updates as these bills move forward. Stay tuned for further developments on these crucial legislative efforts.