The 89th Texas Legislative Session marked a pivotal moment for families across the state. From homeschool protections to expanded access to extracurriculars, Texas Home School Coalition’s top legislative priorities made it across the finish line—because of you, your vigilance, the presence of homeschool families coming to the Capitol to testify, and the bold leadership of key legislators.
This session, THSC championed a series of reforms designed to protect the rights of homeschooling families, expand access to student opportunities, and preserve educational freedom. We’re proud to report that all but one of our legislative priorities passed both chambers and have now become law.
Supporting College-Bound Homeschoolers: HB 3041
Filed by Representative Dennis Paul in the House and sponsored by Senator Mayes Middleton in the Senate, HB 3041 helps students from nontraditional backgrounds, like homeschoolers. It ensures that homeschool students are treated equally when it comes to accessing financial aid, having class rank calculated fairly, and participating in dual credit programs.
We are grateful to Representative Paul and Senator Middleton for standing up for homeschool families and advancing this critical bill.
The Homeschool Freedom Act: HB 2674
In a powerful affirmation of parental rights, Representative David Cook filed House Bill 2674 – the Homeschool Freedom Act. This landmark legislation prohibits the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the State Board of Education (SBOE), or any agency or entity from imposing new regulations on homeschool families unless explicitly authorized by the Legislature. HB 2674 ensures that any attempt to regulate homeschooling must go through the elected representatives of the people—not through unelected agencies.
This legislation marks a major victory for long-term homeschool protections and reinforces the principle that education policy should remain accountable to Texas voters.
We thank Representative Cook for filing this bill and Senator Hagenbuch for sponsoring it in the Senate.
Expanding Equal Access for Homeschoolers: SB 401
Homeschool students in Texas have long sought opportunities to participate in local extracurricular programs alongside their peers. In 2021, a groundbreaking law opened the door for homeschoolers to join University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities in public schools—but only 46 districts statewide have opted in so far. That’s why Senator Angela Paxton introduced Senate Bill 401 this session.
Senate Bill 401 strengthens and broadens that original law. Under this reform, all school districts in Texas will be required to offer UIL access by default. Any district wishing to opt out will now be required to hold a vote of their school board. In addition, if a homeschool student’s local district opts out, the student is now guaranteed the ability to participate in the next closest district.
This bill is a critical step toward fairness and opportunity for Texas homeschoolers, removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring that participation in UIL activities is the norm—not the exception.
We thank Senator Paxton for filing this bill and Representative James Frank for sponsoring it in the House.
A Historic Win for Educational Freedom: SB 2
In one of the most historic victories of the session, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law on May 3—officially bringing school choice to Texas through the creation of an Education Savings Account (ESA) program.
While the law has been signed, it will take approximately a year to build the infrastructure needed to launch the program. Families accepted into the program can expect to begin accessing ESA funds by summer 2026.
How Does This Affect Homeschooling?
THSC worked diligently to ensure that Texas homeschoolers would be protected in the final version of the bill—and those protections are now written into law:
- Homeschool families can continue homeschooling exactly as they do today.
- Homeschool freedoms are fully protected in the law. Families who do not participate in the ESA program will not be subject to any new requirements.
- There is no testing requirement for homeschoolers under this program.
- Participation is completely optional—families who need these opportunities can apply, and those who prefer not to participate will see no change.
THSC will remain actively involved in the implementation process to ensure that the ESA program is rolled out in a way that supports educational freedom and respects the autonomy of homeschool families.
The Work Continues
Texas homeschool families are walking away from this session with even stronger protections—but the fight for freedom isn’t over. These victories are just one step in a long-term commitment to defend the rights of parents and protect the freedom to educate our children at home.
We are profoundly grateful to every Senator and Representative who stood with Texas families this session. Because of your leadership, Texas continues to lead the nation in defending homeschool freedom and family integrity.
Join the Fight
THSC exists to defend your rights—but we can’t do it without your support. Become a THSC member, stay engaged in our advocacy updates, and help us continue to stand guard for Texas families. thsc.org/membership
The 89th Texas Legislative Session marked a pivotal moment for families across the state. From homeschool protections to expanded access to extracurriculars, Texas Home School Coalition’s top legislative priorities made it across the finish line—because of you, your vigilance, the presence of homeschool families coming to the Capitol to testify, and the bold leadership of key legislators.
This session, THSC championed a series of reforms designed to protect the rights of homeschooling families, expand access to student opportunities, and preserve educational freedom. We’re proud to report that all but one of our legislative priorities passed both chambers and have now become law.
Supporting College-Bound Homeschoolers: HB 3041
Filed by Representative Dennis Paul in the House and sponsored by Senator Mayes Middleton in the Senate, HB 3041 helps students from nontraditional backgrounds, like homeschoolers. It ensures that homeschool students are treated equally when it comes to accessing financial aid, having class rank calculated fairly, and participating in dual credit programs.
We are grateful to Representative Paul and Senator Middleton for standing up for homeschool families and advancing this critical bill.
The Homeschool Freedom Act: HB 2674
In a powerful affirmation of parental rights, Representative David Cook filed House Bill 2674 – the Homeschool Freedom Act. This landmark legislation prohibits the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the State Board of Education (SBOE), or any agency or entity from imposing new regulations on homeschool families unless explicitly authorized by the Legislature. HB 2674 ensures that any attempt to regulate homeschooling must go through the elected representatives of the people—not through unelected agencies.
This legislation marks a major victory for long-term homeschool protections and reinforces the principle that education policy should remain accountable to Texas voters.
We thank Representative Cook for filing this bill and Senator Hagenbuch for sponsoring it in the Senate.
Expanding Equal Access for Homeschoolers: SB 401
Homeschool students in Texas have long sought opportunities to participate in local extracurricular programs alongside their peers. In 2021, a groundbreaking law opened the door for homeschoolers to join University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities in public schools—but only 46 districts statewide have opted in so far. That’s why Senator Angela Paxton introduced Senate Bill 401 this session.
Senate Bill 401 strengthens and broadens that original law. Under this reform, all school districts in Texas will be required to offer UIL access by default. Any district wishing to opt out will now be required to hold a vote of their school board. In addition, if a homeschool student’s local district opts out, the student is now guaranteed the ability to participate in the next closest district.
This bill is a critical step toward fairness and opportunity for Texas homeschoolers, removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring that participation in UIL activities is the norm—not the exception.
We thank Senator Paxton for filing this bill and Representative James Frank for sponsoring it in the House.
A Historic Win for Educational Freedom: SB 2
In one of the most historic victories of the session, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law on May 3—officially bringing school choice to Texas through the creation of an Education Savings Account (ESA) program.
While the law has been signed, it will take approximately a year to build the infrastructure needed to launch the program. Families accepted into the program can expect to begin accessing ESA funds by summer 2026.
How Does This Affect Homeschooling?
THSC worked diligently to ensure that Texas homeschoolers would be protected in the final version of the bill—and those protections are now written into law:
- Homeschool families can continue homeschooling exactly as they do today.
- Homeschool freedoms are fully protected in the law. Families who do not participate in the ESA program will not be subject to any new requirements.
- There is no testing requirement for homeschoolers under this program.
- Participation is completely optional—families who need these opportunities can apply, and those who prefer not to participate will see no change.
THSC will remain actively involved in the implementation process to ensure that the ESA program is rolled out in a way that supports educational freedom and respects the autonomy of homeschool families.
The Work Continues
Texas homeschool families are walking away from this session with even stronger protections—but the fight for freedom isn’t over. These victories are just one step in a long-term commitment to defend the rights of parents and protect the freedom to educate our children at home.
We are profoundly grateful to every Senator and Representative who stood with Texas families this session. Because of your leadership, Texas continues to lead the nation in defending homeschool freedom and family integrity.
Join the Fight
THSC exists to defend your rights—but we can’t do it without your support. Become a THSC member, stay engaged in our advocacy updates, and help us continue to stand guard for Texas families. thsc.org/membership
