In a world where education and parental rights are under attack, we applaud the Texas legislators who took a stand for freedom in the 88th Texas Legislative Session. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in passing bills that directly benefit families and homeschool students. It’s time to pause and gratefully acknowledge each statesman for their remarkable work this session!

JUVENILE CURFEW BILL

• A huge thank you to Representative Cook and his staff for carrying HB 1819 to the finish line! This bill has seen several legislative sessions, so we are excited that Representative Cook partnered with us to send this bill to the Governor’s Desk. 
• We also want to thank Amanda List and Martin Martinez from Texas Appleseed and Nikki Presley, Texas State Director and Chief of Staff from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, for their assistance with this bill. Their phone calls and office visits to legislators reinforced the traction that this bill needed in order to pass so that all Texas families can direct the care, custody, and control of their children. 

This bill is a game-changer because it advocates for parental rights and stands up for homeschooled students. The bill gives families the freedom they deserve in raising and educating their children by stopping local curfew ordinances that limit outdoor playtime and disproportionately discriminate against homeschooled families.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS BILL

• Homeschool graduates applying to college (and their parents!) have Representative Paul, Senator Middleton, and their staff to thank for HB 3993! 

This bill ensures that homeschoolers get a fair shot in the college admissions process. With equal access to automatic admission under the Top 10% Rule, this bill has cleared the path for homeschool students to pursue their post-secondary dreams. With the passage of this bill, homeschool students in Texas will continue to receive fair treatment in the college admissions process as was intended by the legislature’s changes in 2003 and 2015.

UIL PARTIAL FUNDING BILL

• Let’s give it up for Chairman Buckley, Chairman Creighton, Senator Paxton, and their staff for their awesome work on HB 3708! 

This bill deserves a standing ovation as it provides financial incentives for school districts that provide UIL participation to homeschoolers all across Texas. Through a $1500 allotment per student, per activity to schools who opt into HB 547 (the UIL Equal Access Bill), this bill makes it easier for homeschooled students to participate in UIL sports and other activities, creating a more inclusive educational experience. 

UIL CLARIFICATION BILL

• Long-time champions for Texas families and homeschoolers, Representative Frank, Senator Paxton, Chairman Creighton, and their staff deserve a huge shout-out for their work on HB 699! 

This bill ensures that school districts will not face consequences for granting homeschool students access to UIL extracurricular activities. With HB 699 in place, more schools will be encouraged to opt into HB 547 to provide equal opportunities for all homeschool students. 

CPS OMNIBUS BILL

• Representative Frank and his staff did it again with the passage of HB 730! 

With due process protections and the requirement for CPS caseworkers to inform parents of their legal rights, this bill ensures that families are better equipped when navigating the CPS system. 

ANONYMOUS CPS REPORTING 

• Representative Swanson and her staff tackled the issue of anonymous CPS reporting head-on, and they deserve our deepest thanks. 
• This bill was a massive undertaking, and we are abundantly grateful to the following organizations for their contributions: Texas Public Policy Foundation, One Accord Texas, TexProtects, Texas CASA, the National Association of Social Workers, Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, the Family Law Foundation, Parent Guidance Center, and the Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys.

This bill ends the practice of anonymous reporting, protecting families from baseless accusations and malicious actors. Thanks to HB 63, families can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that greater accountability is in place. 

PARENTAL CHILD SAFETY PLACEMENTS BILL

• We also want to thank Senator Perry, Representative Frank and their staff for their hard work on the Parental Child Safety Bill. 

In Texas, CPS uses a procedure called a “Parent-Child Safety Placement” (PCSP), also referred to by many inside the legislature as the “secret foster care system.” This bill will require CPS to uphold higher standards of responsibility. 

CPS SERVICE OPTIONS BILL

• Last but not least, a huge thank you to Representative Noble, Senator Kolkhorst and their staff for their dedication to Texas  families in CPS cases through HB 793! 
• We’d also like to thank the Texas Public Policy Foundation for drafting, supporting, and working on these bills. 

This bill opens up a world of options for families by allowing them to choose any qualified service provider, with the state covering the expenses. Rep. Noble, your bill is making it easier for families to access the services they need and work towards reuniting with their children.

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