WITNESS SLIPS
Witness slips are needed to oppose HB 2827, the “Homeschool Act” bill.
The Homeschool Act (HB282) threatens to dismantle educational freedom by imposing strict government oversight, marking the first time in Illinois history that both homeschooling and private education would face restrictive regulations. If passed, this bill would create a dangerous precedent—one that could spread across the nation.
​Requirements & penalties under House Bill 2827 | Amendment 002
📌 Key Problems with the Bill:
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Mandatory Homeschool Notification Form (Section 20):
Families must file a form to homeschool. Failure to do so may lead to a truancy investigation. -
Curriculum Oversight (Section 20(a)):
The state may begin supervising homeschool curriculum—violating family autonomy. -
Short Deadline (Section 20(b)):
Parents have just 3 days to file the homeschool form after withdrawing their child—or face an investigation. -
Rebuttable Presumption (Section 30):
If you didn’t file the form, your child is presumed truant. -
Truancy Powers Expanded (Sections 55, 60, 65, 70):
Truancy officers can request your educational portfolio, meet with your child, and refer your case to the State’s Attorney. -
Targeting Co-Ops and Homeschool Groups (Section 15):
The bill redefines homeschooling to exclude co-ops and multi-family homeschool groups—this could outlaw Classical Conversations, etc. -
Backdoor Criminalization:
While they removed the criminal penalties, families can now be investigated under “educational neglect”—a vague and subjective term.
Take Action Now: HB 2827 is set to be discussed in the House Education Policy Committee on Wednesday, April 9th at the Capitol, Room 122B at 8:00 a.m.
Click HERE to file a witness slip in opposition to HB 2827.
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Section I. Enter your name, address, city and zip code. You can use “self” for any field that requires something.
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Section II. Leave it blank if you are not a representative of a group or business.
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Section III. This is the extra step! Under III. Position it says, “Description” there is a drop down menu to the right of it. The default says, “Original Bill”. Click it, and select “HFA2”. (It might also say House Committee Amendment 1).
Section IV. Check your position: Opponent.
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Section V. Unless you are filing a written statement, select Record of Appearance Only.
Lastly, agree to the terms of agreement by checking the box.
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Click Create (Slip).