Missouri 103rd General Assembly
It has been submitted as an amendment to a different bill entirely, SS SB 190.
SS SB 190 (See amendments offered)
Amendment 2 (SCS SB 195 and 53)
Action: If you agree with FHE immediately call or email you Missouri state senator asking them to oppose Amendment 2 to SS SB 190.
Amendment 2 is SCS SB 195 & 53 which FHE has been opposing. The amendment was offered today on the floor. There was a filibuster and it was laid up on the “Senate Informal Calendar”, which means they can take it back up at anytime.
The following is the explanation as to why FHE is opposing SCS SB 195 & 53.
The Committee did address some of FHE’s concerns. For this we are appreciative. They took out any mention of a home school or FPE school and replaced it with “non-public school”. We appreciate the Committee correcting the language concerning a “home school” and an “FPE school” which defined them both as a home school. There is now no direct reference to home school, but the intention is that a home school can still claim the refundable tax credit because it fits within the new definition of a "non-public school." A refundable tax credit is money above what the taxpayer owes. They also removed any references to getting a certification from the public school or to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Although the Committee addressed one of FHE’s major concerns, there were a few that have not been met, therefore, FHE will continue to oppose the bill.
The Department of Revenue still is given the authority to write the rules for the tax credit program. Will they just have a box to check on your income tax form that you are a non-public school? If they perform an audit how much information will they pass on to the school district when verifying if your child is enrolled in the local public school? The Department will obviously be able to identify those that are enrolled in a home school and those that are enrolled in a private school simply by the receipts submitted. Is this still a registry?
We have seen in the past when a state department writes the rules it can go awry. When egregious rules are written and implemented it is next to impossible to get them corrected. There does not seem to be any path or recourse to get it corrected. We have seen this with everyone 18 years of age and over living in the household in a home school required to submit to background checks for a MOScholars. The only way for this requirement to be removed from a participating home school was to only allow FPE schools to participate in the MOScholars program while a home school cannot participate.
Money obtained through government programs always requires oversight and accountability to that government program.
“What government funds, government owns,” Senator Shippy, Idaho.
Oklahoma passed a tax credit in 2023. The very next session there were 11 bills filed to increase restrictions on home schools, 2 of which would have put more restrictions on all home schools. This year there have been another 2- 3 bills filed that would put more restrictions on those participating in the program. So far, all of the bills have been defeated.
Since Oklahoma passed their tax credit in 2023, Homeschool Oklahoma has some insight into the dangers for a traditional homeschool even though the tax credit is optional. Learn more in this ARTICLE.
We must be vigilant to defend our home school freedoms.
If you agree with continuing to oppose SCS SB 195 & 53, call your own Senator and let them know you are opposed to the bill.
To find your Missouri state senator, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE on HB 77 - Establishes the "Missouri Parental Choice Tax Credit Act" relating to a tax credit for certain educational expenses
FHE opposes HB 77 unless a Home School as defined in RSMO 167.012 is removed from the bill.
Hearing scheduled - Date: 3/24/2025 Time: 4:30 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later) Location: House Hearing Room 7 - Submit Testimony
1. Creates an unintended home school registry
2. Missouri Department of Revenue and the Treasurer is given the responsibility for creating the rules for the program.
3. The taxpayer will be required to submit requirements established in the bill, “as well as any other information required by the department, on a form to be developed by the department”. This is very open ended.
4. The Missouri Department of Revenue will be verifying with the state treasurer that the taxpayer is not participating in the MOScholars program. This could created a home school registry with the Treasurer’s office also.
5. This is a refundable tax credit. The taxpayer could receive a refund over and above their tax liability. This is a matter of not just keeping their own money, but receiving government money. Government money always means the government will require accountability and control.
6. The Tax Credit is very similar to the ESA.
Sponsor: Representative Cathy Jo Loy
Committee: Emerging Issues
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): HB 77 Introduced
Bill Summaries: HB 77 Introduced Summary
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SB 195 & SB 53 Just an update on the Senate Hearing this morning. Due to weather and other complications, FHE was not able to be in Jefferson City in person this morning for the hearing. However, we had previously made arrangements to have our opposition heard and to submit our testimony. We will continue to reach out to the Committee Senators to help them understand the homeschool communities concerns. These bills could be brought up as early as next week for a vote in the Committee's Executive Session. If you have NOT already contacted the Senators from the Education Committee, there is still time to do so before they vote on these two bills. All information is below in the Urgent Alert from 2/15/2025 message.
Now would be a GREAT time to make plans to join us on March 4 for Homeschool Day and visit with your Senator whether they are on the Committee or not. Help them understand the concerns. You do need to contact your Senator NOW if you want an appointment to actually talk to them. Legislator Lookup
- Other information about Homeschool Day can be found on our website. Homeschool Day
- Additional information and updates regarding SB 53 & SB 195 can be found on the Capitol Report below in the Bill List.
2/20/2025 UPDATE - If you have not had a chance to contact the Committee Members, there is still time to do so. They could vote on it Tuesday morning in their Executive Session.
Here is the link to HSLDA's Alert as well.
HB 31 and SB 63 - For Information Purposes (1-31-2025): Both bills will be heard this coming week and open for testimony. This is NOT an Alert, but if you want to join us in Jefferson City for one or both bills, that will help show support within the homeschool community. OR you can send in testimony, especially if you have dealt with the public schools requiring you to fill out their letter of intent to homeschool which, as you know, is not required in the law. Many of you have stories that need to be told. If you agree with FHE and want to testify so that your opinion counts and/or email the Committee (not your actual legislator since neither bill has gone to the floor yet), here is that information.
See FHE’s Capitol Report under List of Bills for an explanation of both bills.
HB 31, Home School Protections - repeals RSMo 167.042 (the letter of intent statute) and adds probable cause where the local prosecuting attorney needs to have sufficient evidence a law has been violated before bringing on an educational neglect charge against you.
House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee Hearing on Date: Wednesday, 2/5/2025 Time: 12:00 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later); Submit Testimony HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED
House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee Members:
Rep. Lewis, Chair - [email protected]
Rep. Banderman, Vice Chair - [email protected]
Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, Ranking Minority Member - [email protected]
Rep. Baker - [email protected]
Rep, Boykin - [email protected]
Rep, Boyko - [email protected]
Rep Byrnes - [email protected]
Rep. Gragg - [email protected]
Rep. Hewkin - [email protected]
Rep. Hurlbert - [email protected]
Rep. Jacobs - [email protected]
Rep. Kelley - [email protected]
Rep. Laubinger - [email protected]
Rep. Loy - [email protected]
Rep. Mackey - [email protected]
Rep. Martin - [email protected]
Rep. Meirath - [email protected]
Rep. Overcast - [email protected]
Rep. Pollitt - [email protected]
Rep. Schmidt - [email protected]
Rep. Smith - [email protected]
Rep. Steinmetz - [email protected]
Rep. Williams - [email protected]
SB 63, Non-traditional Student Activities Participation - repeals RSMo 167.042 and includes the sports bill.
Senate Education Committee Hearing on Tuesday, 2/4/2025 at 8:00 am in the 3rd Floor Senate Lounge
Senate Education Committee Members:
Sen. Brattin, Chair – Email Page
Sen. Hudson, Vice Chair – Email Page
Sen. Gregory – Email Page
Sen. Henderson – Email Page
Sen. Nurrenbern – Email Page
Sen. Schroer – Email Page
Sen. Webber – Email Page
HB 737 – Informational Purposes (1/25/2025): While we are NOT sending out any type of alert about HB 737, we did want to keep you updated in case you want to show your support to the Children and Families Committee and ask them to vote yes for this bill. They will be voting on this next week on Tuesday at 8:00 am, which then moves the bill on to the next phase if passed. This bill, while not a home school bill and you do not have to tell them you are a homeschool family, is about protecting ALL parents from abuse and neglect charges for the sole reason of our children going to nearby locations by bicycle or on foot, playing outdoors, or remaining at home for a reasonable period of time without adult supervision.
HB 737 - Page 5, Lines 39-49
Children and Families Committee - click on this link then the committee on the left side of the page.
Rep. Holly Jones, Chair, [email protected]
Rep. Tara Peters, Vice Chair, [email protected]
Rep. Raychel Proudie, Ranking Minority Member, [email protected]
Rep. Mike Costlow, [email protected]
Rep. David Dolan, [email protected]
Rep. Jamie Gragg, [email protected]
Rep. Wendy Hausman, [email protected]
Rep. Ken Jamison, [email protected]
Rep. Ann Kelley, [email protected]
Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, [email protected]
Rep. Marlene Terry, [email protected]
Rep. Terri Violet, [email protected]
Sample email: Dear Rep. ________,
Our family would like to show support for HB 737. Just because a child is at the park near their house or at home alone for a short period of time, does not mean the parents have committed any abuse or neglect. We hope you will vote yes when this bill comes to a vote in your Committee. Thank you for your consideration.
Home School Protections
HB 31 – Modifies provisions relating to home school protections. The title of HCS HB 31 is now Home Based Education Protections.
1. FHE supports HB 31.
2. a. HB 31 would repeal 167.042, Declaration of Enrollment (letter of intent) which has caused so many problems for home school families across the state, especially when withdrawing their children from the public school.
b. HCS HB 31 changes 167.042 on pages 3 & 4, lines 1-16, with:
“If a parent, guardian, or other person having charge, control, or custody of the child makes a written notification of their intent to pursue other educational options under section 167.031, and requests that the child be dropped from the public school district rolls where the child legally resides, such school shall comply with the request and remove said child from the rolls promptly.”
3. HB 31 also adds language that would require a prosecuting attorney to have probable cause to review home school records.
Sponsor, Rep. Bishop Davidson
Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee
Last Action: 03/13/2025 - HCS Reported Do Pass (H) AYES: 13, NOES: 2, PRESENT: 3
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version):
HB 31 Introduced
HCS HB 31
Bill Summaries: HB 31 Introduced Summary
HB 1109 - Modifies provisions relating to home school protections
1. FHE supports HB 1109.
2. HB 1109 would repeal 167.042, Declaration of Enrollment (letter of intent) which has caused so many problems for home school families across the state, especially when withdrawing their children from the public school.
3. HB 1109 also adds language that would require a prosecuting attorney to have probable cause to review home school records.
Sponsor, Rep. Scott Cupps
Committee:
Last Action: 01/30/2025 - Read Second Time (H)
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): HB 1109 Introduced
Bill Summaries: HB 1109 Summary
Home Schools Participating in Public School Activities
SB 63 - Repeals and establishes provisions relating to participation of certain students in nontraditional educational settings
1. Adds section regarding home school and virtual school students participation in public school activities. FHE is neutral on this portion of the bill.
2. SB 63 would repeal 167.042, Declaration of Enrollment (letter of intent) which has caused so many problems for home school families across the state, especially when withdrawing their children from the public school. FHE supports this portion of the bill.
Sponsor – Senator Ben Brown
Committee -
Last Action – 2/28/2025 - H Second Read
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version):
SB 63 Introduced
SS SB 63
Bill Summaries:
SB 63 Introduced Bill Summary
SS SB 63 Perfected
Children and Families
HB 1015 - Modifies provisions relating to age for school entry
1. Lowers compulsory attendance for public, private, parochial and parish schools to 5 years of age.
2. Leaves compulsory attendance at 7 years of age for home schools and FPE schools
FHE opposes HB 1015
Sponsor – Representative Melissa Douglas
Committee -
Last Action – 01/27/2025 - Read Second Time (H)
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): HB 1015 Introduced
Bill Summaries: HB 1015 Introduced Bill Summary
HB 737 and HB 486 have been combined to create HCS HB 737 & 486 - Modifies provisions relating to the protection of children
1.A provision in HB 737 is about protecting ALL parents from abuse and neglect charges for the sole reason of our children going to nearby locations by bicycle or on foot, playing outdoors, or remaining at home for a reasonable period of time without adult supervision.
2. Although HB 737 is not a bill directly related to homeschooling, it is important to many of our members and friends as parents.
3. The main issue of HB 737 is about benefit money being held by the children’s division for foster children.
4. HB 737 is the same as HB 486
FHE supports HB 737.
Sponsor: Representative Melissa Schmidt
Committee:
Last Action – 03/13/2025 - Referred: Fiscal Review(H)
Calendar - HOUSE BILLS WITH SENATE AMENDMENTS
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version):
Bill Summaries:
HB 737 Introduced Bill Summary
HCS HB 737 & 486 Perfection Bill Summary
HB 570 - Modifies provisions relating to abuse or neglect of a child
1. Updating Protection services definitions in RSMO 210 to match language in HB 737 and 486 (RSMO 568.060).
2. It is about protecting ALL parents from abuse and neglect charges for the sole reason of our children going to nearby locations by bicycle or on foot, playing outdoors, or remaining at home for a reasonable period of time without adult supervision.
Sponsor: Representative Josh Hurlbert
Committee:
Last Action: 01/30/2025 - Referred: Children and Families(H)
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current version: HB 570 Introduced
Bill Summaries: HB 570 Introduced Bill Summary
Tax Credits for Educational Expenses
FHE is opposed to the Tax Credits For a Home School for the Reasons included with each bill.
SB- 53 - Authorizes a tax credit for certain educational expenses – was combined with SB 195, see SB 195 for updates
FHE opposes SB 53 for the following reasons:
?1. Creates an unintended home school registry
2. Missouri Department of Revenue is given the responsibility for creating the rules for the program.
3. The Tax Credit is very similar to the ESA
4. Required certification from the local school district that the child was not enrolled in the public school. (Another form of registry for a home school.) Again, the Missouri department of Revenue is tasked with writing the rules for the certification process.
5. Department of Revenue is required to provide Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with any information they need to make the required deductions for the revenue received from the state.
6. This is a refundable tax credit. The taxpayer could receive a refund over and above their tax liability. This is a matter of not just keeping their own money, but receiving government money. Government money always means the government will require accountability and control.
Sponsor – Senator Nick Schroer
Committee: Senate Education Committee
Last Action: 2/25/2025 - Bill Combined w/ SCS/SBs 195 & 53
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): SB 53 Introduced
Bill Summaries: SB 53 Bill Summary
SB 195- Authorizes a tax credit for certain educational expenses.
1. Incorrect definition of “Home School” – An FPE School cannot be a Home School because a Home School by Missouri Statute is not an FPE school. RSMO 167.12 1.(5). The Senate Education Committee corrected the language confusion which we appreciate.
FHE continues to oppose SB 195 unless a home school is removed from the bill for the following reasons:
2.Creates an unintended home school registry.
3. This is a refundable tax credit. The taxpayer could receive a refund over and above their tax liability. This is a matter of not just keeping their own money but receiving government money. Government money always means the government will require accountability and control.
4. Missouri Department of Revenue is given the responsibility for creating the rules for the program.
5.The Tax Credit is very similar to the ESA.
Sponsor – Senator Rick Brattin
Committee: Education
Last Action: 2/25/2025 SCS Voted Do Pass (w/ SCS/SBs 195 & 53) Education Committee (1417S.04C)
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): SB 195 Introduced
Senate Committee Substitute: SCS SB 195
Bill Summaries:
SB 195 Bill Summary
SCS SB 195 & 53 Summary
HB 77 - Establishes the "Missouri Parental Choice Tax Credit Act" relating to a tax credit for certain educational expenses
1. Creates an unintended home school registry
2. Missouri Department of Revenue and the Treasurer is given the responsibility for creating the rules for the program.
3. The taxpayer will be required to submit requirements established in the bill, “as well as any other information required by the department, on a form to be developed by the department”. This is very open ended.
4. The Missouri Department of Revenue will be verifying with the state treasurer that the taxpayer is not participating in the MOScholars program. This could created a home school registry with the Treasurer’s office also.
5. This is a refundable tax credit. The taxpayer could receive a refund over and above their tax liability. This is a matter of not just keeping their own money, but receiving government money. Government money always means the government will require accountability and control.
6. The Tax Credit is very similar to the ESA.
FHE opposes HB 77 unless a Home School as defined in RSMO 167.012 is removed from the bill.
Sponsor: Representative Cathy Jo Loy
Committee: Emerging Issues
Last Action: Hearing scheduled - Date: 3/24/2025 Time: 4:30 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later) Location: House Hearing Room 7 - Submit Testimony
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): HB 77 Introduced
Bill Summaries: HB 77 Introduced Summary
Parental Rights
SJR 6- Amends the Constitution to assert the right of parents to participate in and direct the education of their children free from government interference
FHE is neutral
Sponsor: Senator Rick Brattin
Committee: Senate Education Committee
Last Action – 2/25/2025 - Voted Do Pass S Education Committee
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): SJR 6 Introduced
Bill Summaries: SJR Introduced Bill Summary
HJR 81 - Proposes a constitutional amendment to assert the right of parents to participate in and direct the education of their children free from government interference
FHE is Neutral
Sponsor, Rep. Mike Costlow
Committee:
Last Action: 02/13/2025 - Referred: Elementary and Secondary Education(H)
Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): HJR 81 Introduced
Bill Summaries: HJR 81 Summary
FHE appreciates your support of homeschooling and your willingness to stand with us to protect our Missouri homeschool freedoms. Thank you for being part of the team. It takes all of us to work together!!!
Save the date for our next Homeschool Day at the Capitol, March 3, 2026.
(For more bill information visit www.house.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov)
Additional Information
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