4-25-2024 Update on HB 1672 (substitute bill posted with permission)
HB 1672 was originally sponsored by Rep. Mark Matthiesen. Rep. Bishop Davidson is now the handler of the bill. The bill has been changed to a “Home School Protection bill”. FHE testified in favor of HCS HB 1672 on April 17th.
On April 23rd the House Special Committee on Education Reform voted a recommendation of “do pass” on HB HCS 1672. The home school protections included in the bill are the repeal of 167.042 (“Declaration of Intent to Home School), requirement for the prosecuting attorney to have “probable cause” to review home school records, and home school privacy of personally identifiable information a public school might possess.
These are law changes FHE has been advocating for several years. HB 1139 passed the House Education Committee in 2019 but was not heard in the Rules-Oversight Committee.
It is late in the legislative session, so it is unlikely that HCS HB 1672 will advance this session. Since it passed the Committee this year, there is a good chance it will be introduced early in the 2025 session. FHE will be watching to see.
UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE - UPDATE
SB 727 – Firearms Concern Fixed
Update on SB 727—Calls are no longer needed
The legislature has fully addressed Families for Home Education and HSLDA concerns of the possibility of home school families being charged with a crime for having a gun in their home.
FHE is no longer opposing SB 727, but has moved to a neutral position.
Thursday, April 18th, the House passed SB 727 along with HB 2287. Both bills were “Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed”. This was the last step before the bills will be sent to the governor. The governor will have until July 14th to either sign the bills, veto the bills, or he can let them become law after July 14th by not vetoing or signing them. Unless he vetoes the bills, they will go into effect on August 28, 2024.
When HB 2287 is companioned with SB 727, it does two things.
For purposes of state law regarding this section and sections 161.670, 162.996, 167.013, 167.031, 167.042, 167.061, 167.600, 167.619, 210.167, 210.211, 211.031, and 452.375, a "home school" is a school, whether incorporated or unincorporated, that: (HB 2287, page 12, lines 1-4)
(17) "School", any charter school, as such term is defined in section 160.400, any private school, as such term is defined in section 166.700, or any public school, as such term is defined in section 160.011; (RSMo 167.012.1) (HB 2287, page 21, lines 60-62)
Therefore, the home school definition gives the specific sections of the statutes where home school is used. The crime code chapter makes it clear it is referring to charter schools, private schools, and public school by not only naming them in the definition, but also giving the section numbers of their definitions.
Thank you for your calls and emails. Your involvement makes a difference!!!
FHE would also like to thank the legislature for working with FHE and HSLDA on resolving this issue.
Thank you to HSLDA for the tireless efforts and time they spend working with FHE to protect our home school freedoms in Missouri.
FHE Capitol Report Update – April 9, 2024
FHE would like to thank everyone for all of the calls and emails you have sent so far this legislative session. This has been one of the busiest for homeschoolers.
Update on SB 727 which was voted “do pass” in the House Special Committee on Education Reform without any changes on 4/2/2024. It was then referred to the House Rules – Regulatory Oversight Committee and is scheduled for an Executive Session (no public testimony) Tuesday, April 9, at 4:30pm or upon adjournment - HR 5.
Click Here to view the last bill substitute which was perfected on March 14, 2024. (SS#2/SCS/SB727)
Click Here to view HSLDA’s analysis on the most recent concern about SB 727 limiting a homeschool family’s ability possess a gun in their own home. FHE is in full agreement with HSLDA’s analysis.
Click Here to view the Division of Research analysis.
Click Here to view the Missouri Firearms Coalition response. And you can go to their Facebook page for more details of their response.
We understand there have been a few concerns about some word changes in the new “homeschool” definition section of the bill. The definition is unchanged except for a home school is not “a family paced education school” and cannot participate in the MO Scholars program. The “log of hours” being a defense to a truancy or educational neglect charge was moved to the new section. The requirement that only a prosecuting attorney can review home school records was also moved to the new section.
If the House Rules – Regulatory Oversight Committee reports SB 727 back to the House floor it will still have several steps before it becomes law. It must pass the House Fiscal Review Committee, go back to the House floor for “Perfection and Third Read”. Note: when a bill is in the second house “Perfection and Third Read” are done one right after the other. If the bill is passed, “Truly Agreed and Finally Passed” it will then be sent to the Governor to veto, sign, or let go into law without his signature by waiting for the constitutional deadline for signing bills to pass.
FHE, at this point, continues to be neutral on SB 727. We will continue to carefully watch as the bill proceeds through the process.
Update on HB 2937 which was heard in the House Special Committee on Education Reform on March 25, 2024.
Thank you for all who came to testify, made calls, and sent emails. A special thank you to Scott Woodruff of HSLDA who came to testify.
The bill has not been brought up for a vote. FHE is keeping a close eye on HB 2937 which we continue to oppose.
Update on HB 2125, HB 2127, HB 2323 which were bills heard in the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee on January 24, 2024. At present, they have not come up in the committee for a vote. FHE continues to monitor these bills which would lower the compulsory school attendance age to 5 or 6.
FHE would like to again thank everyone that came to testify, sent in testimony, made calls, and emailed. It takes all of us working together to protect our homeschool freedoms.
The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee completed the public hearing. As of Tuesday morning, February 6, 2024, the bills are not on the Committee agenda for Wednesday to vote on the bills. However, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee can vote on these bills at anytime during a Committee meeting.
If you oppose the lowering of the compulsory attendance age and have not called or emailed the members of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee you may still let your voice be heard by calling or emailing today.
For more information, see the original alert with the Committee contact information by clicking HERE.
SB 729 and the SB 867, the ESA type tax credit bills, have not moved as now. SB 729 has been voted do pass, but has not been reported to the Senate floor. SB 867 has not been rescheduled for a hearing, but could possibly be placed on a hearing schedule in the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee. Stay alert! If they begin to move FHE will alert our members and friends.
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House of Representatives – 163 Democrats – 51 Republicans – 111 Vacancies - 1 |
Senate – 34 Democrats – 10 Republicans – 24 No Vacancies |
Bills in this color are ones that have been updated or added.
FHE Opposes any legislation lowering or raising the compulsory attendance age
HB 2125 – Modifies provisions relating to age for school entry – Lowers compulsory attendance age to 5 years old
Sponsor: Mackey, Ian
Last Action: 01/24/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE- Limits a parent’s freedom to choose the best age to begin their child in formal learning
SB 2177 - Modifies provisions relating to age for school entry – Lowers compulsory attendance age to 6 years old
Sponsor: Sassmann, Bruce
Last Action: 01/24/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE – Limits a parent’s freedom to choose the best age to begin their child in formal learning
HB 2323 - Modifies provisions relating to age for school entry – Lowers compulsory attendance age to 6 years old
Sponsor: Farnan, Jeff
Last Action: 01/24/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE – Limits a parent’s freedom to choose the best age to begin their child in formal learning
SB 761-Authorizes excusal from attendance at an elementary or secondary school if the child is unable to attend due to mental or behavioral health concerns
Sponsor: May, Karla
Last Action: 1/9/2024 - Second Read and Referred S Education and Workforce Development Committee
Watch
HB 2252 – Requires school districts to excuse students with mental or behavioral health concerns from attendance at school
Sponsor: Johnson, Michael
Last Action: 01/04/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
Watch
HB 2343 - Requires school districts to excuse students with mental or behavioral health concerns from attendance at school
Sponsor: Fogle, Betsy (135)
Last Action: 01/10/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
Watch
There are three bills which include the participation of certain students in nontraditional educational settings and adds the Family Led Educational eXperience (FLEX) school designation and requirements.
What would two designations look like? -- Link to pdf
Non-Academic Involvement in Public Schools – FHE’s policy – Link to pdf
SB 819 – Relating to participation of certain students in nontraditional educational settings – (includes changes to RSMo 167.031, home school/FLEX school)
SCS SB 819
Sponsor: Ben Brown (26)
Last Action: 4/25/2024 - Formal Calendar S Bills for Perfection
Neutral
SB 902 - Creates and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education [Includes changes to RSMO 167.031, home school/FLEX school, Repeal of Declaration of Enrollment RSMo 167.042, and Repeal of 167.071]
Sponsor: Schroer, Nick
Last Action: 1/23/2024 - Hearing Conducted S Education and Workforce Development Committee
Watch
HB 1905 – Establishes provisions relating to the participation of elementary and secondary school students in nontraditional educational settings [Includes changes to RSMO 167.031, home school/FLEX school, and Repeal of 167.071]
Sponsor: Hurlbert, Josh (008)
Last Action: 01/04/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
Watch
HB 1672 - Changes provisions governing optional home school declarations of enrollment
HCS HB 1672 (substitute posted with permission)
Sponsor: Matthiesen, Mark (107)
Bill Handler: Representative Bishop Davidson
Last Action: House Special Committee on Education Reform
04/23/2024 - HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
Support – support repeal of RSMo 167.042, prosecuting attorney-probable cause, homeschool data privacy
HB 1717 - Provides A+ scholarships for home school students who meet the program's eligibility requirements
Sponsor: McGirl, Mike (118)
Last Action: 01/18/2024 - Referred: Special Committee on Education Reform(H)
Watch
HB 1615 - Changes the definition of "qualified student" for purposes of Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts
Sponsor: Hudson, Brad (138)
Last Action: 02/12/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE
HB 1671 - Changes the definition of "qualified student" for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program
Sponsor: Matthiesen, Mark (107)
Last Action: 04/23/2024 - HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
OPPOSE
HB 1738 - Changes provisions governing educational scholarships
Sponsor: Richey, Doug (039)
Last Action: 02/12/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE
HB 2104 - Changes provisions governing educational scholarships [Removes a home school parent from the background check requirement]
Sponsor: Christofanelli, Phil (104)
Last Action: 02/12/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
NEUTRAL- Since the committee chairman has agreed to remove a home school from the MO Scholars program, FHE is neutral on the bill. FHE will be watching it closely to make sure there are not changes made that will be harmful to a home school.
SB 727 - Relating to educational scholarships [Removes a home school parent from the background check requirement]
Current Bill version: SS #2 SCS SB 727 – Truly Agreed and Finally Passed
Sponsor: Koenig, Andrew
Last Action: 4/24/2024 - Delivered to Governor
NEUTRAL – Since the bill sponsor has agreed to make some changes, FHE is neutral on the bill. FHE will be watching it closely to see if the Governor signs the bill
HB 2287 - Modifies provisions related to the virtual school program
Bill Sponsor: Representative Phil Christofanelli
Current Bill version: SS HB 2287 – Truly Agreed and Finally Passed
Last Action: 04/24/2024 - Signed by House Speaker (H)
NEUTRAL – Language to address the homeschool gun concerns was placed in the SS HB 2287. FHE will be watching it closely to see if the Governor signs the bill.
SB 1118 - Relating to educational scholarships
Sponsor: Coleman, Mary Elizabeth
Last Action: 1/25/2024 - Second Read and Referred S Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children Committee
OPPOSE
HB 2620 – Changes the definition of "qualified student" for purposes of Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts
Sponsor: Representative Cody Smith
Last Action: 02/05/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
OPPOSE
SB 1391 - Modifies provisions of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program
Current Bill version SCS SB 1391
Sponsor: Luetkemeyer, Tony
Last Action: 4/25/2024 - Informal Calendar S Bills for Perfection
Bill Information Page
Bill Summary
OPPOSE
SB 1392 - Modifies provisions of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program and authorizes charter schools to operate in Boone County, St. Charles County, and St. Louis County
Sponsor: Trent, Curtis
Last Action: 4/25/2024 - Informal Calendar S Bills for Perfection
Bill Information Page
Bill Summary
HB 2893 - Modifies provisions governing Missouri empowerment scholarship accounts
Sponsor: Representative Betsy Fogle
Last Action: 03/01/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
FHE ESA Policy
Tax-Credit ESA
FHE does not ask the government for money: therefore, for the most part FHE has been neutral on Tax-credit education proposals since it is private money supporting a school option allowed by the state of Missouri. Here are 2 court case links affirming the fact that tax credits are not government money: Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 536 U.S. 639 (2002) and Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn, 563 U.S. 125 (2011).
FHE has diligently followed proposed ESA bills in the Missouri legislature to ensure Missouri homeschool freedoms are secure. As the MOScholar bill progressed through the legislature we diligently watched and lobbied legislators with our concerns. The biggest concerns came when the Missouri state treasurer wrote the regulations for the program. FHE has asked the legislature to remove a home school from the MOScholars program.
Government funded ESAs and Educational Vouchers
FHE opposes a home school being a “qualified school” of government funded ESAs and educational vouchers. Along with government money comes regulations requiring accountability to the program. This would add more regulation on a home school than is required by the Missouri compulsory attendance statute, RSMo 167.031.2.
FHE’s Financial & Tax Policy – link to pdf
SB 729 - Authorizes a tax credit for certain educational expenses
Sponsor: Koenig, Andrew
Last Action: 1/17/2024 - Voted Do Pass S Education and Workforce Development Committee
OPPOSE – One of the main reasons for opposition is that the bill gives the Department of Revenue the authority to promulgate (or create) the rules. Also, it is a refundable tax credit which means a taxpayer could receive more money refunded than their tax liability. This means government money would be going to a home school. Government money always leads to some kind of accountability required. Also, indicating your child is attending a home school is a back-ended way of registering a home school. This particular bill requires a verification from the school district to verify a homeschool student was not enrolled in the public school. FHE seeks no financial aid from any government entity, and we ask for no further restriction on the current statute governing home education (directly or indirectly).
SB 867 - Authorizes a tax credit for certain educational expenses
Sponsor: Brattin, Rick
Last Action: 1/23/2024 - Hearing Cancelled S Education and Workforce Development Committee
OPPOSE – One of the main reasons for opposition is that the bill gives the Department of Revenue the authority to promulgate the rules. Also, it is a refundable tax credit which means a taxpayer could receive more money refunded than their tax liability. FHE does not want this to lead to a back-ended way of registering a homeschool. FHE seeks no financial aid from any government entity, and we ask for no further restriction on the current statute governing home education (directly or indirectly).
HB 1911 - Establishes the "Missouri Parental Choice Tax Credit Act" relating to a tax credit for certain educational expenses
Sponsor: Richey, Doug (039)
Last Action: 02/26/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE – One of the main reasons for opposition is that the bill gives the Department of Revenue and the Treasurer the authority to promulgate the rules. Also, it is a refundable tax credit which means a taxpayer could receive more money refunded than their tax liability. FHE does not want this to lead to a back-ended way of registering a homeschool. FHE seeks no financial aid from any government entity, and we ask for no further restriction on the current statute governing home education (directly or indirectly).
HB 2366 - Establishes the "Missouri Parent Empowerment Act" relating to a tax credit for certain educational expenses
Sponsor: McMullen, Aaron (020)
Last Action: 01/11/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
OPPOSE – One of the main reasons for opposition is that the bill gives the Department of Revenue and the Treasurer the authority to promulgate the rules. Also, it is a refundable tax credit which means a taxpayer could receive more money refunded than their tax liability. FHE does not want this to lead to a back-ended way of registering a homeschool. FHE seeks no financial aid from any government entity, and we ask for no further restriction on the current statute governing home education (directly or indirectly).
HB 2937 - Modifies provisions governing elementary and secondary education- “Student Opportunity Savings Accounts Program”
Sponsor: Representative Bishop Davidson
Last Action: 03/25/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
Date: 3/25/2024 Time: 4:30 PM or upon adjournment (whichever is later) Location: House Hearing Room 7
OPPOSE
HB 1536 - Modifies provisions relating to employment modifying work hours on school nights for certain students less than 18 years of age
Sponsor: Baringer, Donna (082)
Last Action: 02/15/2024 - Referred: Special Committee on Tourism(H)
Watch
HB 2271 - Modifies provisions relating to youth employment
Sponsor: Copeland, Ron (120)
Last Action :01/05/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
Watch
HB 1795 - Modifies provisions relating to youth employment
Current Bill Version: HCS 1795
Sponsor: Representative Dave Hinman
Last Action: 04/16/2024 - Placed on the Informal Perfection Calendar (H)
Watch
SB 1057 - Modifies provisions relating to youth employment
Sponsor: Senator Nick Schroer
Last Action: 4/2/2024 - Hearing Conducted S Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children Committee
Watch
HB 1951 - Establishes provisions relating to the removal of a child from his or her home
Sponsor: Representative Jamie Gragg
Last Action: 01/24/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
OPPOSE
HB 1904 - Modifies the offense of abuse or neglect of a child
Sponsor: Representative Josh Hurlbert
Last Action: 01/30/2024 - Public Hearing Completed (H)
Watch
HB 2655 - Establishes provisions relating to failing to supervise a child
Sponsor: Representative Yolonda Fountain Henderson
Last Action: 02/08/2024 - Read Second Time (H)
Oppose
HB 2690 - Establishes and modifies provisions relating to child abuse or neglect
Sponsor: Representative Jamie Gragg
Last Action: 03/26/2024 - HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
Watch
HB 2691 - Establishes and modifies provisions relating to child abuse or neglect
Sponsor: Representative Holly Jones
Last Action: 03/26/2024 - HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
Watch
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 4, 2025.
(For more bill information visit www.house.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov)
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