News & Alerts

5-13-2023 SB 411 & 230
Final Update
The 2023 Legislative Session came to a close on Friday, May 12, 6:00pm.

All bills still on House and Senate calendars and in the House and Senate committees have “died”. Those bills will not be considered.

SB 411 and 230 has “died” in the House Fiscal Review Committee. For the first year the “Home School/Flex School” proposal went through the legislative process, the bill made remarkable progress.

FHE had also supported repealing RSMo 167.042, the “declaration of intent to home school” which we have been working to repeal for a number of years. There was opposition to repealing this statute that causes so many homeschoolers a problem because the schools demand their optional form be signed even if the parent has given the school a withdrawal letter. FHE will continue to work on the repeal in the future.

Thank you to all who have stood with FHE to encourage support for the home school portion of SB 411 & 230 which would give some added protections for the “traditional” home school.
For those with interest in the Home School Activities bill, this was the first time it passed the Senate and almost made it through the House.

The most opposition to SB 411 & 230 was NOT to the home school/public school participation portion of the bill. There were many public school issues attached as amendments as it progressed through the process. The most contentious amendment was the public school days issue that was added on the Senate floor. There was much disagreement about the issue. Some legislators even went on record stating that they would have supported the bill if it had not been for some of these added public school amendments.

Remember, a bill does not become law unless it passes both houses and then goes to the Governor’s desk. Since SB 411 & 230 did not pass both houses, it is NOT law.
It takes many steps for a bill to become law. Our founding fathers were wise in setting forth this process. A bill is vetted over and over before it becomes law. This is what helps a bill become a good law.

We know many have been interested to know what happened to SB 255, a government funded ESA bill. Because of your diligence in calling the Senate Education Committee, it was never reported out of the Senate Education Committee even though there was a “do pass” vote. FHE will continue to diligently fight against any government funded ESA's that include home schools.

Whether passing good legislation or stopping bad legislation, it takes us all working together! If you have contact with your state representative or state senator between now and the next session, be a super great ambassador for home education. Have a blessed summer and a great start to your next school year!!!!