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Capitol Report

Missouri 103rd General Assembly

2025 Legislative Session:
The new legislative session began on January 8.  FHE will be monitoring bills that could pertain to our homeschool law.  Below is the list of bills as of February 27, 2025.
 

 

ALERT: TIME TO CALL YOUR OWN STATE SENATORS!! 2/27/2025
Update on SCS SB 195 and 53
FHE is continuing to oppose the tax credit bill---
 
The Senate Education Committee brought a Senate Committee Substitute (SCS SB 195 & 53) to the Education Committee on Wednesday morning. It was voted “Do Pass” – 5 yes, 2 noes.
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.  


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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.
 

Urgent ALERT on SB 195 and SB 53 – TAX CREDIT BILLS:  Call or Email Today (2-15-2025)

February 15.2025 – Alert - SB 195, sponsored by Senator Rick Brattin and SB 53, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer – Tax Credits
Senate Education Committee hearing on Tuesday, February 18th, 8:00am-Senate Lounge, 3rd Floor
SB 195 Bill: CLICK HERE
SB 53 Bill: CLICK HERE

**Food for Thought: Most things in life come in baby steps. It's rare that we get the whole bundle of what we want in one fell swoop.  Same with legislation.  Last year, SB 727 and HB 2287 were passed that put our home school statute into a new legal statute (RSMo 167.012).  That was a major baby step in the process in removing us from the MOScholars program and keeping us out of ESA's and other government funded programs that always come with restrictions and regulations. And freedom has to ALWAYS be fought for.  Homeschoolers around the country are fighting the same fight, so we are not alone.  Our new statute is being challenged which we expected to happen. This is normal.   So, now it's time to remind Jefferson City that we legally are separated out, and they need to follow the new law.  It's very important to email or call this weekend to the Senate Education Committee to remind them of our statute and ask that they amend their bills to reflect that they are really talking about Family Paced Education (FPE) schools and NOT home schools.

SB 195 and SB 53 improperly defines “Home School”. Last year when SB 727 and HB 2287 were passed in the 2024 General session, the definition of a Home School was moved to it’s own section, RSMO 167.012 for the express purpose of separating a “Home School” from involvement with government money.
A home school is defined as not being an FPE school (RSMO 167.012.5), therefore an FPE school cannot be a “Home School”. In both of these bills “Home School” is defined as home school and an FPE school. This puts our home school definition in jeopardy. The legislature must keep the home school definition and the FPE School Definition as 2 distinct entities.
FHE is respectfully requesting the Senate Education Committee to remove a “Home school, RSMO 167.012, from SB 195 and SB 53.
There are several other concerns and reasons FHE opposes these bills and would want a “Home School” removed from the bill.
1. It creates an unintended home school registry.
2. It creates 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.
3. Missouri Department of Revenue is given the responsibility for creating the rules for the program. We have serious concerns about the rules being given over to any government agency and not expressly incorporated into the legislation.
4. The Tax Credit is eerily similar to the requirements of an ESA. Money given by the government always demands oversight and accountability. It loses the “private education” aspect and becomes another “government” program.
5. SB 53 Requires 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.
6. In SB 53 the Department of Revenue is required to provide the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with any information they need to make the required deductions for the revenue received from the state. Student information will be shared between government departments therefore setting up a registry in multiple state agencies.
Action Needed: If you agree with FHE, please email the Senate Education members immediately and/or call them on Monday, February 17th.
You can simply tell/write the committee members you are opposed to a home school RSMO 167.012 being included in SB 195 or SB 53.
 
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 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. 

List of Bills (2-27-2025):
Notes:

Home School Protections

HB 31 – Modifies provisions relating to home school protections

1. FHE supports HB 31.

2.  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.

3. HB 31 also adds language that would require a prosecuting attorney to have probable cause to review home school records.

HB 31 Bill Information Page

Sponsor, Rep. Bishop Davidson

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee

Last Action: 2-26-2025 Public Hearing Completed (H)

Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): HB 31 Introduced

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.

SB 63 Bill Information Page

Sponsor – Senator Ben Brown

Committee - Education

Last Action – 2/27/25 Senate Third Read and Passed, House First Read

Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version): SS SB 63

Bill Summaries: SB 63 Introduced Bill Summary

 

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

3. FHE opposes HB 1015

HB 1015 Bill Information Page

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, if is important to many of our members and friends as parents. FHE supports HB 737.

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

HB 737 Bill information Page

Sponsor: Representative Melissa Schmidt

Committee:

Last Action – 02/25/2025 - Public Hearing Held Senate

Bill Versions (last bill in list is current bill version):

HB 737 Introduced

HCS HB 737 & 486

HCS HB 737 & 486 Perfected

Bill Summaries:

HB 737 Introduced Bill Summary

HCS HB 737 & 486 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.

HB 570 Bill Information Page

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

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.

Merged with SB 195

 

SB 195 & SB 53- 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)

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.

SB 195 Information Page

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

 

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.

HB 77 Bill Information Page

Sponsor: Representative Cathy Jo Loy

Committee:

Last Action: 01/09/2025 - Read Second Time (H)

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

SJR  6 Bill Information Page

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

HJR 81 Bill Information Page

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


2024 Legislative Session: Click HERE for last year’s information.

 

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)

 

Additional Information

How to make effective calls and write effective letters and emails to your elected officials-Click Here

Learn How a Bill Becomes a Law

Understanding Legislative Language