Bill > HB0209

This bill modifies Utah's homeschooling regulations by simplifying and streamlining the process for parents who wish to homeschool their children. The bill removes previous language related to child abuse restrictions on homeschooling and replaces it with more straightforward provisions. Parents who choose to homeschool will remain solely responsible for selecting instructional materials, determining the time and method of instruction, and evaluating their child's educational progress. Local school boards are explicitly prohibited from requiring homeschooling parents to maintain attendance records, provide instructor credentials, undergo facility inspections, or submit to standardized testing. The bill introduces a new requirement for parents to provide a one-time initial notification to their local school board when withdrawing a child from school or choosing to homeschool, with the school board required to acknowledge receipt within 30 days. Importantly, parents who previously filed a homeschool affidavit on or before May 7, 2025, will not need to submit an additional notification. The bill also emphasizes that voluntary cooperation and resource sharing between schools and homeschooling families is encouraged, and the educational exemptions apply whether parents homeschool independently or in cooperation with other parents. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, providing ample time for school districts and families to understand and implement the new provisions.

Education, Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0209.html