SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Democrats decided to hold a bill Friday that would create regulations for homeschooling after months of public backlash.

Homeschool freedom

The proposal would require families to inform local school districts if they choose to teach their children at home.

The legislation would require families to inform school districts if they choose to teach their children at home. Parental figures would also need to verify if they have a high school diploma or GED in order to teach their children. 

Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard) hoped this bill would prevent abuse within homeschooling. Costa Howard told her colleagues Friday morning that she was pausing action on the plan right now to try and negotiate more with stakeholders.

"I am deeply sorry and disappointed that some people would use this as an opportunity to sew seeds of anger and fear by actively spreading misinformation to make people afraid rather than work together on the real issues," Costa Howard said.

Still, House Republicans and hundreds of thousands of homeschool advocates rallied against the proposal. Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) said she was glad Costa Howard decided to pause movement on the bill, as many believe it is a government overreach.

"Good homeschooling families are not to be faulted for the problems of childhood abuse and neglect," Elik said. "Thinking that a form was going to fix this was never going to work. The bill was doomed from the beginning."

However, Democratic sponsors and advocates said many homeschooled children are stuck in cycles of domestic violence, substance abuse, inconsistent education, and neglect.

"We didn't have knowledge of or access to social service resources and in many cases were misinformed by our parents as to the consequences of seeking outside help," said former homeschool student Ayla McDonald. 

House Bill 2827 could be discussed again before session ends May 31. 

"I can tell you our families still feel like they are under attack and walking on egg shells in Illinois," Elik said. "That happens all the time in this chamber. Let's start listening to our families."

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.