US homeschooling legislation advances at federal and state levels

Legislative efforts to expand homeschooling protections and freedoms are advancing at both the federal and state levels in the United States.

In the U.S. Senate, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is monitoring two key pieces of federal legislation: the Home School Graduation Recognition Act and the COMPASS Act. The former aims to ensure homeschool high school diplomas receive the same treatment as public and private diplomas, while the latter seeks to protect homeschooling families on military orders when relocating between states.

At the state level, New Hampshire has enacted two new laws to increase educational options for families. Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 1268, the Home Education Freedom Act, which eliminates mandatory notification requirements for homeschooling. Additionally, SB 295 allows students utilizing Education Freedom Accounts to participate in public school courses and activities. These changes follow a period of declining enrollment in the state and aim to shift more control over education to parents.