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Legislative Update
April 4, 2008

"Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people."

--John Quincy Adams

     Preserving our liberty to home educate has been a continual process of "nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud" and this year's legislative session has been another example of that maxim. There were several provisions that could have been negative for homeschooling. In particular, there were proposals to change the compulsory attendance age and Post Secondary Options Program (PSEO).

     The changes to the compulsory attendance age were most concerning to MACHE. There were two proposals. One was to increase the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18 years of age. The other was an attempt to lower the compulsory attendance age to "first-grade". The negative result of this would be more government intrusion in our educational decisions and lengthening the number of years we would have to submit our October reports to the superintendents. Fortunately, both authors of these provisions had no intention of harming home education and were willing to make modifications to the provisions so that our reporting requirements would not be extended.

     The attempt to lower the compulsory attendance age to "first-grade" may possibly be moving in our favor. The language was improved so it would only apply to those who are enrolled in public school. Additionally, in exchange for this the House education leaders may agree to a compromise which would allow us to remove the requirement of submitting quarterly report cards by parents who do not have a college degree. The report card requirement has been an intrusion and nuisance for homeschooling families. The proposal has not yet passed, but we are hopeful of success. We may be asking for you to contact your legislators soon if this compromise moves forward.

     There was also an ambiguous email which originated from Northwestern College floating around the homeschool community e-mail loops regarding PSEO and distance learning legislation. It was unclear specifically why homeschoolers needed to be concerned about these provisions, but the author of the bill has indicated to MACHE that these provisions will not move forward this year. The author has also kindly extended an offer to MACHE to be involved in a stakeholder process to look at these issues prior to next legislative session.

     Therefore, none of the negative provisions seem to be making much headway as this legislative session wraps up. Nonetheless, we will continue to watch these proposals closely until the session adjourns. We appreciate your willingness contact your legislators and ask for your continued prayers for wisdom and insight as MACHE works to preserve your liberties at the Capitol. As is evident from some of the struggles happening in California, we can never take for granted the preservation of our homeschooling liberties.

Reviewed by John Tuma
April 4, 2008