Rockford Sun

Illinois State Representative Joe Sosnowski has expressed strong support for homeschooling rights, emphasizing the need to halt intrusive mandates and punitive measures against families opting for this educational path. He articulated his stance in a Facebook post dated February 8.

"Intrusive mandates and punitive measures for families making the choice to homeschool must be stopped," said Sosnowski, according to Facebook. "Parents deserve the right to make their own decisions about how their children are educated."

According to Sosnowski, his statement was in response to a House Republican Caucus blog that criticized recent Democratic efforts to increase regulations on homeschooling families. The blog specifically addressed House Bill 2827, introduced by Representative Terra Costa Howard, and referenced historical court rulings on homeschooling. It highlighted that Illinois families have been able to homeschool without significant restrictions for 75 years, since the 1950 People v. Levison Illinois Supreme Court case. The blog argued that the proposed legislation would impose unnecessary regulations and intrusive data collection, urging readers to sign a petition opposing the bill.

Screenshot of State Representative Joe Sosnowski's Feb. 8 Facebook post | State Representative Joe Sosnowski's Facebook page

House Bill 2827 proposes the Homeschool Act, which requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to develop a Homeschool Declaration Form. This form would necessitate administrators to submit information about homeschooled students to their respective public schools or districts. Additionally, parents of homeschooled students wishing to enroll part-time in public schools or participate in public activities must provide proof of immunizations, health exams, or a Certificate of Religious Exemption. The bill also includes reporting requirements for homeschooled students and was filed on February 5 before being assigned to the Rules Committee on February 6.

The ISBE provides guidelines for homeschooling through its website, specifying that instruction should cover language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health. While specific courses are not mandated, ISBE recommends adhering to public school graduation requirements for college-bound students. There are no stipulations regarding the number of instructional days or timing.

Sosnowski has served as an Illinois General Assembly member since 2010 representing the 69th District. His political career began with his tenure on the DeKalb City Council followed by his role as First Ward Alderman in Rockford from 2005 to 2010. He is an alumnus of Northern Illinois University.