House Bill 3811: A Bill Expanding the Compulsory School Attendance Age

Sponsor:
Representative Mary R. Flowers, Representative Monique D. Davis.

Summary:
This bill lowers the age of compulsory school attendance from 7 to 5.

Status:
5/13/2003 Filed
5/13/2003 Referred to Rules Committee.

Requested Action:
None at this time. Session is in recess.

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA opposes this bill.

Background:
Earlier this legislative session your calls helped Illinois House Bill 2584 die in the Rules Committee: this bill would have raised the age of compulsory school attendance from 16 years of age to 18.

We were told, however, that a compulsory attendance age bill might be resurrected in some other form.

As predicted, just before the House recessed for summer, a new bill expanding the compulsory attendance age was introduced. This time, the expansion attempt covers the early ages. H.B. 3811 lowers the compulsory school age from 7 years to 5 years. This would apply to all children in the state, including homeschoolers. The bill has now been assigned to the House Rules Committee for consideration once the summer recess is over.

We oppose all attempts to expand the compulsory attendance age since it increases the years the state will have jurisdiction over our children. H.B. 3811 would require homeschool families to submit to two more years of governmental oversight and threat of legal action in the event of an alleged violation.

Once the session resumes in the fall we will track this bill and provide you with information on when and who to call to express your opposition.

Other Resources

Bill Text