NW Illinois News

Andrew Chesney, a senator for Illinois State Senate District 45, expressed concerns over the Homeschool Act (HB 2827), stating it would grant the state excessive control over homeschooling. He remarked that the government has "no business micromanaging private education" in a Facebook post on March 19.

"HB 2827 hands the state unchecked power over homeschooling, forcing families to disclose personal information with no way to opt out," said Chesney, State Senator, according to Facebook. "Parents who fail to comply could face truancy charges, fines, and even legal action. The government has no business micromanaging private education—parents, not bureaucrats, should decide what's best for their children."

According to Fox News, on the day the Homeschool Act was presented before the House Education Policy Committee, hundreds of families of homeschooled youths assembled at the Capitol to protest House Bill 2827. The bill advanced out of the committee with an 8-4 vote. It will next proceed to a House floor vote, followed by a Senate vote, and then be sent to Governor J.B. Pritzker for signing. Michelle Langworthy, a homeschooling mother present at the protest, told Fox News that a provision allowing schools to decide where students' records are sent is an overreach. She added that students should not be educated merely to serve the state. Another protester voiced concerns that the bill would hinder rather than advance homeschool freedom.

Screenshot of Sen. Andrew Chesney's March 19 Facebook post. | State Senator Andrew Chesney's Facebook page

House Bill 2827 mandates that the Illinois State Board of Education develop a homeschool declaration form for administrators to submit information to the school district where students would otherwise attend. The bill outlines penalties for homeschool administrators who fail to notify public school districts about students' status and requires proof of immunization and health exams or a signed exemption certificate from homeschool students, according to its synopsis. Filed by Representative Terra Costa Howard on February 5, it was assigned to the House Education Policy Committee on March 4.

Illinois Policy reported on March 14 that more than 29,000 individuals filed witness slips opposing the bill, while fewer than 700 supported it. Concerns were raised about potential violations of constitutional rights in Illinois, particularly regarding requirements for collecting personal information from homeschooled and private school students, including religious affiliation details. The bill does not limit what schools can request in the homeschool declaration form and obligates elementary and secondary schools to register annually and report personal information about parents and students attending these schools.

Chesney has represented Illinois's 45th District since 2023 after serving in the 89th District starting in December 2018. He has been an elected member of the Freeport City Council and previously served as a board member of RAMP (Regional Access Mobilization Project), which offers support services and advocacy for people with disabilities. Chesney is also a former mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.