Why It Matters
Connecticut lawmakers advanced legislation requiring annual enrollment declarations from all parents and criminal background checks for families beginning homeschooling. The measure creates the state’s first screening system for homeschool parents, requiring clearance from the Department of Children and Families before instruction begins.
What Happened
The Connecticut House of Representatives approved House Bill 5468 on Thursday by a vote of 96-53 after hours of floor debate. The legislation moves to the state Senate after Democrats backed a revised version of the measure.
Under the bill, all Connecticut parents must report annually where their children will attend school. Families initiating homeschooling face a one-time background check against DCF open cases and the state child abuse registry. Individuals flagged in either system cannot serve as homeschool instructors.
Current Connecticut law requires only a single written notice to school districts when parents withdraw students. No background screening exists under present statute.
The Debate
Education Committee co-Chair Rep. Jennifer Leeper said the measure addresses gaps in child welfare protections. Supporters pointed to recent child abuse cases, including the death of 11-year-old Jacqueline Torres-García last fall, as evidence that stronger oversight is needed.
Education Committee Ranking Member Rep. Lezlye Zupkus led opposition during debate, questioning bill provisions for several hours. Rep. Anthony Nolan acknowledged the legislation underwent significant revision before reaching the floor.
Homeschool advocates gathered at the Capitol before the vote. Olivia Tummescheit, a former homeschooled student now attending CT State Community College, said the bill targets the wrong population by screening families based solely on their educational choice rather than specific risk factors.
By The Numbers
The measure passed 96-53 in the House chamber. Connecticut joins a growing number of states considering homeschool regulation. The legislation creates Connecticut’s first-ever background check requirement for homeschooling families.
What’s Next
House Bill 5468 advances to the Connecticut Senate for consideration. The measure has been amended multiple times during the legislative process, with Democrats holding sufficient votes to advance it through the upper chamber if party-line support holds.