New Montana Law Makes It Easier for Parents to Homeschool Kids
Homeschool students no longer need to keep immunization records or follow certain housing requirements.
A new Montana law establishes distinct legal standards for nonpublic school students and homeschooling students.
In May, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill (HB) 778, which outlines the requirements that parents must meet for their child to qualify as a nonpublic school student or a homeschool student.
State Rep. Randyn Gregg (R-White Sulphur Springs) introduced this piece of legislation. This bill passed unanimously through the State House and State Senate.
Trish Schreiber, senior education fellow at the Frontier Institute, previously told The Montana Chronicles that this bill eliminates “extra regulations” for homeschoolers. She called this bill “a wonderful development.”
HB 778 says that for nonpublic school students, parents must maintain records on their child’s attendance and disease immunization. These records must be made available to provide to a county superintendent upon request.
In addition, these students need to maintain “the minimum aggregate hours of pupil instruction” according to state law.
Montana law requires 360 hours for children participating in half-time kindergarten or 720 hours for full-time kindergarten students.
If students are between first and third grade, then they will also need to complete 720 hours of pupil instruction.
For students from fourth grade to 12th grade, they need to have at least 1,080 hours of pupil instruction.
Regarding living standards, nonpublic school students need to be housed in a building that meets local health and safety regulations.
Furthermore, these students need to have an organized course of study.
As for homeschool students, they are not required to keep track of their immunizations against diseases.
HB 778 says parents will need to notify the county superintendent of schools where the homeschool is located each fiscal year. They will not need to meet housing requirements that comply with local health and safety regulations, which are typically applicable to school buildings.
This bill states that homeschool students must maintain records of pupil attendance, which must be readily available to be provided to the county superintendent upon request.
Also, homeschoolers must meet the minimum aggregate hours of public instruction required by state law.
HB 778 outlines that these students require a course of study in subjects required by public schools.
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Zachery Schmidt is the founder of The Montana Chronicles. If you have any tips, please send them to montanachronicles@proton.me.