A recent study by THSC about voucher programs (also called “school choice” programs) and homeschooling freedom is making its way around the Internet. Here, Jonathan Bartlett discusses why the study itself is problematic and what the real situation is with vouchers and homeschooling freedom. https://www.homeschooloklahoma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/THSCStudy.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Responding to a Misleading Study on Vouchers and Homeschool Regulations
A debate is underway in Texas regarding their proposed school voucher program, SB2/HB3. While opinions on vouchers vary, the primary concern here is how vouchers specifically affect homeschooling freedoms. This issue is relevant to homeschoolers in Oklahoma as arguments from Texas are beginning to influence discussions locally. THSC’s Support of Vouchers The Texas Homeschool Coalition … Continue reading Responding to a Misleading Study on Vouchers and Homeschool Regulations
HB 1408
Concerns: HB1408 unnecessarily mandates additional reporting for certain transfer students, including those withdrawing to homeschool. Schools already report these transfers without a standardized form, making this bill redundant. Additionally, the bill creates an unnecessary distinction between truancy and lawful homeschooling, despite existing Oklahoma law requiring withdrawal notifications. The term “drop-out” misleadingly suggests an end to education, … Continue reading HB 1408
Why We Don’t Want the Option of “Free Money”
Many people are surprised at Homeschool Oklahoma’s position regarding vouchers or voucher-like (i.e., tax credit) payments to homeschoolers. While many people understand the basic idea that accepting government money involves accepting government strings (now or in the future), the same people often don’t understand why we don’t want it even as an option. Why are … Continue reading Why We Don’t Want the Option of “Free Money”
SB 229
Concerns: This bill amends the Parental Choice Tax Credit passed two years ago to remove the monetary cap on funding this tax credit. As the current Parental Choice Tax Credit stands, there is a money cap to prevent too many people from receiving the tax credit. If SB229 is passed, it would amend the bill … Continue reading SB 229
HB 1519 – Banning
UPDATE 3/22/25: This bill was not heard in committee before the deadline so it will not advance this year. Possibly still alive to be heard next February. HSOK was in favor of this bill. HSOK SUPPORTS this bill. This bill, if passed, would amend the Parental Choice Tax Credit. Currently, the Tax Credit is available … Continue reading HB 1519 – Banning
Refuting the Make Homeschool Safe Act
Point-by-Point Refutation of This Dangerous Model Bill Homeschool Oklahoma (HSOK) strongly opposes the “Make Homeschool Safe Act,” a piece of model legislation being circulated as a potential framework for increased regulation of homeschooling. While this is not currently proposed legislation in Oklahoma, its ideas and assumptions pose a serious threat to educational freedom and parental … Continue reading Refuting the Make Homeschool Safe Act
Model Bill Threatens Homeschool Freedom
Homeschool Oklahoma (HSOK) strongly opposes the “Make Homeschool Safe Act,” a model bill that legislators are using to impose unnecessary and invasive government oversight on homeschooling families. Although this is not currently proposed legislation in Oklahoma, its very existence represents a dangerous push toward undermining parental rights and educational freedom nationwide. This model legislation falsely … Continue reading Model Bill Threatens Homeschool Freedom
HB 2088 – Kane
UPDATE 3/22/25: This bill was not heard in committee before the deadline so it should not advance this year. Possibly still alive to be heard next February. We are keeping the information here in case another similar bill is proposed. This is an equal access bill that would allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular … Continue reading HB 2088 – Kane
SB 247
UPDATE 2/3/25: Senator Deevers has withdrawn this proposed bill. We are keeping the information on this bill here in case another one similar creeps into this legislative session. Concerns: Future regulation to verify the money is used on state certified material that meets their “qualified expenses” standard; terms are vague and will need interpreting by … Continue reading SB 247