Disqualifying Certain Families from Home School

This amendment would disqualify parents—and even entire households—from homeschooling if anyone in the home has ever been convicted of a felony, gross misdemeanor, or certain misdemeanors under MN Statute 245C.15, subd. 1.  Although this section includes serious crimes, the amendment targeted parents who have served their sentences and have been awarded custody again. No opportunity was given for public testimony—this language was added directly on the Senate floor, bypassing committee hearings and silencing Minnesota families.

If this amendment had become law, children would lose the right to homeschool if someone else in the home has a past conviction. Current law is clear: Parents who have committed serious crimes and lost custodial rights already cannot homeschool their children. The vague language left serious questions about enforcement and feasibility. No specific data has been offered to justify claims that abusive parents are using homeschooling to hide abuse. No state requires blanket background checks for all homeschoolers. This amendment could impact shared educational models like co-ops, microschools, and multi-generational teaching—hurting the very flexibility that allows homeschooling to thrive.

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