Dear WCFS Families,
On Monday, a very dangerous bill, HB 1798, was introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates. You can read the bill here.
If enacted, this bill would put into Maryland statute a requirement that county board of education officials be allowed to "observe instruction" within the homes of every homeschooling family in their jurisdiction. As the bill now stands, this requirement would apply to every Maryland homeschooling family, regardless if they are enrolled in a bona fide educational oversight program like WCFS.
Maryland homeschooling families already have sufficient accountability under the current regulations, either by working directly with their county boards of education or by enrolling under the oversight of a bona fide educational program.
Because the bill was introduced so late in the legislative season, and because it has already moved from the Rules Committee to the Ways and Means Committee, we are concerned that it could potentially make it to the House for a hearing and a vote very soon.
We are working with MACHE, HSLDA and other Maryland home school leaders to oppose this legislation. We need you to contact the members of the Ways and Means Committee, listed below, as well as your own delegate, and politely ask that they oppose HB 1798. You can tell them that HB 1798 is uncessary since homeschooling families already have sufficient accountablity under the current regulations. You do not need to identify as a family enrolled with WCFS, just as a concerned citizen.
Maryland House Ways and Means Committee Members
Anne R. Kaiser, Chair
Frank Turner, Vice-Chair and original sponsor of HB 1798
Sheila E. Hixson, Chair Emeritus
Kathryn L. Afzali
Bilal Ali
Darryl Barnes
Jason C. Buckel
Eric D. Ebersole
Kevin B. Hornberger
Carolyn J. B. Howard
Robert B. Long
Eric G. Luedtke
Nick J. Mosby
Edith J. Patterson
Teresa Reilly
April R. Rose
Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr.
Meagan C. Simonaire
Jimmy Tarlau
Jay Walker
Alonzo T. Washington
Mary L. Washington
Jheanelle K. Wilkins
We will keep you updated on the status of this legislation! In the meantime, please pray that God will work upon the hearts and minds of our legislators and that homeschooling families in Maryland would be protected.
Blessings,
The WCFS/Family Heritage Matters Team
