Dear WCFS Families,
After an outpouring of opposition from homeschooling families accross the spectrum and across the state, HB 1798 is effectively dead this legislative session. Delegate Frank Turner, Vice-Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and original sponsor of HB 1798, gave written confirmation yesterday afternoon that there "would not be a public hearing on HB 1798 either this week or during the 2018 session."
Yesterday evening, Pastor Gary was able to have face-to-face meetings with Delegate Turner’s legislative aide as well as Delegate Eric Ebersole, who had also been listed as a co-sponsor. In these meetings, Gary was able to personally share the concerns he had detailed about HB 1798 in a formal letter submitted to each member of the Ways and Means Committee.
Delegate Turner's aide said that the bill was written because many county boards of education are not actually doing reviews with registered families. The bill was an attempt to "fix" this alleged loophole. Delegate Turner is retiring from the Assembly, and apparently, Delegate Ebersole had been asked to carry the legislation into the next session. However, Delegate Ebersole has already tried to distance himself from the bill, and is sympathetic with some of the constitutional concerns that have been raised about HB 1798. While no more action is needed at this time, home school families should remain vigilant as it appears this legislation could be reintroduced next session.
If you received any personal responses from either your delegate or any of the delegates on the House Ways and Means Committee, we would encourage you to thank them for their attention to this issue. Also, consider letting Delegate Turner's office know that you appreciate his responsiveness to your concerns.
We are very grateful for the hard work put forth by Marland Homeschool Association, The Excelsior Academy, Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators, and the Home School Legal Defense Association to cooperatively fight this dangerous legislation. We are blessed to have such a strong coalition of friends standing fast for home school freedom.
But we are especially thankful for all of you families who truly have turned the tide through your action and vigilance. We praise the Lord for your faithfulness!
We will keep you informed of any new developments.
So Deo Gloria,
The Family Heritage Matters Team
