Home school bill passes House

A bill that modifies procedures for exempting home school students from attendance at a public or private school passed the House with a unanimous vote Tuesday.

SB146, sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, would require local school boards to issue a certificate excusing a minor from attendance within 30 days of receipt of a signed affidavit stating that the minor will attend a home school.

Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, told the House right now some districts take "forever" to get the affidavit back to the family.

The letter from the district allows home school students to participate in state activities offered to public school students — everything from ski deals to space camp. Home school parents can also get school supply discounts.

Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan, said he suspects school districts delay returning the form in order to get the per-pupil state funding for that student. He suggested an even shorter time period for districts to return the form.

"You can go around the world in 30 days," he said. "Why not light a fire under their foot?"

Wimmer agreed that school districts could do the procedure in 10 or 15 days.

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