Sen. Berthel Questions Homeschooling Concept Bill

Watch Sen. Berthel’s Education Committee remarks here.

State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown), ranking member of the Education Committee, today questioned a concept bill, An Act Concerning the Provision of Equivalent Instruction in Connecticut, raised during the committee’s meeting. He said the concept would curtail the rights of not only homeschooling students and families, but also those within nonpublic elementary and secondary schools across the state.

“Today the Education Committee raised a concept strictly on a party-line vote to draft a bill on homeschooling. The committee discussion was robust, with many concerns regarding what direction the bill might take, what it will do, and who asked for this measure.

“I encourage homeschooling families and those who send their child to private or parochial school to pay close attention when this bill is written and moved for a public hearing.

“It was very clear, after I asked for the legal definition of what ‘equivalent instruction’ is, that this bill will not necessarily only affect homeschooling families, but also affect children and families outside of the public school system. This bill will have the potential, if not written deliberately and with caution, to erode the rights embedded in the U.S. and Connecticut constitutions and our statutes for educational freedom,” said Sen. Berthel.

Following the Education Committee’s party-line vote, committee leaders will draft formal bill language to be heard in a public hearing. The 2026 legislative session concludes on May 6.

Background:

• In 2025, the Lamont administration suggested homeschooling policy changes based on a report from the Office of the Child Advocate, outlined during an informational hearing at the State Capitol in May.
• The recommendations included new, intrusive government reporting mandates for homeschooling families, despite the absence of a formal public hearing to allow parental input.
• Following widespread opposition from thousands of homeschooling families, majority Democrats did not advance related legislation during the 2025 legislative session.