Sen. Berthel Opposes Homeschool Bill, Raises Concerns Over DCF Role & State Oversight

Measure would require state approval for homeschooling and allow registry checks to block family decisions

State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown), ranking member of the Education Committee, today opposed the Senate’s passage of a controversial homeschool bill (H.B. 5468), warning it creates new government barriers for homeschool families and unjustly expands the role of the embattled Department of Children and Families (DCF) in education decisions.

At the center of the bill’s controversy is a new state-mandated process requiring parents to seek approval before withdrawing a child from school for homeschool instruction, defined as “parent-managed learning.” Parents must file an annual “Intent to Educate” form with their local school district each year and comply with state verification processes tied to DCF oversight.

As part of that process, school officials must conduct a DCF records check on every adult living in the household. Families can be blocked from homeschooling if any individual is listed on the state’s child abuse and neglect registry or is under investigation, regardless of whether any wrongdoing has been proven.

“This bill subjects every homeschooling family to a background check just to exercise a basic parental right,” Sen. Berthel said. “It creates a system where an allegation can carry the same weight as a conviction.

“In today’s economy, many families have multiple generations living in the same household. I’m one of them. Under this bill, if anyone in that household is on a registry, the request is denied. That’s not targeted policy. That’s a blanket restriction that punishes entire families,” he said.

Sen. Berthel also questioned the fairness of the process, noting that appeals would be handled within the same agency.

“When the same system that flags a family for ‘neglect’ using an overly broad definition, is also responsible for reviewing the appeal, it raises serious questions about fairness and due process. We are being asked to give more authority to an agency that is already under intense scrutiny and in need of reform after documented ‘catastrophic’ failures that have resulted in the deaths of several children,” he said. “That should give everyone pause.”

Sen. Berthel noted the bipartisan opposition amongst thousands of homeschool families. He said, “This was not a partisan issue among families during 19 hours of public testimony and more than 3,000 pieces of written testimony. Their voices were not reflected in the final outcome.

“This bill represents a fundamental shift. It replaces trust in parents with suspicion. That is not the role of government and that is why I voted no.”

Sen. Berthel led the Senate Republican effort to offer multiple amendments to remove DCF from the bill and protect families, but they were rejected along party lines.

The measure passed the Senate along a mostly party-line vote with one Democrat in opposition; it now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk.

Background:

• In Senate debate on H.B. 5468, Sen. Berthel noted DCF’s “ongoing deficits in the quality of case practice” as noted by the state’s Office of the Child Advocate, which led to the tragedies in New Britain and Waterbury, and most recently the reported suicide of a child known to the agency within hours of interacting with staff.
• The bill stems from policy proposals advanced by the Lamont administration in 2025 aimed at increasing oversight of homeschooling families.
• The proposal drew widespread opposition this year, including a 19-hour public hearing where more than 300 individuals testified against the bill and only a handful spoke in support. Lawmakers also received more than 3,300 pieces of written testimony overwhelmingly opposing the measure.