WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 338

Including a home school within the definition of private elementary and secondary school and defining home school.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill formalizes homeschools as "private schools" in state law, potentially subjecting them to existing private school regulations and requirements.

Died in Committee
#schools
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 338

Legislative bill overview

SB 338 expands Kansas's definition of "private elementary and secondary school" to formally include homeschools, and establishes a statutory definition of what constitutes a homeschool. This clarification brings homeschooling into the regulatory framework currently applied to private schools in the state.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a definitional gap that affects how homeschools are treated under Kansas law regarding regulations, oversight, and potentially funding or program eligibility. The change could influence which state requirements apply to homeschooling families and whether homeschools gain access to certain resources or programs designed for private schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope: Homeschooling advocates may worry that including homeschools in the "private school" definition could trigger unwanted state oversight, curriculum requirements, or teacher certification mandates that currently don't apply to homeschools.
  • Administrative burden: Defining homeschools more formally could create paperwork, registration, or reporting requirements for families who previously operated with minimal state interaction.
  • Fairness and access: Clarity on this definition may affect whether homeschooled students can participate in public school programs (sports, dual enrollment, extracurriculars), creating equity questions about which benefits/restrictions apply.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.