Analysis & Summary of 5468 LCO 4221

April 21, 2026

(HB 5468, a.k.a. LCO 4221)

Here is the current language of the bill as it came out of Appropriations:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/lcoamd/pdf/2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.pdf

Here is CHN’s summary of the bill:
HB 5468 — Still a HARD NO (Even “Watered Down”)

  • No evidence of a systemic problem
    No Connecticut data showing homeschoolers are a risk population.
  • Policy without a defined problem = bad law
    You can’t justify new mandates without clear, measurable need.
  • Creates suspicion without cause – it’s still over reach
    Treats lawful homeschooling as something that triggers oversight.
  • Adds unwarranted bureaucracy – coerced personal data tracking
    More reporting ≠ better outcomes for children. Kids might not agree to sharing their own personal info – this is not just about the parents, folks. Remember, as some of the legislators said to us, “Your children have Constitutional rights, too.” Yes, indeed they do and they are not in agreement with this bill, either! Good point to make.
  • Diverts resources from real at-risk cases
    Burdens agencies already handling ~65,000 reports/year.
  • Unfunded / misdirected mandate
    Expands workload without proven need or benefit.
  • “Watered down” doesn’t fix core flaw
    The premise is still wrong—no evidence, no justification.
  • Slippery slope to expanded regulation
    Starts with notice → opens door to future escalation.
  • Wrong target
    Focus should be on known system failures, not compliant families.

If you want more details on CHN’s summary, you can read it here:

We’re going to break down each section of the new language that the bill proposes to be passed – and – we do not.

Lines 50-52
(1) “Parent-managed learning” means the provision of education that  is managed by a parent or guardian of a child in a setting other than a  public school or nonpublic school.

It means this:
What the bill says:

“Parent-managed learning” means education run by a parent or guardian, outside of a public or private school.

What that actually means (in normal language):

This is the bill’s label for homeschooling.

  • If a child is not enrolled in a public school or a private school,
  • and the parent is in charge of their education,
    ➡️ the bill calls that “parent-managed learning.”

Why this matters:

This is important because:

  • The bill is intentionally not using the word “homeschooling.”
  • Instead, it creates a new term (“parent-managed learning”) that:
    • Sounds more technical or regulatory
    • Can be defined and controlled by the state later in the bill

👉 In other words:
This is the foundation term the entire bill will use when it talks about homeschool families.

Bottom line:

“Parent-managed learning” = homeschooling (as defined by the bill), but under a new name that the law can regulate.

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Lines 53-57
(2) “Nonpublic school” means a school that is not a public school and  that (A) is approved by the Department of Education following such school receiving accreditation by an accrediting agency approved by the Department of Education, or (B) files a student attendance report with the Commissioner of Education pursuant to section 10-188.

What the bill says:

“Nonpublic school” means a school that is not a public school and either:
(A) is approved by the Department of Education after being accredited, or
(B) files an attendance report with the state.

What that actually means (in normal language):

A “nonpublic school” = a private school, but only if it meets one of these two conditions:

Option A:

  • The school is formally approved by the state,
  • AND it has official accreditation from an approved accrediting organization.

Option B:

  • The school may not be formally “approved,”
  • BUT it files attendance reports with the state (basically reporting who is enrolled).

Why this matters:

This definition is doing something very strategic:

  • It creates a clear category for private schools that are recognized by the state in some way
  • That recognition comes through either:
    • Accreditation + approval, OR
    • Reporting students to the state

👉 So, if a school does neither, it likely does NOT qualify as a “nonpublic school” under this bill

The key implication:

This sets up a division between:

  • ✔️ Recognized private schools (approved or reporting)
  • ❗ Everything else → which will fall under “parent-managed learning”

Bottom line:

A “nonpublic school” = a state-recognized private school
(either through accreditation/approval OR by reporting students to the state)

➡️ If you don’t fit into that system, the bill will treat you as “parent-managed learning” (homeschooling)

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Lines 58-69
(b) All parents and guardians of children shall bring such children up  in some lawful and honest employment and instruct or cause such  children to be instructed in reading, writing, spelling, English grammar,  geography, arithmetic and United States history and citizenship,  including a study of town, state and federal governments. Subject to the provisions of this section and section 10-15c, each parent or guardian of a child, who is five years of age or over and under eighteen years of age and not a high school graduate, shall cause such child to (1) enroll in public school regularly during the hours and terms the public school in  the district in which such child resides is in session, (2) attend a  nonpublic school, or (3) be instructed through parent-managed learning.

What the bill says (simplified):

Parents must:

  • Raise their children responsibly
  • Make sure they are educated in basic subjects

And children ages 5–17 (not yet graduated) must be in one of three options:

  1. Public school
  2. Nonpublic (private) school
  3. Parent-managed learning

What that actually means (in normal language):

  1. Basic duty of parents

The first part is standard, long-standing language:

  • Parents are responsible for making sure their kids:
    • Learn core subjects (reading, writing, math, history, etc.)
    • Are being prepared to function in society

👉 This part is not new—it’s already in law.

  1. The 3 legal education paths

The bill says every child must be in one of these three buckets:

  • Public school (traditional school system)
  • Nonpublic school (state-recognized private school)
  • Parent-managed learning (what the bill calls homeschooling)

Why this matters:

This section is where the bill formally places homeschooling into the legal structure.

  • Homeschooling is no longer just implied or loosely defined
  • It is now:
    • A named category
    • One of only three legally allowed pathways

👉 That might sound neutral—but it’s important because:

  • Once it’s formally defined in statute, it can be
    more easily regulated, monitored, and conditioned in later sections

The subtle but important shift:

Before:

  • Homeschooling existed more as a recognized practice under general law

Now:

  • It is being boxed into a defined regulatory category:

“parent-managed learning”

Bottom line:

  • Parents must ensure their child is educated (not new)
  • Kids must be in public, private, or homeschool (also not new in concept)
  • BUT:
    • The bill formalizes homeschooling as a defined legal category,
      which sets the stage for specific rules and oversight later

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Lines 70-82
(c) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, for the  school year commencing July 1, 2028, and each school year thereafter, the parent or guardian of a child (A) who will be five years of age on or before September first of the school year, or (B) for whom an option form for the prior school year was signed, shall complete an intent to educate form to indicate whether such child will be enrolling in public school, attending a nonpublic school or instructed through parent-managed learning. Such completed intent to educate form shall be submitted to the school district office for the town in which such parent or guardian resides. If such child will be attending a nonpublic school, the parent or  guardian shall provide evidence to show that such child will be attending a nonpublic school. Such intent to educate form may be completed and submitted electronically to the school district office.

 

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2028, and every year after:

Parents must submit an “intent to educate” form to their local school district saying whether their child will be:

  • In public school
  • In private (nonpublic) school
  • In parent-managed learning (homeschooling)

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Annual paperwork requirement

Every year, parents must:

  • Tell the school district what they’re doing with their child’s education
  • Do it through an official form
  • Submit it to the local public school district office

🔹 Who has to do this?

Parents must file this form if:

  • Their child is turning 5 by September 1, OR
  • They already filed one the previous year (so this becomes ongoing, every year)

👉 Translation:
Once you start, you’re now in a yearly reporting system

🔹 If using a private school:

  • You must provide proof your child is actually enrolled

🔹 If homeschooling:

  • You still must declare it to the district annually

Why this matters:

This is a major structural change.

Right now (in practice):

  • Families may file a one-time notice of intent (depending on local interpretation)
  • It is not consistently enforced statewide as a mandatory annual system

Under this bill:

  • It becomes a required, recurring annual declaration
  • Filed directly with the public school district

The key shift:

👉 This creates a formal tracking system

  • The state (through local districts) now:
    • Knows who is homeschooling
    • Tracks them year after year
    • Requires active compliance, not passive existence

Strategic implication:

Even though this section just looks like “paperwork,” it:

  • Establishes a control point
  • Creates a compliance trigger
  • Opens the door for:
    • Follow-up requirements
    • Enforcement if you don’t file

Bottom line:

Starting in 2028:

➡️ Parents must report their child’s education choice every year to the local school district
➡️ Homeschool families are now part of a mandatory annual reporting system

 

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(c)(3) 92 (3) For the school year commencing July 1, 2028, and each school year 93 thereafter, the parent or guardian of a child who moves into a school 94 district during the school year shall, not later than fourteen days after 95 moving into such school district, complete an intent to educate form to 96 indicate whether such child will be enrolling in public school, attending 97 a nonpublic school or instructed through parent-managed learning. 98 Such completed intent to educate form shall be submitted to the school 99 district office for such school district. If such child will be attending a 100 nonpublic school, the parent or guardian shall provide evidence to show 101 that such child will be attending a nonpublic school. Such intent to 102 educate form may be completed and submitted electronically to the 103 school district office.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (c)(3):

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2028:

If a family moves into a new school district during the year, they must:

  • Submit an intent to educate form within 14 days
  • Tell the district whether the child will be:
    • In public school
    • In private (nonpublic) school
    • In parent-managed learning (homeschooling)

If choosing private school:

  • You must provide proof of enrollment

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Moving triggers a deadline

If you move—even mid-year—you now have:

👉 14 days to report your child’s education status to the new district

🔹 This applies to everyone

No matter your choice:

  • Public school
  • Private school
  • Homeschool

👉 You must formally declare it to the district

🔹 It resets every time you move

Each move = a new requirement

  • Even if you already filed in your previous town
  • You must do it again in the new district

Why this matters:

This section strengthens the tracking system created earlier.

Now the system:

  • Doesn’t just track annually
  • It also tracks mobility in real time

The key shift:

👉 Movement = mandatory reporting trigger

The state (through districts) now ensures:

  • Families can’t “fall off the radar” by moving
  • There is continuous tracking across districts

Strategic implication:

This creates:

  • A tight reporting window (14 days)
  • A compliance requirement tied to relocation
  • A system where:
    • Districts know who just moved in
    • And immediately require education status disclosure

Bottom line:

➡️ If you move, you must report your child’s education plan within 14 days
➡️ This keeps families continuously tracked and documented, even across towns

 

 

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Lines 104 – 115
(c)(4) For the school year commencing July 1, 2028, and each school year 105 thereafter, the parent or guardian of a child who withdraws from 106 attending a nonpublic school shall complete an updated intent to 107 educate form to indicate whether such child will be enrolling in public 108 school, attending a different nonpublic school or instructed through 109 parent-managed learning. Such updated intent to educate form shall be 110 submitted to the school district office for the town in which such parent 111 or guardian resides. If such child will be attending a different nonpublic 112 school, the parent or guardian shall provide evidence to show that such 113 child will be attending such different nonpublic school. Such updated 114 intent to educate form may be completed and submitted electronically 115 to the school district office.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (c)(4):

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2028:

If a child leaves a private (nonpublic) school, the parent must:

  • Submit an updated intent to educate form
  • Tell the district what the child will do next:
    • Public school
    • A different private school
    • Parent-managed learning (homeschooling)

If switching to another private school:

  • You must provide proof of enrollment

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Leaving private school triggers reporting

If you pull your child out of a private school:

👉 You must immediately notify the public school district

🔹 You must declare your next step

You can’t just withdraw quietly.

You must:

  • State your next educational choice
  • Put it on record with the district

🔹 Homeschooling becomes a “declared transition”

If you move from private school → homeschooling:

👉 That change is now:

  • Formally reported
  • Tracked by the district

Why this matters:

This section closes another “gap” in the system.

Now the bill tracks:

  • ✔️ Annual status (c)(1)
  • ✔️ Moves between towns (c)(3)
  • ✔️ Transitions between schooling types (this section)

The key shift:

👉 Withdrawing from private school = mandatory reporting event

Before:

  • Families could leave a private school and transition more quietly

Now:

  • That action automatically triggers:
    • A paper trail
    • A notification to the district

Strategic implication:

This creates:

  • A continuous tracking system across all pathways
  • A situation where:
    • The district is aware of every educational change
    • Especially when a child moves into homeschooling

Bottom line:

➡️ If you withdraw from a private school, you must file an updated form with the district
➡️ The district now tracks education changes in real time, including shifts into homeschooling

 

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Section (d)(1)(A)(i)–(ii)

(d) (1) (A) (i) For the school year commencing July 1, 2028, on or  before September first of said school year, the parent or guardian of a child who was withdrawn from public school to be instructed through parent-managed learning, pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of this section, during the prior school year, shall submit to the school district office for the town in which such parent or guardian resides a continuation of parent-managed learning form to indicate that such child will continue to be instructed through parent-managed learning.  Such continuation of parent-managed learning form may be submitted  electronically to the school district office.  (ii) For the school year commencing July 1, 2029, on or before  September first of said school year, the parent or guardian of a child (I)  who was withdrawn from public school to be instructed through parent-managed learning, pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (e)  of this section, during the prior school year, or (II) for whom a  continuation of parent-managed learning form for the prior school year  was submitted, shall submit to the school district office for the town in which such parent or guardian resides a continuation of parent managed learning form to indicate that such child will continue to be  instructed through parent-managed learning. Such continuation of  parent-managed learning form may be submitted electronically to the  school district office.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (d)(1)(A)(i)–(ii)

 

Lines 116-137
What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2028:

  • If you pulled your child out of public school to homeschool,
    you must submit a “continuation of parent-managed learning” form by September 1.

Starting July 1, 2029 and every year after:

  • If you are already homeschooling (either:
    • you withdrew from public school, OR
    • you submitted this continuation form the year before),

👉 You must submit this continuation form every year by September 1

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 This is a yearly “renewal” requirement

Once you start homeschooling after leaving public school:

➡️ You must reconfirm it every single year

  • Not just once
  • Not just when you start
    👉 Every year, by a fixed deadline (September 1)

🔹 It creates a rolling system

  • 2028: First continuation form required (for prior withdrawals)
  • 2029 and beyond:
    • Anyone already in the system must keep renewing annually

👉 This becomes a permanent annual obligation

Why this matters:

This goes beyond the earlier “intent to educate” form.

Now there are two layers:

  1. Intent to Educate Form → tells the district your plan
  2. Continuation Form → confirms you are still homeschooling

The key shift:

👉 Homeschooling becomes a renewable status, not a standing right

Instead of:

  • “We are homeschooling”

It becomes:

  • “We are homeschooling this year, and we are re-declaring it again”

Strategic implication:

This creates:

  • A fixed annual deadline (September 1)
  • A compliance requirement tied specifically to homeschoolers who left public school
  • A system where:
    • If you miss the deadline, you could be considered non-compliant

👉 It introduces a permission-like structure:

  • You must continually affirm your status to the district

Bottom line:

➡️ If you withdraw from public school to homeschool, you must
file a “continuation” form every year by September 1

➡️ Homeschooling is now treated as a status that must be actively renewed annually

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Lines 138-146
(B) For the school year commencing July 1, 2029, on or before September first of said school year, the parent or guardian of a child who is being instructed through parent-managed learning and for whom an  intent to educate form was completed for the prior school year, shall submit to the school district office for the town in which such parent or guardian resides a continuation of parent-managed learning form to  indicate that such child will continue to be instructed through parent managed learning. Such continuation of parent-managed learning form  may be submitted electronically to the school district office.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (d)(1)(B):

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2029:

If your child is being homeschooled
and you filed an “intent to educate” form the previous year,

➡️ You must submit a “continuation of parent-managed learning” form
by September 1 each year

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 This expands the annual requirement to ALL homeschoolers

This section fills in the gap from the previous one.

Now it includes:

  • Families who withdrew from public school (covered earlier)
  • AND families who were already homeschooling and filed intent forms

👉 Translation:
Every homeschool family is now included in the same annual renewal system

Why this matters:

Before this section, you might think:

  • Only families who left public school had to file continuation forms

This section makes it clear:

👉 No—everyone homeschooling must do it

The key shift:

👉 Homeschooling now requires two annual steps for everyone:

  1. Intent to Educate Form (declaring your plan)
  2. Continuation Form (confirming you’re still doing it)

Strategic implication:

This creates a universal compliance loop:

  • Every homeschool family is:
    • Registered
    • Tracked yearly
    • Required to reconfirm status annually

👉 There is no pathway outside the reporting system

Bottom line:

➡️ Starting in 2029, ALL homeschool families must submit a continuation form every year by September 1
➡️ Homeschooling becomes a fully tracked, annually renewed status across the board

 

 

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Lines 147-160
(C) For the school year commencing July 1, 2030, and each school year thereafter, on or before September first of each school year, the parent  or guardian of a child who is being instructed through parent-managed learning and (i) for whom (I) an intent to educate form for the prior school year was completed, or (II) a continuation of parent-managed  learning form for the prior school year was submitted, or (ii) who was  withdrawn from public school to be instructed through parent managed learning, pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of this  section, during the prior school year, shall submit to the school district  office for the town in which such parent or guardian resides a  continuation of parent-managed learning form to indicate that such  child will continue to be instructed through parent-managed learning.  Such continuation of parent-managed learning form may be submitted  electronically to the school district office.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (d)(1)(C):

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2030, and every year after:

If your child is being homeschooled in any situation, you must:

➡️ Submit a “continuation of parent-managed learning” form
➡️ By September 1 every year
➡️ To your local school district

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 This is the final “catch-all” rule

This section pulls everyone into one system, no exceptions.

It applies if your child:

  • Filed an intent form last year, OR
  • Filed a continuation form last year, OR
  • Was withdrawn from public school to homeschool

👉 That’s essentially every homeschool family

Why this matters:

This section locks the system in permanently.

The earlier sections built the structure step-by-step:

  • 2028 → initial requirements begin
  • 2029 → expands to more homeschoolers
  • 2030 → everyone is fully included

The key shift:

👉 By 2030, homeschooling is officially:

  • A registered status
  • A tracked status
  • A status that must be renewed every year

There is no longer:

  • Any distinction between “new” vs “existing” homeschoolers
  • Any pathway outside the system

Strategic implication:

This creates a closed-loop system:

  • Once you are homeschooling:
    • You are in the system
    • You must stay in the system
    • You must report every year

👉 Missing a step could:

  • Trigger noncompliance issues
  • Potentially escalate to enforcement (depending on later sections)

Bottom line:

➡️ By 2030, every homeschool family must file a continuation form every year by September 1—no exceptions
➡️ Homeschooling becomes a fully standardized, annually renewed, state-tracked status

 

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Lines 161-176

161 (2) For the school year commencing July 1, 2028, and each school year 162 thereafter, any local or regional board of education that does not receive 163 a continuation of parent-managed learning form on or before September 164 first from a parent or guardian who completed an intent to educate form 165 for the prior school year, submitted a continuation of parent-managed 166 learning form for the prior school year, or who withdrew such parent or 167 guardian’s child from public school to be instructed through parent168 managed learning during the prior school year, pursuant to subdivision 169 (1) of this subsection, shall make at least three attempts to contact such 170 parent or guardian for the purpose of informing such parent or guardian 171 that they are required to submit a continuation of parent-managed 172 learning form for the current school year. If the board is unable to make 173 such contact with such parent or guardian by October first, the board 174 shall notify the Department of Education that the board has not received 175 a continuation of parent-managed learning form from such parent or 176 guardian.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (d)(2):

What the bill says (simplified):

If a parent does NOT submit the required continuation form by September 1:

  1. The school district must:
    • Try to contact the parent at least 3 times
  2. If they still can’t reach the parent by October 1:
    • The district must report this to the Department of Education

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Missing the form triggers follow-up

If you don’t file your yearly homeschool continuation form:

➡️ The district must actively try to reach you

  • Not optional
  • At least three separate contact attempts

🔹 There is a deadline for escalation

If by October 1:

  • They haven’t reached you, OR
  • You haven’t complied

➡️ The district must report you to the state (Department of Education)

Why this matters:

This is the first section that introduces a clear enforcement pathway.

Up until now:

  • The bill created forms and deadlines

Now:

  • It defines what happens if you don’t comply

The key shift:

👉 Non-response = escalation to the state

This creates a chain:

  1. You don’t file
  2. District tries to contact you
  3. If no resolution → you are reported to the state

Strategic implication:

This turns the system into an active monitoring system, not just paperwork.

  • The district is now responsible for:
    • Tracking compliance
    • Following up
    • Escalating noncompliance

👉 It removes the possibility of simply:

  • Not engaging
  • Staying off the radar

What’s NOT said (but important):

This section stops at:

  • “Notify the Department of Education”

👉 It does not yet say:

  • What the state will do next
  • What consequences follow

But it clearly sets up the referral mechanism

Bottom line:

➡️ If you don’t submit the required homeschool continuation form:

  • The district will try to contact you (at least 3 times)
  • If unresolved by October 1 → you are reported to the state

➡️ This transforms the system into enforced compliance with escalation

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Lines 177-184
(e) (1) For the school year commencing July 1, 2027, and each school year thereafter, the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in public school may withdraw such child from public school for the purpose of HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 7 of 18 causing such child to attend a nonpublic school. Such parent or  guardian shall personally appear at the school district office and sign a withdrawal form. Such withdrawal shall not be effective unless such parent or guardian provides evidence to show that such child will be attending a nonpublic school.

 

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (e)(1):

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2027:

If a parent wants to remove their child from public school to attend a private (nonpublic) school, they must:

  1. Go in person to the school district office
  2. Sign a withdrawal form
  3. Provide proof the child will attend a private school

👉 The withdrawal is not valid unless proof is provided

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 You cannot just withdraw your child anymore

To leave public school for private school:

➡️ You must:

  • Physically go to the district office
  • Complete official paperwork
  • Prove your next step

🔹 Proof is required

You must show:

  • Your child is actually going to a recognized private school

👉 Without that proof:

  • The withdrawal does not count

Why this matters:

This creates a controlled exit process from public school.

Before:

  • Withdrawal was generally simpler and more parent-driven

Now:

  • It becomes:
    • In-person
    • Documented
    • Conditional on approval-type proof

The key shift:

👉 Leaving public school is no longer just a parental decision—it becomes a verified transaction

  • The district must:
    • See you
    • Document the withdrawal
    • Confirm where the child is going

Strategic implication:

This does two important things:

  1. Closes the “gap” between systems
  • The state ensures:
    • A child is not just leaving
    • They are going somewhere recognized
  1. Establishes control over transitions
  • The district becomes the gatekeeper of the withdrawal process

Important distinction:

This section applies to:

  • ➡️ Public school → private school

A separate section (coming next) will likely address:

  • ➡️ Public school → homeschooling

Bottom line:

➡️ To withdraw from public school for private school, you must:

  • Go in person
  • Sign a form
  • Provide proof of private school enrollment

➡️ Without proof, the withdrawal is not valid

 

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Lines 185-195
185 (2) (A) Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this 186 subdivision, for the school year commencing July 1, 2027, and each 187 school year thereafter, the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in 188 public school may withdraw such child from public school for the 189 purpose of causing such child to be instructed through parent-managed 190 learning. Such parent or guardian shall personally appear at the school 191 district office and sign a withdrawal form. Such withdrawal shall not be 192 effective until the superintendent of schools, or the superintendent’s 193 designee, notifies such parent or guardian that such child may be 194 withdrawn following receipt of notice under subparagraph (B) of this 195 subdivision.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (e)(2)(A):

What the bill says (simplified):

Starting July 1, 2027:

If a parent wants to withdraw their child from public school to homeschool, they must:

  1. Go in person to the school district office
  2. Sign a withdrawal form
  3. Wait until the superintendent (or designee) notifies them that the child may be withdrawn

👉 The withdrawal is not effective until the school approves it

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 You must appear in person

Just like with private school withdrawal:

  • You must go to the district office
  • You must sign official paperwork

🔹 BUT there’s an extra step for homeschooling

Unlike private school:

➡️ You cannot just withdraw and leave

You must:

  • Wait for the superintendent to notify you that you are allowed to withdraw

Why this matters:

This is a major difference between:

  • Public → Private school
  • Public → Homeschool

The key shift:

👉 Homeschool withdrawal requires authorization, not just notification

For private school:

  • You provide proof → withdrawal is valid

For homeschooling:

  • You request withdrawal →
  • Then you wait for permission/notification

Strategic implication:

This creates a gatekeeping mechanism:

  • The district (via the superintendent) controls:
    • When (or if) withdrawal is finalized

👉 It introduces:

  • A delay point
  • A review point
  • A decision authority outside the parent

Important note:

This section references subparagraph (B)

👉 That next section will explain:

  • What must happen before the superintendent allows the withdrawal

Bottom line:

➡️ To withdraw from public school to homeschool, you must:

  • Go in person
  • Sign a form
  • Wait for the superintendent to approve/notify you

➡️ Your child is not considered withdrawn until that happens

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Lines 196-218
196 (B) Not later than two business days following receipt of a 197 withdrawal form under this subdivision, the superintendent of schools, 198 or the superintendent’s designee, shall cause to be conducted with the 199 Department of Children and Families a records check of each person 200 who resides with such child and is eighteen years of age or older. Such 201 records check shall include the following: Whether such person is (i) on 202 the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 203 17a-101k, or (ii) currently under investigation by the Department of 204 Children and Families for an allegation of abuse or neglect under section 205 17a-101g. If such records check finds that any such person is on the state 206 child abuse and neglect registry or currently under investigation by the 207 department for an allegation of abuse or neglect, such withdrawal shall 208 not be effective and such child may not be withdrawn from public 209 school pursuant to this subdivision. Not later than five business days 210 following the commencement of such records check, the 211 superintendent, or the superintendent’s designee, shall notify such 212 parent or guardian whether such withdrawal is effective. If such HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 8 of 18 213 withdrawal is not effective, the superintendent, or the superintendent’s 214 designee, shall provide such parent or guardian with the reason such 215 withdrawal is not effective and information regarding how such parent 216 or guardian may challenge the findings of such records check, including 217 the appropriate contact information of the Department of Children and 218 Families.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (e)(2)(B):

What the bill says (simplified):

After a parent requests to withdraw their child from public school to homeschool:

  1. Within 2 business days, the school must:
    • Ask the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to run a records check
  2. The check looks at every adult (18+) living in the home to see if they:
    • Are on the child abuse/neglect registry, OR
    • Are currently under investigation by DCF
  3. If any adult in the home meets either condition:
    • ❌ The withdrawal is denied
    • ❌ The child cannot be withdrawn from public school
  4. Within 5 business days, the parent will be told:
    • ✔️ Whether the withdrawal is approved or denied
    • ❌ If denied, why, and how to challenge it

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 A background check is triggered automatically

If you try to homeschool after being in public school:

➡️ The school will initiate a DCF check on your household

  • Not just the parent
  • Every adult living in the home

🔹 The threshold is very broad

You can be denied if any adult:

  • Is on the registry (past finding), OR
  • Is currently under investigation (not proven)

👉 That includes:

  • Situations with no findings yet
  • Just an open investigation

🔹 If flagged → you cannot homeschool

If anyone in the household is flagged:

➡️ You are not allowed to withdraw your child to homeschool

  • The child must remain in public school
  • Your decision is overridden

🔹 There is a challenge process

You will be told:

  • Why it was denied
  • How to challenge the result through DCF

Why this matters:

This is one of the most significant sections in the bill.

The key shift:

👉 Homeschooling is conditional on state clearance

  • It is no longer solely a parental decision
  • It becomes dependent on:
    • A government records check
    • The status of any adult in the home

Major implications:

  1. Guilt-by-association standard
  • It’s not just the parent
  • It’s any adult living in the home
  1. Investigation = restriction
  • Even if nothing is proven
  • A current investigation alone can block homeschooling
  1. State override of parental choice
  • The state can say:
    • ❌ “You cannot homeschool your child”
  1. Time-controlled decision
  • 2 days to start the check
  • 5 days to decide

👉 A fast, structured approval/denial system

Strategic implication:

This transforms homeschooling into:

  • A conditional privilege tied to state review
  • A system where:
    • The state can deny exit from public school
    • Based on household status, not just the child

Bottom line:

➡️ To withdraw from public school to homeschool:

  • Your entire household is checked by DCF

➡️ If any adult is:

  • On the abuse registry, OR
  • Under investigation

❌ You cannot homeschool your child

➡️ The state has the authority to block withdrawal from public school

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Lines 219-225
219 (C) A records check under this subdivision is not a report for 220 purposes of sections 17a-101a to 17a-101d, inclusive, or section 17a-103. 221 (D) For purposes of this subdivision, the Department of Children and 222 Families is a state educational authority pursuant to the Family 223 Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC 1232g, as amended 224 from time to time, and may receive the educational records of any child 225 for whom a withdrawal form has been signed.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (e)(2)(C)–(D):

🔹 Section (C)

What the bill says (simplified):

The DCF records check:

  • Is NOT considered a formal abuse/neglect report

What that actually means:

This is a legal clarification.

➡️ When the state runs this check:

  • It does not count as someone “reporting” you to DCF
  • It does not trigger the normal reporting laws/processes

Why this matters:

At first glance, it sounds protective—but here’s the real function:

👉 It allows the state to:

  • Access and use DCF information
  • Without triggering the legal safeguards and procedures that come with a formal report

Bottom line (C):

➡️ The state can check your household status
➡️ But it is not treated as a formal allegation or report, even though it has real consequences

🔹 Section (D)

What the bill says (simplified):

DCF is treated as a “state educational authority” under the federal law Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

➡️ This allows DCF to:

  • Receive educational records for the child

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 DCF can access school records

When you try to withdraw your child to homeschool:

➡️ DCF can legally obtain:

  • Your child’s education records
  • From the school system

🔹 Normally, this would be restricted

Under FERPA:

  • Student records are protected
  • They can’t just be shared freely

🔹 This section creates an exception

By calling DCF a “state educational authority”:

👉 The bill allows:

  • Information sharing between schools and DCF
  • Without needing typical consent barriers

Why this matters:

This expands the scope beyond just a background check.

Now DCF can potentially access:

  • Academic history
  • Attendance records
  • Disciplinary records
  • Other school-held information

The key shift:

👉 This creates data-sharing between education and child welfare systems

  • Not just:
    • “Is someone on a registry?”
  • But also:
    • “What does the child’s school record show?”

Strategic implication:

This section enables:

  • Cross-agency information flow
  • A more comprehensive review of the family situation
  • Increased visibility into the child and household

Bottom line (D):

➡️ DCF is allowed to access your child’s school records during the withdrawal process
➡️ This is done by treating DCF as an education authority under federal law

🔻 Overall takeaway for (C) + (D):

  • The state can:
    • ✔️ Run a household records check
    • ✔️ Access school records
  • While:
    • ❗ Not treating it as a formal report
    • ❗ Bypassing some typical privacy barriersXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lines 226-236
226 (3) The parent or guardian of a child seventeen years of age may 227 withdraw such child from public school and enroll such child in an 228 adult education program pursuant to section 10-69. Such parent or 229 guardian shall personally appear at the school district office and sign a 230 withdrawal form. Such withdrawal form shall include an attestation (A) 231 from a school counselor or school administrator of the school that such 232 school district has provided such parent or guardian with information 233 on the educational options available in the school system and in the 234 community, and (B) from such parent or guardian that such child will 235 be enrolled in an adult education program upon such child’s 236 withdrawal from public school.

 

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (e)(3):

What the bill says (simplified):

If a child is 17 years old, a parent can:

➡️ Withdraw them from public school
➡️ Enroll them in an adult education program

But the parent must:

  1. Go in person to the school district office
  2. Sign a withdrawal form
  3. Include two signed statements (attestations):

(A) From a school official saying:

    • The family was given information about all available education options

(B) From the parent saying:

    • The child will enroll in an adult education program

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Yes, 17-year-olds can leave public school for adult ed

This option already exists in general practice.

👉 This section is formalizing and structuring it more tightly

🔹 In-person requirement again

Just like other withdrawals:

➡️ You must physically go to the district office and complete paperwork

🔹 You need “sign-offs”

Before the withdrawal is valid:

  • A school official must confirm:
    • They informed you about other education options
  • The parent must confirm:
    • The child will actually enroll in adult education

Why this matters:

This section adds layers of documentation and verification.

It ensures:

  • The district can show:
    • “We informed the family of alternatives”
  • The parent must commit:
    • “We are enrolling in a specific program”

The key shift:

👉 Withdrawal is no longer just a decision—it becomes a documented, acknowledged transition

  • The school system is:
    • Involved in the decision
    • Documenting that involvement

Strategic implication:

This creates:

  • A paper trail of counseling and options presented
  • A requirement that:
    • The parent’s decision is formally acknowledged and recorded
  • A structure that reduces:
    • Informal or immediate withdrawal without process

Important distinction:

This section applies only to:
➡️ 17-year-olds transitioning to adult education

It is separate from:

  • Homeschool withdrawal rules (which are stricter and include DCF checks)

Bottom line:

➡️ A 17-year-old can leave public school for adult education, BUT:

  • The parent must go in person and sign paperwork
  • The school must confirm they provided guidance
  • The parent must confirm the child will enroll in adult ed

➡️ The process is now formal, documented, and verified

 

 

 

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Lines 237-244
237 (4) A student who is eighteen years of age or older may withdraw 238 from public school. The parent or guardian of such student or such 239 student shall personally appear at the school district office and sign a 240 withdrawal form. Such withdrawal form shall include an attestation 241 from a guidance counselor, school counselor or school administrator of 242 the school that such school district has provided such parent, guardian 243 or student with information on the educational options available in the 244 school system and in the community.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section (e)(4):

What the bill says (simplified):

If a student is 18 or older, they can:

➡️ Withdraw from public school

But:

  • The student or parent must:
    • Go in person to the school district office
    • Sign a withdrawal form
  • The form must include a statement from a school official that:
    • The student/parent was given information about education options

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Adults can still leave school

An 18-year-old (legal adult) can choose to leave public school.

👉 That part is expected.

🔹 But there’s still a required process

Even as an adult:

➡️ You must:

  • Go to the district office in person
  • Complete official paperwork

🔹 The school must “document advising”

A counselor or administrator must confirm:

  • They provided information about:
    • Staying in school
    • Other education options (like adult ed, etc.)

Why this matters:

This section reinforces a consistent pattern across the bill:

👉 All exits from public school are formal, documented, and controlled

The key shift:

Even for adults:

➡️ Leaving school is no longer informal
➡️ It becomes a documented, in-person process with school involvement

Strategic implication:

This creates:

  • A record that the student was advised
  • A safeguard for the district:
    • “We informed them before they left”
  • A system where:
    • No one simply disappears from enrollment without documentation

Pattern you should now be seeing:

Across all withdrawal scenarios (private school, homeschool, adult ed, age 18):

  • ✔️ In-person appearance required
  • ✔️ Official form required
  • ✔️ Documentation of next steps or counseling

👉 The system is designed to ensure:

  • Visibility
  • Tracking
  • Formal acknowledgment of every exit

Bottom line:

➡️ An 18-year-old can leave public school, BUT:

  • Must go in person and sign a form
  • The school must confirm they provided guidance on options

➡️ Even adult withdrawal is now formalized and documented

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Lines 245-259
245 Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) Not later than July 1, 2027, the 246 Department of Education shall develop (1) guidance for parents and 247 guardians and local and regional boards of education regarding the 248 provision of parent-managed learning in accordance with the 249 provisions of section 10-184 of the general statutes, as amended by this 250 act, and (2) the intent to educate form, continuation of parent-managed 251 learning form and withdrawal form, as such forms are described in 252 section 10-184 of the general statutes, as amended by this act. 253 Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) The parent or guardian of a child 254 who is being instructed through parent-managed learning shall retain 255 such child’s education records for the school year for a period of three 256 years after the completion of such school year. Such education records 257 include, but are not limited to, the curriculum used in the provision of 258 parent-managed learning and the academic work completed by such 259 child.

 

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Sections 2 and 3:

🔹 Section 2

What the bill says (simplified):

By July 1, 2027, the Connecticut State Department of Education must:

  1. Create guidelines for:
    • Parents (homeschooling)
    • School districts
  2. Create the official forms:
    • Intent to educate form
    • Continuation form
    • Withdrawal form

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 The state will define how this works

Right now, the bill outlines the structure.

➡️ This section says:

  • The details will be filled in later by the Department of Education

🔹 “Guidance” can shape real requirements

Even though it says “guidance,” in practice this can:

  • Influence what districts expect
  • Standardize how homeschool is interpreted
  • Potentially expand expectations over time

👉 This is where practical rules get built out

Why this matters:

👉 The law sets the framework
👉 The Department of Education fills in the operational details

That means:

  • The real-world impact depends heavily on what they create here

Bottom line (Section 2):

➡️ The state will design the system and forms homeschool families must use
➡️ Future “guidance” will shape how strict or flexible this becomes

🔹 Section 3

What the bill says (simplified):

If you are homeschooling:

➡️ You must keep your child’s education records for 3 years

These records include:

  • Curriculum used
  • The child’s completed work

What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Recordkeeping becomes mandatory

Homeschool parents must:

  • Keep documentation of what they are teaching
  • Save it for at least 3 years after each school year

🔹 What counts as records?

The bill gives examples like:

  • Curriculum materials
  • Assignments, work, or projects

👉 It’s not limited to those—so it could include more

Why this matters:

This introduces a documentation requirement that is:

  • Ongoing
  • Long-term
  • Potentially reviewable (depending on later sections)

The key shift:

👉 Homeschooling now includes mandatory record retention

  • Not just educating your child
  • But also documenting and preserving proof of it

Strategic implication:

This creates:

  • A paper trail of educational activity
  • Records that could be:
    • Requested
    • Reviewed
    • Used for compliance purposes later

Bottom line (Section 3):

➡️ Homeschool parents must keep records of what they teach and their child’s work for 3 years
➡️ This establishes a documented history of homeschooling activity

🔻 Overall takeaway (Sections 2 & 3):

  • The state will:
    • ✔️ Define the system and forms (Section 2)
    • ✔️ Require families to document and retain educational records (Section 3)

👉 Together, these sections build the operational and documentation backbone of the system

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Lines 260-306
260 Sec. 4. Subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 10-10a of the general 261 statutes, as amended by section 22 of public act 26-1, is repealed and the 262 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2027): 263 (1) Track and report data relating to student, teacher and school and 264 district performance growth and make such information available to 265 local and regional boards of education for use in evaluating educational 266 performance and growth of teachers and students enrolled in public 267 schools in the state. Such information shall be collected or calculated 268 based on information received from local and regional boards of 269 education and other relevant sources. Such information shall include, 270 but not be limited to: 271 (A) In addition to performance on state-wide mastery examinations 272 pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, data relating to students shall 273 include, but not be limited to, (i) the primary language spoken at the 274 home of a student, (ii) student transcripts, (iii) student attendance and 275 student mobility, (iv) reliable, valid assessments of a student’s readiness 276 to enter public school at the kindergarten level, (v) data collected, if any, HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 10 of 18 277 from the preschool experience survey, described in section 10-515, and 278 (vi) data required pursuant to section 10-17m concerning the academic 279 progress of students in bilingual education programs; 280 (B) Data relating to teachers shall include, but not be limited to, (i) 281 teacher credentials, such as master’s degrees, teacher preparation 282 programs completed and certification levels and endorsement areas, (ii) 283 teacher assessments, such as whether a teacher is deemed highly 284 qualified pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act, P.L. 107-110, or 285 deemed to meet such other designations as may be established by 286 federal law or regulations for the purposes of tracking the equitable 287 distribution of instructional staff, (iii) the presence of substitute teachers 288 in a teacher’s classroom, (iv) class size, (v) numbers relating to 289 absenteeism in a teacher’s classroom, and (vi) the presence of a teacher’s 290 aide. The department shall assign a unique teacher identifier to each 291 teacher prior to collecting such data in the public school information 292 system; 293 (C) Data relating to schools and districts shall include, but not be 294 limited to, (i) school population, (ii) annual student graduation rates, 295 (iii) annual teacher retention rates, (iv) school disciplinary records, such 296 as data relating to suspensions, expulsions and other disciplinary 297 actions, (v) the percentage of students whose primary language is not 298 English, (vi) the number of and professional credentials of support 299 personnel, (vii) information relating to instructional technology, such as 300 access to computers, (viii) disaggregated measures of school-based 301 arrests pursuant to section 10-233n, [and] (ix) the measures and data 302 required pursuant to section 10-17g for the evaluation of bilingual 303 education programs, and (x) the number of children being instructed 304 through parent-managed learning for whom an intent to educate form 305 was completed or a continuation of parent-managed learning form was 306 submitted pursuant to section 10-184, as amended by this act.

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section 4:

🔹 What this section is doing (big picture):

This section updates a law about state education data collection.

➡️ It tells the Connecticut State Department of Education to track lots of data about:

  • Students
  • Teachers
  • Schools

👉 And now, it adds homeschool data to that system

🔹 The key new addition (what matters most here):

At the very end, it adds:

The number of children being instructed through parent-managed learning
(based on intent forms and continuation forms)

🔹 What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Homeschoolers are now part of state data tracking

The state will now:

➡️ Count and track homeschoolers statewide

Based on:

  • Intent to educate forms
  • Continuation forms

🔹 This connects directly to earlier sections

Remember:

  • You must file forms every year
  • Districts must report if you don’t

👉 Now we see why:

➡️ That information feeds into a statewide data system

🔹 Why this matters:

This section confirms something important:

👉 The reporting system isn’t just local—it feeds into a centralized state database

🔹 The key shift:

👉 Homeschooling becomes a tracked population in state education data systems

  • Not just:
    • “Families doing their own thing”
  • But:
    • A measured, counted, and monitored group

🔹 What kind of system this is:

This law is part of a broader system that already tracks:

  • Student performance
  • Attendance
  • Demographics
  • Discipline
  • Teacher credentials

👉 Homeschoolers are now being added into that same data environment

🔹 Strategic implication:

This enables the state to:

  • Know how many homeschoolers there are
  • Track changes over time
  • Potentially:
    • Analyze trends
    • Compare populations
    • Inform future policy decisions

🔹 Important nuance:

This section only says:
➡️ The state will track numbers of homeschoolers

It does not (yet) say:

  • That academic performance data is collected
  • That individual student-level homeschool data is tracked

👉 But it clearly establishes the data pipeline

🔹 Bottom line:

➡️ The state will now track and report the number of homeschoolers
➡️ That data comes directly from the required forms families must submit
➡️ Homeschooling becomes part of the official statewide education data system

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Lines 307-522
307 Sec. 5. Subsection (g) of section 17a-28 of the 2026 supplement to the 308 general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu 309 thereof (Effective July 1, 2026): HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 11 of 18 310 (g) The department shall disclose records, subject to subsections (b) 311 and (c) of this section, without the consent of the person who is the 312 subject of the record, to: 313 (1) The person named in the record or such person’s authorized 314 representative, provided such disclosure shall be limited to information 315 (A) contained in the record about such person or about such person’s 316 biological or adoptive minor child, if such person’s parental rights to 317 such child have not been terminated; and (B) identifying an individual 318 who reported abuse or neglect of the person, including any tape 319 recording of an oral report pursuant to section 17a-103, if a court 320 determines that there is reasonable cause to believe the reporter 321 knowingly made a false report or that the interests of justice require 322 disclosure; 323 (2) An employee of the department for any purpose reasonably 324 related to the performance of such employee’s duties; 325 (3) A guardian ad litem or attorney appointed to represent a child or 326 youth in litigation affecting the best interests of the child or youth; 327 (4) An attorney representing a parent, guardian or child in a petition 328 filed in the Superior Court pursuant to section 17a-112 or 46b-129, 329 provided (A) if such records do not pertain to such attorney’s client or 330 such client’s child, such records shall not be further disclosed to another 331 individual or entity by such attorney except pursuant to the order of a 332 court of competent jurisdiction, (B) if such records are confidential 333 pursuant to federal law, such records shall not be disclosed to such 334 attorney or such attorney’s client unless such attorney or such attorney’s 335 client is otherwise entitled to such records, and (C) nothing in this 336 subdivision shall limit the disclosure of records under subdivision (3) of 337 this subsection; 338 (5) The Attorney General, any assistant attorney general or any other 339 legal counsel retained to represent the department during the course of 340 a legal proceeding involving the department or an employee of the HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 12 of 18 341 department; 342 (6) The Child Advocate or the Child Advocate’s designee; 343 (7) The Chief Public Defender or the Chief Public Defender’s designee 344 for purposes of ensuring competent representation by the attorneys 345 with whom the Chief Public Defender contracts to provide legal and 346 guardian ad litem services to the subjects of such records and for 347 ensuring accurate payments for services rendered by such attorneys; 348 (8) The Chief State’s Attorney or the Chief State’s Attorney’s designee 349 for purposes of investigating or prosecuting (A) an allegation related to 350 child abuse or neglect, (B) an allegation that an individual made a false 351 report of suspected child abuse or neglect, (C) an allegation that a 352 mandated reporter failed to report suspected child abuse or neglect in 353 accordance with section 17a-101a, provided such prosecuting authority 354 shall have access to records of a child charged with the commission of a 355 delinquent act, who is not being charged with an offense related to child 356 abuse, only while the case is being prosecuted and after obtaining a 357 release, or (D) an allegation of fraud in the receipt of public or private 358 benefits, provided no information identifying the subject of the record 359 is disclosed unless such information is essential to such investigation or 360 prosecution; 361 (9) A state or federal law enforcement officer, including a military law 362 enforcement authority under the United States Department of Defense, 363 for purposes of investigating (A) an allegation related to child abuse or 364 neglect, (B) an allegation that an individual made a false report of 365 suspected child abuse or neglect, or (C) an allegation that a mandated 366 reporter failed to report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance 367 with section 17a-101a; 368 (10) A foster or prospective adoptive parent, if the records pertain to 369 a child or youth currently placed with the foster or prospective adoptive 370 parent, or a child or youth being considered for placement with the 371 foster or prospective adoptive parent, and the records are necessary to HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 13 of 18 372 address the social, medical, psychological or educational needs of the 373 child or youth, provided no information identifying a biological parent 374 is disclosed without the permission of such biological parent; 375 (11) The Governor, when requested in writing in the course of the 376 Governor’s official functions, the joint standing committee of the 377 General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human 378 services, the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having 379 cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary or the joint standing 380 committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters 381 relating to children, when requested in writing by any of such 382 committees in the course of such committee’s official functions, and 383 upon a majority vote of such committee, provided no name or other 384 identifying information is disclosed unless such information is essential 385 to the gubernatorial or legislative purpose; 386 (12) The Office of Early Childhood for the purpose of (A) determining 387 the suitability of a person to care for children in a facility licensed 388 pursuant to section 19a-77, 19a-80, 19a-87b or 19a-421; (B) determining 389 the suitability of such person for licensure; (C) determining the 390 suitability of a person to provide child care services to a child and 391 receive a child care subsidy pursuant to section 17b-749k; (D) an 392 investigation conducted pursuant to section 19a-80f; (E) notifying the 393 office when the Department of Children and Families places an 394 individual licensed or certified by the office on the child abuse and 395 neglect registry pursuant to section 17a-101k; or (F) notifying the office 396 when the Department of Children and Families possesses information 397 regarding an office regulatory violation committed by an individual 398 licensed or certified by the office; 399 (13) The Department of Developmental Services, (A) to allow said 400 department to determine eligibility, facilitate enrollment and plan for 401 the provision of services to a child who is a client of said department 402 and who is applying to enroll in or is enrolled in said department’s 403 behavioral services program. At the time that a parent or guardian 404 completes an application for enrollment of a child in the Department of HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 14 of 18 405 Developmental Services’ children’s services program, or at the time that 406 said department updates a child’s annual individualized plan of care, 407 said department shall notify such parent or guardian that the 408 Department of Children and Families may provide records to the 409 Department of Developmental Services for the purposes specified in this 410 subdivision without the consent of such parent or guardian; or (B) for 411 purposes of an investigation pursuant to section 46a-11c; 412 (14) Any individual or entity for the purposes of identifying resources 413 that will promote the permanency plan of a child or youth approved by 414 the court pursuant to sections 17a-11, 17a-111b and 46b-129; 415 (15) A state agency that licenses or certifies a person to educate, care 416 for or provide services to children or youths; 417 (16) A judge or employee of a Probate Court who requires access to 418 such records in order to perform such judge’s or employee’s official 419 duties; 420 (17) A judge of the Superior Court for purposes of determining the 421 appropriate disposition of a child adjudicated as delinquent; 422 (18) A judge of the Superior Court in a criminal prosecution for 423 purposes of in camera inspection whenever (A) the court has ordered 424 that the record be provided to the court; or (B) a party to the proceeding 425 has issued a subpoena for the record; 426 (19) A judge of the Superior Court and all necessary parties in a 427 family violence proceeding when such records concern family violence 428 with respect to the child who is the subject of the proceeding or the 429 parent of such child who is the subject of the proceeding; 430 (20) The Auditors of Public Accounts, or their representative, 431 provided no information identifying the subject of the record is 432 disclosed unless such information is essential to an audit conducted 433 pursuant to section 2-90; HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 15 of 18 434 (21) A local or regional board of education, provided the records are 435 limited to educational records created or obtained by the state or 436 Connecticut Unified School District #2, established pursuant to section 437 17a-37; 438 (22) The superintendent of schools for any school district for the 439 purpose of determining the suitability of a person to be employed by 440 the local or regional board of education for such school district pursuant 441 to subsection (a) of section 10-221d; 442 (23) The Department of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of criminal 443 history records checks pursuant to subsection (e) of section 14-44, 444 provided information disclosed pursuant to this subdivision shall be 445 limited to information included on the Department of Children and 446 Families child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 447 17a-101k, subject to the provisions of sections 17a-101g and 17a-101k 448 concerning the nondisclosure of findings of responsibility for abuse and 449 neglect; 450 (24) The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the 451 purpose of treatment planning for young adults who have transitioned 452 from the care of the Department of Children and Families; 453 (25) The superintendent of a public school district or the executive 454 director or other head of a public or private institution for children 455 providing care for children or a private school (A) pursuant to sections 456 17a-11, 17a-101b, 17a-101c, 17a-101i, 17a-111b and 46b-129, or (B) when 457 the Department of Children and Families places an individual 458 employed by such institution or school on the child abuse and neglect 459 registry pursuant to section 17a-101k; 460 (26) The Department of Social Services for the purpose of (A) 461 determining the suitability of a person for payment from the 462 Department of Social Services for providing child care; (B) promoting 463 the health, safety and welfare of a child or youth receiving services from 464 either department; or (C) investigating allegations of fraud provided no HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 16 of 18 465 information identifying the subject of the record is disclosed unless such 466 information is essential to any such investigation; 467 (27) The Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch, for 468 the purpose of (A) determining the supervision and treatment needs of 469 a child or youth or any other person, and provide appropriate 470 supervision and treatment services to such child or youth or any other 471 person, or (B) sharing common case records to track recidivism of 472 juvenile offenders; 473 (28) The birth-to-three program’s referral intake office for the purpose 474 of (A) determining eligibility of, (B) facilitating enrollment for, and (C) 475 providing services to (i) substantiated victims of child abuse and neglect 476 with suspected developmental delays, and (ii) newborns impacted by 477 withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure; 478 (29) The Department of Public Health for (A) the purpose of 479 notification when the Commissioner of Children and Families places an 480 individual licensed or certified by the Department of Public Health on 481 the child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a482 101k, and (B) purposes relating to the licensure of the Albert J. Solnit 483 Children’s Center and the administration of licensing requirements 484 established pursuant to or set forth in sections 19a-134 and 19a-498; 485 (30) The Department of Correction, for the purpose of determining 486 the supervision and treatment needs of a child or youth, and providing 487 appropriate supervision and treatment services to such child or youth; 488 (31) Any child placing agency subject to licensure by the Department 489 of Children and Families, for the purpose of determining the suitability 490 of a person (A) for employment by such agency, or (B) to adopt or 491 provide foster care pursuant to sections 17a-114 and 17a-151; 492 (32) The Department of Administrative Services, for the purpose of 493 determining whether an applicant for employment with the state, who 494 would have contact with children in the course of such employment, 495 appears on the child abuse or neglect registry maintained pursuant to HB 5468 Amendment LCO No. 4221 2026LCO04221-R00-AMD.DOCX 17 of 18 496 section 17a-101k; 497 (33) Any individual, upon the request of such individual, when the 498 information concerns an incident of abuse or neglect that resulted in the 499 fatality or near fatality of a child or youth, provided (A) such disclosure 500 shall be limited to (i) the cause and circumstances of such fatality or near 501 fatality, (ii) the age and gender of such child or youth, (iii) a description 502 of any previous reports of or investigations into child abuse or neglect 503 that are relevant to the child abuse or neglect that led to such fatality or 504 near fatality, (iv) the findings of any such investigations, and (v) a 505 description of any services provided and actions taken by the state on 506 behalf of such child or youth that are relevant to the child abuse or 507 neglect that led to such fatality or near fatality, and (B) the department 508 shall not make any disclosure that is prohibited by the provisions of any 509 relevant federal law, including, but not limited to, Titles IV-B and IV-E 510 of the Social Security Act, as amended from time to time. The 511 department may withhold the disclosure of any records described in 512 this subdivision if the commissioner determines that such disclosure 513 may (i) result in harm to the safety or well-being of the child or youth 514 who is the subject of such records, the family of such child or youth, or 515 any individual who made a report of abuse or neglect pertaining to such 516 child or youth, or (ii) interfere with a pending criminal investigation; 517 [and] 518 (34) The Office of Policy and Management, for purposes of labor 519 relations investigations conducted on behalf of the Department of 520 Children and Families; and 521 (35) A local or regional board of education in response to a request by 522 such board pursuant to section 10-184, as amended by this act.”

 

Here’s the plain-language breakdown of Section 5:

🔹 What this section is doing (big picture):

This section changes a law about who can access Department of Children and Families (DCF) records.

👉 It adds a new category of access tied directly to this bill

🔹 The key new addition (what matters most):

At the very end:

(35) A local or regional board of education in response to a request pursuant to section 10-184 (this bill)

🔹 What that actually means (in normal language):

🔹 Schools can now access DCF records

Local school districts (boards of education) can:

➡️ Request and receive DCF records
➡️ When it relates to this homeschooling law

🔹 Connect this to what we already saw:

Earlier sections already created:

  • ✔️ DCF records checks for homeschool withdrawal
  • ✔️ Data sharing between schools and DCF
  • ✔️ Mandatory reporting and tracking

👉 This section expands that system further.

🔹 What kind of records are we talking about?

DCF records can include:

  • Abuse/neglect findings
  • Investigation status
  • Case history
  • Other child welfare information

👉 These are typically highly confidential records

🔹 The key shift:

👉 Information flow is no longer one-way (school → DCF)

Now it becomes:

➡️ Two-way access

  • Schools can:
    • Request DCF information
    • Receive it for purposes related to this law

🔹 Why this matters:

This significantly expands who can see sensitive family information.

Before:

  • DCF records were tightly restricted

Now:

  • School districts can access them
  • When connected to homeschool-related processes

🔹 Strategic implication:

This creates a fully connected system:

  • Schools ↔ DCF ↔ State

Where:

  • ✔️ Household status is checked
  • ✔️ Education records can be shared
  • ✔️ DCF records can be accessed by schools

👉 This is a cross-agency data-sharing framework

🔹 What’s important to notice:

This section does NOT:

  • Limit access only to confirmed abuse cases
  • Restrict based on outcome

👉 It allows access in response to a request under this law

🔹 Bottom line:

➡️ School districts can now access DCF records about families
➡️ This is specifically tied to the homeschool/withdrawal system created in this bill
➡️ It creates expanded data sharing between education and child welfare systems

🔻 Overall takeaway for Section 5:

  • The bill builds a system where:
    • ✔️ Families are reported and tracked
    • ✔️ DCF is involved in withdrawal decisions
    • ✔️ Schools can now access DCF records

👉 This is a fully integrated oversight and information-sharing structure

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Here’s a clear, big-picture analysis of HB 5468 based on everything we just walked through—focused on what it actually does in practice:

🔻 OVERALL STRUCTURE OF THE BILL

At its core, the bill does four major things:

  1. Creates a formal legal category for homeschooling
  • Renames it “parent-managed learning”
  • Places it as one of only three allowed education pathways

👉 This is the foundation for everything else

  1. Builds a mandatory reporting & tracking system

Homeschooling becomes a fully documented, state-tracked status:

  • Annual Intent to Educate form
  • Annual Continuation form (by Sept 1)
  • Required reporting when:
    • You move
    • You switch schools
    • You withdraw
  • District follow-up if you don’t comply
  • Escalation to the state if unresolved

👉 This creates a closed-loop tracking system

  1. Controls and conditions withdrawal from public school

This is one of the most significant shifts.

Public → Private school:

  • In-person withdrawal
  • Must show proof of enrollment

Public → Homeschool:

  • In-person withdrawal
  • Must wait for superintendent approval
  • Automatic DCF check on entire household
  • Withdrawal can be denied

👉 This introduces a state gatekeeping function

  1. Creates a cross-agency data-sharing system

The bill connects:

  • School districts
  • State Department of Education
  • Department of Children and Families (DCF)

With:

  • ✔️ DCF background checks
  • ✔️ Access to student education records (FERPA workaround)
  • ✔️ Schools gaining access to DCF records
  • ✔️ State-level homeschool data tracking

👉 This is a fully integrated information system

🔻 KEY THEMES / WHAT THIS BILL REALLY DOES

🔹 1. Homeschooling becomes a regulated status

Not just a parental choice anymore—it becomes:

  • Defined
  • Registered
  • Renewed annually
  • Subject to compliance rules

🔹 2. Annual compliance is mandatory

Every homeschool family must:

  • File paperwork every year
  • Meet deadlines
  • Stay in the system

👉 Missing steps triggers:

  • District follow-up
  • State notification

🔹 3. Withdrawal to homeschool becomes conditional

This is one of the biggest structural changes:

  • You cannot simply withdraw
  • You must:
    • Request withdrawal
    • Undergo a DCF household check
    • Receive approval

👉 The state can block homeschooling

🔹 4. Household-level scrutiny

The bill does NOT just look at the parent.

It looks at:

  • Every adult in the home

And:

  • A current investigation alone can trigger denial

👉 This is a broad standard with real consequences

🔹 5. Mandatory in-person engagement

Repeated across the bill:

  • Withdrawal → in person
  • Delay school → in person
  • Multiple formal interactions with the district

👉 This ensures:

  • Direct contact
  • Visibility
  • Documentation

🔹 6. Recordkeeping requirements

Homeschool families must:

  • Keep curriculum and student work
  • Retain records for 3 years

👉 This creates:

  • A paper trail of educational activity

🔹 7. Statewide data integration

The state will:

  • Count homeschoolers
  • Track trends
  • Include them in education data systems

👉 Homeschooling becomes a tracked population

🔹 8. Expanded access to sensitive data

  • DCF can access school records
  • Schools can access DCF records
  • Data flows across agencies

👉 This significantly expands information sharing

🔻 THE SYSTEM THIS BILL CREATES

When you put it all together, the bill creates a system that is:

✔️ Tracked

  • Annual reporting
  • State data collection

✔️ Verified

  • Required forms
  • Proof of enrollment
  • Record retention

✔️ Monitored

  • Follow-ups for noncompliance
  • Escalation to the state

✔️ Conditioned

  • Withdrawal subject to approval
  • DCF checks required

✔️ Integrated

  • Education system + child welfare system connected

🔻 MOST SIGNIFICANT POLICY SHIFTS

If you had to boil it down to the biggest changes, they are:

🔴 1. State approval becomes part of homeschooling (via withdrawal control)

  • Especially for families leaving public school

🔴 2. Homeschooling becomes a continuously monitored status

  • Annual renewal required
  • Noncompliance triggers escalation

🔴 3. Household investigations can block homeschooling

  • Even without a proven finding

🔴 4. Cross-agency data sharing expands significantly

  • Education + DCF systems linked

🔴 5. Families are fully visible to the system

  • No quiet entry, exit, or movement

🔻 FINAL BOTTOM LINE

This bill transforms homeschooling from:

➡️ A parent-directed educational choice

Into:

➡️ A defined, registered, monitored, and conditionally permitted status within a state-managed system