4428

April 21, 2026
10:20PM

NEW language in the “homeschool bill”.
LCO 4428

Here is the comparison to the previous version, 4421.

Alright — I went through the new language carefully. Here’s a clear, strategic comparison of LCO 4428 (new) vs. LCO 4421 (prior version you were working from) so you can immediately understand what changed and what did NOT change.

🚨 BIG PICTURE SHIFT (IMPORTANT)

LCO 4428 is NOT a full rollback.
It is a reframing + softening in some areas, while locking in core control mechanisms.

👉 In plain terms:

  • They removed some of the most publicly criticized pieces
  • But kept the structural framework for regulation, tracking, and state gatekeeping

🔍 WHAT CHANGED (IMPROVEMENTS / SOFTENING)

1. ❌ Portfolio / Testing Requirement — REMOVED

This is a major visible concession.

  • No required:
    • portfolios
    • standardized testing
    • academic proof submissions

👉 This directly reflects what leadership hinted (strip “end-of-year proof”).

2. ❌ Annual “Proof of Education” — REMOVED

  • No ongoing academic verification process
  • No March–June submission window

👉 This eliminates the most obvious “evaluation system”

3. ⚠️ Intent Form — SIMPLIFIED (but still exists)

Still required, but now:

  • Annual Intent to Educate Form
  • Due by October 1
  • Can be submitted electronically

👉 This is less aggressive administratively — but still foundational control

4. ❌ Some Timeline Pressure Reduced

  • No mid-year compliance checks like before
  • No academic review deadlines

⚠️ WHAT STAYED (CORE CONCERNS — VERY IMPORTANT)

This is where the bill still fundamentally changes homeschooling in CT.

1. ⚠️ “Parent-Managed Learning” — NEW LEGAL CATEGORY

They formally define:

“Parent-managed learning” = education outside public/nonpublic school

👉 This is HUGE.

Why it matters:

  • Homeschooling becomes a regulated category under statute
  • Not just “allowed” — now defined and structured by the state

2. ⚠️ Mandatory Annual Registration (Intent Form)

Still required for:

  • Homeschoolers
  • Private schoolers
  • Public schoolers (in practice, auto-compliant)

👉 This is effectively:

➡️ Universal child tracking system

Even if framed as “neutral”

3. ⚠️ State Tracking & Data Collection

New requirement:

State will track number of children in “parent-managed learning”

👉 This feeds into:

  • Longitudinal data systems
  • Workforce tracking
  • Policy expansion later

4. 🚨 DCF CHECKS — STILL THERE (CRITICAL ISSUE)

This is the most serious retained provision.

If withdrawing to homeschool:

  • Mandatory DCF records check
  • Includes:
    • Abuse/neglect registry
    • ACTIVE INVESTIGATIONS
  • If flagged:
    ❌ Withdrawal is BLOCKED
    ❌ Child CANNOT be homeschooled

👉 This means:

➡️ A lawful act (withdrawal) triggers suspicion
➡️ No allegation required
➡️ No due process BEFORE denial

5. ⚠️ State Approval Required to Withdraw

Withdrawal is not immediate:

  • Must wait for:
    • Records check
    • Superintendent approval

👉 This changes homeschooling from:

✔️ Parent decision
➡️ State-permitted action

6. ⚠️ School District Enforcement Powers

If no intent form filed:

  • District must:
    • Contact parent 3 times
    • Then report to State DOE

👉 Creates:
➡️ Enforcement pipeline
➡️ Escalation mechanism

7. ⚠️ Nonpublic Schools — New Reporting Burden

Private schools must:

  • File attendance reports to the state

👉 Expands system-wide tracking

❗ WHAT WAS REMOVED BUT REPLACED STRATEGICALLY

OLD (4421) NEW (4428)
Portfolio/testing ❌ Removed
Academic verification ❌ Removed
Frequent compliance deadlines ❌ Reduced
But replaced with:
Direct oversight ➡️ Data + registration + gatekeeping

👉 This is a shift from visible control → systemic control

🎯 STRATEGIC READ

This version is designed to:

✔️ Look “reasonable”
✔️ Neutralize opposition talking points
✔️ Keep the infrastructure for future expansion

The Core Mechanism Now Is:

  1. Define homeschool legally
  2. Require annual registration
  3. Track population
  4. Control entry/exit (DCF gatekeeping)

⚠️ BOTTOM LINE

Even without portfolios/testing:

👉 This bill STILL:

  • Creates a state-controlled homeschool classification
  • Requires mandatory annual reporting
  • Enables state tracking of homeschoolers
  • Gives government power to block homeschooling
  • Builds infrastructure for future regulation expansion

💬 SIMPLE ONE-LINE SUMMARY

👉 “They removed the visible pieces—but kept the system that puts the state between parents and their right to homeschool.”