Instead of tackling their crumbling public schools, Illinois lawmakers are pushing a bill to crack down on parents who escape the system through homeschooling. Passed in late March through the Illinois House Education Policy Committee in a party-line vote, the Illinois Homeschool Act would impose a bevy of new requirements and oversight on homeschool families. According to state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, a Democrat, the bill will ensure that homeschooled children receive a “safe and sufficient education,” reducing the potential for abuse or neglect.

The bill, which could soon become law, will require parents to submit an annual “Homeschool Declaration Form” to the principal of the local public school, maintain and submit educational portfolios, endure at-home inspections, and provide documentation of immunizations and health examinations for children who wish to participate in public school activities.