House Education Committee advances bill to clarify part‑time public‑school access for homeschoolers

The Wyoming House Education Committee on Feb. 20 advanced Senate File 18, a bill sponsors say clarifies that homeschoolers may enroll part time in public school courses and activities.

Representative Guggenmoss introduced the bill, telling the committee it "clarifies that homeschoolers will have access, part time access enrollment to public schools" and that the change adds a subsection to allow a parent or guardian to apply to the ESA program specified in Wyoming statute 21-2-901 on behalf of an eligible child.

Nishkawe Gilea of the Wyoming Department of Education, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Degenfelder, said the department supports the bill and stood for questions.

Patricia McCoy, representing Moms for Liberty Wyoming chapters, voiced support and recommended a clarifying amendment. McCoy read proposed language to add after "subject to regulations of the board of trustees": "For purposes of this subsection, a child who is a resident of the district shall not be denied access to public school courses or activities solely on the basis of part time or fractional enrollment status." She said the amendment would prevent fractional‑enrollment thresholds from excluding children enrolled a quarter or less than half time.

Committee members asked a few clarifying questions but did not take further changes before a motion to advance the bill. Representative Straus moved the bill, seconded by Representative Guggenmoss. The committee held a roll call vote and the chair announced "that is 6 ayes and 3 excused"; the committee reported Senate File 18 passed.

The committee record shows the Department of Education was unable to comment on the McCoy amendment at the hearing, saying staff had not reviewed it and there could be implications for ADM (average daily membership) and other calculations.

Next steps: with the committee vote complete, Senate File 18 is scheduled to proceed through the legislative process for floor consideration and any further amendment debates.