Substitute House Bill No. 5468, also known as Public Act No. 26-37, significantly revises the educational requirements for parents and guardians in Connecticut. The bill repeals Section 10-184 and introduces new provisions that define "parent-managed learning," requiring parents or guardians of children aged five to under eighteen to ensure their children are either enrolled in public school, attending a nonpublic school, or receiving education through parent-managed learning. Parents must submit an annual "intent to educate" form to the school district, indicating their chosen educational path. The bill also allows parents to opt out of sending their children to school until they reach the ages of six or seven and outlines the process for families moving to a new school district, requiring the completion of the intent to educate form within fourteen days.

Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for withdrawing children from public and nonpublic schools, mandating that parents personally appear at the school district office to sign a withdrawal form and provide evidence of enrollment in a nonpublic school. Local boards of education must attempt to contact parents who have not submitted the intent to educate form by November 1st, and a records check will be conducted for any adult residing with the child at the time of withdrawal. The bill also amends existing laws regarding the disclosure of information related to child abuse and neglect investigations, specifying who may access such information while protecting the identities of biological parents. Overall, the bill aims to enhance parental involvement in education, ensure children's safety, and improve data tracking related to educational performance.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-184
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-184
File No. 420: 10-184
APP Joint Favorable: 10-184
File No. 724: 10-184, 10-188
Public Act No. 26-37: 10-184, 10-188