Every year, OCEANetwork monitors any bills, initiatives, or rules that may negatively impact homeschool freedoms in Oregon. The need for vigilance is even greater during long legislative sessions, which happen every other year.
OCEANetwork has confirmed that the May 5th hearing for HB 3624 has been canceled. At this time, it’s unclear why the bill was removed from the Senate Education Committee agenda.
The response from Oregon homeschoolers was very encouraging. After our last alert went out, written testimonies submitted in opposition to the bill increased by 180% before the testimony links closed due to the hearing’s cancellation. We know many of you were still preparing testimonies ahead of the Friday noon deadline, and several of you had registered to testify in person or virtually. You were actively spreading the word, rallying your communities, and standing together for homeschool freedom.
Your engagement truly makes a difference in the legislative process. Freedom Watch Team member Wes Butler also spent time at the Capitol today and these past weeks connecting with legislators to oppose the bill and remind them that we value homeschool freedoms. While we don’t know the exact reason for the hearing’s cancellation, we trust God’s hand is at work and we praise Him for this encouraging development.
Although it’s still possible the bill could be re-scheduled before the end of the session, we believe it is unlikely. Even so, we’ll remain alert and let you know if anything changes.
In the meantime, please continue to stand with us in defense of homeschool freedom in Oregon:
- Pray for God’s continued favor and protection over homeschool families.
- Share the vision and blessings of home education freedom with others.
- Speak up about the long-term risks of government-funded programs for private homeschoolers.
Rodger Williams
OCEANetwork Freedom Watch Team
If you have questions about this alert, please contact OCEANetwork here so we can forward it on to our Freedom Watch Team.