Dear Chris --

...chit-chat omitted...

On HB 518:

1. Your approach of a letter from the parents of a homeschooled child that he is continuing his education, has received the equivalent of a diploma, etc., suffices, as far as I'm concerned. Homeschooling parents are a very special breed and, in my opinion, motivate their children to value education and succeed intellectually. Were all parents able to so inspire their children, public school education would thrive. Hence, little or no regulation of homeschoolers is needed.

2. Your policy concern about disruptive students is valid. I am aware that one of the unintended consequences of HB 518 might be harm to other, hard-working students. I tried to deal with this through the "good cause shown" concept. However, I would expect that most 16-18-year olds would accommodate their behavior rather than risk losing their licenses.

Sincerely, Neal