Idaho homeschoolers deserve a chance to attend prom too | Opinion

A recent op-ed by former Rep. Chenele Dixon raises concerns about SB 1290, the PROM Act. However, several claims in her piece mischaracterize what the bill actually proposes, and an honest reading of the legislation clarifies both its purpose and its limits.

SB 1290 grew from a collaboration between an Idaho homeschool mom and a state senator who is also a former homeschool student. The goal was to create a voluntary pathway for teen homeschoolers to attend milestone and social events at their local public schools while preserving homeschool freedom through clear safeguards.

Homeschool freedom is firmly established in Idaho statute, and SB 1290 operates within that framework. It does not require enrollment, does not trigger public funding, does not mandate participation, and does not grant public schools any authority over homeschool education.

What SB 1290 does is give homeschool students the option to participate in school-sponsored social events within their local public schools — institutions funded and supported by the broader community. In some communities, larger-scale events for homeschoolers may be limited. The bill simply provides a voluntary option when families choose it.

Let’s highlight three of the strongest protections written directly into SB 1290:

First, the bill expressly states that participation in the social access pass program “shall not grant a public school any authority to regulate or interfere” with a student’s home-based, nonpublic education.

Second, participation “shall not constitute any form of enrollment, whether full or partial, in the public school system.” In other words, a homeschool student remains legally outside the public school system.

Third, participation “shall not generate or trigger any state funding, pupil funding, or average daily attendance credit for a school district.” There is no funding mechanism, no financial entanglement and no shift in educational status.

Participation is voluntary and limited to school-sponsored social events in grades 8–12. Yes, students must register for a social access pass confirming eligibility, a standard administrative requirement to verify residency and maintain basic records so events can be managed responsibly. Any information collected may not be shared with third parties except as required by law.

The provisions Dixon described as “infrastructure” are simply the practical mechanics of how the program operates. Verifying residency, issuing a pass and maintaining limited participation records are not creeping regulation but common-sense administrative practices. The structure is carefully crafted and limited.

For many homeschool families, the ideal policy protects freedom while allowing access. SB 1290 was drafted with that balance in mind, and its language reflects it. The bill maintains the legal distinction between public school students and homeschool students, ensuring that access to social activities does not alter a student’s educational status or invite regulatory oversight.

It is worth remembering that not all legislation restricts freedom. Idaho Code 33-202 recognizes home instruction as a lawful way to satisfy compulsory education, and Idaho Code 33-203 — Idaho’s dual enrollment law — expands access for nonpublic students to participate in public school programs, and it hasn’t compromised homeschool autonomy. Section 33-203 demonstrates that thoughtful legislation can protect independence while expanding opportunity.

Some argue that choosing not to enroll in the public school system means agreeing to forgo everything it offers. But there is no law prohibiting such access, and many would still like the opportunity to participate in some school events. Homeschool families contribute to public schools through the same taxes, bonds and supplemental levies as everyone else — regardless of enrollment.

In closing, SB 1290 preserves homeschool freedom while giving homeschool students the option to participate in milestone moments alongside their community peers. That balance — access without control — is the heart of the matter and is reflected in this legislation.

Sen. Josh Kohl, R-Twin Falls, represents Idaho’s 25th Legislative District. Jennifer Malone is a homeschool mom and community homeschool group leader residing in southern Idaho who works as a graphic designer.