Maryland homeschool families, an exciting opportunity is on the horizon! A new bill, House Bill 1185 (HB1185), has been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly, and it could have a big impact on homeschooled students across the state. If passed, this bill will allow homeschooled students to participate in public high school athletic programs—a step toward expanding access to extracurricular opportunities for all learners.
As a homeschool community, our voices matter, and now is the time to take action. Keep reading to learn how you can support HB 1185 and advocate for equal opportunities for homeschoolers.
What Is HB 1185?
HB1185, also known as the “Homeschool Students in Maryland – Right to Play” Bill, seeks to:
Grant homeschooled students access to public high school athletic activities.
Priority is given to enrolled students when space is limited, balancing access and fairness.
This bill would help level the playing field for homeschool students who want to compete in school-sponsored sports while still benefiting from a home-based education.
Why This Matters for Homeschool Families
Participation in extracurricular activities like sports provides:
✔️ Physical health benefits
✔️ Social-emotional growth through teamwork and leadership
✔️ Opportunities for college scholarships for student-athletes
✔️ Community connection with peers
For many homeschool families, the lack of access to public school sports has been a barrier. HB1185 is a step toward ensuring homeschool students aren’t excluded from these valuable experiences.
How Can You Support HB 1185?
The bill is scheduled for a hearing on March 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the House Office Building, Room 130 in Annapolis, MD. Here’s how you can make an impact:
1️⃣ Contact Your Legislators
Reach out to your Maryland State Delegates and Senators to express your support for HB1185.
Personal emails, phone calls, and letters can influence decision-makers—be sure to share how this bill would benefit your child or homeschool community.
Find your state representatives here:
2️⃣ Submit Written Testimony
Even if you can’t attend the hearing, you can still submit written testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Learn how to submit testimony and engage in the legislative process:
🔗 2025 House of Delegates Protocol Guidelines - Easy Read Version
3️⃣ Attend the Hearing
Show up in person to demonstrate strong community support! The more homeschool families and supporters in attendance, the more impact we can make.
Hearing details:
📍 Location: House Office Building, Room 130, Annapolis, MD
📅 Date: March 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 p.m.
4️⃣ Spread the Word
Share this blog post with your homeschool networks, co-ops, and support groups.
Encourage fellow parents, educators, and students to take action.
Use social media to advocate for HB1185—post, tag legislators, and use relevant hashtags like #RightToPlayMD #HB1185 #HomeschoolAthletes
Homeschool Families, Your Voice Matters!
Legislation like HB1185 directly impacts homeschool families, and lawmakers need to hear from those who would benefit the most. Whether you attend the hearing, send testimony, or call your representatives, your advocacy makes a difference.
Let’s stand together to support this bill and expand opportunities for homeschool students in Maryland.
Will you take action today? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know how you'll support HB 1185!
🚀 Stay informed and involved! Follow updates on the Maryland General Assembly website:🔗 Maryland General Assembly
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