Wyoming bill would restrict who can teach children at home

A person could not teach a child at home if that person or someone living in the home had a listed conviction within the past seven years. The rule would cover anyone teaching a child at home and anyone living in the home where the child is taught. The restriction covers listed crimes involving child abuse, neglect, and other specified offenses. It would not apply if the conviction was reversed or annulled, or the person received a pardon. The seven-year period would be measured immediately before the person teaches the child. Anyone already teaching at home in violation of this rule would have to stop by July 1, 2026.

A person could not move a child from public school or another person's private school into home instruction during certain child abuse or neglect investigations. This would apply to a person under investigation or assessment for child abuse or neglect and a child enrolled in public school or a private school administered by someone else. A child protection agency must decide it is in the child's best interest and advise the person not to start home instruction. The person could request a hearing about whether they may start. Someone already teaching the child at home before the investigation began could continue. The restriction would last during the investigation or assessment.

The Department of Family Services or local law enforcement would enforce the restrictions, and violating either could be a felony. The enforcement duty and penalty would apply to violations of either restriction on home-based educational programs. A felony could bring up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The bill would take effect immediately if it became law.