Senator Ted Cruz (R) has introduced legislation to help military families who homeschool their children by allowing them to continue following their home state's homeschooling laws after being reassigned to a new duty station.
What is the COMPASS Act?
Sen. Ted Cruz, joined by Sens Ted Budd (R-NC) and Ashley Moody (R-FL), introduced the Continuity of Military Parents' Academic Schooling and State Standards (COMPASS) Act.
The legislation would allow military families to continue following the homeschooling laws of their legal home state when they relocate under the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, rather than immediately complying with the homeschooling regulations of a new state.
Supporters say the bill would reduce administrative burdens and provide educational stability for military children who frequently move due to military assignments.
Why is the legislation being proposed?
According to Cruz, military families homeschool at roughly twice the rate of civilian families, making educational continuity a significant concern during frequent relocations.
Currently, military families may be required to comply with different homeschooling regulations each time they cross state lines under military orders.
What Cruz is saying
Sen. Ted Cruz: "Military families homeschool their children at roughly twice the rate of civilian families."
Sen. Cruz continued: "This bill will provide military homeschool families with the stability and flexibility they deserve."
How would the bill work?
The COMPASS Act would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to allow military homeschool families to continue operating under the homeschooling laws of the servicemember's legal state of residence after a PCS move.
Supporters compare the proposal to existing SCRA protections that allow military families to maintain legal residency for purposes such as:
- Taxes
- Voting
- Driver's licenses
Under the legislation, military families would not be forced to immediately adapt to a new state's homeschooling requirements simply because of military relocation orders.
The Bottom Line
The COMPASS Act would allow military homeschool families to continue following their home state's homeschooling laws after PCS moves, reducing regulatory changes and paperwork associated with military relocations.
