Last Updated: August 20, 2026
| Bill Text | Action: None | Related Article |
Bill: SB 1188: Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps: home instruction, independent study, and private schools.
Author: Senator Archuleta
Position: Neutral
Current Status: Enrolled and presented to the Governor
Action: None
Summary:
SB 1188 allows county offices of education and charter schools to establish JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) units. It requires membership be permitted for homeschool students living in the attendance area of the school. The bill also mandates the State Department of Education to make information about the JROTC available on their website and distribute implementation guidance to local educational agencies annually.
Concern:
This bill furthers legislation that gives private homeschoolers access to a federal government school program. By law, this bill further associates private homeschoolers with federal government funding, blurring the lines between private and public schooling sectors. This could pose a problem in the future as public perception of private homeschoolers is confused by their access to public funding.
The federal government has a clear constitutional role in providing for the national defense, and JROTC can be understood, at least in part, as an extension of that responsibility—offering young people exposure to leadership and training connected to the defense of our country. That makes this issue somewhat different from typical education policy debates.
“Rather than viewing this as a concern with the bill itself, it is more accurately a reminder to remain thoughtful about the long-term direction. Expanding access in appropriate areas can coexist with a continued commitment to maintaining the independence and integrity of homeschooling.”
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