summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code. Prohibits a child from being denied a free public education through secondary school while in the State based on the child's or associated person's perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status. Prohibits a school from excluding a child, or associated person, from participation in or denying a child, or associated person, the benefits of any program or activity on the grounds of that child's, or associated person's, actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. Provides that a school must not use criteria, measures, or methods of administration that have the effect of excluding from participation or denying the benefits of any program or activity because of a child's, or associated person's, actual or perceived immigration status. Prohibits a school from threatening to disclose information regarding or relating to the actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status of a child, or associated person, or actually disclosing information based on perceived or unverified citizenship or immigration status, to any other person, entity, or any immigration or law enforcement agency. Provides that a school must not allow an immigration agent to enter a school site or school district facility for any purpose without providing valid identification, a written statement of purpose, and a valid judicial warrant, and, to the extent possible, receiving approval from the superintendent of the school district or the principal of the charter school, and their legal counsel. Provides that a school district or school must not detain any individual solely on the basis of any formal or informal request, or immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant from an immigration agent. Requires a school district or school to adopt a policy for complying with the amendatory Act. Allows any party aggrieved by a violation of the provisions to bring a civil lawsuit no later than 2 years after the violation occurred. Provides that if the court finds that a violation has occurred, the court may award to the plaintiff 3 times actual damages or $17,000, whichever is greater. Makes other changes.
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code to protect students' access to education regardless of their immigration status. Drawing inspiration from the landmark 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, which established that schools cannot deny education to children based on immigration status, the bill creates comprehensive protections for students and their families. It prohibits schools from denying educational access, excluding students from programs, or using administrative methods that might discourage participation based on actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. The bill specifically bars schools from requesting unnecessary immigration documentation, sharing immigration information with enforcement agencies, or allowing immigration agents to enter school facilities without proper judicial warrants and administrative approvals. Schools are required to adopt policies ensuring these protections and can be subject to civil lawsuits if they violate these provisions, with potential damages up to three times actual damages or $17,000, whichever is greater. Key definitions are provided for terms like "immigration agent" and "civil immigration warrant," drawing from the Illinois TRUST Act, and the bill emphasizes creating a safe, welcoming environment for all students regardless of their immigration background.
Sponsors (10)
Karina Villa (D)*,
Cristina Castro (D),
Javier Cervantes (D),
Mary Edly-Allen (D),
Graciela Guzmán (D),
Adriane Johnson (D),
Rob Martwick (D),
Rachel Ventura (D),
Ram Villivalam (D),
Mark Walker (D),
Last Action
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam (on 04/04/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2065&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2065.htm |
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