Bill > HB4137

This bill amends the Education for Homeless Children Act to expand the ways school districts can help children who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Specifically, the bill allows school districts to provide extended motel stays as a form of housing assistance, in addition to existing options like rental or mortgage support. Before providing such assistance, the school district must first attempt to secure help through a homeless assistance agency under the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's continuum of care. If those attempts are unsuccessful, the district may use transportation funds to support homeless prevention. The bill defines "at risk of becoming homeless" as having documented evidence showing that a living situation will likely become unstable within 8 weeks, which could be demonstrated through foreclosure notices, eviction notices, utility shut-off warnings, or written statements about income loss. Any housing assistance requires a written plan approved by both the school district and the child's parent, guardian, or the person who enrolled the child. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4137&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104