$ISBE-HOMELESS STUDENTS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lakesia Collins and 6 co-sponsors

Places a one-time $5,000,000 in ISBE grants to support education programs for homeless and at-risk students under the Education of Homeless Children and Youth program.

Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

Bill at a glance

Title: SB3260 — "$ISBE-HOMELESS STUDENTS"

Introduced by: Sen. Lakesia Collins (Introduced Feb 3, 2026)

Co-sponsors: Sen. Mike Simmons-Gessesse, Sen. Adriane Johnson, Sen. Napoleon Harris III

Committee/Referral: Appropriations – Education

Effective date: July 1, 2026

Primary purpose: Make a one-time appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to fund the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program, for programming directed at students at risk for or experiencing homelessness, in compliance with Public Act 103-744.

1) Purpose and intent

The bill provides funding to support programs for homeless students or those at risk of homelessness.

It aligns with existing statutory framework governing the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (as referenced by Public Act 103-744), indicating continuation or supplementation of ongoing efforts under that program.

2) Key provisions and funding details

Funding amount: $5,000,000 (General Revenue Fund)

Use of funds: To award grants through the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program administered by ISBE. The grants are intended to support programming and services for students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Recipients/Administration: The Illinois State Board of Education would administer the grant program, distributing funds to eligible districts or entities under the established rules of the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program.

Legal/ compliance reference: Funds must be used in compliance with Public Act 103-744, ensuring alignment with state policy regarding services to homeless students.

3) Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Students who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness within Illinois, along with their families who may benefit from enhanced educational supports.

Educational providers: Local education agencies (school districts, charter schools, and other ISBE-authorized entities) that implement or participate in the Education of Homeless Children and Youth program and would apply for or use the grants.

ISBE: Responsible for administering the grant program, awarding funds, and monitoring compliance with program requirements.

4) Timelines and procedural notes

Effective date of the act: July 1, 2026.

Funding availability: The appropriation becomes available for ISBE to award under the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program starting in fiscal year 2026-2027, following passage and signing.

Action history context:

Filed February 3, 2026; first reading and assignment to Appropriations – Education.
Later added as a co-sponsor by April 2026.

5) Potential impact and considerations

Impact: Provides a substantial, targeted infusion of funds to improve services for homeless or at-risk students, potentially expanding access to supportive programming, tutoring, case management, transportation, or other eligible services under the grant program.

Budgetary note: It is a one-time appropriation of $5 million from the General Revenue Fund for the specified program.

Policy alignment: Reinforces state priorities to address educational needs of homeless students in line with Public Act 103-744.

This summary presents the bill’s substantive content and practical implications for students, districts, and ISBE. If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to current law or potential grant administration considerations.

Bill