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HB 2058

Relating to military connected students

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Clark and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 2058 enhances educational access for military-connected students in Illinois, allowing remote enrollment and ensuring timely support during school transitions.

To House Education
#education(k12) #militaryandveterans
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Bill Summary · HB 2058

Summary of House Bill 2058: Relating to Military Connected Students

Bill Number: HB 2058
Introduced On: January 29, 2025
Current Status: To House Education
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Tony M. McCombie
Legislative Session: 104th General Assembly, State of Illinois

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2058 aims to enhance educational access and support for military-connected students in Illinois. The bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by students whose parents or guardians are active duty military personnel or veterans, particularly during transitions between schools due to relocations.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions designed to support military-connected students:

  1. Definitions:

    • Defines "military-connected student" as an unemancipated student whose parent or guardian is a current or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces or was killed in the line of duty.

  2. Advance Enrollment:

    • Allows military-connected students to enroll in public schools remotely without requiring physical presence, provided they present military orders indicating relocation to Illinois. This aims to streamline the enrollment process during transitions.

  3. Equitable Access:

    • Ensures that military-connected students have equal access to academic courses, extracurricular activities, and social programs, promoting inclusivity in educational opportunities.

  4. Enrollment Timing:

    • Mandates local education agencies to coordinate promptly with parents and previous school districts to avoid delays in special education services for transferring students with disabilities.

  5. Support for Military Families:

    • Provides mechanisms for parents or guardians called to active duty to notify local education agencies, enabling access to counseling services and information on military support resources for their children.

  6. Teacher Notification:

    • Requires local education agencies to inform teachers when a military-connected student enrolls in their class, allowing for tailored academic support.

  7. Rights for National Guard and Reserve Families:

    • Extends the same educational rights to children of National Guard and Reserve members as those afforded to active-duty military families, ensuring consistency in educational opportunities.

  8. Placement Stability:

    • Allows students to remain in the same school until they complete the highest grade level, promoting stability in their educational experience.

Impact

The provisions of HB 2058 are expected to significantly benefit military-connected students and their families by:

  • Reducing barriers to enrollment and ensuring timely access to educational resources.
  • Providing necessary support systems for students facing the challenges of frequent relocations.
  • Enhancing the overall educational experience for military families, thereby fostering a more inclusive school environment.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk.
  • February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to Rules Committee.
  • February 12, 2025: Introduced in House and referred to House Education.
  • March 4, 2025: Assigned to Executive Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Passed out of Executive Committee.
  • March 27, 2025: Held on Calendar for Second Reading.
  • April 11, 2025: Third Reading Deadline Extended to May 31, 2025.
  • May 31, 2025: Re-referred to Rules Committee.

This bill represents a proactive step towards addressing the educational needs of military-connected students in Illinois, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary for their academic success.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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