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HR 660

SCHOOL START TIMES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mary Beth Canty and 6 co-sponsors

Illinois bill requiring adjusted school start times to better align with adolescent sleep science and improve student health and academic outcomes.

Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Margaret A. DeLaRosa
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Bill Summary · HR 660

Legislative bill overview

HR 660 proposes to establish new requirements for school start times in Illinois, with the apparent goal of aligning schedules with adolescent sleep science. The bill has gained bipartisan support with five co-sponsors added in February 2026, though the specific numerical provisions are not detailed in the available action summary.

Why is this important

Research consistently shows that adolescents have circadian rhythms that naturally shift later during puberty, making early school starts misaligned with biological sleep needs. Later start times have been associated with improved student attendance, academic performance, and mental health outcomes, while potentially reducing behavioral issues and traffic accidents involving teen drivers.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools may need to adjust transportation schedules, staffing patterns, and potentially facility usage, creating budget pressures for districts already facing fiscal constraints
  • Childcare and work conflicts: Families relying on early school dismissal for childcare coordination or parental work schedules may face significant logistical challenges
  • After-school activity timing: Later dismissals could compress time for extracurricular activities, sports, and part-time employment opportunities for students

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

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