Bill Text: IL HB5407 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Amends the Education for Homeless Children Act. In provisions concerning the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program, provides that grants shall be awarded to applicant school districts based on the percentage of students experiencing homelessness in an applicant school district (instead of to applicant school districts). Makes other changes concerning the award of grants. Specifies activities eligible for assistance. Provides that the State Board of Education may use up to 25% (instead 5%) of appropriated funds for administrative costs.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)

Status: (Engrossed) 2024-05-10 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 17, 2024 [HB5407 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HB5407-Engrossed.html

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AN ACT concerning education.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Education for Homeless Children Act is
amended by changing Section 1-50 as follows:
(105 ILCS 45/1-50)
Sec. 1-50. Education of Homeless Children and Youth State
Grant Program.
(a) It is the purpose and intent of this Section to
establish a State grant program that parallels and
supplements, but operates independently of, the federal grant
program allocating funds for assistance under Subtitle B of
Title VII of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.) and to establish a State grant
program to support school districts throughout this State in
facilitating the enrollment, attendance, and success of
homeless children and youth.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education
shall award competitive grants under an Education of Homeless
Children and Youth State Grant Program to applicant school
districts based on the percentage of students experiencing
homelessness in an applicant school district in accordance
with this Section. Services provided by school districts

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through the use of grant funds may not replace the regular
academic program and must be designed to expand upon or
improve services provided for homeless students as part of the
school's regular academic program.
(c) A school district that desires to receive a grant
under this Section shall submit an application to the State
Board of Education at such time, in such manner, and
containing or accompanied by such information as the State
Board of Education may reasonably require.
(d) To award grants Grants must be awarded on the basis of
the need of the school district for assistance under this
Section, the State Board of Education may consider all of the
following: and the quality of the applications submitted.
(1) In determining need under this subsection (d), the
State Board of Education may consider the number of
homeless children and youths enrolled in preschool,
elementary school, and secondary school within the school
district and shall consider the needs of such children and
youths and the ability of the district to meet such needs.
The State Board of Education may also consider the
following:
(A) (Blank). The extent to which the proposed use
of funds will facilitate the enrollment, retention,
and educational success of homeless children and
youths.
(B) (Blank). The extent to which the application

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(i) reflects coordination with other local and State
agencies that serve homeless children and youths and
(ii) describes how the applicant will meet the
requirements of this Act and the federal
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance
Improvements Act of 2001.
(C) The extent to which the applicant exhibits in
the application and in current practice a commitment
to education for all homeless children and youths.
(D) Such other criteria as the State Board
determines is appropriate.
(2) In determining the quality of applications under
this subsection (d), the State Board of Education shall
consider the following:
(A) The applicant's assessment of needs and the
likelihood that the services presented in the
application will meet such needs.
(B) The types, intensity, and coordination of the
services to be provided.
(C) The involvement of parents or guardians of
homeless children or youths in the education of these
children.
(D) The extent to which homeless children and
youths are effectively integrated within the regular
education program.
(E) The quality of the applicant's evaluation plan

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for the services.
(F) The extent to which services provided will be
coordinated with other services available to homeless
children and youths and their families.
(G) Such other measures as the State Board
considers indicative of high-quality services, such as
the extent to which the school district will provide
case management or related services to unaccompanied
youths.
(e) Grants awarded under this Section shall be for terms
not to exceed 3 years, but are subject to annual appropriation
for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant
Program. School districts shall use funds awarded under this
Section only for those activities set forth in Section 723(d)
of Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 11433(d)).
Activities eligible for assistance under this Section may
include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Rental assistance, which shall include utilities,
security and utility deposits, first and last month's
rent, rental application fees, moving expenses, and any
other eligible expenses to be determined by the State
Board.
(2) Transportation assistance, including school bus
transportation, public transportation passes, and gasoline
assistance for a student or family with a vehicle or to a

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