HB3247: SCH CD-PROHIBT DENIAL FREE ED

Legislative Summary

Amends the School Code. Prohibits a child from being denied a free public education through secondary school while in the State based on the child's or the child's parent's or guardian's perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status. Prohibits a school (defined as a public school, school district, or governing body organized under the Code and its agents) from excluding a child from participation in or denying a child the benefits of any program or activity on the grounds of that child's perceived or actual immigration status or the child's parent's or guardian's actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. Prohibits a school from using policies or procedures or engaging in practices that have the effect of excluding a child from participation in or denying the benefits of any program or activity or the effect of excluding participation of the child's parent or guardian from parental engagement activities or programs because of the child's perceived or actual immigration status or the child's parent's or guardian's actual or perceived immigration status. Prohibits a school from performing certain other actions. Requires a school to develop procedures for reviewing and authorizing requests from law enforcement agents attempting to enter a school or school facility by July 1, 2026. Requires a school to adopt a compliance policy. Allows any party aggrieved by a violation of specified provisions to bring a civil lawsuit no later than 2 years after the violation occurred. Provides that, if the court finds that a willful violation has occurred, the court may award actual damages. Makes other changes.