Originally published on WPSD Local 6 on July 19, 2024

SPRINGFIELD , IL — An Illinois bill signed on Friday, July 19, will now require Illinois school districts to provide resources and services for special education students who do not have a guardian.

House Bill 4581 is a result of an issue brought to the attention of State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman.

According to Ventura, a student with no legal guardian was denied services by their school district and forced to move to another state.

"This law was crafted to advocate for special high needs education students who do not have a guardian to petition schools to provide resources for them," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "Everybody deserves an education that provides them the resources they need to succeed. We cannot in good conscience leave these students to fend for themselves if they need a specialized school to meet their needs so they can succeed."

Mussman added that the bill corrects a gap in the law and will benefit the state.

"Here in Illinois, we are committed to providing the best education and support system to help our most vulnerable students succeed. Sometimes, that setting is a residential facility outside of their own school district. This corrects a gap in the law about student residency rules so that if a student turns 18 before finishing the school year, their out-of-district placement won't be interrupted unnecessarily," said Mussman (D-Schaumburg). "This law is designed to provide continuity to high-need students who are going through critical academic, behavioral, and emotional transitions in highly specialized settings."