SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate could pass a bill in the final month of session to help homeless students find housing.
This plan would allow school districts to provide an extended an extended motel stay for students and their parent, guardian or person who enrolled them in school.
Sponsors said this is critical as students struggle to get to school when they don't know where they will sleep.
"Right now, our schools can help with rent, mortgage payments and help cover some utility bills," said Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). "But they can't step in with short-term help like paying for motel rooms when the family is in crisis and they need a safe place to stay."
House Bill 4137 passed out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday on an 11-2 vote. The proposal now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
This plan passed out of the House on a 99-5 vote earlier this month.
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