IL HR1459

Designates October 20, 2016 as "Laquan McDonald Day" to commemorate the October 20, 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

McDonald was shot 16 times in 14-15 seconds while walking away from Officer Van Dyke, who was on scene for less than 30 seconds before opening fire.

Officer Van Dyke pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder on December 29, 2015, the first time in 35 years a Chicago police officer faced this charge for an on-duty fatality.

Encourages use of the designated day to study failures in the child welfare system that affected McDonald, who experienced foster care instability, learning disabilities, mental health problems including PTSD, and abuse.

Directs distribution of the resolution to all Illinois educational institutions, police departments, and the Department of Children and Family Services and Department of Human Services.