IL HB0261

Amends Section 29-5 of the School Code to allow expenditures for housing assistance and homeless prevention under the Education for Homeless Children Act to be counted as allowable direct costs for school transportation reimbursement, provided costs do not exceed the district's actual transportation service costs and are not claimed under other state or federal grants.

Adds Section 1-17 to the Education for Homeless Children Act to permit school districts to provide rental or mortgage assistance, financial assistance for unpaid bills or debts, or both to homeless children or children at risk of becoming homeless within 8 weeks.

Requires school districts to first attempt to secure homeless prevention assistance through the Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's continuum of care before using transportation funds for these purposes.

Mandates that a written housing plan must be approved by both the school district and the parent, guardian, or person who enrolled the child before homeless prevention assistance can be provided.

Adds Section 1-18 establishing that participation in housing assistance or homeless prevention plans is voluntary and requires agreement from both the school district and family that such arrangements are in the best interest of the child and district.