IL HB0536

Amends the School Code to expand the definition of serious safety hazards for student transportation to include "a course or pattern of criminal activity" as defined in the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act, in addition to vehicular traffic and rail crossings.

Requires school boards to conduct safety studies when parents petition for transportation assistance due to alleged criminal activity hazards; findings must be reviewed and approved by the State Board of Education in consultation with local law enforcement within 30 days.

Establishes that local law enforcement agencies are authorized to determine what constitutes a course or pattern of criminal activity at all relevant decision points in the process.

Provides immunity from legal action for school boards, state education officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement agencies for decisions made under this section.

Excludes school districts organized under Article 34 of the School Code from the application of these amendments.