IL HB5575

School districts must provide free transportation to all students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) based solely on special education eligibility, regardless of disability severity, placement type, or whether transportation is listed in the IEP

Transportation coverage extends to travel between home and school, between school buildings, and to any public, private, charter, or nonpublic school within 6 miles of the student's public school—including for general education, vocational training, or religious instruction

Districts cannot deny or limit transportation based on parental transportation availability, general education distance rules, school governance/ownership, staffing shortages, or cost considerations

Mileage must be calculated using the shortest driving route via GPS or digital mapping, with records provided to parents within 10 business days of request; conflicting calculations favor the student

Failure to provide required transportation constitutes denial of a free appropriate public education, with parents able to seek relief through IEP processes, State Board complaints, or due process hearings; effective July 1, 2026