IL HR0660

Illinois House Resolution strongly encourages public school districts serving grades 6-12 to adopt start times no earlier than 8:30 a.m., with 9:00 a.m. or later recognized as optimal for adolescent health.

Cites research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, and National Institutes of Health linking adolescent sleep deprivation to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance use, obesity, and motor vehicle crashes.

References longitudinal research following over 9,000 students showing later start times improve attendance, academic performance, and reduce teen car crashes and depression symptoms.

Encourages districts to implement changes during transportation contract renewals or bell schedule reviews to ensure fiscally responsible and operationally feasible implementation.

Directs copies be delivered to the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education for distribution to school districts.