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HB05259

Education Rights for Homeless Students

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 6:19 AM

In one sentence

This law updates state rules to ensure homeless children and youths can attend school, get transportation, access their records, and appeal residency-based denials.

What it does

  • Requires local and regional boards of education to provide services to homeless students following federal laws revised as of December 23, 2022.
  • Guarantees a hearing for any homeless child or youth denied school placement because they do not live in the district.
  • Allows unaccompanied youths to see and get copies of their educational, medical, and other records kept by schools.

Who it affects

  • Homeless children and youths
  • Unaccompanied youths without a guardian present
  • Local and regional boards of education

Limits and unknowns

  • This law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
  • The text references federal laws but does not list specific details about how transportation will be provided or paid for beyond that reference.

Plain language

Terms to know

unaccompanied youth
A young person who is homeless but not living with a parent or legal guardian, as described in federal law.
cumulative record
The complete file of school and other documents kept by the board of education for a student.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textOfficial digestCurrent bill textStored full record

Official summary

To codify rights pertaining to school district choice, transportation, notice and appeal for students experiencing homelessness and their guardians.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Signed by the Governor
  2. Transmitted to the Secretary of State
  3. Transmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
  4. Public Act 26-125LCO
  5. Senate Passed
  6. In Concurrence
  7. Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
  8. Senate Calendar Number 376
  9. House Passed
  10. Reported Out of Legislative Commissioners' OfficeLCO
  11. Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House
  12. House Calendar Number 49
  13. File Number 25LCO
  14. Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/16/26 12:00 PMLCO
  15. Filed with Legislative Commissioners' OfficeLCO
  16. Joint FavorableHSG
  17. Public Hearing 02/24
  18. Referred to Joint Committee on Housing