HB3544 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 08613 NHT 28776 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB3544

Introduced , by Rep. John E. Bradley

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/27-22.3

from Ch. 122, par. 27-22.3

Amends the School Code. Requires (instead of permits) a school district to establish a volunteer service credit program. Provides that the program shall enable secondary school students to earn credit through completion of 75 hours of community service as a requirement for graduation (instead of to earn credit towards graduation through performance of community service). Makes related changes. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules (instead of school districts). Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Section 27-22.3 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/27-22.3) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-22.3)

Sec. 27-22.3. Volunteer service credit program.

(a) A school district shall may establish a volunteer service credit program that enables secondary school students to earn credit towards graduation through completion performance of 75 hours of community service as a requirement for graduation. This community service may include participation in the organization of a high school or community blood drive or other blood donor recruitment campaign. Any program so established shall begin with students entering grade 9 in the 2015-2016 1993-1994 school year or later. The amount of credit given for program participation shall not exceed that given for completion of one semester of language arts, math, science or social studies.

(b) Any community service performed as part of a course for which credit is given towards graduation shall not qualify under a volunteer service credit program. Any service for which a student is paid shall not qualify under a volunteer service credit program. Any community work assigned as a disciplinary measure shall not qualify under a volunteer service credit program.

(c) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this Section. School districts that establish volunteer service credit programs shall establish any necessary rules, regulations and procedures.

(Source: P.A. 93-547, eff. 8-19-03.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.