Kane County Reporter

Sen. Don DeWitte announced the passage of Senate Bill 2824, stating that the aim of the bill is "to provide a sense of stability and normalcy during an otherwise tumultuous time in these children's lives." He made the statement in a July 19 Facebook post.

"Children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services will face fewer disruptions when being removed from their homes under newly signed legislation," said Donald Dewitte, State Senator 33rd District, according to Facebook. "Senate Bill 2824 ensures that children, whenever possible, can continue attending their current school even after being placed with a different parent or relative. The aim is to provide a sense of stability and normalcy during an otherwise tumultuous time in these children's lives. I was proud to support this bill."

According to the Illinois Legislative General Assembly’s website focused on the bill, it requires school districts to waive tuition costs for non-resident pupils who were previously residents of the district if they submit proof that they have left the district due to allegations against their parent or guardian and were removed from the home. The website also notes that when a student is placed in a district other than their home school district, the Department of Children and Family Services can determine whether they should attend the new school district or their previous district.

Screenshot of Sen. Don DeWitte's July 19 Fazcebook post | Sen. Don DeWitte's Facebook page

The bill was first filed by Sen. Steve McClure on Jan. 19, 2024, and was co-sponsored by Sens. Win Stoller, Julie A. Morrison, and Craig Wilcox. On the House side, it was sponsored by Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, Barbara Hernandez, Kelly M. Cassidy, Dan Swanson, Anthony Deluca, Dagmara Avelar, Dan Caulkins, Matt Hanson, and Jeff Keicher. It was signed into law on July 1, 2024.

In Sen. DeWitte’s July 15 newsletter, he discussed the new law, saying it "includes a provision to protect caregivers from financial burden. If it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child to attend a different school, the law stipulates that no out-of-district school tuition can be charged to the relative caregiver or foster parent." DeWitte noted that the law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Sen. Don DeWitte has represented Illinois’ 33rd Senate District since he was appointed in 2018. He served as mayor of St. Charles from 2005 until 2013 and as an alderman on the St. Charles City Council from 1993 to 2005. He was also on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board from 2013-2018 according to his official biography.