Welch-Backed Law Ends Fines for Students, Aims to Reduce System Involvement for Youth

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law passed by Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch and House Democrats will end the practice of ticketing and fining students for basic school disciplinary matters, bringing crucial reform to a system that unnecessarily exposed young people to system involvement and disparately impacted students of color.

“Our schools should be safe places for young people on the path from adolescence to adulthood. That means recognizing that minor obstacles and mistakes along that path are opportunities for growth and learning—not justification for a harsh introduction to the justice system,” Welch said. “Fining students for minor infractions in a learning environment is misguided policy, and when those fines disproportionately target Black and Latino students and add to the burden of those who are least able to pay, that’s a sign of a system in need of reform. This new law transforms an unduly and unfairly punitive approach into one that fosters learning, second chances, and accountability alike.” 

A 2022 investigation by ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune found that students across Illinois were being referred to police for minor school disciplinary matters, like smoking on campus or missing classes. These referrals often resulted in tickets and monetary fines—some as high as $750. Unpaid fines subjected families to collection efforts and created further system-involvement for young people. 

The investigation also found that police issued tickets disproportionately to Black students. Even in predominantly white schools, Black students received most of the tickets. Latino students also faced disproportionate rates of ticketing.

In response, Welch and Rep. La Shawn K. Ford passed Senate Bill 1519, which prohibits fines from being issued for in-school behavior. The measure was signed into law this week by Gov. JB Pritzker and will be in effect as a new school year begins.