SPRINGFIELD—Legislation was signed into law by Governor Quinn over the weekend that aims to observe trends and limit violence that is occurring in Illinois schools.

Senate Bill 3540 (Public Act 96-1414) allows local law enforcement officials to share information with school districts regarding incidents of violence that involve students, when school is not in session. This allows school officials to be more aware of the activities that happen when they are not present, and furthermore allows them to prevent acts of violence from occurring during school hours.

“Just last week a 13-year old boy who lived in my district was murdered in broad daylight, in the middle of the street,” Senator Jones said. “This violence was repulsive and unacceptable – and something needs to change.”  

Under Jones’ bill, local authorities will be able to release to school officials the names of those involved in violent offenses. With this information, schools can then manage and be prepared for any acts that may occur on school grounds as a result of the first act.

“It is my hope that with the signing of this legislation, the lines of communication will be further opened and acts like the one that took a young life way too soon, will become fewer and further between,” Senator Jones said.

The new law is about coordinating efforts to deter student violence during and outside of school hours. This measure attempts to open up the lines of communications between local law enforcement and school officials about recent acts of violence to ensure that the school is keeping a close watch on parties of interest. Under current law, police officials were not ethically allowed to release the names of those involved in acts of violence.

“Living in a neighborhood where acts of violence are far too frequent, it is critical to me that we do everything possible to make sure that our schools and neighborhoods are safe places for our children to live and learn,” Senator Jones said. “I feel as though this law is a step in the right direction to prevent violence among our youth and keep our communities safe places to live.”