New law aims to protect students with outstanding fees

Posted on May 9, 2022
The law takes effect immediately. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas and IIS

BLOOMINGTON – A new state law will ensure public high school students are not negatively affected by any outstanding fees.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee), who reports students should not be denied their grades, transcripts, or diplomas.

“It is the responsibility of the parents and not the child to pay the fees. And when there are cases of financial issues, or worse things like drug addiction, incarceration, or parents who are uninvolved, students are left carrying that burden.”

Previously, diplomas and transcripts could be held as punishment for not paying up.

The law prohibits a public high school from withholding a diploma or transcript for three years.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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