SPRINGFIELD — To address unnecessary and burdensome Illinois School Code mandates, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel collaborated with colleagues and multiple statewide education stakeholders to create Senate Bill 1740.

“There are many mandates in the school code that are outdated and need to be removed or revised,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Removing the outdated mandates will allow educators to adapt to students’ needs, reduce administrative burdens and allows school districts more control.”

Senate Bill 1740 initiates the reduction of unnecessary school code mandates agreed upon by statewide educational stakeholders. The bill would create the School Code Mandate Reduction Council, comprised of eight members of the General Assembly and one member from each of the 12 statewide educational organizations, to identify and recommend the removal of mandates that align with the state's goal of providing high-quality education tailored to each student.

“Once old mandates are eliminated, it will allow for more time and resources for educators to take advantage of,” said Loughran Cappel. “Senator Edly-Allen and I worked hard on this legislation and look forward to seeing the positive impacts of it if it becomes law.”

Senate Bill 1740 passed the Senate Wednesday.