States are making some progress on policies to address child and youth homelessness, despite challenging budget and political environments. Committed legislators from across the political spectrum advanced key reforms, passing or advancing bills to reduce chronic absenteeism, increase housing stability, expand access to shelter, and support college students. SchoolHouse Connection (SHC) has advocated for legislation related to these issues and more, including several of the bills highlighted below. For more information or to get involved in state advocacy, contact Rodd Monts, Director of State Policy.

Improving PreK-12 Outcomes

• Connecticut (SB 1): As part of broad education legislation, identifies students experiencing homelessness as at risk of becoming chronically absent. Also requires involvement of McKinney-Vento liaisons and consideration of the impact of homelessness, when entering into expulsion hearings. (Passed)
• Illinois (HB 3377): Would require school districts to report the amount of Title I Part A funding reserved for students experiencing homelessness, how such funds were spent, and other information. (Passed and sent to the governor)

Improving Access to Vital Documents

• Maine (LD 408): Allows a minor youth on their own to obtain vital records at no cost. (Passed)
• Pennsylvania (HB 472): Allows youth experiencing homelessness to obtain a driver’s license, learner’s permit or state ID for free. (Passed in the House; Currently in the Senate)
• Rhode Island (SB 135): Would allow a youth experiencing homelessness and foster youth to obtain a state ID or birth certificate at no cost. (Introduced)

Supporting Homeless Students in Higher Education

• California (AB 90):Would require community colleges to adopt plans allowing enrolled students the option of using a parking lot to stay in their vehicles overnight. (Passed in the Assembly. Currently in the Senate)
• California (SB 685): Would create a pilot program on three state campuses providing financial assistance to students who experienced homelessness in high school, and designate a liaison to provide support. (Passed in the Senate. Currently in  the Assembly)
• Florida (AB 394): Requires development of plans for prioritizing students experiencing homelessness and former foster youth in higher education for campus housing, year-round housing and work-study opportunities. (Passed)
• Kentucky (HB 568): Would require postsecondary institutions to appoint a homeless student liaison. (Stalled in committee)
• Nevada (AB 397): Would require fee waivers for students experiencing homelessness at state universities. (Passed. Vetoed by the governor)
• New York (A 6430): Would require colleges to designate homeless liaisons and connect students with essential services. (Stalled in committee)
• Pennsylvania (HB 1748): Would create a pilot program at six institutions to assist college students experiencing homelessness with access to housing (including during breaks), food, technology, storage, case management and other supportive resources. (Introduced)
• Texas (HB 1784): Would expand homeless student support on campuses, aligning with services for former foster youth. (Passed in the House. Stalled in the Senate).
• Vermont (H. 246): Would require homeless liaisons at colleges, housing priority, and waived fees for impacted students. (Stalled in committee).

Expanding Health Care Access

• Wisconsin (SB 70): Would grant youth experiencing homelessness on their own the ability to consent to health care. (Passed out of committee. Currently awaiting a Senate floor vote)

Funding Shelter and Housing Solutions

• Hawaii (HB 613): Makes permanent a pilot program that provides shelter for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. (Passed)
• Maine (LD 747): Will make permanent a pilot program that allows McKinney-Vento school district liaisons to provide emergency assistance up to $750 to help a student’s family avoid homelessness. (Passed)
• Massachusetts (H. 290):  Would allow a minor on their own who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to consent to supportive services. (Introduced)
• Massachusetts (H. 1570): Would establish a pilot program to reduce student homelessness through partnerships between municipalities, local housing authorities and schools. (Introduced)
• Oregon (HB 3079): Would require updated cost estimates and a plan to allocate 30% of budgets to reducing youth homelessness.(Stalled in committee)
• Oregon (HB 3970): Expands eligibility for emergency housing assistance for individuals and families with school-aged children who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to include those who have children 0-5 or are expectant. (Passed)

Addressing Transportation Challenges

• New Jersey (A 4545/S 3537): Would require state support for transporting students experiencing homelessness to school. (Introduced)