During the third quarter of 2025, several states introduced or advanced new laws addressing homelessness across K–12 and higher education. While a few bills stalled, the overall trend reflects growing momentum to expand access to the educational and supportive resources that thousands of students need to learn and thrive. SchoolHouse Connection played a role in advancing some of these reforms and continues to advocate for additional bills still moving through state legislatures. For more information or to get involved in state advocacy, contact Rodd Monts, Director of State Policy.

Improving PreK-12 Outcomes

• Illinois
  • HB 3377: Requires public school districts to report the amount of Title I Part A funding reserved for students experiencing homelessness, how funds were spent, and related information. The governor signed the bill, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. (Passed)
  • HB 4137: Would amend the state Education for Homeless Children Act to allow a school district to provide for an extended motel stay for a child who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. (Introduced)
• New York (A9048): Would add students experiencing homelessness into the extraordinary needs count for funding of school districts with eight or more teachers. (Introduced)

Improving Access to Vital Documents

• Massachusetts (H.3750): Would allow youth and adults experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied homeless youth, to obtain a state identification card at no cost. (Introduced)
• Ohio (HB 472): Would allow individuals experiencing homelessness to obtain a state identification card or birth certificate at no cost. (Introduced)
• Pennsylvania (HB 472): Would allow youth experiencing homelessness to obtain a driver’s license, learner’s permit or state ID at no cost. (Passed in the House; Currently in the Senate)
• Rhode Island (SB 135): Would allow  youth experiencing homelessness and foster youth to obtain a state ID or birth certificate at no cost. (Stalled)

Supporting Homeless Students in Higher Education

• California 
  • AB 79: Requires higher education liaisons, county social services staff, and other stakeholders to meet regularly to better coordinate connections to public benefits for college students (Passed).
  • 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.  Stalled in the Senate)
  • 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. Stalled in the Assembly)
• Michigan (SB 166): Provides $10 million in grants to public school districts to fund activities that increase completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It makes FAFSA completion a condition for graduation in participating districts, with appropriate opt-outs. (Passed)
• 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)

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

• 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)
  • H. 1570: Would establish a pilot program to reduce K-12 student homelessness through partnerships between municipalities, local housing authorities and public schools. (Introduced)

Addressing Transportation Challenges

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