House Bill 3247 passed the Illinois House of Representatives with a vote of 70-40, along partisan lines on May 28, 2025. According to the LegiScan roll call, Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-District 7) voted in favor of the bill.
Illinois House Bill 3247 (HB 3247), titled “SCH CD-PROHIBT DENIAL FREE ED,” or the “Safe Schools for All” was introduced in the 104th General Assembly by Representative Lilian Jiménez. The bill seeks to amend the School Code and aims to ensure that all children in Illinois have access to free public education through secondary school, regardless of their or their associated person’s actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status, according to the bill text.
https://www.ilga.gov/ftp/legislation/104/BillStatus/HTML/10400HB3247.html
The bill prohibits schools from excluding students based on immigration status, disclosing such information, or cooperating with immigration enforcement. It allows aggrieved parties to bring civil lawsuits against schools violating these provisions, with potential damages awarded.
https://www.ilga.gov/ftp/legislation/104/BillStatus/HTML/10400HB3247.html
Rep. Adam Niemerg (R- District 109) said, “Democrats change house rules in order to pass FREE public education for ILLEGALS. Costing Illinois taxpayers MILLIONS!” in a post on X. https://x.com/adamniemerg/status/1928141654432604437
Illinois has expanded healthcare for undocumented immigrants since 2020 through programs like HBIA/HBIS, costing over $2 billion in four years, State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer said in 2024. Illinois Democrats policies prioritize non-citizens over residents, according to Davidsmeyer.
Emanuel “Chris” Welch represents the 7th District. According to his website, he is the Speaker of the House and focuses on education and equity.
