Why 3/5: The bill establishes significant new student rights and operational requirements for schools, with implementation deadlines for policies and training in 2026 and 2027.
School boards will need to develop new policies and provide training to staff by late 2026 and early 2027 to ensure no child is denied a free public education based on immigration status. This bill establishes a civil cause of action for violations and prohibits discrimination by schools and staff against students based on their or their parents' immigration status.
Update
Senate Conferees: Pekarsky, Favola, Craig
Update
Conferees appointed by House
Update
House Conferees: Rasoul, Cousins, Runion
Update
Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 31-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB491ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
New to all this? See how a bill becomes law →
Summarized from the official bill text (“Public schools; right to free public elementary and secondary education, discrimination, etc.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB491)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 681 (effective 7/1/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0681)