SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Darby Hills testified before the Appropriations Education Committee this week on Senate Bill 2788, legislation creating a voluntary School Resource Officer Grant Program to help schools and local law enforcement agencies cover the costs of employing School Resource Officers.
Joining Hills in support of the measure was William “Bill” McGonigle, a School Resource Officer in Lexington, IL and member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois School Resource Officer Association.
“Many districts across Illinois want School Resource Officers but simply cannot afford them,” Hills told committee members. “Right now, access to these resources often depends on a district’s budget instead of student need. This bill helps level the playing field and gives more schools the opportunity to create these partnerships if they choose to do so.”
Senate Bill 2788 would establish a voluntary grant program, allowing local school districts and law enforcement agencies to decide whether participation is right for their communities. Hills emphasized the legislation does not mandate School Resource Officers and keeps decision-making at the local level.
“This legislation respects local control,” Hills said. “Decisions stay with local school districts and local law enforcement agencies, not Springfield bureaucrats. Communities know their schools best, and this bill supports those local decisions.”
Hills said the proposal is intended to provide schools with another tool to help strengthen student safety while remaining fiscally responsible.
“At the end of the day, parents want to know their children are safe at school,” Hills said. “SB 2788 is a proactive, commonsense step that helps schools strengthen safety while remaining voluntary.”