ILMEA is issuing an urgent call to action regarding HB1358 + Amendment 2, which severely restricts a school board's ability to request and renew physical education (PE) waivers. Originally introduced as a waiver task force bill, it has now evolved into a major limitation on the use of waivers, threatening local flexibility and control over educational programming.
Yesterday (April 9), the House Education Committee voted the bill through to the house floor, despite the more than 2220 witness slips filed in opposition, as compared to the 395 witness slips in favor.
The bill is now expected on the House floor. ILMEA urges you to take immediate action by contacting your legislators to oppose House Amendment 2 to HB1358 because it will
Limit PE waivers to a single, non-renewable three-year period; a restriction not applied to any other waiver type.
Reduce renewal periods for all other waivers, restricting long-term planning flexibility for districts.
Negatively impact students by reducing the time available for essential courses and electives, such as driver’s education, music, art, and Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Limit the ability of districts to effectively schedule courses, accommodate graduation requirements, and manage facility limitations.
Fail to support students or local communities as enrollment, mandated curricula, and performance expectations increase. This bill threatens local decision-making and the ability to tailor educational programs to best meet student needs in your community.
Supporters of the bill have said it would not impact marching band, but they did specifically mention doing away with waivers for show choir. Beyond specific extracurricular programs, many students are only able to take curricular music classes by utilizing waivers such as these.
If this bill is signed into law, schools who are able to granting these waivers for related activities would no longer be able to do so.
We also ask you to engage with your legislator(s) by providing personal stories on how waivers enhance the educational experience for students in your district. These stories are a powerful tool in helping lawmakers understand the real-world impact of these waivers.
Contact your legislators today to ask them to vote NO on HB1358, Amendment 2.
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