The Illinois House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow school districts to hire resource officers and mental health professionals using funds received from a school facility tax.

According to State Representative Avery Bourne, House Bill 3244 would allow school districts in counties that impose a school facility tax to put a referendum question before voters to allow a portion of the funds to be used to support the hiring of school resource officers.

"School resource officers play an important role in securing school facilities and keeping students safe," Bourne said after the legislation passed. "This bill will give districts the flexibility they need to use existing funds to hire a school resource officer."

Of the 102 counties in the state, 52 currently impose a school facilities tax, including Montgomery County. Bourne said the bill would amend the Counties Code to allow a portion of the school facilities tax funds to be used for the hiring of school resource officers or mental health professionals.

Bourne propsed a similar bill in the House last session, but she said it did not move through the General Assembly. H.B. 3244 now waits for consideration in the Senate.