Springfield, IL – A bill signed into law last week will require school districts to disclose how much money they make from vending machines, class rings, and other contracts, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R- Pontiac).

Senator Rutherford says the new law requires school boards to include a report in their annual budget indicating the vendor name, the product or service provided, and the net revenue and non-monetary compensation from each contract or agreement over $1,000 that occurred the previous year.

School boards are now required to report revenue gathered from vending machine contracts, sports and other attire, class rings, and photographic services. The law also calls for schools to indicate for what purpose the revenue was used, and how and to whom the non-monetary compensation was distributed.

The new law was signed in the midst of the continued debate on whether to allow certain kinds of junk food to be sold in schools. One of the main arguments for continuing to sell unhealthy snacks in schools is the amount of revenue these food products generate for Illinois school districts that would subsequently be lost if junk foods were banned.

It is hoped that the new law will provide insight into how much money is generated and weigh the economic benefits against the potential long-term health problems and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Other legislation signed during the week of Dec. 12-16 includes:

          
Transportation (HB 3814)- Allows a combination of three commercial vehicles on the highway if the overall length of the combination does not exceed 65 feet and other specified conditions are met.

Construction and Hiring (SB 766)- Prohibits any state construction agency from using specific procurement methods unless the agency verifies in writing that the project will comply with Illinois’ disadvantaged business and equal employment practices.