SPRINGFIELD – Children who walk to and from school will be safer under a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Every parent wants to know that their child reached their school safely, but with distracted driving on the rise, even a simple walk to school can be dangerous,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines.) “One thing that we can do to help reduce distraction is installing flashing beacons at crosswalks.”

Senate Bill 1941 allows local governments to install rapidly flashing beacons at pedestrian crosswalks near schools. These beacons activate when pedestrians use the crosswalk, alerting drivers to their presence.

The new law also enforces a 20 mph speed limit on designated park zone streets when children are within 50 feet, with fines of $250 for a first offense and $500 for repeat offenses. Drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights in park zones, including turning right on red. The law is only enforceable where proper signage is posted, and the Illinois Department of Transportation is responsible for designing and distributing standardized park zone signs.

“Too many close calls happen near our schools and parks,” Murphy said. “Flashing beacons at pedestrian crosswalks near schools provide an extra layer of safety for everyone.”

Senate Bill 1941 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.