Report Html
Legislative Report April 26, 2024
Prepared by: Shannon Miller
Education Bills - 103rd General Assembly
Bill Information
EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. KATIE STUART; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Downstate Teachers Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Specifies that the provision that requires an employer to make an additional contribution to the System for certain salary increases greater than 6% excludes salary increases necessary to bring a school board in compliance with the changes to the minimum salary provisions of the School Code under Public Act 101-443 or the amendatory Act. Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. In the provisions concerning minimum salary, removes a provision subjecting the increase in the minimum salary rate to review by the General Assembly. Provides that the minimum salary rate for a school year shall be increased by a percentage equal to the annualized percentage increase (instead of the percentage increase), if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the school year that ended 12 months prior to the school year in which the adjusted salary is to be in effect (instead of for the previous school year). Provides that the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shall certify and publish the minimum salary rate to be used. Removes a provision regarding the Professional Review Panel submitting a report to the General Assembly on how State funds and funds distributed under the evidence-based funding formula may aid the financial effects of certain changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Effective Date August 11, 2023

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0515

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. CAROL AMMONS; SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a school district-level Children's Adversity Index to measure community childhood trauma exposure for children by December 30, 2024. Requires teachers institutes to provide instruction on trauma-informed practices and certain defined terms. Adds information that must be included in the State Board of Education's school report cards. Requires in-service training to include certain defined terms. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education shall establish a committee of no more than 21 members to make recommendations to the State Board of Education to change the professional educator licensure requirements and Professional Educator License renewal requirements for teachers to include specified requirements. Sets forth the membership of the committee. Reestablishes the Whole Child Task Force created by Public Act 101-654. Provides that the Whole Child Task Force shall reconvene by March 2027 to review progress on a March 2022 report's recommendations and shall submit a new report on its assessment of the State's progress and any additional recommendations to the General Assembly, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, the State Board of Education, and the Governor on or before December 31, 2027. Provides that the Whole Child Task Force provisions are repealed on February 1, 2029. Makes other changes.

  RECENT STATUS

8/3/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/3/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0413

8/3/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

CHARTER SCH-UNION NEUTRALITY
(REP. WILL GUZZARDI; SEN. CELINA VILLANUEVA)

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that any renewal of a certified charter must include a union neutrality clause. Requires a union neutrality clause to be included in a charter school proposal. Defines "union neutrality clause". Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0416

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-SCHOOL REPORT CARD
(REP. TERRA COSTA HOWARD; SEN. SUZANNE HILTON)

Amends the School Code. Requires school report cards prepared by the State Superintendent of Education to include the percentage of students with disabilities who have fulfilled the minimum State graduation requirements and have been issued a regular high school diploma and the percentage of students with disabilities who have fulfilled the minimum State graduation requirements but have not completed their individualized education program and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes provisions requiring the student outcome data on a school report card to include the percentage of students with disabilities who have fulfilled the minimum State graduation requirements but have not completed their individualized education program and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services. Provides that for any school report card prepared after July 1, 2025, for all high school graduation completion rates that are reported on the school report card, the State Superintendent of Education shall also report the percentage of students who did not meet the requirements of high school graduation completion for any reason and, of those students, the percentage that are classified as students who fulfill the requirements of the participation in graduation provisions of the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Requires the State Superintendent to ensure that for the 2023-2024 school year there is a specific code for districts to report students who fulfill the requirements of those provisions. Provides that these reporting requirements shall be included on the school report card where high school graduation completion rates are reported, along with a brief explanation. Adds an immediate effective date.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0116

6/30/2023 - Effective Date June 30, 2023

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Neutral

SCH CD-CONSTITUTION DAY
(REP. AMY ELIK; SEN. ERICA HARRISS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that Constitution Day (September 17) shall also be a commemorative holiday. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0015

6/9/2023 - Effective Date July 1, 2023

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-TEACHER-ANNUAL INCENTIV
(REP. KATIE STUART; SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL)

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program, provides that the annual incentive shall be $2,250 (instead of $1,500) and that 45 hours of mentoring shall be required (instead of 30). Provides that funds may also be used for professional development training provided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or the National Board Resource Center. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that funds may be used for professional development training provided by the National Board Resource Center (instead of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or the National Board Resource Center).

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0122

6/30/2023 - Effective Date June 30, 2023

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PEN CD-TRS-OPTIONAL CREDIT
(REP. AMY ELIK; SEN. ERICA HARRISS)

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a member may establish optional credit for up to 2 years of service as a teacher or administrator employed by a private school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, provided that the teacher (i) was certified under the law governing the certification of teachers at the time the service was rendered, (ii) applies in writing on or before June 30, 2028 (instead of June 30, 2023), (iii) supplies satisfactory evidence of the employment, (iv) completes at least 10 years of contributing service as a teacher, and (v) pays the required contribution. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0017

6/9/2023 - Effective Date June 9, 2023

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCHCD-EMPLOYEE TRAUMA TRAINING
(REP. CAMILLE LILLY; SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may maintain an on-site trauma kit at each school of the district for bleeding emergencies. Defines "trauma kit". Provides that products purchased for the on-site trauma kit shall be, wherever possible, products that are manufactured in the United States. Requires a school board to conduct in-service training for all school district employees on the methods to respond to trauma at least once every 2 years. Provides that a school board may satisfy the trauma response training requirements by using the training, including online training, available from the American College of Surgeons or any other similar organization. Provides that in all matters relating to trauma response training, school district employees are immune from civil liability in the use of a trauma kit unless the action constitutes willful or wanton misconduct. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that school district employees who are trained to respond to trauma pursuant to the specified in-service training shall be immune from civil liability in the use of a trauma kit (instead of in all matters relating to trauma response training, school district employees are immune from civil liability in the use of a trauma kit) unless the action constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

6/30/2023 - Effective Date June 30, 2023

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0128

SCH CD-NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
(REP. MAURICE WEST, II; SEN. SUZANNE HILTON)

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Education Equity Committee shall include a member from an organization that works for economic, educational, and social progress for Native Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration, and innovation. Requires the State Superintendent of Education to convene a Native American Curriculum Advisory Council. Creates the Native American Curriculum Task Force. Provides that the unit of instruction on the Holocaust and genocides shall include instruction on the Native American genocide in North America. Provides that, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and the State since time immemorial. Provides that the teaching of the history of the United States shall include the study of the role and contributions of Native Americans and teaching about Native Americans' sovereignty and self-determination. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. In the provisions concerning the State Education Equity Committee, provides that as part of its report, by no later than December 15, 2024, the Committee shall provide recommendations that may assist the State Board of Education in identifying diverse subject matter experts to help inform policy through task forces, committees, and commissions the State Board oversees. Removes the provisions concerning the Native American Curriculum Advisory Council and the Native American Curriculum Task Force. In the provisions concerning instruction on Native American history, requires the instruction to be included in every social studies course pertaining to American history or government. Provides that the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances around forced Native American relocation shall be taught in grades 6 through 12. Provides that the instruction may be integrated as part of other required units of instruction. In the provisions concerning the unit of instruction on the Holocaust and genocides and the teaching of the history of the United States, provides that instructional materials that include the addition of content related to Native Americans shall be prepared and made available to all school boards on State Board of Education's website no later than January 1, 2025. Specifies who shall help develop the instructional materials. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the State Education Equity Committee shall include a member who is either an individual with a disability or a statewide organization representing or advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0422

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Neutral

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. NORINE HAMMOND; SEN. ERICA HARRISS)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Universities Civil Service Act. Provides that in examinations for law enforcement personnel, the Illinois residence requirement shall be waived.

  RECENT STATUS

8/7/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0287

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PEN CD-TRS & RECIPROCAL ACT
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. In the Downstate Teacher Article: provides that through June 30, 2026 (instead of June 30, 2023), an annuitant may accept employment as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status if that employment is not within the school year during which service was terminated and does not exceed 120 paid days or 600 paid hours in each school year; deletes language concerning an additional 20 days or 100 paid hours that an annuitant may accept employment as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status for the period between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022; and provides that a person may receive optional credit for certain periods of service as a student teacher. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20) of the Code. In the definition of "pension credit", provides that the one-year limitation does not apply to persons who acquire credit as a substitute teacher covered under the Downstate Teacher Article and reach retirement eligibility under the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Removes provisions amending the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Illinois Pension Code) and the State Mandates Act.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Further amends the Illinois Pension Code. In the Chicago Municipal Article, provides that an employee of the Board of Education of the city, regardless of his or her position, may establish up to 2 years of service credit in the Fund for part-time employment with the Board of Education of the city prior to becoming an employee by applying no later than 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act and paying to the Fund a specified amount.

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Effective Date August 11, 2023

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0525

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-SAFE2HELP HELPLINE
(REP. JEFF KEICHER; SEN. DAVE SYVERSON)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Boards and the Chicago School District Articles of the School Code. In provisions concerning identification cards, and suicide prevention information, removes the option to have a local suicide prevention hotline number on the card. Repeals certain provisions concerning student identification cards. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0143

6/30/2023 - Effective Date July 1, 2023

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-SCH TREASURER/TOWNSHIP
(REP. JENNIFER GONG-GERSHOWITZ; SEN. LAURA FINE)

Amends the Trustees of Schools Article of the School Code. Provides that the school boards of Glenbrook High School District 225, Northbrook Elementary School District 27, Northbrook School District 28, Sunset Ridge School District 29, Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, West Northfield School District 31, and Glenview Community Consolidated School District 34 may, by proper resolution, withdraw from the jurisdiction and authority of the trustees of schools of Northfield and Maine Townships and the township treasurer, provided that the school board shall, upon the adoption and passage of the resolution, elect or appoint its own school treasurer. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0144

6/30/2023 - Effective Date June 30, 2023

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Neutral

SCH CD-TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT
(REP. JAIME ANDRADE, JR.; SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Amends the Transportation Article of the School Code. Provides that school boards may enter into contracts for any period of time deemed appropriate by those school boards (rather than for up to 3 years) for transportation of pupils to and from school, except that no contract, inclusive of any proposed renewals, may exceed 10 years (rather than allowing such contracts to be extended for up to 2 additional years by mutual agreement of the parties and thereafter extended on a year-to-year basis by mutual agreement of the parties, unless a school board receives a timely request from another interested contractor that a contract be let by bid). Requires all contracts for a period of time greater than 5 years that do not include the use of electric vehicles for pupil transportation to include a termination option after 5 years. Allows contract opener clauses for any purpose to be included in the contract. Provides that a contract for pupil transportation that utilizes a significant percentage of electric vehicles may be entered into by a school board for up to 15 years if the contract relies on capital or infrastructure purchases or improvements that cannot reasonably be justified in a shorter-term contract.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0430

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-LAST TEACHER EVALUATION
(REP. SUE SCHERER; SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that any teacher who is a member of a statewide association representing teachers and who is elected by the association's membership to represent the association in federal advocacy work may spend up to 10 days during a school term representing the association in federal advocacy work. Provides that no deduction of wages may be made for such absence, and the statewide association shall reimburse the employing school district for the cost of the need for a substitute teacher as the result of the teacher's absence.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0308

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN
(REP. MARY BETH CANTY; SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD)

Amends the School Code. In a Section concerning kindergartens, provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each school board must establish a kindergarten with full-day attendance (instead of allowing a school board to establish a kindergarten with half-day attendance or with full-day attendance); makes related changes. Repeals another Section concerning kindergartens on July 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year (instead of the 2023-2024 school year), each school board must establish a kindergarten with full-day attendance. Provides that The full-day kindergarten should be developmentally appropriate and provide opportunities for play-based learning. Provides that an elementary or unit school district that does not offer full-day kindergarten as of October 1, 2022, may, by action of the State Board of Education, apply for an extension of the 2027-2028 school year implementation deadline for 2 additional years if one of the specified criteria are met. Creates the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall conduct a statewide audit to inform the planning and implementation of full-day kindergarten in the State and shall, at a minimum, collect, analyze, and report specified criteria. Provides that the Task Force may recommend for an additional criterion that the State Board of Education may consider in granting a waiver to establish a full-day kindergarten. Sets forth the members of the Task Force and requirements to be a member. Provides that the Task Force shall meet at the call of the State Superintendent of Education or their designee, who shall serve as the chairperson. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Provides that the Task Force shall issue an interim report by April 15, 2024 and a final report to the General Assembly and Governor's Office no later than November 15, 2024. Provides that upon issuing the final report, the Task Force is dissolved.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Corrects various grammatical and typographical errors.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Provides that, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each school board may establish a kindergarten with half-day attendance. Provides that half-day kindergarten should be developmentally appropriate and provide opportunities for play-based learning. In provisions concerning the criteria for an extension, provides that a school district must be funded below 76% (instead of 70%) of adequacy according to the Evidence-Based Funding formula in Fiscal Year 2023 (instead of as of the date of the application).

Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 - Provides that the Task Force shall issue an interim report by November 15, 2024 (instead of April 15, 2024) and a final report to the General Assembly and Governor's Office no later than January 31, 2025 (instead of November 15, 2024).

  RECENT STATUS

8/2/2023 - Effective Date August 2, 2023

8/2/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0410

8/2/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH BREAKFAST/LUNCH-SUPP AID
(REP. MAURICE WEST, II; SEN. LAURA ELLMAN)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. In provisions concerning reimbursement of sponsors, provides that the State Board of Education shall reimburse not less than $0.15 or the actual cost, whichever is less, to non-profit welfare centers for each free breakfast and lunch. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish the Healthy School Meals for All Program to begin on July 1, 2023. Provides that each school board of a school district or governing body of a nonpublic school that chooses to participate in the Healthy School Meals for All Program shall offer eligible meals, without charge, to all students enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility for the Healthy School Meals for All Program, program requirements, reimbursement (subject to appropriation), federal and other funding, State Board support and technical assistance, and the federal Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program. Provides that if the United States Department of Agriculture creates the option for the State, as a whole, to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision, then the State Board of Education shall evaluate whether that option is anticipated to require less State funding than the Healthy School Meals for All Program and provide at least as many free meals to students. Sets forth requirements concerning that option. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the requirement that the State Board of Education establish the Healthy School Meals for All Program is subject to appropriation (instead of the requirement that a participating school board receive reimbursement is subject to appropriation).

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Effective Date August 11, 2023

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0532

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

$HUNGER-FREE CAMPUS GRANT FUND
(REP. CAROL AMMONS)

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund for deposit into the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Fund. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/21/2024 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

1/31/2024 - Assigned to House Appropriations-Higher Education

6/26/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

HIGHER ED-HUNGER FREE CAMPUS
(REP. CAROL AMMONS; SEN. PAUL FARACI)

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish a hunger-free campus grant program. Provides that the hunger-free campus grant program shall provide grants to public institutions of higher education that have one or more campuses designated by the Board as hunger-free campuses. Provides for requirements for being designated a hunger-free campus. Provides that the Board shall determine the amount of each grant that shall be used by the public institution of higher education to further address food insecurity among students enrolled in the public institution of higher education. Provides that the Board shall prioritize grants to public institutions of higher education with campuses that serve primarily minority and low-income students and have a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients. Provides that the Board shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than 2 years after the establishment of the grant program. Provides for rulemaking. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0435

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

HIGHER ED-MONETARY AWARD PROG
(REP. MAURICE WEST, II; SEN. CELINA VILLANUEVA)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Private College Act. Provides that, if a for-profit, post-secondary educational institution that received monetary award program funds at a time the institution was found to have been using an unfair, misleading, or deceptive practice and if the educational institution is required to reimburse students for loans taken to pay for the students' education in accordance with a final judgment against the institution issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, based on acts occurring at least 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, then any monetary award program funds paid to that institution for students who attended the institution during the period of judgment or determination must be refunded to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Sets forth provisions concerning the issuance of a refund, notification, and the award of grants to students. Amends the State Finance Act to create the MAP Refund Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Effective Date August 11, 2023

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0536

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUC/SCH CD-VARIOUS
(REP. FRED CRESPO; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

Amends the Data Governance and Organization to Support Equity and Racial Justice Act. Provides that the State Board of Education is not required to collect and report personally identifiable information on the categories of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity unless required for federal reporting. Amends the School Code. Makes changes regarding school district standards, recognition levels and annual summative designations, rewards, priority and focus districts, including changing the terminology to Targeted, Comprehensive, and Intensive schools, State interventions, and an Independent Authority. In provisions regarding isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint, changes certain references concerning schools and school districts to entities; defines "entities". In various provisions regarding allergens, replaces references to the "Illinois Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization Form" with "allergy emergency action plan". Makes changes concerning a direct support professional training program, residential placement in nonpublic special education facilities, evidence-based funding, parenting education, and charter schools, including removing references to the State Charter School Commission. Repeals provisions concerning visiting charitable institutions, 2 years as a priority school, a Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy study, and the Committee of Cooperative Services. Amends the Educational Opportunity for Military Children Act. Provides for additional members on the State Council. Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Makes changes concerning definitions, reporting, and a threat assessment procedure. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - In provisions concerning data governance and organization to support equity and racial justice, provides that the State Board of Education shall not be required (instead of is not required) to collect personally identifiable information and report statistical data on specified categories. In provisions concerning the rewards system implemented by the State Board of Education, provides that the State Board may recognize schools that have substantial growth (instead of substantial growth performance) over the 3 years immediately preceding the year in which recognition is awarded. In provisions concerning Targeted, Comprehensive, and Intensive schools, provides that a "comprehensive" school shall be a school that is among the lowest performing 5% of schools in this State based on the multi-measures accountability system defined in the State Plan with respect to the performance of the "all students" group (instead of the "all students" group for the percentage of students deemed proficient in English/language arts and mathematics combined and demonstrates a lack of progress as defined by the State Board of Education). Changes an additional reference to the Illinois Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization Form.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0175

6/30/2023 - Effective Date June 30, 2023

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-STAFF TRAINING-HOMELESS
(REP. KATIE STUART; SEN. KARINA VILLA)

Amends the School Code. Provides that at least once every 2 years, a school board shall conduct in-service training on homelessness for all school personnel. Sets forth what the training must include. Provides that a school board may work with a community-based organization that specializes in working with homeless children and youth to develop and provide the training.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the introduced bill and adds an August 20, 2024 effective date.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0041

6/9/2023 - Effective Date August 20, 2024

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-SPECIAL ED-TRANSITION
(REP. SUZANNE NESS; SEN. DAVID KOEHLER)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, as part of transition planning, a school district shall provide a student and the parent or guardian of the student (instead of just the student) with information about the district's career and technical education opportunities. Provides that a student and the parent or guardian of the student shall be provided with information about dual credit courses offered by the school district. Provides that if the student is enrolled in a dual credit course for dual credit or for high school credit only, the student's participation in the course shall be included as part of the student's transition Individualized Education Program activities. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0181

6/30/2023 - Effective Date June 30, 2023

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-HIRING PRIORITIES
(REP. SHARON CHUNG; SEN. LINDA HOLMES)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that, when hiring or assigning physical education, music, and visual arts educators, a school district must prioritize the hiring or assigning of educators who hold an educator license and endorsement in those content areas. Provides that a professional educator licensure applicant must pass the licensure content area test for the content area he or she is assigned to teach or complete at least 9 semester hours of coursework in the content area prior to his or her employment start date. Provides that, in order to retain his or her employment for subsequent school years, the employee must complete the remaining hours of coursework in the content area in which he or she is teaching and apply for a license endorsement within 3 calendar years after his or her employment start date. Provides that, in the case of a reduction in force, a school district may follow its employee contract language for filling positions.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0046

6/9/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-BULLYING NOTIFICATION
(REP. MARGARET CROKE; SEN. SARA FEIGENHOLTZ)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions relating to bullying prevention and the definition of "policy on bullying", provides that bullying shall also include bullying based off of physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, pregnancy, parenting status, homelessness. Provides that a bullying prevention policy must include procedures for informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying within 24 hours after the school's administration is made aware of the incident (instead of procedures for promptly informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying). Provides that the bullying prevention policy shall also requires all individual instances of bullying, as well as all threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm to be reported to the parents or legal guardians of those involved under the guidelines provided. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a template for a model bullying prevention policy. Provides that schools shall develop the bullying prevention policy for the school based on the model provided by the State Board of Education. Provides that school districts shall collect, maintain, and submit to the State Board of Education non-identifiable data regarding allegations and instances of bullying within the school district. Provides that upon the request of a parent or legal guardian of a child enrolled in a school district within the State, the State Board of Education must provide non-identifiable data of the number of bullying allegations and incidents in a given year at the school district to the requesting parent or legal guardian. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Makes other changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1, with the following changes. Makes a change concerning professional development and youth programming. Provides that the data required to be submitted must regard verified allegations (rather than allegations and founded instances) of bullying. Provides that reporting is required though the 2030-2031 school year. Requires the posting of a template for a model bullying prevention policy by January 1, 2024; removes the rulemaking provision. Adds an immediate effective date.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0047

6/9/2023 - Effective Date June 9, 2023

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-OPIOID ANTAGONIST
(REP. DIANE BLAIR-SHERLOCK; SEN. SUZANNE HILTON)

Amends the General Provisions Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school shall (instead of may) maintain a supply of an opioid antagonist in any secure location where an individual may have an opioid overdose. Makes a conforming change.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that if there is a shortage of opioid antagonists, a school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school shall make a reasonable effort to maintain a supply of an opioid antagonist. Provides that the requirement that a health care professional prescribe opioid antagonists applies only if the school district or school is not able to obtain opioid antagonists without a prescription. Removes provisions concerning annual training and requiring proof of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator certification to administer opioid antagonists.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0348

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
(REP. FRED CRESPO; SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL)

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning Substitute Teaching Licenses, provides that if there is no licensed teacher under contract because of an emergency situation, then a district may employ a substitute teacher for no longer than 30 calendar days per each vacant position in the district if the district notifies the appropriate regional office of education within 5 business days after the employment of the substitute teacher in that vacant position (instead of employment of the substitute teacher in the emergency situation). Provides that a district may continue to employ that same substitute teacher in that same vacant position for one or more additional 30 calendar day periods if, prior to the expiration of the then-current 30 calendar day period, the district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education for a 30 calendar day extension on the basis that the position remains vacant and the district continues to actively seek qualified candidates. Provides that each extension request shall be deemed granted unless denied in writing by the regional office of education. Provides that an emergency situation is one in which a vacancy has occurred (instead of an unforeseen vacancy has occurred) and (i) a teacher is unexpectedly unable to fulfill his or her contractual duties or (ii) teacher capacity needs of the district exceed previous indications or vacancies are unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates, and the district is actively engaged in advertising to hire a fully licensed teacher for the vacant position (instead of (i) a teacher is unable to fulfill his or her contractual duties or (ii) teacher capacity needs of the district exceed previous indications, and the district is actively engaged in advertising to hire a fully licensed teacher for the vacant position).

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a district may continue to employ that same substitute teacher in that same vacant position for 90 calendar days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if, prior to the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period then current, the district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education for a 30-calendar-day extension on the basis that the position remains vacant and the district continues to actively seek qualified candidates and provides documentation that it has provided training specific to the position, including training on meeting the needs of students with disabilities and English learners if applicable (instead of a district may continue to employ that same substitute teacher in that same vacant position for one or more additional 30 calendar day periods if, prior to the expiration of the then-current 30 calendar day period, the district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education for a 30 calendar day extension on the basis that the position remains vacant and the district continues to actively seek qualified candidates). Provides that each extension request shall be granted in writing (instead of shall be deemed granted unless denied in writing) by the regional office of education. Restores current law to provide that an emergency situation is one in which an unforeseen vacancy (instead of a vacancy) has occurred`.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0193

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

HIGHR ED-SCHOLARSHIP REPAYMENT
(REP. SHARON CHUNG; SEN. DAVID KOEHLER)

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. With regard to the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship program, the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program, and special education teacher scholarships, provides that if a recipient of one of those scholarships who is in a repayment plan with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission subsequently teaches at a school meeting certain descriptions under those scholarship programs, the Commission may reduce the amount owed by the recipient in proportion to the amount of the teaching obligation completed. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that, if an individual subsequently teaches within 5 years of entering repayment (instead of just subsequently teaches), the Commission may reduce the amount owed by the recipient in proportion to the amount of the teaching obligation completed. In provisions concerning the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program, provides that a reduction of the amount owed shall not be construed as reinstatement in the Golden Apple Scholars program. Reinstatement in the program shall be solely at the discretion of the Golden Apple Foundation on terms determined by the Foundation.

  RECENT STATUS

8/7/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0448

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0448

SCH CD-JOLIET DEBT BOND ISSUE
(REP. LAWRENCE WALSH, JR.; SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL)

Amends the School Code. In a Section concerning the debt limitations of school districts, provides that, in addition to all other authority to issue bonds, Joliet Public Schools District 86 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $99,500,000 if certain conditions are met, including (1) that the voters of the district approve a proposition for the bond issuance at an election held on or after April 4, 2023 and (2) that, prior to the issuance of the bonds, the school board determines, by resolution, that the projects set forth in the proposition for the bond issuance were and are required because of the age and condition of the school district's existing school buildings. Provides that the debt incurred on the bonds shall not be considered indebtedness for purposes of any statutory debt limitation and that the bonds must mature within not to exceed 25 years from their date, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0449

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUC-GLOBAL SCHOLAR CERT
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Global Scholar Certification Program shall recognize public and nonpublic high school graduates who have attained global competence (instead of public high school graduates). Amends the College and Career Success for All Students Act. Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, students earning the Illinois Global Scholar Certificate shall be accepted for no less than 4 hours of credit to satisfy degree requirements by all institutions of higher education. Provides that each institution of higher education shall determine whether credit will be granted for electives, general education requirements, or major requirements for students who earned the Illinois Global Scholar Certificate. Effective July 1, 2023.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. In the provisions concerning the State Global Scholar Certification Program, changes a reference from "public high school student" to "public or nonpublic high school student". Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, each institution of higher education shall award course credit to a student who has received State Global Scholar Certification (instead of beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, students earning the Illinois Global Scholar Certificate shall be accepted for no less than 4 hours of credit to satisfy degree requirements by all institutions of higher education). Makes related changes. Effective July 1, 2023.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, each institution of higher education may (instead of shall) award course credit to a student who has received State Global Scholar Certification. Provides that each institution of higher education may (instead of shall) determine whether credit will be granted for electives, general education requirements, or major requirements for students who received State Global Scholar Certification.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 (instead of 2023-2024) academic year, each institution of higher education may award course credit to a student who has received State Global Scholar Certification.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 28, 2023

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0352

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-SCH TRUSTEE BOND
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. LAURA ELLMAN)

Amends the Treasurers Article of the School Code. Removes provisions allowing to the school treasurer to execute a bond with 2 or more persons having an interest in real estate who are not trustees before beginning the treasurer's duties. Provides that, for those school districts that have a designation of recognition or review according to the State Board of Education's School District Financial Profile System, the penalty of the bond shall be determined by the school board in an amount no less than 10% of the amount of all bonds, notes, mortgages, moneys and effects the treasurer will have custody over as measured by specified provisions (rather than an initial penalty of 25% with the penalty increasing and decreasing based on specified factors, but not higher than 25%). Provides that, those district that have no designation of recognition or review, then the penalty shall be 25%. Amends the Debt Limitation Article of the School Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that the penalty of the bond shall be determined by the school board in an amount no less than 10% of the amount of all bonds, notes, mortgages, moneys, and effects (instead of providing that for those school districts that have a designation of recognition or review according to the State Board of Education's School District Financial Profile System, the penalty of the bond shall be determined by the school board in an amount no less than 10% of the amount of all bonds, notes, mortgages, moneys, and effects and that for all other school districts, the penalty of the bond shall be 25% of all bonds, notes, mortgages, moneys, and effects). Provides that a treasurer shall, before receiving any borrowed money, execute a bond with a surety company authorized to do business in this State (instead of with 2 or more persons having an interest in real estate, who shall not be trustees, or a surety company authorized to do business in this State). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0049

6/9/2023 - Effective Date June 9, 2023

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-AIR QUAL TASK FORCE
(REP. LAURA FAVER DIAS; SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall form an Air Quality in Schools Working Group to compile resources for elementary and secondary schools relating to indoor air quality in schools, including best practices for assessing and maintaining ventilation systems and information on any potential State or federal funding sources that may assist a school in identifying ventilation needs. Provides that the working group shall include representatives from the Department of Public Health, local public health professionals, ventilation professionals affiliated with a Department of Labor apprenticeship program, licensed design professionals, representatives from regional offices of education, school district administrators, teachers, and any other relevant professionals, stakeholders, or representatives of State agencies. Provides that the State Board shall implement an outreach plan to make the compiled resources available to elementary and secondary schools, including publication of the compiled resources on the State Board's website on or before August 1, 2024. Provides that the working group shall be dissolved upon the publication of the compiled resources. Provides that the State Board may, in consultation with the Department of Public Health or any other relevant stakeholders, update the compiled resources as necessary.

  RECENT STATUS

6/26/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

5/26/2023 - Consideration of Senate Amendments

5/25/2023 - Consideration of Senate Amendments

Position

Support

SCH SAFETY-RAPID ENTRY
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. JULIE MORRISON)

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that a school building's emergency and crisis response plan, protocol, and procedures shall include a plan for local law enforcement to rapidly enter a school building in the event of an emergency.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0194

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-TEACH EVALUATION DATA
(REP. LAURA FAVER DIAS; SEN. WILLIE PRESTON)

Amends the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Educations shall analyze and assess teacher evaluation data from each school in the State. Provides that the State Board analysis and assessment shall include: (1) rating data for the last evaluation cycle and current evaluation cycle for all probationary teachers and teachers in continued contractual service broken down by race and ethnicity of teachers, and (2) rating data for the last evaluation cycle and current evaluation cycle for all probationary teachers and teachers in continued contractual service broken down by race, ethnicity, and free and reduced-price lunch status of the students in the school where the teacher works. Provides that each probationary teacher and each teacher in continued contractual service rated "needs improvement" or "unsatisfactory" shall be provided a peer mentor or coach to assist in improving their practice as educators. Provides for a continuing appropriation for the teacher mentoring programs established under Article 21A of the School Code.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the rating assessments shall cover rating data for the last evaluation cycle prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act for which there is complete data as well as the first complete evaluation cycle after the effective date of the amendatory Act for all probationary teachers and teachers in continued contractual service (instead of rating data for the last evaluation cycle and current evaluation cycle for all probationary teachers and teachers in continued contractual service). Provides that peer mentors or coaches assigned to educators shall be employed in the same or substantially similar grade level, subject area, or clinical specialty, have at least 5 years' experience as an educator, and complete a required training experience. Removes provisions concerning a continuing appropriation.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the State Board of Education shall report (instead of analyze and assess) teacher evaluation data from each school in the State. Makes changes to what data is included in the report. Provides that the report shall contain data in an aggregate format and is exempt from provisions prohibiting disclosure of evaluations. Provides that the data is not exempt from the provisions prohibiting disclosure of evaluations. Provides that the State Board shall provide the data in a format that prevents identification of individual teachers.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the State Board of Education shall report (instead of analyze and assess) teacher evaluation data from each school in the State. Makes changes to what data is included in the report. Provides that the report shall contain data in an aggregate format and the report is not confidential pursuant to provisions of the School Code prohibiting disclosure of evaluations unless an individual teacher is personally identifiable in the report. With respect to the report, provides that the underlying data and any personally identifying information of a teacher is confidential. Provides that the State Board shall provide the data in a format that prevents identification of individual teachers.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0452

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-CAREER DEV EXP INSURAN
(REP. TRAVIS WEAVER; SEN. NEIL ANDERSON)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee and sets forth the membership of the Committee. Provides that the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee shall issue a report to the Governor and the General Assembly containing recommendations for providing liability insurance to (i) public high school students who participate in a career development experience or apprenticeship program and community college students who participate in a career development experience or apprenticeship program and (ii) public school teachers who participate in externship programs and community college faculty who participate in externship programs.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 28, 2023

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0353

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-TEACHER DISMISSAL
(REP. MICHELLE MUSSMAN; SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON)

Amends the Employment of Teachers and Chicago School District Articles of the School code. In provisions concerning dismissal due to sexual abuse, changes the requirements to for any charges involving any witness who is or was at the time of the alleged conduct was a student or person under the age of 18 (instead of charges involving sexual abuse or severe physical abuse of a student or a person under the age of 18). Provides for accommodations (instead of alternative hearing procedures) for witnesses. Sets forth requirements for accommodations. Provides that the teacher may not directly, or through a representative, question a witness called by the school board who is or was a student or under 18 years of age at the time of the alleged conduct. The hearing officer must permit the teacher to submit all relevant questions and follow-up questions for such a witness to have the questions posed by the hearing officer (instead of each party must be permitted to ask a witness who is a student or who is under 18 years of age all relevant questions and follow-up questions). Provides that if any hearing officer fails to make an accommodation, the officer shall be removed from the master list of hearing officers. In the Chicago School District Article of the School Code, makes conforming changes to the previously described procedures.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0354

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Oppose

SCH CD-OXYGEN TANK
(REP. JOYCE MASON; SEN. KARINA VILLA)

Amends the General Provisions Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning medical prescriptions for schools, Provides that the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school may maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks in any secure location that is accessible before, during, and after school where a person with developmental disabilities person is most at risk, including, but not limited to, classrooms and lunchrooms. Provides that a physician, a physician assistant who has prescriptive authority in accordance with the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, or an advanced practice registered nurse who has prescriptive authority in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act may prescribe undesignated oxygen tanks in the name of the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school to be maintained for use when necessary. Provides that any supply of oxygen tanks shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and with the local fire department's rules.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that a school district that provides special educational facilities for children with disabilities under the School Code may maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks (instead of the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school may maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks). Makes a conforming change and a typographical correction.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0196

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-IEP-VOTER REGISTRATION
(REP. ABDELNASSER RASHID; SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation and additional requirements, each school board shall provide religious dietary food options as part of the school lunch program. Provides further requirements concerning the provision of religious dietary food in public schools. Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act and the Facilities Article of the Unified Code of Corrections. Makes substantially similar changes as to religious dietary food options. Amends the Halal Food Act. Defines "State-owned or State-operated facility". Provides that any halal food product offered by a State-owned or State-operated facility shall be certified as halal by a State-approved organization or purchased from a State-approved halal-certified vendor. Provides that any person, organization, or vendor falsely representing a food product it provides as halal or falsely representing itself as a halal-certified vendor shall be subject to penalties under the Act. Provides that the amendatory provisions shall not infringe upon or affect any obligation in a contract entered into and in effect on or before the amendatory Act's effective date. Amends the Kosher Food Act. Makes substantially similar changes as to kosher food options at State facilities. Defines "kosher". Provides that a violation of the provisions concerning State facility kosher food services is a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for the second and each subsequent offense. Effective June 1, 2024.

  RECENT STATUS

11/8/2023 - Total Veto Stands - No Positive Action Taken

11/8/2023 - Consideration of Governor's Veto Total Veto

11/7/2023 - Consideration of Governor's Veto Total Veto

SCH CD-IEP EMERGENCY
(REP. HARRY BENTON; SEN. PAUL FARACI)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that in the development of the individualized education program for a student, if the student needs extra accommodation during emergencies, including natural disasters or an active shooter situation, then that accommodation shall be taken into account when developing a student's IEP plan.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that, when deciding whether to exempt a student from participating in a walk-through lockdown drill, the administrator and school support personnel shall include the student's individualized education program team or federal Section 504 plan team in the decision to exempt the student from participating.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Provides that extra accommodation during emergencies shall be taken into account when developing a student's individualized education program or federal Section 504 plan (instead of a student's IEP plan).

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0197

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-EMPLOYEE TRAINING
(REP. MICHELLE MUSSMAN; SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning in-service training, provides that the training program shall cover professional educator licensees, educational support personnel, and non-licensed school personnel (instead of teachers) Provides that professional educator licensees, educational support personnel, and non-licensed school personnel who work with pupils must be trained in the following topics at least once every 5 years: prevalent health conditions of students, social-emotional learning practices and standards, developing cultural competency, identifying warning signs of mental illness, trauma, and suicidal behavior in youth, domestic and sexual violence and the needs of expectant and parenting youth, working with exceptional students, educator ethics, and child sexual abuse and grooming behavior. Sets forth requirements regarding the contents of the training, and resources available. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that beginning July 1, 2024, all educators shall be required to complete the previously specified training at least once each 5-year renewal cycle. Amends various other Article of the School Code, the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act, the Care of Students with Diabetes Act, and the Seizure Smart School Act to make conforming changes. Makes other changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Provides that the teachers institutes may include instruction on working with exceptional students (instead of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act) as it pertains to the school environment.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. In provisions concerning in-service training, provides that the training program shall cover teachers, administrators, and school support personnel (instead of teachers). Provides that teachers, administrators, and school support personnel must be trained in the following topics: health conditions of students; social-emotional learning; developing cultural competency; identifying warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth; domestic and sexual violence and the needs of expectant and parenting youth; protections and accommodations for students; educator ethics; responding to child sexual abuse and grooming behavior; and effective instruction in violence prevention and conflict resolution. Sets forth further requirements for the training and exemptions. Removes other specified training in the training program. Amends various other Articles of the School Code, the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act, the Care of Students with Diabetes Act, and the Seizure Smart School Act to make conforming changes. In provisions concerning the administering of opioid antagonists, removes provisions concerning annual training and requiring proof of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator certification to administer opioid antagonists. Makes other changes.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Provides that the teachers institutes may (instead of shall) include training committed to health conditions of students, social-emotional learning, developing cultural competency, identifying warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth, domestic and sexual violence and the needs of expectant and parenting youth, protections and accommodations for students, educator ethics, responding to child sexual abuse and grooming behavior, and effective instruction in violence prevention and conflict resolution.

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0542

8/11/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-HIGHER ED INFO/RECRUIT
(REP. KATIE STUART; SEN. MICHAEL HALPIN)

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that student profile information collected by a specified assessment shall be made available to the State's public institutions of higher education in a timely manner. Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. in provisions concerning access to high school campuses, provides that State institutions of higher educations shall be granted access to high school campuses. Makes conforming changes. Provides that by January 1, 2024, student directory information shall be made electronically accessible through a secure centralized data system for official recruiting representatives of the armed forces of Illinois and the United States, and State public institutions of higher education.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0204

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-TEACHING EXCELLENCE
(REP. WILLIAM DAVIS; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning incentives for teachers if adequate funds are available, provides for a annual retention bonus of $4,000 per year for 2 consecutive years for National Board certified teachers employed in hard-to-staff schools. Provides that funds must be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0207

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-FFA/4H ABSENCES
(REP. SONYA HARPER; SEN. DORIS TURNER)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the daily pupil attendance calculation, provides that participation in a Supervised Career Development Experience or any work-based learning experience in which student participation and learning outcomes are directed by a licensed educator for assessment of competencies (instead of providing that participation in a Supervised Career Development Experience in which student participation and learning outcomes are supervised by a licensed educator) shall be counted toward the calculation of clock hours of school work per day. Provides that participation in a work-based learning experience may include, but is not limited to, scheduled events of State FFA associations, the National FFA Organization, and 4-H programs as part of organized competitions or exhibitions. Provides that the student and the student's parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for obtaining assignments missed while the student was participating in a Supervised Career Development Experience or other work-based learning experience or a youth apprenticeship from the student's teacher.

  RECENT STATUS

8/14/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0560

8/14/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/14/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-ST BD ED-LANG REPORT
(REP. ABDELNASSER RASHID; SEN. DON HARMON)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Transitional Bilingual Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the Advisory Council on Bilingual Education shall deliver a report to the General Assembly on how to incentivize dual language instruction in schools, and that the report shall include: (i) expanding dual language programs and instruction, (ii) developing a strategic plan for scaling dual language programs, (iii) possible public-private partnerships to expand dual language programs, (iv) potential funding mechanisms and models, including how to leverage the use of existing State and federal resources and how to sustain funding for dual language programs, (v) how to build the supply of qualified teachers for dual language programs, including potential partnerships with private or nonprofit teacher preparation or development programs and college teacher preparation programs, potential alternative certification routes, exchange programs with other countries, and financial incentives, and (vi) standards for measuring student progress in dual language programs.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0362

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-FENTANYL EDUCATION
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. LAURA ELLMAN)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code and the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, provides that in every State-required health course for grades 9 through 12, a school district shall provide instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl. Sets forth requirements for the instruction, study, and discussion, and requires students to be assessed on the instruction.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0365

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-ALLERGEN SAFETY EDUC
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. LAURA ELLMAN)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year in grades 9 through 12, the Comprehensive Health Education Program shall include instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of allergies. Provides that information for the instruction, study, and discussion shall come from information provided by the Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sets forth what topics this instruction, study, and discussion shall include.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0212

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PENSIONS-VARIOUS
(REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes changes to Tier 2 benefits for members or participants under the 5 State-funded retirement systems and the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, including changes to automatic annual increases, age and service requirements for retirement, and limits on the amount of salary for annuity purposes. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment option for the General Assembly and Judges Articles of the Code. Makes changes to the funding formula beginning in fiscal year 2025 for the 5 State-funded retirement systems. In the 5 State-funded retirement systems, provides for a deferred retirement option plan for certain participants under which a participant may continue in active service for up to 3 years while having his or her retirement pension paid into a special account, to be distributed to the participant upon retirement. Provides that any benefit increase that results from this Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Amends the General Obligation Bond Act. Provides that each fiscal year after certain State pension funding bonds and income tax proceed bonds are retired, the State Treasurer and the State Comptroller shall transfer $500,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Pension Unfunded Liability Reduction Fund each fiscal year, which shall be used for making additional contributions to the pension funds and retirement systems established under the General Assembly, State Employee, State Universities, Downstate Teacher, Chicago Teacher, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Repeals provisions concerning optional benefits for certain Tier 2 members. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

4/4/2024 - House Personnel & Pensions

3/22/2024 - House Personnel & Pensions

FUTURE TEACHERS CLUB
(REP. SHARON CHUNG)

Urges schools across the state to pursue starting Future Teachers of America clubs.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Changes the name of the clubs from "Future Educators of America" to "Future Teachers of America" in several places.

  RECENT STATUS

5/15/2023 - RESOLUTION ADOPTED

5/15/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

5/15/2023 - RESOLUTION ADOPTED AS AMENDED Adopted by Voice Vote.

Position

Neutral

TEACHER RECRUITMENT SYSTEM
(REP. CAROL AMMONS)

Urges the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to support the state goal of increasing the number and diversity of Illinois' educator workforce by collaborating with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to develop and launch a state-wide teacher recruitment system internally, possibly with the support from an outside vendor, that will be available to the public by July 1, 2024 and will support interested candidates statewide to apply to, enroll in, and complete Illinois' Teacher Preparation Programs and succeed in their eventual job placement.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Corrects a typo.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - RESOLUTION ADOPTED Adopted by Voice Vote.

3/28/2023 - Resolutions Order of Resolutions

3/24/2023 - Resolutions Order of Resolutions

Position

Support

HIGHER ED-DEBT ASSISTANCE
(SEN. LAURA FINE; REP. BOB MORGAN)

Amends the Student Debt Assistance Act. Provides that an institution of higher education shall provide an official transcript of a current or former student to the current or former student under specified conditions (instead of providing that an institution of higher education must provide an official transcript of a current or former student to a current or potential employer, even if the current or former student owes a debt). Provides that an institution of higher education may adopt a more lenient policy on providing an official transcript to a current or former student who owes a debt. Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy that outlines the process by which a current or former student may obtain a transcript or diploma that has been withheld from the student because the student owes a debt. Provides for minimum requirements for the policy. Provides that the institution of higher education does not need to institute a new policy if the institution's current policy meets the minimum requirements. Provides that on or before July 1, 2024 and on or before each July 1 thereafter, each institution of higher education shall report to the Board of Higher Education information regarding financial-based transcript and registration holds. Provides that complaints from current or former students who have had an unofficial or official transcript withheld may be filed with the Attorney General's student loan ombudsperson. Makes conforming changes.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that each institution of higher education shall report to the appropriate agency, the Board of Higher Education or the Illinois Community College Board (instead of reporting to the Board of Higher Education).

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Adds an immediate effective date.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes the provisions concerning definitions. Makes changes concerning the specified conditions in which an institution of higher education must provide an official transcript of a current or former student to require the institution to provide the transcript even if the current or former student owes a debt if the student requests the official transcript to complete a job application; transfer from one institution of higher education to another; apply for State, federal, or institutional financial aid; join the United States Armed Forces or Illinois National Guard; or pursue other postsecondary opportunities. Provides that reporting shall be made to either the Board of Higher Education or the Illinois Community College Board, whichever is appropriate (instead of reporting to the Board of Higher Education). Removes the provisions concerning complaints. Makes a typographical correction. Adds an immediate effective date.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Effective Date June 9, 2023

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0054

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUCATION-HARASSMENT
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY; REP. MAURICE WEST, II)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that each school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school must create, implement, and maintain a policy on discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin and retaliation. Sets forth requirements for the policy. Provides that each school district, charter school, or nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school must establish procedures for responding to student complaints of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin and retaliation. Sets forth provisions concerning these procedures. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish data collection systems to report on allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against students. In provisions concerning charter schools, makes conforming changes and provides that charter schools and are not exempt from the Illinois Human Rights Act. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Makes changes concerning the public policy of this State regarding discrimination, sexual harassment, and unfounded charges. Makes changes concerning jurisdiction and additional civil rights violations. Adds provisions concerning harassment in elementary, secondary, or higher education and discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin at institutions of elementary or secondary education. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Makes other changes. Effective August 1, 2024.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Reinserts the contents of Senate Amendment No. 2 with the following changes. Makes changes concerning the data collection requirements required by the amendatory provisions of the School Code. Makes changes to certain references to specify that the violations to be reported are violations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Provides that the State Board of Education may (instead of shall) adopt any rules deemed necessary. In provisions concerning the policy on discrimination in the School Code, makes changes concerning what the written policy shall contain. Changes references to "discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, or national origin" to "discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin, and retaliation". Removes references specifying that only students may report discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin, and retaliation. Makes changes concerning the procedures for responding to a complaint of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin, and retaliation. In provisions amending the Illinois Human Rights Act, removes specified changes concerning the public policy of the State regarding discrimination and sexual harassment. Makes changes concerning a failure to report harassment. Sets out exemptions for the harassment provisions. Makes changes concerning the model training program the Department of Human Rights shall produce. Corrects typographical errors. Makes other changes. Effective August 1, 2024.

House Committee Amendment No. 2 - Removes specific references to students in the provisions concerning the Chicago School District. Makes grammatical changes.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0472

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-TRANSFER ALT SCHOOL
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY; REP. MICHELLE MUSSMAN)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that before the effective date of the transfer, the student's parents or guardians shall receive information about the alternative school program including the specific nature of the curriculum, number of students in the program, any available services, the program's disciplinary policies, a typical daily schedule, and extracurricular activities offered at the alternative school program. In provisions concerning the details of the alternative educational plan, provides that the duration of the plan, including the date the student will be returned to the regular educational program shall be included in the alternative shall be included in the alternative educational plan. Provides that a method and time frame for reviewing the student's progress and for transitioning the student back to the regular education program in the public schools of the transferring district on a specified date shall be included in the alternative education plan. Provides that the date after which the student will return to the regular educational program in the public schools of the transferring district shall not be extended over the objection of the student's parent or guardian. Provides that the date after which the student will return to the regular educational program in the public schools of the transferring district may be extended upon written agreement by the transferring school district, alternative school program, and the student's parent or guardian. Reorganizes and moves provisions to make conforming changes.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1, with the following changes. Provides that the information to be received by a student's parents or guardians shall include any extracurricular activities that may be offered (instead of extracurricular activities). Provides that the student's alternative educational plan shall include a transition meeting between the sending school district, the alternative school program, and the student's parent or guardian at least 30 (instead of 3) days prior to the date after which the student will be returned to the regular educational program in the public schools of the transferring district. Corrects grammatical and typographical errors.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - In provisions relating to developing an alternative educational plan for a student transferring to an alternative school program, provides that, if the student or the student's parents or guardians are unable to attend the alternative educational plan meeting, the appropriate personnel from the alternative school program shall offer a meeting within 30 days after the effective date of the transfer to the student and the student's parents or guardians to discuss and provide input on the student's alternative educational plan and shall provide a copy of the alternative educational plan to the student and the student's parents or guardians prior to the meeting.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0473

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Neutral

PENCD-SURS-SERVICE CALCULATION
(SEN. ROBERT MARTWICK; REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that for the purposes of computing service for academic years for any participant, one month of service means a calendar month during which the participant qualifies as an employee for any fraction of the month (instead of at least 15 or more days). Provides that the change applies to all service periods of a member who is a participant on or after January 1, 2024, except for certain service periods subject to purchases of service credit, repayment of a refund or distribution, or transfers of service if payment for such purchase, repayment, or transfer commenced prior to January 1, 2024. Provides that a provision concerning calculating a retirement annuity for a participant who has been employed at 1/2 time or less for 3 or more years shall not apply to a member who is a participant on or after January 1, 2024. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that for the purposes of computing service for academic years for any participant, one month of service means a calendar month during which the participant qualifies as an employee and contributes to the System (instead of qualifies as an employee for any fraction of the month).

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Changes references from January 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Further amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that beginning September 1, 2024, a provision excluding specified earnings in the determination of the final rate of earnings applies to an employee who has been employed at 1/2 time or less for 3 or more years. Adds an inseverability provision. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Effective Date August 11, 2023

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0548

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-TEACHER EVAL-LAST YEAR
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD; REP. SUE SCHERER)

Amends the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article of the School Code. Provides that in a teacher evaluation plan, teachers who are due to be evaluated the year they are set to retire shall be offered the opportunity to waive their evaluation and to retain their most recent rating, unless the teacher was last rated as "needs improvement" or "unsatisfactory". Provides that the school district may still reserve the right to evaluate a retired teacher provided the district gives notice to the retired teacher at least 14 days before the evaluation and a reason for evaluating the retired teacher. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with changes. Provides that teachers who are due to be evaluated in the last year before (instead of the year) they are set to retire shall be offered the opportunity to waive their evaluation and retain their ratings unless they receive a "needs improvement" or "unsatisfactory" rating. Changes certain references from "retired teacher" to "teacher". Further amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code to make corresponding changes in that Article.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Effective Date June 9, 2023

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0085

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-TEACHER RESIGNATION
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD; REP. JONATHAN CARROLL)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the termination of contractual continued service by a teacher, provides that a resignation submitted after the completion of the school year must be submitted a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the first student attendance day of the following school year. With respect to the referral of a teacher to the State Superintendent of Education for terminating service not in accordance with these provisions, provides that if a school district intends to submit a referral to the State Superintendent, the district shall submit the referral to the State Superintendent within 10 business days after the school board denies acceptance of the resignation. Provides that the district shall notify the teacher that it submitted the referral to the State Superintendent within 5 business days after submitting the referral to the State Superintendent. Provides that the teacher shall receive a summary of the State Superintendent's evidentiary hearing no later than 14 days after the hearing is completed. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Defines "teaching assignment". Removes provisions allowing a teacher who has entered into contractual continued service to resign at any time by serving at least 30 days' written notice upon the secretary of the school board. Provides that outside of a school term, a resignation submitted by any teacher after the completion of the school year must be submitted in writing to the secretary of the board a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the first student attendance day of the following school year or else the teacher will be deemed to have resigned during the school term (instead of providing that a resignation submitted after the completion of the school year must be submitted a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the first student attendance day of the following school year). Provides that the State Superintendent of Education shall convene a hearing no later than 90 days after receipt of the required documentation from the school district (instead of no later than 90 days after receipt of a resolution by the board). Provides that the teacher shall receive a written determination from the State Superintendent or his or her designee no later than 14 days after the hearing is completed (instead of the teacher shall receive a summary of the State Superintendent's hearing no later than 14 days after the hearing is completed). Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill but specifies that the amendatory provisions apply to the termination of service by a teacher (instead of the termination of contractual continued service by a teacher).

  RECENT STATUS

8/11/2023 - Effective Date August 11, 2023

8/11/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0549

8/11/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-DRESS CODE POLICY
(SEN. SUZANNE HILTON; REP. MAURICE WEST, II)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that, by no later than July 1, 2024, the State Board of Education shall make available to schools resource materials developed in consultation with stakeholders regarding a student wearing or accessorizing the student's graduation attire with general items that may be used by the student to associate with, identify, or declare their cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act. (instead of resource materials regarding a student wearing any articles of clothing or items that have cultural or religious significance to the student if those articles of clothing or items are not obscene or derogatory toward others and the right of a student to wear or accessorize graduation attire with certain items). Provides that a school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a school board or local school council shall not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act (instead of may not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural or ethnic identity or any protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act, including, but not limited to, Native American items of cultural significance). Removes provisions providing that an school board or local school council may not prohibit a student from wearing any articles of clothing or items that have cultural or religious significance to the student if those articles of clothing or items are not obscene or derogatory toward others. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0463

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

PEN CD-TRS-RETURN TO SERVICE
(SEN. THOMAS BENNETT; REP. KATIE STUART)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that through June 30, 2026 (instead of June 30, 2023), an annuitant may accept employment as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status if that employment is not within the school year during which service was terminated and does not exceed 120 paid days or 600 paid hours in each school year. Deletes language concerning an additional 20 days or 100 paid hours that an annuitant may accept employment as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status for the period between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Effective Date June 9, 2023

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0088

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Oppose

SCH CD-EDUCATOR TESTING
(SEN. THOMAS BENNETT; REP. KATIE STUART)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning educator testing, provides that beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act through August 31, 2025, no candidate completing a teacher preparation program or other candidate is required to pass a teacher performance assessment. Makes conforming changes. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Task Force to evaluate potential teacher performance assessment systems for implementation in this State, with the intention of supporting a thoughtful and well-rounded licensure system that is performance-based and has consistency across programs and objectivity. Sets forth the membership of the Task Force. Provides that members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that on or before August 1, 2024, the Task Force shall report on its work, including recommendations on a teacher performance assessment system in this State, to the State Board of Education and General Assembly. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved upon submission of this report. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Provides that the members of the Task Force representing different public universities and 4-year nonpublic universities or colleges shall be a current faculty member in an approved educator preparation program.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Makes changes concerning the purpose of the Teacher Performance Assessment Task Force. Provides that members appointed to the Task Force must reflect the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of this State. Makes changes concerning the membership of the Task Force.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0488

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

HIGHER ED-DIRECT SUPPORT PROF
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY; REP. ANNA MOELLER)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall submit recommendations for a model program of study, for credit, that incorporates the training and experience necessary to serve as a direct support professional to the Department of Human Services. Provides that the model program of study shall be developed in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, organizations representing community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and elementary and secondary education practitioners, including, but not limited to, teachers, administrators, special education directors, and regional superintendents of schools. Provides that beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year and continuing for not less than 2 academic years, the Illinois Community College Board shall make available to community colleges the model program of study developed by the Illinois Community College Board.

  RECENT STATUS

6/9/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/9/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0092

6/9/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

MENTAL HEALTH-STUDENT ACCESS
(SEN. MIKE SIMMONS; REP. MARCUS EVANS)

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Department of Human Resources shall partner with the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for the provision of mental health care during school days with the goal of increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students. Provides that the Department shall report to the General Assembly on the implementation of the technical assistance provision no later than July 1, 2025. Provides for rulemaking by the Department and the State Board of Education.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0222

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-RURAL ED ADVIS COUNCIL
(SEN. DAVID KOEHLER; REP. AMY ELIK)

Amends the School Code to create the Rural Education Advisory Council. Provides that the purpose of the council is to exchange thoughtful dialogue concerning the needs, challenges, and opportunities of rural districts and to provide policy recommendations to the State. Sets forth the functions and membership of the council. Contains provisions concerning expenses, meetings, and administrative support.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Makes changes concerning the functions and membership of the council. Specifies that the expense reimbursement is subject to the rules of the appropriate travel control board. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the council as needed (instead of requiring the State Board and the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools to provide administrative and other support and specifying the categories of support). Provides that the council is dissolved and the amendatory provisions are repealed on December 31, 2031.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0497

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-TEACHER TENURE/3 YEARS
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD; REP. DAVE VELLA)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Makes changes to the probationary periods pertaining to attaining contractual continued service. For the first probationary period, requires the teacher to be employed for 3 (rather than 4) consecutive school terms of service in which the teacher receives overall annual evaluation ratings of at least "Proficient" in the second and third school terms (rather than overall annual evaluation ratings of at least "Proficient" in the last school term and at least "Proficient" in either the second or third school term). For the second probationary period, requires the teacher to serve for 2 (rather than 3) consecutive school terms of service in which the teacher receives 2 (rather than 3) overall annual evaluations of "Excellent". Effective July 1, 2023.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill, but makes the following changes. Provides for a teacher to enter upon contractual continued service unless the teacher is given a written notice of dismissal on or before April 15 (instead of at least 45 days before the end of any school term within the probationary period); makes a related change in provisions concerning the removal or dismissal of teachers in contractual continued service. Provides that the specified probationary periods are for teachers who hold a Professional Educator License. Changes certain references from "4 consecutive school terms of service" to "3 consecutive school terms of service", "4 consecutive school terms" to "3 consecutive school terms", and "fourth probationary year" to "third probationary year". In provisions concerning the appointment and promotion of teachers in the Chicago School District Article of the School Code, provides that the probationary period shall be 3 (instead of 4) years for full-time teachers employed on or after January 1, 2024. Provides that for a probationary-appointed teacher in full-time service who has not entered into contractual continued service after 2 or 3 school terms of full-time service, the probationary period shall be 3 (instead of 4) school terms of full-time service if the teacher holds a Professional Educator License (instead of not specifying that the teacher hold a Professional Educator License). Makes related changes. Effective July 1, 2023.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the amendatory changes regarding probationary periods only apply to any teacher who is first employed as a full-time teacher in a school district or program on or after July 1, 2023. In provisions concerning the appointment and promotion of teachers in the Chicago School District Article of the School Code, provides that the probationary period shall be 3 years for full-time teachers employed on or after July 1, 2023 (instead of January 1, 2024). Corrects a typographical error.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that any full-time teacher who does not receive written notice from the employing board on or before April 15 (instead of at least 45 days before the end of any school term) and whose performance does not require dismissal after the third or fourth probationary year pursuant to specified provisions shall be re-employed for the following school term.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0500

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUC-EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
(SEN. CELINA VILLANUEVA; REP. BARBARA HERNANDEZ)

Creates the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that the intent of the Act is for the requirements of the Act to apply equally to the governing board of each public institution of higher education in this State. Defines "governing board of each public institution of higher education" and "public institution of higher education". Adds provisions requiring each public institution of higher education to make emergency contraception available for purchase through at least one vending machine located on each campus under its jurisdiction; defines "emergency contraception". Sets forth minimum requirements concerning the packaging, storage, cost, and dispensing of the emergency contraception. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Defines "wellness kiosk". Replaces references to "vending machine" with "wellness kiosk". Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0465

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD&PEN CD-SUPERINTENDENTS
(SEN. MICHAEL HALPIN; REP. LANCE YEDNOCK)

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning service credit for accumulated unused sick leave, provides that if the employee was in the service of more than one employer or regional office of education (instead of more than one employer), then sick leave days from all such employers shall be credited. Amends the School Code. Provides that beginning July 1, 2023, all regional superintendents of schools shall receive the same salary regardless of the population of the region they serve. Provides that the salary for all regional superintendents shall be equal to the middle annual salary tier. Makes a change concerning the posting of information on the institute fund. Repeals a provision of the Code that prohibits regional superintendents from practicing or from holding themselves out as practicing any other profession. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/29/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0110

6/29/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

6/9/2023 - Sent to Governor for Signature

SCH CD-LOCAL ASSESSMENT-NOTICE
(SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL; REP. MARY BETH CANTY)

House Floor Amendments No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that prior to approving a new contract for any district-administered assessment, the school board must hold a public vote at a regular meeting of the school board, at which the terms of the proposal must be substantially presented and an opportunity for allowing public comments must be provided, subject to applicable notice requirements. Provides that if the assessment being made available to review is subject to copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property protection, the review process shall include technical and procedural safeguards to ensure that the materials are not able to be widely disseminated to the general public in violation of the intellectual property rights of the publisher and to ensure content validity is not undermined. Effective July 1, 2024.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0393

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-CASH AND FUNDS
(SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL; REP. LANCE YEDNOCK)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that, in the 2024-2025 school year and in each subsequent school year, each school board shall calculate the combined, annual average expenditures of its operational funds for the previous 3 fiscal years, as reported in the school district's most recently audited annual financial reports. Provides that the school board shall annually present a written report covering the annual average expenditures of its operational funds for the previous 3 fiscal years at a board meeting. Provides that if a school district's combined cash reserve balance of its operational funds, as most recently reported by the district, exceeds 2.5 times the annual average expenditures of its operational funds for the previous 3 fiscal years, the school board shall adopt and file with the State Board of Education a written operational funds reserve reduction plan to reduce, within 3 years, the district's combined cash reserve balance of its operational funds to an amount at or below 2.5 times the annual average expenditures of its operational funds for the previous 3 fiscal years. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the amendatory language applies only to the school board of a school district that does not receive federal impact aid funding. Provides that the operational funds reserve reduction plan shall be adopted and filed with the State Board of Education by December 31. Provides that the State Board shall post any operational funds reserve reduction plans received on the State Board's Internet website. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 28, 2023

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0394

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-HOLIDAYS-EDUC SUPPORT
(SEN. LINDA HOLMES; REP. MARGARET CROKE)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that educational support personnel employees shall not be required to work on a legal school holiday. Provides that no deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee, including an educational support personnel employee, on account of any legal or special holiday in which that employee would have otherwise been scheduled to work but for the legal or special holiday (instead of providing that no deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee on account of any legal or special holiday).

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0395

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-SCH REPORT CRD-HIGH SCH
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD; REP. CAROL AMMONS)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. By October 31, 2024 and October 31 each subsequent year, requires the State Board of Education, through the State Superintendent of Education, to prepare a report covering school districts and schools, to be referred to as the Expanded School Snapshot Report. Sets forth how the Report is to be made available. Requires the Report to include (i) a listing of all standard coursework or programs offered by a school, (ii) a listing of all advanced-track coursework or programs offered by a school, (iii) a listing of all English learner coursework or programs offered by a school, (iv) a listing of all special education coursework or programs offered by a school, (v) data tables and graphs comparing advanced-track coursework or programs with standard coursework or programs according to specified parameters, and (vi) specified data for each race and ethnicity category and gender category, as defined by the most recent federal decennial census.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of Senate Amendment No. 1 but changes the name of the report of "Expanded School Snapshot Report" to "Expanded High School Snapshot Report". Makes conforming changes by changing references of "school" to "high school" and other related changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the State Board of Education shall prepare the initial Expanded High School Snapshot Report by October 31, 2027 (instead of October 31, 2025).

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0503

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-IEP MEETING-PUNS LIST
(SEN. DON HARMON; REP. NABEELA SYED)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database, makes changes to the findings, and changes references from "Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services" to "PUNS". Provides that the State Board of Education shall work in consultation with the Department of Human Services and with school districts to ensure that all students with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians are informed about the PUNS database (instead of the State Board of Education may work with school districts to inform all students with developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians about the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database). Makes changes regarding the computer-based training program. Provides that during the student's annual individualized education program ("IEP") review meeting, if the student has an intellectual disability or a developmental disability, the student's IEP team shall determine the student's PUNS database registration status based upon information provided by the student's parents or guardian or by the student. Sets forth related requirements. Removes a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to consider the length of time spent on the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services waiting list, in addition to other factors considered, when selecting individuals on the list for services. Makes other changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the State Board of Education may (instead of shall) work in consultation with the Department of Human Services and with school districts to ensure that all students with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians are informed about the PUNS database. Provides that the Department of Human Services's development and implementation of an online, computer-based training program shall be in consultation with the State Board of Education.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0504

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PEN CD-INVESTMENT PROXY VOTING
(SEN. BILL CUNNINGHAM; REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Universities, Downstate Teachers, and Board of Investment Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the State Treasurer, upon the request of the Board, shall manage the domestic and international proxy voting activity for shares held directly by the System or Investment Board and execute required ballots on behalf of the System or Investment Board. Requires the State Treasurer to provide the Board of the System or the Investment Board with comprehensive proxy voting reports on a quarterly basis and as requested. Sets forth provisions concerning fiduciary duties of the State Treasurer with regard to proxy voting; limitations on liability; and costs associated with proxy voting. Repeals the provisions on January 1, 2027. Requires the Board of the System and the Investment Board to annually publish their guidelines for voting proxy ballots and a detailed report on their websites describing how the Boards are considering sustainability factors as defined in the Illinois Sustainable Investing Act and other information. Effective January 1, 2024.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 2 with the following changes. Provides that the State Treasurer, upon the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Board (instead of upon the request of the Board), shall manage the domestic and international proxy voting activity for shares held directly by the System or Investment Board and execute required ballots on behalf of the System or Investment Board. Provides that the Board's consent may be revoked at any time upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board. Requires the State Treasurer to provide access to communications with its third-party proxy voting service, if any, used in preparing the comprehensive proxy voting reports requested by the Board. Authorizes the Board to provide the State Treasurer with guidance for proxy voting, which, if provided, the State Treasurer shall consider when voting. Provides that in order to facilitate the State Treasurer's proxy voting activities and before the State Treasurer begins proxy voting activities, the State Treasurer and the Board shall enter into an intergovernmental agreement concerning costs, proxy voting guidance, reports and other documents, and other issues. Removes language providing that all costs associated with the State Treasurer's management of proxy voting activity shall be borne exclusively by the State Treasurer. Provides that on or before September 1, 2023 (instead of January 1, 2025), and annually thereafter, the Board shall publish its guidelines for voting proxy ballots and a detailed report on its website describing how the Board is considering sustainability factors. Makes other changes. Effective immediately (instead of January 1, 2024).

  RECENT STATUS

8/7/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/7/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0468

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Oppose

SCH CD-TEACHER DISMISSAL LIST
(SEN. WILLIE PRESTON; REP. MARCUS EVANS)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that a school board's sequence of honorable dismissal list shall include the race or ethnicity of a teacher if provided by the teacher. Effective January 1, 2024.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0398

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUC-DRUG EDUC AND YOUTH
(SEN. LAURA FINE; REP. JOYCE MASON)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that by July 1, 2024, the State Board of Education and the Department of Human Services shall work in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Illinois Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council, to develop and update substance use prevention and recovery resource materials for public elementary and secondary schools (instead of requiring the State Board and Department to develop and establish a heroin and opioid drug prevention program that offers educational materials and instruction on heroin and opioid abuse to all school districts in the State for use at their respective public elementary and secondary schools). Provides that a Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide shall be made available on the State Board of Education's Internet website and shall be sent via electronic mail to all regional offices of education and school districts in this State. Sets forth provisions concerning the Resource Guide. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department shall reimburse a grantee for any costs associated with facilitating a heroin and opioid overdose prevention instructional program for school districts seeking to provide instruction under this type of program (instead of reimburse a school district that decides to participate in the program for any costs it incurs in connection with its participation in the program). Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 28, 2023

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0399

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCH CD-STATE LITERACY PLAN
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD; REP. RITA MAYFIELD)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts, by July 1, 2024, a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to support districts when developing literacy plans, and guidance on practices for effective structures for training and deploying literacy coaches. Requires the State Board of Education to develop and make available training opportunities for educators in teaching reading on or before January 1, 2025. Provides that, in consultation with education stakeholders, the State Board of Education shall develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan for the State on or before January 31, 2024. Sets forth requirements for the comprehensive literacy plan. In the Educator Licensure Article of the Code, makes changes concerning educator testing and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 28, 2023

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0402

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

ILL ARTICULATION INITIATIVE
(SEN. CRISTINA CASTRO; REP. TERRA COSTA HOWARD)

Amends the Illinois Articulation Initiative Act. Provides that all public institutions shall submit and maintain up to 4 core courses in each of the Illinois Articulation Initiative majors (instead of all public institutions shall maintain up to 4 core courses in an Illinois Articulation Initiative major). Provides that all public institutions' Illinois Articulation Initiative major courses must be transferable as direct course equivalents toward the requirements of the major (instead of all public institutions shall determine if Illinois Articulation Initiative major courses are direct course equivalents or are elective credit toward the requirements of the major). Provides that an elementary and secondary education panel shall be convened by the Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0469

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-BLOOMINGTON SCH BUILD
(SEN. DAVID KOEHLER; REP. SHARON CHUNG)

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning buildings for school purposes, provides that for Bloomington School District 87, no referendum shall be required for the purchase, construction, or building of any building for school or education purposes if such cost is paid, or will be paid with funds available at the time of contract, purchase, construction, or building in Bloomington School District 87's existing fund balances to fund the procurement or requisition of a building or site during the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, or 2024-2025 school years. Provides that the school board must hold at least 2 public hearings, the sole purpose of which shall be to discuss the decision to construct a school building and to receive input from the community. Provides that the notice of each public hearing that sets forth the time, date, place, and name or description of the school building that the school board is considering constructing must be provided at least 10 days prior to the hearing by publication on the school board's website. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

8/4/2023 - Effective Date August 4, 2023

8/4/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0509

8/4/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

VEH CD-SCHOOL BUS EXTENDED ARM
(SEN. DORIS TURNER; REP. JANET YANG ROHR)

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that any person convicted of violating provisions related to approaching, overtaking, or passing a school bus, or similar provisions of a local ordinance, shall be subject to a mandatory fine of $500 (rather than $300) for a first violation. Provides that a person who observes a violation related to approaching, overtaking, or passing a school bus or making contact with a stopped school bus may file a written or oral complaint with the county sheriff's office, and at the sheriff's discretion, the report may be transferred to the Illinois State Police or municipal police department. Requires the report to be investigated by a peace officer, and the investigating officer to contact the reporting party within 30 days to provide an update on the status or outcome of the investigation. Requires that no later than July 1, 2024, a school bus must be equipped with an extended stop arm that partially obstructs the roadway if the school bus has a route that includes a bus stop which requires a school child to cross a roadway. Establishes that each extended stop arm must be equipped with additional flashing red lights. Provides that the side extension arm must be capable of extending up to 72 inches, measured from the side of the bus to furthest part of the extension arm, and at a height not less than 36 inches from the ground. Provides that the rear extension arm must meet the same specification as the side extension arm, except that it may not extend more than 32 inches from the side of the school bus. Prohibits a driver of a motor vehicle from making contact with any portion of a stopped school bus or with a school child within 30 feet of the school bus, and the violation of such is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause with provisions of the introduced bill, and makes the following changes: Removes language allowing a person who observes a violation related to approaching, overtaking, and passing a school bus to file a complaint with the county sheriff's office. Removes language requiring a school bus to be equipped with an extended stop arm that partially obstructs the roadway if the school bus has a route that includes a bus stop which requires a school child to cross a roadway. Provides that a maximum of 2 extensions to the required stop arm may be installed on the driver's side of the school bus. Prohibits a driver of a motor vehicle from making contact with any portion of a stopped school bus or with a school child within 30 feet of the school bus, and a driver who violates such provision shall be subject to the current statutory 3-month suspension of driving privileges (rather than being charged with a misdemeanor and receiving a $500 fine). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

7/28/2023 - Effective Date July 28, 2023

7/28/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0404

7/28/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-COMPUTER SCI GRANT
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD; REP. CAROL AMMONS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall establish a competitive grant program to support the development or enhancement of computer science programs in the K-12 schools. Provides that eligible entities are regional offices of education, intermediate service centers, State higher education institutions, schools designated as laboratory schools, and school districts. Provides that approved entities shall be responsible for ensuring appropriate facilities are available and educators are appropriately trained on the use of any technologies or devices acquired for the purposes of the grant. Sets forth requirements to use the grant, renewal provisions, and rulemaking.

  RECENT STATUS

6/30/2023 - Effective Date January 1, 2024

6/30/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0264

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

SCHOOL CODE-VARIOUS
(SEN. DON HARMON; REP. MAURICE WEST, II)

Amends the School Code. Requires a non-public school to perform a check of the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database (in addition to the Statewide Sex Offender Database) of applicants and once every 5 years and persons employed by the school to determine whether the applicant has been adjudicated a sex offender, of a sex offense, or of a murder or other violent crime against youth. Extends the grants for preschool educational programs 2028-2029 school year (rather than the 2023-2024 school year). Provides that a school district may adopt a policy to waive tuition costs for a non-resident pupil if the pupil is a child of a district employee. Provides that, until June 30, 2028 (rather than June 30, 2023), applicants may apply to the State Board of Education for issuance of a 5-year Short-Term Substitute Teaching License. Makes conforming changes. Modifies the Alternative Educator Licensure Program by removing the requirement for a second year of residency (changing to only if recommended by the principal and program coordinator). Provides that, if the residency period is to be less than 2-years in length, the partner school districts must provide assurances that the district will provide intensive mentoring and supports through at least the end of the second full year of teaching for educators who completed the Program in less than 2 years. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Provides that the residency program for alternative educator licensure shall be comprised of 3 phases (instead of 4). Provides that in residency, the candidate must: be assigned an effective, fully licensed teacher by the principal or principal equivalent to act as a mentor and coach the candidate through residency. In provisions concerning the alternative educator endorsement, provides that the individual may complete a major in the content area of early childhood reading (instead of reading).

  RECENT STATUS

6/29/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0111

6/29/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

6/15/2023 - Sent to Governor for Signature

SCH CD-COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
(SEN. DON HARMON; REP. LAKESIA COLLINS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that the provisions concerning community schools apply beginning with the 2024-2025 (rather than 2009-2010) school year. Makes changes to the legislative findings, including replacing a description of a community school. Provides that grants for community schools are subject to the availability of State or federal funding (rather than the availability of funding). Removes certain grant proposal provisions. Changes the requirements to qualify for a grant. Effective June 1, 2024.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a community school may also be a nonpublic school. Restores provisions describing what a community school is in the legislative findings. Restores certain grant proposal provisions. Provides that a school may (instead of must) provide certain items to qualify for a grant. Restores language concerning the provision of a program director or resource coordinator. Effective June 1, 2024.

  RECENT STATUS

7/5/2023 - Effective Date June 1, 2024

7/5/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0265

6/30/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

Position

Support

REPEAL WEP/GPO
(SEN. LAURA FINE)

Urges the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision from the Social Security Act and for President Joe Biden to sign that legislation into law.

  RECENT STATUS

5/19/2023 - RESOLUTION ADOPTED Adopted by Voice Vote.

5/19/2023 - Resolutions Secretary's Desk

5/18/2023 - Resolutions Secretary's Desk

Position

Support

WHOLE CHILD MONTH
(SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON)

Declares March of 2023 as Illinois Whole Child Month to recognize the value of assuring that each student is challenged, supported, healthy, safe, and engaged.

  RECENT STATUS

5/19/2023 - RESOLUTION ADOPTED Adopted by Voice Vote.

5/19/2023 - Resolutions Secretary's Desk

5/18/2023 - Resolutions Secretary's Desk

Position

Support