House Floor 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, 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. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved upon submission of this report. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Don Harmon

NOTES

IEA supports the 2^nd Amendment ONLY on HB #0296.  This was originally submitted as a Shell bill.  When looking at the language on the Illinois General Assembly bill page for the language IEA supports, click on the blue "Amendment 02" link at the top right of the page to see the wording of the bill that is supported.  All underlined wording is included in the amendment.

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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Don Harmon

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the Chicago school district must include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on nursing. Requires the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to the school board resource materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of the nursing instruction. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Creates the Lead in Schools Reporting Act. Provides that on an annual basis the Department of Public Health, in coordination with local departments of public health serving the City of Chicago, shall conduct specified lead testing at public school facilities within the City. Provides that the results from such testing shall be transmitted to the State Board of Education. Provides that the Department shall notify the State Board if a detected lead level meets a level that the Department deems unsafe. Amends the School Code. Provides that the school report cards for the Chicago school district shall include lead testing results and that students in the district may transfer from one attendance center to another attendance center within or outside of the district if any lead levels at his or her current attendance center meet a level that the Department deems unsafe. Makes other changes to the provisions concerning transfers.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that a school's comprehensive health education program must include instruction on the medical and legal ramifications of cannabis use. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Executive

3/1/2023 - House Executive

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall develop and maintain a program to provide free tuition at one community college in each R3 Area (designated as such under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act) using money appropriated from the Cannabis Regulation Fund. Authorizes the Board to adopt any rules necessary. Amends the State Finance Act to make related changes.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Executive

3/1/2023 - House Executive

Amends the Illinois School Student Records Act. Provides that when a student transfers to a new school, the school or school district last attended may not refuse the new school's request to provide a copy of the student's school student record on the grounds that the student owes a debt.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to ensure parents and guardians of pupils enrolled in the school district are free to petition the school board and provide public comment at all public and regularly scheduled meetings, have access to certain information, are well-informed on specified subject matters, and have the right to meet with a pupil's teacher at least twice per school year. Requires a school board to ensure curriculum and learning materials are posted on the school district's Internet website. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides for the issuance of grants to essential workers and the dependents of essential workers, subject to appropriation. Defines "essential worker" as an individual whose employment duties provide a service that is typically deemed vital to public health and safety and economic and national security and essential to continue critical infrastructure operations. Sets forth provisions concerning application and qualifications for a grant, the amount of a grant and its use, and rulemaking. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 3 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Requires a school district to develop and implement a plan to provide additional instructional services, support, or special accommodations to students who suffer from trauma related to experiencing the death of a sibling, parent, guardian, or household member by suicide or homicide or suffer from trauma caused by domestic violence or abuse and whom the school has determined require additional instructional services, support, or special accommodations but do not qualify for an individualized education program or for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Sets forth what the plan may include. Provides that the plan shall remain in place until the student (i) is no longer enrolled in the district or (ii) has made such significant and sustained academic progress that the student no longer requires the plan. In provisions relating to children with disabilities, provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the notice that a school board provides concerning who qualifies for services under Section 504 shall include that a child may qualify for those services if the child is a student who is at least 3 years old or older and under 22 years and who (i) has experienced the death of a sibling, parent, guardian, or household member by suicide or homicide or (ii) suffers from trauma caused by domestic violence or abuse. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. For redevelopment project areas designated after November 1, 1999, in municipalities with less than 1,000,000 population, modifies the formula for elementary, secondary, or unit school district's increased costs attributable to assisted housing units located within the redevelopment project area for which the developer or redeveloper receives financial assistance through an agreement with the municipality or because the municipality incurs the cost of necessary infrastructure improvements within the boundaries of the assisted housing sites necessary for the completion of that housing. Removes differences in formulation for alternate method districts, flat grant districts, and foundation districts. For school districts in a municipality with a population in excess of 1,000,000, changes the last date upon which a school district may submit a claim for reimbursement to the municipality to October 31 of each year (currently, September 30) and provides that municipalities shall reimburse school districts that have met specified criteria no later than January 31 of the school year in which the claim is made.

  RECENT STATUS

3/23/2023 - House Revenue & Finance

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/23/2023 - House Revenue - Property Tax Subcommittee

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

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Celina Villanueva

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

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton

Amends the School Code. Provides that the dyslexia handbook developed by the State Board of Education shall include guidelines on the administration of a universal screener and dyslexia screening, the interpretation of data from these screeners, and the resulting appropriate instruction within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary to ensure that a student will be screened for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth which students are required to be screened. Provides that no later than January 1, 2024, the State Board of Education shall employ at least 5 dyslexia specialists or dyslexia therapists with a minimum of 5 years of field experience in screening, identifying, and treating dyslexia and related disorders. Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through 2 for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that if a student is determined to be either at risk or at some risk for dyslexia after the universal screener has been administered, the school district must administer a dyslexia screening of the student. Provides that if a student's dyslexia screening indicates that the student has characteristics of dyslexia, the dyslexia intervention services provided to the student must utilize a structured literacy approach as outlined in the State Board of Education's handbook. Makes other changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. In the definition of "universal screener", changes references to "an assessment" to "a screener". Provides that the "universal screener" shall screen for the risk factors of reading difficulties, including dyslexia (instead of the risk factors of dyslexia). Provides that students shall be screened if a student from another state enrolls for the first time in any of grades kindergarten through 2 in a school district in this State, provided that if a student's score is below 3.0 on either the listening or the speaking portion of the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, the student may be exempt from a universal screener as determined by the school's or school district's English language learner team (instead of unless the student, the student's parent, or the student's guardian presents documentation that the student meets specified conditions). Adds provisions concerning secondary review of a student. In provisions concerning the student's parent or guardian consent to screening, provides that the parent or guardian must be notified (rather than specified provisions concerning the nature of notification). Makes conforming changes.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

NOTES

This is now a dead bill.  It will no longer be making any movement this session.

Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. Allows a child to be absent from a public school on a particular day or days or at a particular time of day to attend the ceremonial induction into office of the child's parent or legal guardian as a newly elected government official. Provides that the student and parent or legal guardian are responsible for obtaining assignments from the student's teacher prior to the period of excused absence and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by the student prior to the student's return to school from that period of excused absence.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the child may also attend the ceremonial induction into office of anyone in the child's household, the child's grandparents, siblings, or a close friend of the child.

  RECENT STATUS

3/31/2023 - House Bills on First Reading

3/30/2023 - House Bills on First Reading

3/29/2023 - House Bills on First Reading

Amends the evidence-based funding provisions of the School Code. Provides that funds received by the Chicago school district for low-income, English learner, and special education resources must be distributed to every school of the district in the appropriate amount specified under the Essential Elements component of the funding formula. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that scholarships awarded under the Teach Illinois Scholarship Program may be granted to individuals employed as teachers who agree to pursue a master's degree at a qualified institution of higher learning in order to teach dual credit courses at a secondary school. Provides that for any individual receiving a scholarship to teach dual credit courses, following the completion of the program of study, the individual must teach at least one dual credit course per school year in a secondary school in this State for a period of at least 5 years. Provides that individuals who fail to comply shall refund all of the awarded scholarships to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, whether payments were made directly to the institutions of higher learning or to the individuals, and this condition shall be agreed to in writing by the scholarship recipients at the time the scholarship is awarded. Provides that no individual may be required to refund tuition payments if his or her failure to teach a dual credit course in a secondary school is the result of financial conditions within school districts. Makes conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2023.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Changes the effective date to July 1, 2024 (instead of July 1, 2023).

  RECENT STATUS

3/24/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/24/2023 - FIRST READING

3/24/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Sally J. Turner

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall establish and maintain a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program to assist qualified participants in acquiring a Professional Educator License. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may establish and adopt any rules necessary to implement this program, including the standards that a qualified participant must meet to receive a Professional Educator License. Sets forth the requirements to complete the program. Provides that upon completing the requirements of the program, a qualified participant is eligible for a Professional Educator License. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/13/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, any candidate who is considered either a former or active first responder or military personnel shall receive a refund for any costs associated with completing a test of content area knowledge. Provides that, subject to appropriation, any candidate who is considered either a former or active first responder or military personnel shall receive a refund for any costs associated with completing a teacher performance assessment. Provides that no former or active first responder or military personnel may be charged an application fee under specified provisions. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - To Occupational Licenses Subcommittee

3/8/2023 - House Labor & Commerce

Creates the Illinois Strategic Action Plan for Aging Equity Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to appoint a planning commission to research and develop a comprehensive, cross-sector, long-term strategic action plan for aging equity that will lead to actionable goals and measurable outcomes for the years 2024 through 2036. Establishes the Strategic Action Planning Commission for Aging Equity. Provides that the planning commission shall be made up of State agency directors and appointed elected officials or their designees as ex officio members, and a group of voting individuals from the general public. Provides that the planning commission shall examine the effects, challenges, opportunities, and needs for planning related to the shifting age demographics toward an increasing portion of the State's and localities' populations being made up of older adults. Requires the planning commission to adopt guiding principles that include, but are not limited to: (i) advancing aging equity across the life course; (ii) developing cultural humility and being culturally responsive with inclusive policies, programs, and services; and (iii) harnessing the power of experience and knowledge of older persons in communities. Requires the Governor to appoint members to the planning commission within 3 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act; and to consult with the President and Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the Director of Aging about member appointments to ensure that (1) the planning commission reflects the geographic diversity of the State; (2) the planning commission is inclusive and consists of members who reflect a diversity of age, gender, ability, race, cultural, socioeconomic, and national background; (3) the planning commission includes Illinois residents age 60 or older; and other matters. Contains provisions on the composition of the planning commission; commission meetings; the commission's authority to establish a subcommittee; the establishment of an advisory committee; duties of the planning commission; data analysis; planning commission recommendations and reporting requirements; and other matters. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House State Government Administration

Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Requires each public school to provide a separate course of study on mental health that instructs students on how to recognize the signs of anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness. Provides that all students in grades kindergarten through 12 must take the course each school year, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Provides that the course length must be at least one semester or its equivalent but that the school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time required for the course. Requires the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to school boards resource materials on mental illness that must be used as guidelines for the development of the course.

  RECENT STATUS

3/13/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the Downstate Teacher and Chicago Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that none of the benefits provided for in either Article shall be paid to a person if the person first becomes a member on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act and a board, after an administrative hearing, determines that the person sexually abused a student. Provides that an employer must notify a board if a retiring member has been accused of sexually abusing a student. Provides that a board may, through an administrative hearing, review the claim of sexual abuse and may order that benefits be forfeited. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act shall not operate to impair any contract or vested right acquired before the effective date of the amendatory Act nor to preclude the right to a refund. Provides that all teachers entering service on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be deemed to have consented to the provisions of the amendatory Act as a condition of membership. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Personnel & Pensions

Amends the Invest in Kids Act. Provides that, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, the credit shall be equal to 100% (rather than 75%) of the total amount of qualified contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year, not to exceed a credit of $1,000,000 per taxpayer. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/10/2023 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - To Revenue - Tax Credit and Incentives Subcommittee

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides for the election of board of trustee members by trustee district rather than at large in community college districts with a population of 300,000 or more inhabitants, other than specified community college districts, and in those community college districts with a population under 300,000 inhabitants whose board approves the election of board members by trustee district by a three-fifths majority vote. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/13/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Higher Education

3/1/2023 - House Higher Education

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

  RECENT STATUS

3/24/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/24/2023 - FIRST READING

3/24/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Erica Harriss

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

3/24/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/24/2023 - FIRST READING

3/24/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel

Amends the School Code. Provides that subject to the availability of local resources, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each public middle school, junior high school, and high school shall establish a junior color guard program to promote the value of and honor military personnel. Provides that the junior color guard shall be used at school events, including interscholastic athletic events and other events in which the presenting of the colors is requested. Provides that each school shall allow the junior color guard to participate in community events in which the presenting of the colors may be requested. Provides that each school may work with a civic organization or association to provide adequate training to the members of the junior color guard on the execution of their duties.

  RECENT STATUS

3/21/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/21/2023 - FIRST READING

3/21/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Instead of requiring consumer education to be taught and studied, provides that beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2024-2025 school year, pupils in the public schools in grade 11 or 12 shall be taught and be required to complete a stand-alone, one-semester or equivalent course covering personal finance, which shall include, but is not limited to, instruction covering behavioral economics; banking and bill payment; investing; types of credit; managing credit; including credit scores; paying for college; insurance; taxes; budgeting; consumer skills; retirement planning, including tax-advantaged retirement plans; home ownership and financing; and personal transportation, including car ownership and leasing. Provides that the State Board of Education shall devise or approve the personal finance education standards for the course. Provides that the school board shall oversee implementation of the personal finance course for each high school student prior to graduation. Specifies the oversight duties of the school board. In provisions regarding required high school courses, provides that the personal finance education course may be counted toward the fulfillment of other graduation requirements. Makes other changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Provides that the personal finance course requirement begins with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2027-2028 (rather than 2024-2025) school year. Provides that the State Board of Education (instead of the school board) shall develop implementation guidelines and timelines to assist schools in implementing the personal finance course and determine what may be counted as a graduation requirement for this course.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

Amends the School Code. In provisions of the Children with Disabilities Article concerning a child who attends a non-public school or special education facility, a public out-of-state school, or a special education facility owned and operated by a county government unit, provides that the Illinois Purchased Care Review Board shall allow a nonprofit entity to use the same profit margin calculation that the Board allows in the for-profit tuition and room and board calculations and may not make any distinction in reimbursement level for nonpublic special education facilities based upon their federal income tax filing classification. In provisions of the Chicago School District Article concerning criminal history records checks, provides that a nonpublic special education facility with multiple campuses within this State and providing services under the Children with Disabilities Article shall maintain a separate, current record at a central administrative location, for inspection by representatives of the school district and the State Board of Education, for each staff member, whether employed full-time or part-time, who provides direct services or who is directly involved in the development and implementation of instructional services. Requires a nonpublic special education facility to send a monthly employee roster file electronically to the school district and the State Board of Education that details whether the facility's employees have completed and passed the criminal history records check process. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the State Board of Education for grants of $50,000 each to school districts for the purchase of electric school buses. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the School Code. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board of Education to establish and implement a statewide, online curricula program that allows public schools the option to access school curricula, coursework, course material, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools or materials required for the successful completion of a course of study through an online portal. Provides that the program may be used to support in-person instruction and remote and blended remote learning and to supplement course curricula or may be used as a stand-alone resource available to educators and students. Provides that the program shall be made accessible to schools and students through a platform available through the State Board. Allows a school board to adopt a policy for the use and implementation of this program. Provides for funding and rulemaking.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - State Mandates Fiscal Note Requested - Withdrawn by Rep. La Shawn K. Ford

Creates the Inclusive American History Act. Establishes the Inclusive American History Commission to (i) address the deficiencies and inadequacies in both perspective and content in traditional history course material and instruction and (ii) develop multiperspective, inclusive, and comprehensive standards that a school may use as a guide in replacing or developing its curricula for history education. Sets forth the membership of the Commission. Contains provisions concerning meetings, duties, and reporting. Repeals these provisions on December 31, 2024. Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, requires schools to suspend all instruction in history education, with exceptions. Not later than June 30, 2024, requires the State Superintendent of Education to provide to schools instructional guidelines and standards based on the recommendations of the Commission so that schools may develop alternative curricula to replace traditional course material and instruction to ensure that students obtain a multiperspective, inclusive, and comprehensive understanding about history. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, schools shall resume instruction in history, which shall require the use of age-appropriate discussion, textbooks, and other course material that reframe the study of history by presenting to students an examination of history through the inclusion of diverse perspectives, contrary interpretations, and the viewpoints of various groups of people whose voices have traditionally been excluded from the conventional teaching of history. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that each member of the Chicago Board of Education shall select a constituent service coordinator, who shall be an employee of the Board but whose employment shall be at the will of the respective Board member.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that the Chicago Board of Education shall (rather than may), by majority vote, appoint a general superintendent of schools to serve pursuant to a performance-based contract for a term ending on June 30 of the third calendar year after the appointment. Provides that the general superintendent shall have all of the powers and duties of a chief executive officer as set forth in the Article. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

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

3/24/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/24/2023 - FIRST READING

3/24/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Adriane Johnson

Creates the Education Savings Account Act. Requires the State Board of Education to create the Education Savings Account Program. Provides that a parent of an eligible student (defined as any elementary or secondary student who was eligible to attend a public school in this State in the preceding semester or is starting school in this State for the first time and who is a member of a household whose total annual income does not exceed an amount equal to 2.5 times the income standard used to qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch under the national free or reduced-price lunch program) shall qualify for the State Board to make a grant to his or her child's Education Savings Account by signing an agreement. Requires the State Board to deposit into an Education Savings Account some or all of the State aid under the State aid formula provisions of the School Code that would otherwise have been provided to the resident school district for the eligible student had the student enrolled in the resident school district. Provides that parents participating in the Program shall agree to use the funds deposited in their eligible students' accounts for certain qualifying expenses to educate the eligible student. Sets forth provisions concerning the calculation of grant amounts and other basic elements of the Program, administration of the Program, accountability standards for participating schools, and the responsibilities of the State Board and resident school districts.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the School Code. Provides that a foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets specified requirements. Provides that the foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of the endorsement being issued and may be renewed. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may teach a course on the foreign language for which the foreign language endorsement is issued. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations but does not hold a bachelor's degree may substitute teach in foreign language classrooms. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the State Board of Education for after-school art programs and $10,000,000 to the Illinois Arts Council for community art programs. Effective July 1, 202 3 .

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to implement and administer a program, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, to award grants to Illinois residents seeking a associate degree, certificate, or diploma from a public community college. Sets forth the terms and conditions of the program. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Higher Education

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Higher Education

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that none of the benefits provided for in the Code shall be paid to any person who first becomes a member or participant under any Article of the Code on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act and is convicted of a disqualifying offense. Provides that with respect to benefits attributable to a member or participant who first becomes a member or participant on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, none of the benefits provided for in the Code shall be paid to any person who otherwise would receive a survivor benefit who is convicted of a disqualifying offense. Specifies that the provisions are an additional cause for forfeiture of benefits under the Code and does not limit the causes for forfeiting pension benefits in any Article of the Code. Defines "disqualifying offense". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

3/2/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act to provide that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board may offer a school resource officer course to a qualified retired law enforcement officer. Provides that nothing in the school resource officer course provision prohibits a school resource officer or qualified retired law enforcement officer from carrying a firearm. Amends the School Code. Provides that beginning January 1, 2024, a school or school district may employ a qualified retired law enforcement officer who obtains a certificate of completion or approved waiver under the Illinois Police Training Act to carry out the duties of a school resource officer. Makes a conforming change. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Judiciary - Criminal

3/7/2023 - To Criminal Administration and Enforcement Subcommittee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, subject to appropriation, shall establish a program that awards grants to eligible school districts to support computer science education professional development. Provides for how grant funds may be used. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall annually disseminate a request for applications to receive a grant under this program and funds shall be distributed annually. Sets forth criteria for applying for and awarding grants. Provides for rulemaking. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Universities Civil Service Act. In provisions concerning examinations, provides that examinations shall be open to all applicants (instead of all applicants who are citizens of or residents in the State) who can qualify by training and experience for the position for which application is made. Makes conforming changes.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. John F. Curran

Amends the School Code. Provides that each school district must create, implement, and maintain an age-appropriate policy on race-related harassment and discrimination. In provisions concerning bullying prevention, provides that the required policy on bullying shall also include age-appropriate information about the definitions of harassment and sexual harassment, the procedures for reporting harassment, and the protections and relief available under Illinois Human Rights Act. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that harassment by an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative or the failure of an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education to take remedial action or appropriate disciplinary action against a student or an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative employed by the institution (if the institution knows that the student or representative committed or engaged in harassment) is a civil rights violation. Provides that each institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education shall establish, implement, and maintain a continuing race-related discrimination and harassment program. Sets forth requirements concerning policies and procedures, a model training program, and reporting. Makes other changes. Effective August 1, 2024.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Immigration & Human Rights

3/1/2023 - House Immigration & Human Rights

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. With respect to safety education instruction for students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade 6, adds water safety that incorporates the water safety instructional materials and resources developed by the American Red Cross and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project or by a district-approved source. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill, but provides that the water safety instruction must incorporate evidence-based water safety instructional materials and resources (instead of the water safety instructional materials and resources developed by the American Red Cross and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project or by a district-approved source). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/24/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/24/2023 - FIRST READING

3/24/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

Amends the School Code. Provides that a duty of the regional superintendent of schools is to inspect and approve school building plans and specifications for energy conservation measures. In the Article concerning school energy conservation and saving measures, makes changes concerning definitions, the evaluation and submission of guaranteed energy savings contract proposals, performance reviews, the award of a contract, the written guarantee, installment payment contracts and lease purchase agreements, cost savings, available funds, an energy savings template, qualified providers, and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/24/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/24/2023 - FIRST READING

3/24/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

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, Central Community Unit School District 301 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $195,000,000 if specified conditions are met. Provides that the debt incurred on the bonds shall not be considered indebtedness for purposes of any statutory debt limitation and must mature within not to exceed 25 years from their date. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

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

3/21/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/21/2023 - FIRST READING

3/21/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Dave Syverson

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

3/21/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/21/2023 - FIRST READING

3/21/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Laura Fine

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board of a school district with 275,000 students or more shall prohibit any school of the district that has selective admission requirements from requiring a student in a pre-kindergarten program of the district to take a standardized test in order to be admitted to that school. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the awarding of contracts by school boards, increases the contract value subject to competitive bid provisions to $35,000 (instead of $25,000). Provides that the value excepted for a single project is $70,000 (instead of $50,000). Makes related changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Restores current law with respect to the exception for a single project involving an expenditure not to exceed $50,000 (instead of changing the value to $70,000).

  RECENT STATUS

3/29/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/29/2023 - FIRST READING

3/29/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Bill Cunningham

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

3/22/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/22/2023 - FIRST READING

3/22/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Third Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district shall (rather than may) employ a sufficient number of school counselors to maintain a (rather than the national and State recommended) student-counselor ratio of 250 to one. Provides that school districts shall require school counselors to meet with their assigned students at least once each month. Makes related changes.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article of the School Code. With respect to a school district's teacher evaluation plan, provides that a teacher does not need to undergo the last evaluation cycle before the teacher retires if the teacher has notified the school district of the teacher's intent to retire. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. 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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

Amends the School Code. 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 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. Provides that the items used to accessorize graduation attire may include, but are not limited to, flags, pins, or any other relevant item. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/28/2023 - FIRST READING

3/28/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Laura Ellman

Amends the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. In provisions concerning postsecondary and career expectations, provides that, beginning in grade 6, students should be introduced to the importance of developing and applying a work ethic in a variety of contexts; sets forth what this introduction may include.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Modifies the definitions of "supervisor" and "unit". In the definition of "supervisor", specifies that the authority to assign is not an indication of supervisory status. In the definition of "unit", prohibits a unit from including (i) employees and managerial employees or (ii) managerial employees only. Provides that no public employee position shall be excluded from a bargaining unit prior to that position being filled. Provides, with respect to bargaining units in existence on the amendatory Act's effective date, that the Illinois Labor Relations Board shall, in describing the unit found appropriate for purposes of collective bargaining, describe the unit in terms of job functions rather than job titles. Provides that, for those units, descriptions may also include the currently existing job titles that perform the job functions. Provides that these existing bargaining units shall also include positions later filled that perform the job functions of a unit and job titles later created that: (i) are successor job titles to the currently existing job titles; (ii) perform the same or substantially similar job functions as the currently existing job titles; or (iii) are logically encompassed within an existing unit.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Labor & Commerce

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that every public school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the civil rights movement in the United States from 1954 to 1968, the natural law and natural rights principles that the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., drew from and that informed his leadership of the civil rights movement, and the tactics and strategies of nonviolent resistance that he championed in response to the Jim Crow laws of that era. Provides that the curriculum shall include an additional unit of instruction studying other acts of discriminatory injustice, such as genocide, elsewhere around the globe. Provides that the State Board of Education shall prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of the units of instruction. Allows a school board to determine the minimum amount of instructional time required. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, provides that "aggregate extension" excludes special purpose extensions made for the repayment of bonds or certificates issued to finance guaranteed energy savings contracts under the School Code. Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may issue bonds or certificates to finance guaranteed energy savings contracts and any bonds or certificates so issued shall not be considered indebtedness for purposes of any statutory limitation and may be issued in an amount or amounts, including existing indebtedness, in excess of any heretofore or hereafter imposed statutory limitation as to indebtedness. In the Article concerning school energy conservation and saving measures, removes the requirement that the Section of the School Code concerning a school board's power to build or purchase a building for school classroom or instructional purposes upon the approval of a majority of the voters upon the proposition at a referendum applies to the Article. Allows the school board of any school district having a population of less than 500,000 inhabitants to incur indebtedness and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding the aggregate cost of all expenditures reasonably expected to be incurred pursuant to a guaranteed energy savings contract.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes the provisions amending the Property Tax Code. Removes the tax levy provision in the School Energy Conservation and Saving Measures Article of the School Code.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - In the provisions concerning indebtedness and bonds under the School Energy Conservation and Saving Measures Article of the School Code, provides that all contracts paid by bonds shall include a requirement that the qualified provider (i) enter into a project labor agreement with the applicable building and construction trades council and (ii) provide a plan to comply with the utilization goals for business enterprises established in the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ann Gillespie

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

  RECENT STATUS

3/30/2023 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

3/23/2023 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

3/16/2023 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that an applicant enrolled in a certificate program offered by a public community college is eligible for a Monetary Award Program grant until he or she completes the certificate program. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Higher Education

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Requires the governing board of each public university and community college district to provide an adjunct professor or part-time or non-tenure track faculty member hired to teach a class on campus during an academic term with free campus parking or full reimbursement for the cost of campus parking for that academic term.

  RECENT STATUS

3/29/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/29/2023 - FIRST READING

3/29/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Doris Turner

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

3/22/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/22/2023 - FIRST READING

3/22/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Paul Faraci

Amends the State Finance Act to create the Trauma Response Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the School Code. Requires school boards to develop a trauma response protocol that shall be implemented in response to a traumatic event at a school, including, but not limited to, a shooting at the school. Sets forth various requirements for the protocol, including response by hospitals, trauma intervention services, and community engagement. Provides that all moneys in the Trauma Response Fund shall be paid as grants to school districts to implement the trauma response protocol. Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act and Hospital Licensing Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Imposes a 1% surcharge on firearm ammunition, which shall be deposited into the Trauma Response Fund. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Judiciary - Criminal

3/7/2023 - To Firearms and Firearm Safety Subcommittee

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Under the monetary award program, provides for the awarding of grants to students enrolled in dual credit coursework pursuant to a partnership agreement between a school district and a community college district. Provides that a grant may be applied only to the costs of tuition and other necessary fees charged for the coursework and the student must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Higher Education

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Higher Education

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions regarding suspension or expulsion of pupils, provides that, when expelling a student, the board shall notify the parents of the nature of the hearing and the option of retaining legal counsel. Provides that, when the suspension period is over, the pupil may return to school. Provides that for a pupil suspended due to gross disobedience or misconduct on a school bus, a written decision about whether the student can use a school bus shall be made within 15 days of the incident. Provides that a school shall offer written demonstration of remediation efforts excluding out of school suspensions. Provides that schools shall use data to track whether significant disproportionality based on race and ethnicity is occurring both in the State and in the district with respect to the incidence, duration, and type of disciplinary removals from placement, including suspensions and expulsions. Provides that, if it is determined that significant disproportionality is occurring, the school shall provide that determination for annual review and, if appropriate, revision of the policies, practices, and procedures used in disciplinary removals to ensure that the policies, practices, and procedures comply with the district's equity requirements. Provides that notice of suspension shall also include other evidence-based alternatives to suspension. Provides that when a student is suspended for more than 4 days, "appropriate and available support services" must include an option for automatically placing the student in an e-learning program or distance learning program through written materials if (1) the removal is for more than 5 consecutive school days; or (2) the child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern, because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year, because the child's behavior is substantially similar to the child's behavior in previous incidents that resulted in the series of removals, and because of the effects of additional factors such as the length of each removal, the total amount of time the child has been removed, and the proximity of the removals to one another.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Amends the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall reimburse not less than the actual cost to school boards for each free lunch or breakfast supplied by them (instead of reimbursing school boards $0.15 or the actual cost, whichever is less, for each free lunch or breakfast), taking into consideration (rather than being in addition to) any federal contributions.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the School Code. Provides that school districts shall teach students how to read using phonics.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that in fixing the salaries of employees, a school board or the governing board of a joint agreement shall pay to employees an hourly rate of not less than (i) $20 for the 2024-2025 school year, (ii) $21 for the 2025-2026 school year, and (iii) $22 for the 2026-2027 school year. Provides that the minimum hourly rate for each school year thereafter shall equal the minimum salary rate for the previous school year increased by a percentage equal to 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 previous school year. Provides that "employee" means any employee of a school district or joint agreement who provides educational support services to the district or joint agreement, including, but not limited to, custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, administrative staff, or paraprofessional educators. Provides that an employee's salary shall include any amount paid by the school district or joint agreement on behalf of the employee, as employee contributions, to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Amends the evidence-based funding provisions of the School Code. Provides that the Minimum Funding Level is equal to $550,000,000 (instead of $350,000,000). Provides for a continuing appropriation. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall implement and administer a program to make New Arrival Student Grants available to school districts to support the needs of students who are newly arriving immigrant students, regardless of immigration status. Provides that to receive a grant under this program, a school district shall submit an application to the State Board of Education at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the State Board of Education may reasonably require. Provides that in awarding funds under this program, the State Board of Education may consider (i) the number of new arrival students enrolled in preschool, elementary school, and secondary school within the school district, (ii) the needs of new arrival students in the school district, and (iii) the ability of the school district to meet the needs of new arrival students. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the General Provisions and Downstate Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a teacher may establish one additional day of service credit for each day of service credit that was earned between March 16, 2020 and June 30, 2021 in which the teacher provided in-person instruction if he or she pays certain contributions and supplies satisfactory evidence. For a Tier 1 member, provides that the System shall waive the reduction in retirement annuity for persons who retire before age 60 if the member has attained age 59 and earned service credit in the 2020-2021 school. For a Tier 2 member, provides that the reduction in retirement annuity for persons who retire before age 67 shall be waived if the member has attained age 66 and earned service credit in the 2020-2021 school year. For a Tier 1 member who earned service credit in the 2020-2021 school year and has not attained age 59 or a Tier 2 member who earned service credit in the 2020-2021 school year and has not attained age 66, provides that the member shall be deemed to be one year older than his or her actual age for purposes of provisions concerning a reduction in retirement annuity due to a member's age. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

3/2/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to publish a notice that the district's annual statement of affairs is available on the State Board of Education's Internet website and in the district's main administrative office (instead of requiring a summary of the statement of affairs to be published). Provides that the notice published by the school board must include the text of the link to the State Board of Education's Internet website where the annual statement of affairs is available. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the School Code. With respect to the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, removes language that provides that the State Board of Education may distribute an amount not to exceed 2% of the moneys appropriated for the Program for the purpose of providing teacher training and re-training in the teaching of reading. Provides that if the appropriation for the Program for a given fiscal year is less than $15,000,000, then the State Board shall limit eligibility to certain school districts and shall impose additional eligibility criteria to limit the number of approved applicants to a cohort sufficient for each selected district to provide adequate training and ongoing coaching support to each teacher of students in grades K through 2 and special education teachers and evidence-based curriculum investments. Removes language that provides that programs provided with grant funds shall not replace quality classroom reading instruction. Provides that Program funds may be used for grades K through 6 to provide both evidence-based, high-quality core literacy curriculum materials that consider the unique needs of English learners for concurrent oral language practice and high-quality screening assessments designed to inform instruction in English language arts and literacy for students (instead of classroom reading materials for students). Sets forth other provisions concerning if the appropriation is less than $15,000,000 or is at least $15,000,000.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the School Code. 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 October 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the content of the bill, but changes the date for the State Board of Education to develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan from on or before October 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/28/2023 - FIRST READING

3/28/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that beginning July 1, 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 150 (instead of 100) paid days or 750 (instead of 500) paid hours in each school year. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Personnel & Pensions

Amends the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012. In provisions regarding institution and program approval criteria, provides that a part of the criteria for approval is fair and equitable reimbursement in the case of an unfair or deceptive practice finding. Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. In provisions concerning the monetary award program, sets forth provisions concerning an institution that received monetary award program funds at a time the institution was using unfair or deceptive practices, including refunding State funds to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and awarding grants to students who attended that institution. Amends the State Finance Act to create the MAP Refund Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

Amends the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012. In provisions regarding institution and program approval criteria, provides that a part of the criteria for approval is fair and equitable reimbursement in the case of an unfair or deceptive practice finding. Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. In provisions concerning the monetary award program, makes changes to the provisions regarding the award of grants to applicants enrolled at qualified for-profit institutions, and provides that credits earned during the 2023-2024 academic year at a qualified for-profit institution may not count toward the maximum credit-hour limitation. Sets forth provisions concerning an institution that received monetary award program funds at a time the institution was using unfair or deceptive practices, including refunding State funds to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and awarding grants to students who attended that institution. Amends the State Finance Act to create the MAP Refund Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/13/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Higher Education

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Higher Education

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides for the reinstatement of a lapsed Professional Educator License upon the payment by the applicant of the lesser of a $50 penalty or a $10 penalty for each year the license has lapsed (rather than a $50 penalty). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the Childhood Hunger Relief Act. Provides that for all schools operating a school breakfast program, the State Board of Education shall collect information about whether the school is operating a breakfast after the bell program and, if so, what breakfast after the bell model the school operates, including breakfast in the classroom, second chance breakfast, and grab and go breakfast. Provides that the State Board of Education shall make this data publicly available annually. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall award grants of up to $7,000 per school site on a competitive basis to eligible schools, school districts, or entities approved by the State Board of Education for nonrecurring expenses incurred in initiating a school breakfast after the bell program. Sets forth what the grants may be used for and who gets preference for a grant.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor 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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Christopher Belt

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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa

Amends the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, if, in any State fiscal year, there is a budget surplus, then, in the next State fiscal year, the General Assembly shall appropriate to the retirement systems established under the General Assembly, State Employees, State Universities, Downstate Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code an additional 1% of the amount contributed by the State under those Articles in the immediately preceding State fiscal year.

  RECENT STATUS

3/29/2023 - House Appropriations-General Services

3/22/2023 - House Appropriations-General Services

3/15/2023 - House Appropriations-General Services

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision that requires the System to automatically enroll certain employees in the System's defined contribution benefit, provides an exception for employees whose school district provides an alternative qualifying plan. Provides that the alternative qualifying plan shall abide by the automatic enrollment procedures and automatic increase in contribution provisions applicable to the System's defined contribution benefit. Sets forth additional requirements for alternative qualifying plans. Requires a school district that has an alternative qualifying to file a letter of compliance, passed by resolution of the school board, with the System. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

3/2/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

Amends the School Code. Lowers the compulsory school age from 6 to 5 years of age beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. Requires all school districts to establish kindergarten for the instruction of children who are 5 years of age or older. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

Amends the School Code. Provides that each school board shall provide LGBTQIA+ diversity training for educators who have not previously received training.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

3/23/2023 - House Bills on Second Reading

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

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. David Koehler

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall provide stipends for teachers who participate in externships with a manufacturing company in the State.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriations, the State Board of Education shall pay one-half of the salary of an employee that is employed by a manufacturing company and working within a school district at a high school as a licensed career and technical education teacher.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade beginning with the 2028-2029 school year must successfully complete either 2 years of foreign language courses or at least 2 years of career-focused coursework that has been authorized by the State Board of Education as meeting the requirements for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (rather than requiring the successful completion of 2 years of foreign language courses). Amends the University of Illinois Act, the Southern Illinois University Management Act, the Chicago State University Law, the Eastern Illinois University Law, the Governors State University Law, the Illinois State University Law, the Northeastern State University Law, the Northern Illinois University Law, and the Western Illinois University Law. Provides that a university may not require State public high school graduates, as a condition of acceptance, to have completed any years of foreign language courses unless the university permits, as an alternative to completion of a foreign language course, attainment of a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a grant program to support the educator licensure of paraprofessionals with bachelor's degrees. Provides that the State Board shall distribute grants to qualified school districts. Provides that the school districts shall distribute funds to paraprofessionals. Sets forth requirements for school districts to qualify. Sets forth requirements for paraprofessionals to qualify. Sets forth requirements for the grant application, selection of paraprofessionals, restrictions of funds, priority to award grant assistance, program evaluation, and rulemaking.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Appropriates the sum of $250,000, or so much of that sum as may be necessary, from the General Revenue Fund to the Board of Higher Education for grants to a statewide association of public pension funds affiliated with a public institution of higher education to develop and deliver an in-person financial literacy training program for public employees. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

3/30/2023 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

3/23/2023 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

3/16/2023 - House Appropriations-Higher Education

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall award a grant to a statewide association of public pension funds affiliated with a public institution of higher education to develop and deliver an in-person financial literacy training program for public employees. Provides that the program shall consist of in-person training regarding retirement income, including pension benefits, Social Security benefits, and employer-sponsored deferred compensation and retiree healthcare savings plans and shall also include instruction in financial planning and important elements of consumer finance, such as debt, educational savings, budgeting, and related subjects. Provides that the program shall include recorded programs to assist public employees who work on nontraditional shift assignments.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the award of a grant is subject to appropriation.

  RECENT STATUS

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish a School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program to award grants to schools for the purpose of providing supplemental mental health services to students, in addition to services provided by the employees of a school. Sets forth provisions concerning Program requirements, grant applications, awards, requirements, funding, and reporting. Provides for guidelines and rulemaking. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/22/2023 - House Appropriations-Health & Human Services

3/16/2023 - House Appropriations-Health & Human Services

3/10/2023 - Committee Deadline Extended -Rule 9(b) May 19, 2023

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that for any teacher who is elected by the association's membership to represent the association for federal advocacy work, for up to 10 days in any school year spent by a teacher during the term, time spent in attendance at a meeting or gathering for federal advocacy work shall be considered time expended in the service of the district and no deduction of wages shall be made for such attendance.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2023 - Second Reading - Short Debate

3/24/2023 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Provides that school boards shall require that each student is assessed by a teacher or school staff member no less than 3 times per year on social emotional learning utilizing a comprehensive, evidence-based, social emotional learning system.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a teacher who served as a teacher during the public health emergency declared by the Governor related to the COVID-19 pandemic shall receive one additional day of service credit for each day of service credit earned during that period, notwithstanding any limitation on the amount of service credit that may be earned in a single year. Provides that the service credit shall be granted without any additional employee or employer contribution. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

3/2/2023 - House Personnel & Pensions

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

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the school report card, provides that a school district's expenditure of Base Funding Minimum and Evidence-Based Funding received from the State in the level of specificity required by the annual spending plans required by the Evidence-Based Funding provisions. In provisions concerning Evidence-Based funding, provides that Organizational Units shall also indicate in their submission of annual spending plans which stakeholder groups the Organizational Unit engaged with to inform annual spending plans. Provides that annual spending plans shall be integrated in annual school district budgets completed pursuant to specified provisions.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

Amends the Children's Mental Health Act of 2003. In a provision requiring the Illinois State Board of Education to develop and implement a plan to incorporate social and emotional development standards for the purpose of enhancing and measuring children's school readiness and ability to achieve academic success, provides that the plan shall be reviewed and revised periodically by the Board of Education at least once every 3 years. Requires the plan to include the teaching of grade-appropriate mental health topics, including, but not limited to, types of mental illness, how to find help for mental illness for peers and yourself, suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention, coping strategies, appropriate language to use surrounding mental health, and how to incorporate technology in a mental health crisis. In a provision requiring every Illinois school district to develop a policy for incorporating social and emotional development into the district's educational program, provides that the policy shall be reviewed and revised periodically by the school district to incorporate revised provisions of the Board of Education's social and emotional development standards.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

3/8/2023 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that with respect to a week of unemployment beginning on or after March 15, 2020 (rather than beginning on or after March 15, 2020, and before September 4, 2021 (including any week of unemployment beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and on or before June 25, 2021)) benefits shall be payable to an individual on the basis of wages for employment in other than an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity performed for an educational institution or an educational service agency under specified circumstances, as long as the individual is otherwise eligible for benefits.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Labor & Commerce

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Labor & Commerce

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish and administer an annual program to award property tax relief grants to school districts in the State. Provides that, in exchange for receiving a grant, the school district's maximum aggregate property tax extension for the taxable year that begins on January 1 of the fiscal year for which the grant is awarded may not exceed a specified maximum aggregate property tax extension. Creates the Education Property Tax Relief Fund for the purpose of making appropriations for the grant program. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - To Revenue - Property Tax Subcommittee

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Revenue & Finance

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act and the Public Community College Act. Provides that during the curriculum approval process, all curriculum must meet diversity, equity, and inclusion principles set by the respective governing board.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/8/2023 - House Higher Education

2/28/2023 - Assigned to House Higher Education

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish and administer an annual program to award property tax relief grants to school districts in the State. Provides that, in exchange for receiving a grant, the school district's maximum aggregate property tax extension for the taxable year that begins on January 1 of the fiscal year for which the grant is awarded may not exceed a specified maximum aggregate property tax extension. Creates the Education Property Tax Relief Fund for the purpose of making appropriations for the grant program. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/9/2023 - To Revenue - Property Tax Subcommittee

3/2/2023 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Provides that if a school district is classified as a Tier 1 school under Section 18-8.15 of this Code, then school board shall direct the majority of the funds provided under Section 18-8.15 of this Code to the schools in the district.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/23/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/23/2023 - FIRST READING

3/23/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. David Koehler

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.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill but provides that Central Community Unit School District 301, Freeburg Community High School District 77, and Mundelein Consolidated High School District Number 120 may issue bonds with specified aggregate principal amounts 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.

House Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. With respect to Freeburg Community High School District 77 and Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120, changes the maximum aggregate principal amount that may be issued if the bonds are issued in more than one issuance. Provides that Washington School District 52 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $20,000,000 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, condition, or capacity 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. Corrects grammatical and typographical errors.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel

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.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Laura Ellman

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Creates the Air Quality in Schools Task Force. Provides that the purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations to the General Assembly on air quality goals for elementary, middle and high schools, processes to assess current ventilation systems in schools, processes to improve ventilation after assessment, and potential State and federal funding sources to improve school school air quality in the State. Sets forth members of the task force. Provides that the State Board shall provide administrative assistance and necessary staff support services. Provides that the task force shall issue a report on air quality goals for elementary, middle and high schools, processes to assess current ventilation systems in schools, processes to improve ventilation after assessment, and potential State and federal funding sources to improve school school air quality in the State.

  RECENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall administer the School International Trips Program from the funds appropriated from the School International Trips Program Fund for the purpose of making international school trips available to low-income students in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Sets forth who will be able to receive grants and provisions concerning rulemaking. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change.

  RECENT STATUS

3/28/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/21/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

3/14/2023 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

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

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/27/2023 - FIRST READING

3/27/2023 - Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Julie A. Morrison

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that the board shall create a educator pipeline development program. Provides that the program shall seek to develop a licensed practical nurse seeking to become a health service nurse, a paraprofessional and related service personnel seeking to become a licensed teacher, or a multilingual staff employee seeking to become a licensed bilingual teacher. Provides that the program shall support up to 120 people per school year. Provides that the program shall partner with Chicago State University, Northeastern Illinois University, and the City Colleges of Chicago. Provides that of the pipeli