Report Html
Legislative Report March 29, 2024
Prepared by: Bridget Peach
Bill Information
SCH CD-TECHNICAL SKILLS PROGRM
(REP. MARY FLOWERS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, the State Board of Education shall develop and maintain a program aimed at facilitating education in advanced manufacturing technical skills. Provides that the program shall be implemented in no less than 12 public high schools, over the span of 3 years, where the youth unemployment rate is at least twice the national average. Specifies program requirements. Provides that the State Board shall ensure that each high school participating in the program has adequate funding for at least one industry coordinator, tutoring, pre-employment and on-the-job mentoring, professional and leadership development, and life and financial management instruction. Provides that the State Board shall use a program provider to help design, build, and accredit the training program. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Requires the State Board of Education to develop and maintain the program beginning with the 2022-2023 (rather than 2021-2022) school year.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

TAX INCREMENT FINANCE-VARIOUS
(REP. RITA MAYFIELD)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that there shall be printed on each tax bill, or on a separate slip mailed with a tax bill, each taxing district affected by revenues received by a tax increment financing district. Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Revises the definition of "blighted area": (1) to require that a reasonable person would conclude that each factor of a blighted area is present to a meaningful extent so that a municipality may reasonably find that the factor is clearly present, is reasonably distributed throughout the improved or vacant part of the redevelopment project area, and that public intervention is necessary to address the factor; and (2) to provide that a "blighted area" does not include any area within another redevelopment project area. Provides that a municipality must reevaluate whether a redevelopment project area designated as a blighted area is still a blighted area every 10th calendar year after the year in which the ordinance approving the redevelopment project area was adopted, redesignating the redevelopment project area as a blighted area if it meets the requirements or discontinuing the redevelopment project area if it does not meet the requirements. Limits where municipalities may jointly undertake plans or utilize revenues in contiguous redevelopment projects areas.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

SCH CD-VOUCHER-SUBSTITUTED ED
(REP. BLAINE WILHOUR)

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a program in which the State Board shall issue a voucher to the parent or guardian of a student, upon request of the parent or guardian, if: (1) the student was enrolled in a school district for a particular school year; (2) during that school year, the school board decided not to provide an option for full-time, in-person instruction at school as the primary method of instruction to students; and (3) the parent or guardian withdrew the student from enrollment in the district because the school board decided not to provide an option for full-time, in-person instruction. Sets forth provisions concerning the voucher amount and its use. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/25/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/22/2022 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

SCH-EDUCATION PRIORITIZATION
(REP. CAMILLE LILLY)

Creates the Education Prioritization Act. Beginning with fiscal year 2022, requires the General Assembly to appropriate for the evidence-based funding formula under the School Code an amount that is equal to or exceeds the sum of: (i) the total amount appropriated for the evidence-based funding formula during the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the appropriation is being made; and (ii) 51% of total new general funds available for spending from estimated growth in revenues and funds available because of budgeted program growth and decline in the fiscal year for which the appropriation is being made; but in no event shall the sum be less than a certain percentage required under the Act. Requires a continuing appropriation if the General Assembly fails to make sufficient appropriations to fund the evidence-based funding formula. Amends the School Code to make changes concerning a system for accounting for revenues and expenditures and evidence-based funding. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

PTELL-LIMITING RATE
(REP. MARK WALKER)

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for levy year 2021 and thereafter, the limiting rate shall include 50% of the value of new property (currently, 100% of the value of new property is excluded). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

PTELL-SCHOOL DISTRICTS
(REP. MARK WALKER; SEN. DIANE PAPPAS)

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for levy years 2021 and later, the taxing district's aggregate extension base is the greater of (A) the district's last preceding aggregate extension limit or (B) the district's last preceding aggregate extension, subject to certain adjustments. Provides that the term "aggregate extension limit" means the district's last preceding aggregate extension if the taxing district had utilized the maximum limiting rate permitted without referendum for each of the 5 immediately preceding levy years. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with formatting changes. Makes the following substantive changes. Provides that the provisions apply only to: (1) certain school districts; (2) park districts; (3) library districts; and (4) community college districts. Provides that the taxing district must certify to the county clerk that the taxing district did not extend the maximum amount permitted under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for a particular levy year. Provides that the aggregate extension for a taxing district that utilizes the recapture provisions of the introduced bill may not exceed the taxing district's last preceding aggregate extension by more than 5% unless the increase is approved by the voters. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the taxing district's certification to the county clerk that it did not extend the maximum amount permitted under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law must be submitted not more than 60 days after the taxing district files its levy ordinance or resolution with the county clerk (rather than not more than 30 days after the taxing district's budget and levy ordinance is adopted for the levy year).

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/10/2022 - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

4/8/2022 - House Bills on Third Reading

SCH CD-SPECIAL ED-MAXIMUM AGE
(REP. KELLY BURKE)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that a student whose 22nd birthday occurs during the school year is eligible for special education services through the end of the school year (rather than being eligible for services only until the day before his or her 22nd birthday). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

PROP TX-PTELL REFERENDUM
(REP. MARK WALKER)

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxing district shall increase or reduce its aggregate extension base for the purpose of raising or lowering its limiting rate for future years upon referendum approval initiated by the submission of a petition by the voters of the district. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

ISBE-RULES-UNFUNDED MANDATES
(REP. STEVEN REICK)

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that for each rule proposed to be adopted by the State Board of Education impacting the operations of any school district, any interested person may request the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to determine whether the proposed rule is a State mandate. Provides that if the Joint Committee determines that the proposed rule is a State mandate, then the running of all periods under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act shall be tolled, and no Certificate of No Objection may be issued for the rule, until the rule has been approved by a joint resolution of the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. KELLY BURKE)

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning reimbursement for a Board member's expenses.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-CURRICULA ON WEBSITE
(REP. CHRIS MILLER)

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, requires each school board to post on its district's Internet website, if one is maintained, or in the district's main administrative office, if the district does not maintain an Internet website, all curricula to be taught in each school during the next school year for parents and guardians of students to review. Provides that, as part of the posting, the school board shall identify how each school's curricula aligns with the Illinois Learning Standards. Provides that if the curricula is updated at any time during the school year, the posted curricula shall be revised to reflect the updated curricula. Effective July 1, 2021.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. PATRICIA VAN PELT)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code to provide for pay and benefits to school district employees and contractors who provide educational support services for a school closure or e-learning day. Provides for COVID-19 paid administrative leave for school district employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Provides for the return of sick leave used during the 2021-2022 school year to teachers and employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois to provide for the return of sick leave used during the 2021-2022 school year to university or community college district employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Provides for COVID-19 paid administrative leave for employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - With respect to the Section of the School Code concerning e-learning days, provides that the definitions of "employee" and "school district" apply only to the amendatory provisions concerning payment to employees by school districts for e-learning days. Makes corresponding changes in the provisions of the School Code concerning charter schools.

House Floor Amendment No. 3 - Adds an exception to paying employees and contractors of a school district who provide educational support services for a school closure or e-learning day if the school day is rescheduled and the employee will be paid their daily, regular rate of pay and benefits on the rescheduled day when services are rendered.

  RECENT STATUS

4/5/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0697

4/5/2022 - Effective Date April 5, 2022

4/5/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. KAMBIUM BUCKNER; SEN. SCOTT BENNETT)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act. Permits a student athlete to retain an agent (instead of certified agent) for any matter or activity relating to compensation for the use of the name, image, likeness, or voice of the student athlete while enrolled at a postsecondary educational institution. Requires a student athlete to provide the postsecondary educational institution with written notice and a copy of any agreement entered into for professional representation in a manner and time prescribed by the institution (rather than within 7 days). Requires a student athlete to provide to the postsecondary educational institution any written contract for publicity rights in a manner and at a time prescribed by the institution (rather than prior to the execution of the agreement and before any compensation is provided to the student athlete). Provides that compensation for a student athlete's name, image, likeness, or voice shall not be conditioned on the athletic performance (rather than performance or attendance) at a particular postsecondary educational institution. Provides that a postsecondary educational institution is not required to directly or indirectly identify, create, facilitate, arrange, negotiate, or otherwise enable opportunities for a prospective or current student athlete to enter into a publicity rights agreement with a third party (instead or prohibiting a postsecondary educational institution from directly or indirectly arranging for a third party to provide compensation to, or entering into a publicity rights agreement with, a prospective or current student athlete). Adds a provision encouraging postsecondary educational institutions to provide financial literacy, brand management, and life skills programming designed for student athletes. Makes other changes.

  RECENT STATUS

5/20/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0892

5/20/2022 - Effective Date May 20, 2022; - The effective date of P.A. 102-892 is set forth in P.A. 102-891

5/20/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-STATE FUNDING-NONPUBLIC
(REP. CHRIS MILLER)

Amends the evidence-based funding provisions of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, the State Board of Education shall, if a student enrolls in a nonpublic school after being enrolled in a resident school district, distribute to the nonpublic school all funds calculated under the evidence-based funding formula, on a per pupil basis, that otherwise would have been provided to the resident school district if the student were still enrolled in the resident school district; provides for proration if a student enrolls in a nonpublic school during the middle of a school year. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/25/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/22/2022 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

PROPERTY TAX-SSI FREEZE
(REP. DAVE VELLA)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates an assessment freeze homestead exemption for persons receiving federal Supplemental Security Income. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

MUNI CD-TIF-SCHOOL DISTRICTS
(REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, prior to the adoption of an ordinance proposing the designation or extension of a redevelopment project area, the municipality must evaluate the potential costs incurred by affected school districts at a public hearing. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

TIF-INCREASED EAV-% TO SCHOOLS
(REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the municipal treasurer shall pay: (i) 25% of the money attributable to the increase in the current equalized assessed valuation of each taxable lot, block, tract, or parcel of real property in a redevelopment project area directly to school districts within the redevelopment project area in proportion to the percent of that amount that each school district would have received if there was no redevelopment project area; and (ii) the remaining 75% into the special tax allocation fund for the purpose of paying redevelopment project costs and obligations incurred in the payment thereof. Provides that, for redevelopment project areas established after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a school district within a proposed redevelopment project area may negotiate an additional percentage of money for the school district.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

TAX INCREMENT FINANCE-BILLS
(REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that there shall be printed on each tax bill, or on a separate slip mailed with a tax bill, each taxing district affected by revenues received by a tax increment financing district. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

PTELL-LIMITING RATE
(REP. MARK WALKER)

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for levy year 2022 and thereafter, the limiting rate shall include 50% of the value of new property (currently, 100% of the value of new property is excluded). Makes changes to the definition of "aggregate extension base". Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Adds two factors to the determination of a "blighted area" for improved, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings or improvements related to poverty and unemployment. Removes or modifies various factors from the definitions of "blighted area" and "conservation area" for improved and vacant areas. Provides that a new redevelopment project shall have a completion date no later than December 31st of the 10th year after the ordinance was adopted (rather than the 23rd year) and may be extended to 15 years (rather than 35 years). Provides that the joint review board and municipality shall approve surplus funds and extensions of redevelopment project area completion dates. Provides that surplus funds shall be distributed annually within 90 days (currently, 180 days) after the close of a municipality's fiscal year. Provides that a new or modified redevelopment project area that overlaps with any existing redevelopment project area shall not be approved. Effective immediately, except that provisions amending the Illinois Municipal Code take effect on January 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

PROP TX-SENIORS-SCHOOLS
(REP. DEANNE MAZZOCHI)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the senior citizens homestead school levy exemption for property that is improved with a permanent structure that is occupied as a primary residence by an applicant who (i) is 65 years of age or older during the taxable year, (ii) has a household income that does not exceed the maximum income limitation, (iii) is liable for paying real property taxes on the property, (iv) is an owner of record of the property or has a legal or equitable interest in the property as evidenced by a written instrument, if no individual residing at the real property is or will be enrolled in a public school. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

PROP TX-TAX DISTRICT SURPLUS
(REP. DAN UGASTE)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that no taxing district may hold more than 150% of the previous levy year's property tax collections in cash or cash-equivalent assets. Provides that excess amounts shall be refunded to taxpayers. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

TIF-SCHOOL DISTRICT OBJECTIONS
(REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that any school district that is affected by the establishment of a tax increment financing district may file an objection with the State Board of Education, alleging: (i) that the redevelopment project area does not meet the criteria for designation; or (ii) that property tax revenue received by the school district after the establishment of the tax increment financing district is likely to be insufficient to allow the school district to meet its obligation to provide a high quality public education to students under Section 1 of Article X of the Illinois Constitution.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

SCH CD-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
(REP. DAVE VELLA)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that whenever the school board of any school district that maintains any of grades 6 through 12 (instead of grades 9 through 12) establishes a list of courses from which students each must elect at least one course, that school board must include on the list of such elective courses at least one course in vocational education. Provides that a school board that maintains any of grades 9 through 12 shall (instead of is authorized to) adopt a policy under which a student who is enrolled in any of those grades may satisfy one or more high school course or graduation requirements by successfully completing a registered apprenticeship program or by substituting for and successfully completing in place of the high school course or graduation requirement a related vocational or technical education course. Effective July 1, 2021.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

OPEN MEETINGS ACT-PUBLIC BODY
(REP. BRAD HALBROOK)

Amends the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Modifies the term "public body" under the respective Acts to include all other units of government, including, but not limited to, township road districts of this State, and any combination of public body entities formed under an intergovernmental agreement that includes provisions for a governing body of the agency created by the agreement.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK
(REP. DANIEL SWANSON)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district seeking to employ a substitute teacher may use information in the Educator Licensure Information System rather than initiating its own criminal history records check or check of the Statewide Sex Offender Database or Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

MUNI CD-TIF REVENUE
(REP. BLAINE WILHOUR)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act in the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that moneys in the special tax allocation fund may be used to make distributions to certain taxing districts. Provides that moneys received from the additional distributions may be used by the affected taxing district to pay debt service on obligations incurred by the taxing district and to provide property tax relief. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

TIF-REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT COST
(REP. LANCE YEDNOCK)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, 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 in which a school district is required to submit specified information 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 31st of the school year in which the claim is made.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/18/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

SCH CD-GUN SAFETY COURSE
(REP. ANNA MOELLER; SEN. PATRICIA VAN PELT)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Adds bullying and the death of a family member as mitigating factors that a student may disclose during a suspension review hearing or expulsion hearing. If allegations of sexual violence or gender-based harassment (rather than only allegations of domestic violence) are made against the student subject to discipline during the suspension review hearing or expulsion hearing, prohibits the student subject to discipline or the student's representative from directly questioning or contacting the alleged victim. If a pupil will be absent from school for 2 or more consecutive weeks for treatment of the pupil's physical or mental health arising from domestic or sexual violence, requires a qualified employee (rather than an employee) from the pupil's domestic or sexual violence organization to provide written notice of the pupil's need for home instruction to the school district; defines "qualified employee", "domestic violence program", and "rape crises organization". Amends the Children and Students Who Are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence Article of the School Code. Requires the Ensuring Success in School Task Force to include in its report recommendations for language to include in school and district policies (rather than to include model school and district policies in the report). Changes the date of the Task Force's report to January 1, 2024 (rather than June 30, 2024); repeals the provisions related to the Task Force on December 1, 2024 (rather than December 1, 2025). Makes other changes to the provisions concerning the review and revision of school district policies and procedures. Amends provisions concerning confidentiality. Sets forth additional requirements a school district must include in its policy concerning student confidentiality and the disclosure of information related to the imminent risk of serious physical injury or death of a student or another person. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2022, except that provisions concerning confidentiality take effect July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/9/2022 - Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

5/9/2022 - Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Rule 19(b) / Motion Referred to Rules Committee

PTELL-EXTENSION LIMITATION
(REP. SAM YINGLING)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the 2022 and 2023 levy years, the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law applies to all non-home rule taxing districts. Provides that, for the 2022 and 2023 levy year, the extension limitation under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law is 0% or the rate of increase approved by the voters. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

REVENUE-SCHOOL BUILDINGS
(REP. JEHAN GORDON-BOOTH)

Creates the School Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit Act. Creates an income tax credit equal to 25% of the qualified expenditures incurred by a qualified taxpayer undertaking a qualified rehabilitation plan of a vacant school building. Provides that, to be eligible for the credit, the taxpayer must apply with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that the credit is subject to certain limitations. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-DIVERSITY IN LITERATURE
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD; SEN. JOHN CONNOR)

Amends the Instructional Materials Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district (including a charter school) shall require that books that are included as a part of any course, material, instruction, reading assignment, or other school curricula related to literature during the school year or that appear on summer reading lists must include books that are written by diverse authors, including, but not limited to, authors who are African American, women, Native American, LatinX, and Asian. Provides that reading material may not perpetuate bias against persons based on specified categories. Provides that for any school district utilizing federal funds under Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the selection of each book to be included in a reading assignment, course material and instruction, or other school curricula related to literature must first receive prior approval from the school board before the book may be included. Provides that the criteria for the approval or denial of a book shall be determined by school board policy, but the minimum requirement is that the book may not be approved by the school board if the book contains language or material that is derogatory or racist or incites hate against any persons. Provides for rulemaking and guidelines. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/16/2022 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/16/2022 - FIRST READING

SCH CD-CAREER/TECH ED PATHWAY
(REP. SUZANNE NESS; SEN. PATRICIA VAN PELT)

House Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Requires a school district that enrolls students in grades 6 through 12 to adopt and implement a postsecondary and career expectations framework; sets forth requirements concerning the framework. Provides that a school district that enrolls students in any of grades 9 through 12 shall become an eligible school district and award College and Career Pathway Endorsements pursuant to the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act and pursuant to a specified schedule. Allows a school board of a school district to opt out of implementation of all or any part of these provisions. Authorizes the State Board of Education to adopt rules. Amends the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Requires the State Board of Education, Illinois Community College Board, Board of Higher Education, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission to, by July 1, 2023 and in consultation with appropriate stakeholders, jointly adopt and publicize an update to the model postsecondary and career expectations that extends the expectations to grade 6 and includes such other revisions and updates as the agencies deem appropriate. Requires the State Board of Education to consult with a statewide organization representing businesses and manufacturing. Provides that after consultation, the State Board shall publish and maintain on its website a current database, organized by region, of employer champions for work-based learning and career readiness systems and programs. Makes other changes.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Specifies that by July 1, 2025, a school district that enrolls students in any of grades 9 through 12 shall either elect to implement College and Career Pathway Endorsements or opt out of implementation. Provides that a school district may elect to implement College and Career Pathway Endorsements either by submitting the necessary application materials to the State Board of Education or by the school board of the district adopting a timeline for implementation. Adds to the enumerated findings that a school board of a school district must adopt in order to opt out of implementation the willingness of institutions of higher education to partner with the school district for successful implementation of the pathway and whether the district has sought and established a partnership agreement with a community college district incorporating the provisions of the Model Partnership Agreement under the Dual Credit Quality Act. Provides that a school district electing to opt out of implementation may reverse its decision in whole or in part at any time. Requires the State Board of Education to publish and maintain on its website an inventory of resources available to support school districts in implementing College and Career Pathway Endorsements. Makes other changes.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0917

5/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
(REP. TOM WEBER)

Creates the Taxpayer Protection Act. Provides that, on and after the effective date of the Act, for bonds or incurred debt issued through a referendum by a unit of local government or school district, the bonds or incurred debt shall not be extended or reissued unless authorized by a referendum. Provides that a unit of local government or school district shall not submit the question concerning the extension or reissuance of a bond or incurring debt to voters in a referendum until at least one year has passed since the retirement of the bond or debt approved by a referendum. Provides that, on and after the effective date of the Act, a unit of local government or school district shall not submit a question concerning the issuance of a bond or incurring debt to the voters in a referendum until at least one year has passed since that unit or district last proposed a question or proposition concerning the issuance of bonds or incurring debt in a referendum. Limits home rule powers. Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that there shall not be a service extension base annual increase unless increased by referendum. Amends the School Code. Provides that no later than 30 days before a school district submits to the voters of that district a question on whether to issue bonds or increase the school district's property tax rate, the school district must send informational material to each resident of voting age in the school district; defines "informational material". Specifies what must be included in the informational material Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

SCH CD-TAX-INFO MATERIAL
(REP. TOM WEBER)

Amends the School Code. Provides that no later than 30 days before a school district submits to the voters of that district a question on whether to issue bonds or increase the school district's property tax rate, the school district must send informational material to each resident of voting age in the school district; defines "informational material". Specifies what must be included in the informational material. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
(REP. THOMAS BENNETT; SEN. DALE FOWLER)

Amends the School Construction Law. Makes changes concerning application for a grant, a conditional grant award, the required local match and grant award amount, eligibility, the priority of school construction projects, and referendum requirements. Repeals provisions concerning carry over projects, Fiscal Year 2002 escalation, debt service grants, and a school capital needs assessment. Amends the State Finance Act and the Local Government Debt Reform Act to make related changes. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes: Makes changes to the definition of "grant index". Provides that during the first application cycle after June 30, 2022 (instead of June 30, 2021), the required local match and grant award amount may be adjusted if the applicant had previously expended funds on a school construction project on the 2004, 2005, or 2006 School Construction Grant List (instead of the 2004 School Construction Grant List). Provides that in that case, the grant award amount shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount of the grant the applicant would have received had it been awarded a grant in 2004, 2005, or 2006 based on the 2004, 2005, or 2006 School Construction Grant List and the year in which the school district applied for the grant (instead of increasing the grant award amount by an amount equal to the amount of the grant the applicant would have received had it been awarded a grant in 2004 based on the 2004 School Grant Construction List). Changes other dates. Provides that a school district shall have 2 years from the date the school district was issued a conditional grant award from the Capital Development Board to obtain the school district's required local match and receive a final grant award from the Capital Development Board. If the required local match is not obtained within the 2-year time frame, provides that the school district shall be required to reapply in another application cycle, after the 2-year time frame, to be considered for a grant award. Requires the State share of the grant amount in a conditional grant award that is not claimed by a school district within the 2-year time frame to be reallocated to future application cycles after the 2-year time frame expires. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 4 - In provisions concerning the School Construction Law, provides that the definition of grant index applies only to completed or partially completed, as determined by the Capital Development Board, school construction projects (rather than only to completed school construction projects) as specified.

  RECENT STATUS

5/6/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0723

5/6/2022 - Effective Date May 6, 2022

5/6/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PROP TX-OBJECTIONS
(REP. DANIEL DIDECH)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in a county with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, a person filing a tax objection complaint shall serve a copy of the tax objection complaint by electronic mail upon the applicable municipality and the school district. Provides that an objection to an assessment shall not be allowed by the court in a county with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants if the person paying the taxes is unable to provide written evidence to the State's Attorney that a copy of the tax objection complaint was served on the municipality and the school district. Provides that, if an objection is made claiming incorrect valuation, the complaint shall specify the current assessment and the assessment alleged by the plaintiff to be correct. Provides that, when a taxing district has intervened in a tax objection proceeding and filed its appearance, compromise agreements shall not be accepted by the court over the objection of the intervening taxing district.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

PROP TX-TAX DISTRICTS OBJECT
(REP. DANIEL DIDECH)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that no certificate of error shall be issued without the chief county assessment officer first having given all affected taxing districts 30 days' written notice. Provides that taxing districts may seek a judicial determination as to the exempt status of property.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

PROP TX-HOMESTEAD
(REP. TOM WEBER)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, upon a resolution passed by the county board, if a person has been granted the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities or the senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption, then the person qualifying need not reapply for the exemption. Provides that the resolution may contain any criteria deemed necessary to ensure that the qualification requirements for the exemption allowed under this Section are met by the applicant or can be reasonably believed to be met by the applicant in any subsequent tax year or years. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Property Tax Subcommittee

SCH CD-COVID-19-MASK MANDATE
(REP. ADAM NIEMERG)

Amends the School Code. Prohibits the State Board of Education, school districts, and elementary and secondary schools from requiring the teachers, other staff, or students of a school to wear a face mask due to the COVID-19 public health emergency disaster declared by the Governor pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH LUNCH-PLANT-BASED OPTION
(REP. CYRIL NICHOLS; SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON)

Amends the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. As a part of the school lunch program, requires a school district to provide a plant-based school lunch option to those students who submit a prior request to the school district requesting a plant-based school lunch option. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Requires the plant-based school lunch option to comply with federal nutritional mandates. Changes the effective date from immediate to August 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0761

5/13/2022 - Effective Date August 1, 2023

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCHCD-LEARNING MATERIAL REPORT
(REP. STEVEN REICK)

Amends the School Code. By July 15 of each year, requires certain school boards to report, on their school district's website, a list of the learning materials and activities used for student instruction during the previous school year. Requires that the report also include any procedures that are in effect at each school for the documentation, review, or approval of the learning materials and activities used for student instruction. Specifies the minimum information that must be included in the report. Allows a school district to update the report on an ongoing basis and to utilize collaborative online document or spreadsheet software to update or make additions to the report. Sets forth other requirements. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

INVEST IN KIDS-SCHOLARSHIPS
(REP. CURTIS TARVER, II; SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Amends the Invest in Kids Act. Makes a formatting change to create a first priority group for eligible students who received a scholarship from a scholarship granting organization during the previous school year. Provides that qualified schools may establish a maximum scholarship amount, which may not exceed the necessary costs and fees for attendance at the qualified school. Provides that the qualified school shall notify the scholarship granting organization of its necessary costs and fees as well as any maximum scholarship amount set by the school. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Specifies that the maximum scholarship amount set by a school district is subject to the limitations provided under existing law.

  RECENT STATUS

6/10/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1059

6/10/2022 - Effective Date June 10, 2022

6/10/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PARKING TAX-PURCHASE PRICE
(REP. MICHAEL ZALEWSKI)

Amends the Parking Excise Tax Act. Provides that the term "purchase price" does not include fees or charges paid to or retained by a booking intermediary and not remitted to the operator.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/24/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

TEACHER-TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
(REP. SUE SCHERER; SEN. LAURA MURPHY)

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish and administer a teacher reimbursement grant program for the purpose of reimbursing public school teachers for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of the tuition and mandatory fees paid to a public institution of higher learning in this State to obtain a Professional Educator License and teach in this State. Provides that eligible applicants shall receive a grant in the form of annual reimbursement payments over a period of up to 10 consecutive years. Sets forth provisions concerning eligibility, the grant amount, disbursement and use of a grant, application for a grant, and rulemaking. Repeals the provisions on July 1, 2040. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Adds provisions allowing persons who are enrolled or are planning to enroll in a State-approved educator preparation program at a public institution of higher learning in this State to be eligible to receive a grant. Provides that employment in a full-time teaching position may be in any grade or subject. Requires a public institution of higher learning to provide billing information to the recipient of a grant, and requires the recipient to give the provided billing information to the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall organize and update a database every year of grant recipients and payments made.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

12/22/2022 - Alternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Sen. Don Harmon

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

SCH CHILDREN-COVID-19 VACCINE
(REP. TOM WEBER)

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the health examinations and immunizations that school children are required to receive, provides that a child may not be required to submit proof of having received an immunization against COVID-19 upon enrolling in school nor may a child already enrolled in school be required to receive an immunization against COVID-19. Amends the Communicable Disease Prevention Act. Pursuant to the School Code provisions, prohibits the Department of Public Health from adopting any rules that require children to receive an immunization against COVID-19. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-POSTSECONDARY MENTOR
(REP. CYRIL NICHOLS)

Amends the School Code. Permits a school district to implement a program to allow school personnel, including athletic coaches, school counselors, and administrative staff, who possess comprehensive knowledge about postsecondary academic or vocational options to provide mentoring services or guidance related to postsecondary academic and vocational options to high school students. Sets forth the services and guidance that a postsecondary mentor may provide to a student; allows the State Board of Education to establish guidelines. Provides that the participation of school personnel in the program shall be on a voluntary basis only; prohibits school personnel from receiving compensation for participating in the program. Provides that a school district may issue a certificate to school personnel who participate in the program certifying that the participant possesses sufficient knowledge. Provides that the State Board of Education may provide for the form of the certificate. Provides for rulemaking. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that school personnel participating in the postsecondary mentoring program may receive compensation (instead of may not receive any compensation) for their participation in the program.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/16/2022 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/16/2022 - FIRST READING

SCH CD-STUDENT TRAUMA-PLAN
(REP. MAURICE WEST, II)

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Elimination of Racially Derogatory Language Act. Provides that no public body may display any racially derogatory language, including racial slurs, within its building, on its property, or at a public meeting at any time.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Adds a provision excluding uses of racially derogatory language in literature, for educational purposes, or as an essential component of the work performed by the public body.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

3/16/2022 - Assigned to Senate Executive

SCH CD-SCHOOL COUNSELORS
(REP. CYRIL NICHOLS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district shall employ a ratio of no less than one school counselor to 150 students (rather than allowing a school district to employ a ratio of no less than one school counselor to 250 students). Requires school counselors to meet with their assigned students at least once each month.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/25/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/25/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

SCH CD-TEACHER LICENSURE TEST
(REP. SUE SCHERER)

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Removes the requirement that educator licensure candidates pass a teacher performance assessment. Makes related changes. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

SCH CD-WITHHOLDING DIPLOMA
(REP. JOYCE MASON; SEN. JACQUELINE COLLINS)

Amends the School Code. Prohibits a school district from withholding a student's grades, transcripts, or diploma because of an unpaid balance on the student's school account. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill, but clarifies that it applies to public high schools (rather than school districts).

  RECENT STATUS

5/6/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0727

5/6/2022 - Effective Date May 6, 2022

5/6/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-LAPSED EDUCATOR LICENSE
(REP. SUE SCHERER; SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD)

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 a $50 penalty (rather than a $500 penalty). Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Provides that licensees who are retired and qualify for benefits from a State of Illinois retirement system shall be listed as retired (instead of shall notify the State Board of Education using the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS)). Provides that if a licensee retires during a renewal cycle, the license status must be updated using ELIS indicating that the licensee wishes to maintain the license in retired status (instead of requiring the licensee to notify the State Board of Education using ELIS that the licensee wishes to maintain the license in retired status). Provides that an individual with a license in retired status shall not be required to complete professional development activities (rather than shall not be required to complete professional development activities or pay registration fees) until returning to a position that requires educator licensure. Provides that upon returning to work in a position that requires a Professional Educator License, the license status shall immediately be updated using ELIS (instead of the licensee shall immediately pay a registration fee). Provides that a retired teacher, even if returning to a position that requires educator licensure, shall not be required to pay registration fees.

  RECENT STATUS

4/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0710

4/27/2022 - Effective Date April 27, 2022

4/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-EDUCATOR EVALUATIONS
(REP. TONY MCCOMBIE; SEN. BRIAN STEWART)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. In provisions related to the content of evaluation plans, allows a school district to waive, for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years only, the evaluation requirement of any teacher in contractual continued service whose performance during the last school year in which the teacher was evaluated was rated as either "excellent" or "proficient". In regard to rules adopted by the State Board of Education concerning educator evaluations, for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years only, provides that factors related to methods of measuring student growth may not be used in any educator evaluation. In regard to the development of an evaluation plan for principals and assistant principals, allows a school district to waive, for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years only, the evaluation requirement of any principal or assistant principal whose performance during the last school year in which the teacher was evaluated was rated as either "excellent" or "proficient". Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. In provisions concerning the content of evaluation plans, for the 2022-2023 school year only if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency (rather than for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years only), allows a school district to waive the evaluation requirement of any teacher in contractual continued service whose performance during the last school year in which the teacher was evaluated was rated as either "excellent" or "proficient". In provisions concerning the development of an evaluation plan for principals and assistant principals, for the 2022-2023 school year only if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency (rather than for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years only), allows a school district to waive the evaluation requirement of any principal or assistant principal whose performance during the last school year in which the principal or assistant principal was evaluated was rated as either "excellent" or "proficient". Removes the provisions making changes concerning rules adopted by the State Board of Education related to educator evaluations. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Provides that a school district may waive the evaluation requirement of all (instead of any) teachers, principals, or assistant principals rated "excellent" or "proficient" during the last school year in which the teachers, principals, or assistant principals were evaluated.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 - Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that for the 2022-2023 school year only, if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency, the school district may waive the evaluation requirement of any teacher in contractual continued service whose performance was rated as either "excellent" or "proficient" during the last school year in which the teacher was evaluated.

  RECENT STATUS

5/6/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0729

5/6/2022 - Effective Date May 6, 2022

5/6/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-RENEW EDUCATOR LICENSE
(REP. TONY MCCOMBIE)

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that for any 5-year renewal cycle that includes the 2021-2022 school year, each professional educator licensee shall complete a total of 100 hours of professional development during the 5-year renewal cycle in order to renew the license (rather than being required to complete a total of 120 hours). For the 2021-2022 school year only, provides that a licensee with an administrative endorsement who is working in a position requiring such endorsement or an individual with a Teacher Leader endorsement serving in an administrative capacity at least 50% of the day is not required to complete an Illinois Administrators' Academy course (rather than being required to complete one course). Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill but removes the changes regarding the 5-year renewal cycle.

  RECENT STATUS

5/6/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0730

5/6/2022 - Effective Date May 6, 2022

5/6/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-ENERGY CONSERVATION
(REP. JOYCE MASON)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a duty of the regional superintendent of schools is to inspect the energy conservation measures of schools under the Code. 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, and available funds. Designates the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) as the lead agency for the review of performance contracts for school districts and area vocational centers. Sets forth the duties to be performed by SEDAC and the forms of assistance the agency must provide to school districts and area vocational centers.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

SCH CD-STUDENT TEACHING-TPA
(REP. THOMAS BENNETT)

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. With regard to licensure candidates being required to pass a teacher performance assessment, provides that a candidate may not be required to submit test materials by video or audio submission (rather than by video submission). Instead of a video or audio submission, provides that a candidate may submit a written letter approved and signed by (i) the principal of the school in which the candidate completed student teaching, (ii) the supervising licensed educator overseeing the candidate's classroom experience, and (iii) the candidate's academic advisor at the candidate's educator preparation program stating that the candidate meets the requirements to pass the teacher performance assessment. Provides that the submission of a written letter by a candidate does not waive the requirement that the candidate pass a teacher performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education. Requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, to develop a standard form to be used by a candidate in the submission of the written letter. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

SCH-EDUCATOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
(REP. MICHELLE MUSSMAN; SEN. JACQUELINE COLLINS)

Amends the School Code. Requires the superintendent of an employing school board to notify the State Superintendent of Education and applicable regional superintendent of schools if the superintendent has reasonable cause to believe that a license holder committed an act of sexual misconduct that resulted in the license holder's dismissal or resignation from the school district. Requires a public or nonpublic school or independent contractor to conduct an employment history review of certain applicants for employment. Requires the governing body of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school to adopt a policy under which notice concerning an alleged act of sexual misconduct between an educator and a student is provided to the parent or guardian of that student. Sets forth the information that must be included in the notice. Amends the Personnel Record Review Act. Specifies that provisions requiring an employer to review and delete records concerning disciplinary actions that are more than 4 years old do not apply to a school district sharing information related to an incident or attempted incident of sexual misconduct. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Expands the provisions requiring the governing body of each school district, charter school, and nonpublic school to implement procedures for notice concerning an alleged act of sexual misconduct between an employee, agent, or contractor of the school and a student. Requires notice to be provided to the student prior to notification of the student's parents or guardian. In provisions concerning employment history review by a public or nonpublic school or contractor (instead of independent contractor) of certain applicants for employment, limits provisions to allegations or findings or sexual misconduct (rather than abuse or sexual misconduct). Requires an employer who has or had an employment relationship with an applicant to provide additional information about disclosed matters and records. Removes provision permitting a school or contractor from hiring an applicant on a provisional basis. Requires the State Board of Education to develop templates for employment history review. In provisions concerning confidentiality, permits disclosure to the parents or guardians of students of sexual misconduct between an employee, agent, or contractor of the school and the student. In provisions concerning suspension or revocation license, endorsement, or approval, adds sexual misconduct as grounds to initiate suspension or revocation. Changes the effective date to July 1, 2023 (rather than immediate).

House Floor Amendment No. 3 - Makes grammatical changes.

  RECENT STATUS

4/22/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0702

4/22/2022 - Effective Date July 1, 2023

4/22/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCHOOL FACILITY OCCUP REVENUE
(REP. KATIE STUART; SEN. DARREN BAILEY)

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that 1% of the school facility occupation taxes collected shall be distributed to the regional superintendent of schools (currently, these moneys are deposited into the Tax Compliance and Administration Fund) to cover the costs in administering and enforcing the provisions of the school facility occupation taxes Section of the Code. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

6/10/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1062

6/10/2022 - Effective Date July 1, 2022

6/10/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-GRAD REQ/VOC&TECH EDUC
(REP. DAVE VELLA)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. With respect to the substitution of a course required for graduation or graduation requirement with a related vocational or technical education course, removes the provisions that require (i) the vocational or technical education course to contain at least 50% of the content of the required course or graduation requirement for which it is substituted and (ii) a pupil's parent or guardian to request and approve the substitution. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCHCD-SPEC ED/PRIVATE FACILITY
(REP. DANIEL DIDECH; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Allows a child's individualized education program (IEP) team to determine whether the special education program of a school district is unable to meet the needs of a child with a disability. Provides that the financial responsibility and reimbursement of the resident district of a child with a disability applies to both nonpublic special education facilities that are approved by the State Board of Education and nonpublic special education facilities that are not approved by the State Board of Education. Requires that a nonpublic special education facility providing services to demonstrate proof to the State Board of Education of (i) appropriate certification of teachers for the student population, (ii) age-appropriate curriculum, (iii) enrollment and attendance data, and (iv) the ability to implement the child's IEP. Sets forth provisions concerning requests for approval by the State Board of Education of a nonpublic special education facility. Provides that the Community and Residential Service Authority has the power to make final determinations regarding the approval of nonpublic special education facilities. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Allows a student's (instead of child's) individualized education program (IEP) team to determine whether the special education program of a school district is unable to meet the needs of a child with a disability. Provides that the financial responsibility and reimbursement of the resident district of a child with a disability applies to emergency placements in nonpublic special education facilities that are not approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that a school district may place a student in a nonpublic special education facility providing educational services within the facility, but not approved by the State Board of Education, under specified circumstances. Removes provisions that provide that a school district has no obligation to pay a residential facility unless and until specified proof is provided to the satisfaction of the State Board of Education. Removes provisions that provide that if the State Board of Education denies approval in writing or does not respond to a facility's or resident district's request for approval within 10 days after the request is submitted to the State Board of Education, the matter shall be referred to the Community and Residential Services Authority, which shall make the determination and notify the facility or resident district and the State Board of Education within 10 days after the Authority receives the referral. Provides that emergency placement in an approved facility may continue so long as (i) the student's IEP team determines annually that such placement continues to be appropriate to meet the student's needs and (ii) at least every 3 years following the student's placement, the IEP team reviews appropriate placements approved by the State Board of Education. Removes changes to provisions concerning placement in a residential facility and payment of educational costs and provisions concerning the Community and Residential Services Authority. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

4/22/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0703

4/22/2022 - Effective Date April 22, 2022

4/22/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

LOCAL GOV-BEST VALUE BIDDING
(REP. DANIEL DIDECH)

Amends the Township Code, Illinois Municipal Code, Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, Park District Code, Illinois Local Library Act, Public Library District Act of 1991, School Code, and Illinois Highway Code. Provides that specified contracts may be let to the lowest responsible bidder or the best value bidder (rather than to the lowest responsible bidder). Provides that "best value" means the result determined by a procurement method that considers price and other criteria reflecting an objective and quantifiable analysis. Includes examples of such analysis.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Includes requirements for the resolution to include the identity of an officer or director of the bidder who is a family member of a board member, is a person with whom a board member maintains a close economic association, or is a person with whom a board member maintains a close political association. Defines terms. In the Township Code, Illinois Municipal Code, and the Illinois Highway Code, provides that, if an entity is eligible to be paid for or reimbursed, in whole or in part, with federal-aid funds, grants, or loans, and the provisions would result in the loss of those federal-aid funds, grants, or loans, then the contract is exempt from the requirements of the provisions in order to remain eligible for those federal-aid funds, grants, or loans. In the School Code provisions, adds language providing that a school board that awards a competitively bid contract in excess of $25,000 to a third party for non-instructional services currently performed by an employee or bargaining unit member may only award such a contract to the lowest responsible bidder. Amends the Public Community College Act making similar changes made to the other Acts in the bill.

House Floor Amendment No. 4 - Provides that, if an entity is eligible to be paid for or reimbursed, in whole or in part, with federal-aid funds, grants, or loans, and the letting of a contract to the best value bidder under the provisions would result in the loss of those federal-aid funds, grants, or loans, then the contract shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder (rather than the contract is exempt from the provisions).

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/4/2022 - FIRST READING

PROP TX--HOMESTEAD DATABASE
(REP. LAMONT ROBINSON)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the Property Tax Appeal Board shall establish and maintain a statewide database containing information related to homestead exemptions granted for property in the State. Provides that the database shall be publicly accessible and searchable by county, property address, property index number, taxpayer name, and type of homestead exemption applied to the property. Requires each chief county assessment officer to cooperate with the Property Tax Appeal Board for the purpose of providing current information for inclusion in the database. Requires the chief county assessment officer to check the statewide database to verify that the homeowner is not receiving an additional homestead exemption that would disqualify him or her from receiving an exemption for the subject property.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/18/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

PROP TX-RATE CAP
(REP. CHRIS MILLER)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, no taxing district shall extend or levy a tax against any property in any amount greater than $2 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-CIVICS COURSE CONTENT
(REP. CHRIS MILLER)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires course content in civics education to include a comparative study and discussion of certain political ideologies, including communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding of the United States. Sets forth requirements concerning the content. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCHCD-REQUIRE AFRICAN LANGUAGE
(REP. MARCUS EVANS)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires a school district to include African language courses as part of its foreign language curriculum. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCHOOL CD-ABATEMENT
(REP. KELLY BURKE)

Amends the School Code. Provides that if a school district approves a property tax relief abatement for a given levy year, then the school district shall file in the office of the county clerk of each county in which a portion of the district is situated a certified copy of the resolution providing for the property tax relief abatement. Provides that the property tax relief abatement is included in the district's aggregate extension base for purposes of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Second Reading

SCH CD-NATIVE AMER CURRICULUM
(REP. MAURICE WEST, II)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to develop a curriculum relating to the Native American experience for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Provides for the State Board of Education to consult Native American tribes and individuals in developing the curriculum. Requires the implementation of the Native American curriculum starting in the 2023-2024 school year. Requires the State Board of Education to report progress of developing the curriculum to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Second Reading

SCH-SPEECH/STUDENT JOURNALIST
(REP. WILL GUZZARDI)

Amends the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act. Requires each school board to adopt a written policy for the right of student journalists to exercise the freedoms of speech and the press in school-sponsored media. Sets forth specific requirements for the policy. Prohibits the dismissal, suspension, discipline, reassignment, or transfer of or other retaliation against a student media adviser for (i) refusing to infringe on conduct or (ii) acting to protect a student journalist engaged in conduct that is protected under the Act or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Sets forth provisions concerning injunctive and declaratory relief.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-SCH DISCIPLINE/COVID-19
(REP. DEANNE MAZZOCHI)

Amends the School Code. If the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency related to COVID-19 pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, prohibits the State Board of Education from (i) revoking or removing a school district's recognition status, (ii) revoking a person's educator license, or (iii) prohibiting a school district or student from participating in interscholastic athletics or other activities or events for failing to comply with COVID-19 mitigation efforts, policies, rules, and guidance adopted by the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Health. In provisions concerning the use of isolated time out and time out, makes changes to the definitions of "isolated time out" and "time out". Sets forth procedures concerning the use of isolated time out and time out if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency related to COVID-19 pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Adds provisions related to disciplinary actions imposed on students who refuse to comply with COVID-19 mitigation efforts in policies, rules, and guidance adopted by the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Health. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-DYSLEXIA SCREENING
(REP. JACKIE HAAS)

Amends the School Code. Provides for dyslexia screening guidelines and rules. Requires the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for specific learning disabilities to school districts. Provides that, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through second for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth what the screening must include. Provides for additional screening for a student who is determined to be at risk, or at some risk, for dyslexia to determine if the student has the characteristics of dyslexia. Requires the use of a multi-tiered system of support framework if screening indicates that a student has some risk factors for dyslexia or has the characteristics of dyslexia. Sets forth provisions concerning exceptions to screening, dyslexia intervention services, and reporting. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

SCH CD-EDUCATOR EVALUATIONS
(REP. ANTHONY DELUCA)

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the debt limitations of school districts, provides that, in addition to all other authority to issue bonds, Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District 3 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $97,900,000, subject to specified conditions; New Berlin Community Unit School District 16 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $23,500,000, subject to specified conditions; Highland Community Unit School District 5 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $40,000,000, subject to specified conditions; Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000, subject to specified conditions; Manhattan School District 114 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $85,000,000, subject to specified conditions; and Golf Elementary School District 67 may issue bonds with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $56,000,000, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0949

5/27/2022 - Effective Date May 27, 2022

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH-DISMISS TEACHER/PRINCIPAL
(REP. MICHELLE MUSSMAN; SEN. ROBERT MARTWICK)

Amends the School Code. With respect to the removal or dismissal of teachers and principals, removes a provision that specifies that if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency pursuant to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, pre-hearing and hearing requirements are paused and do not begin to toll until the proclamation is no longer in effect. Requires any teacher or principal who has been charged with engaging in acts of corporal punishment, physical abuse, grooming, or sexual misconduct and who previously paused pre-hearing procedures or a hearing pursuant to Public Act 101-643 to proceed with the selection of a hearing officer or hearing date; allows the parties to mutually waive timelines. Provides that all timelines in cases concerning corporal punishment, physical abuse, grooming, or sexual misconduct shall be reset to begin the day after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that any teacher or principal charged with engaging in acts of corporal punishment, physical abuse, grooming, or sexual misconduct on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act may not pause pre-hearing procedures or a hearing. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

4/22/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0708

4/22/2022 - Effective Date April 22, 2022

4/22/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-DRIVER ED STANDARDS
(REP. MICHAEL HALPIN; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Driver Education Act of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of State, an association representing teachers of driver education, students, education practitioners, including, but not limited to, teachers in colleges of education, administrators, and regional superintendents of schools (rather than in consultation with the Secretary of State), to adopt rigorous learning standards (instead of course content standards) for the classroom and laboratory phases of driver education for novice teen drivers under the age of 18 years, including, but not limited to, the Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards developed and written by the Association of National Stakeholders in Traffic Safety Education in affiliation with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (rather than for driver education for those persons under the age of 18 years, which shall include the operation and equipment of motor vehicles). Provides that the learning standards may be adapted to meet Illinois licensing and educational requirements, including the cognitive, physiological, and psychological aspects of the safe operation of a motor vehicle and equipment of motor vehicles. Requires the Board to update the learning standards as national standards are updated.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the national learning standards may be adapted to meet Illinois licensing and educational requirements, including classroom and behind-the-wheel hours and the cognitive, physiological, and psychological aspects of the safe operation of a motor vehicle and equipment of motor vehicles (rather than the learning standards may be adapted to meet Illinois licensing and educational requirements, including the cognitive, physiological, and psychological aspects of the safe operation of a motor vehicle and equipment of motor vehicles).

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0951

5/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. KELLY BURKE; SEN. CRISTINA CASTRO)

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the University Credit and Retail Sales Act. Provides that the governing body of a State institution of higher learning may permit the institution, or a retail store operated by the institution or on property held or leased for the use of the institution, to extend credit to students for the students' purchase of course materials. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0781

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-FUNDING FORMULA-EAV
(REP. WILLIAM DAVIS; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

Amends the evidence-based funding provisions of the School Code. Makes changes concerning how an organizational unit's adjusted equalized assessed valuation is calculated.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0782

5/13/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-MENTAL HEALTH DAYS
(REP. BARBARA HERNANDEZ)

Amends the School Code. Requires the school board of each school district to grant full-time employees of the district 5 mental health days each school year at full pay. Provides that the employee is not required to provide a medical note or other documentation to use the mental health day. Provides that used and uncompensated mental health days are not eligible for pensionable service credit under the Illinois Pension Code. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Second Reading

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the powers and duties of the State Board of Education.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the powers and duties of the State Board of Education.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE
(REP. RITA MAYFIELD)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the tax due for property that has been granted a senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption shall not exceed the tax liability for the property in the base year. Provides that the tax collected from that property shall be distributed to the individual taxing districts on a pro rata basis in accordance with each taxing district's proportionate share of the property's total tax liability. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

PTELL-PROP TX RELIEF ABATEMENT
(REP. MICHAEL ZALEWSKI)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxing district may approve a property tax relief abatement for a given levy year. Provides that the term "property tax relief abatement" means a reduction in the amount of taxes levied by a taxing district for a given levy year, certified to the county clerk of each county in which any portion of the taxing district is located and included in the aggregate extension. Provides that, for the purposes of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, the amount of the abatement shall be included in the taxing district's aggregate extension base for subsequent levy years.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/2/2022 - Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS-TECH
(REP. MICHAEL HALPIN)

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS-TECH
(REP. MICHAEL HALPIN)

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-SUBSTITUTE TEACHING
(REP. ANNE STAVA-MURRAY; SEN. PATRICIA VAN PELT)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Instead of requiring an applicant for a Substitute Teaching License to hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, allows an applicant to be enrolled in an approved educator preparation program in this State and have earned at least 90 credit hours.

  RECENT STATUS

4/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0711

4/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

4/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-CONTRACT-FOOD SERVICE
(REP. JEHAN GORDON-BOOTH; SEN. DAVID KOEHLER)

Amends the School Code. Exempts from contract bidding requirements contracts for goods, services, or management in the operation of a school's food service, including a school that participates in any of the United States Department of Agriculture's child nutrition programs. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Limits the exemption from the contract bidding requirements for contracts for goods, services, or management in the operation of a school's food service only if a good faith effort is made by the school district to give preference to (1) contracts that procure food that promotes the health and well-being of students in compliance with United States Department of Agriculture nutrition standards; (2) contracts that give a preference to State or regional suppliers that source local food products; (3) contracts that give a preference to food suppliers that utilize producers that adopt hormone and pest practices recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture; (4) contracts that give a preference to food suppliers that value animal welfare; and (5) contracts that increase opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minorities, women, or persons with disabilities. Requires food supplier data to be submitted to the school district at the time of the bid and updated annually thereafter during the term of the contract. Requires the contractor to submit the updated food supplier data. Provides that food supplier data shall include the name and address of each supplier, distributor, processor, and producer involved in the provision of the products that the bidder is to supply. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/29/2022 - Effective Date June 29, 2022

6/29/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1101

6/29/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PROP TX-HOUSING
(REP. CHRIS BOS)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the community stabilization assessment freeze pilot program is extended until June 30, 2039 (currently, June 30, 2029). Removes a requirement that the community stabilization assessment freeze pilot program applies only to parcels located in a targeted area. Removes a requirement that there must be an existing residential dwelling structure of no more than 6 units on the parcel that was unoccupied at the time of conveyance for a minimum of 6 months, or that the parcel was ordered by a court to be deconverted. Provides that, if a countywide voter referendum establishing a community stabilization freeze is adopted, then the chief county assessment officer of the county must make the reduction provided by law. Contains provisions concerning referendum requirements. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-PRINCIPAL REQUIREMENTS
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD; SEN. MATTIE HUNTER)

Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Chicago Board of Education's requirements and criteria for the position of principal of an attendance center. Provides that if the requirements and criteria result or may result in the exclusion of otherwise qualified and licensed candidates from being eligible for selection to serve as a principal, then the Board shall maintain a public database that includes the names of all of the candidates who are eligible to be selected as a principal. Requires the Board to establish due process protections for candidates for the position of principal and establish a grievance procedure for those candidates the Board has deemed ineligible to serve as a principal. Makes changes concerning the use of performance evaluations in determining that a principal is no longer eligible to serve as principal of an attendance center. Effective January 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

1/10/2023 - House Bills on Third Reading

1/9/2023 - House Bills on Third Reading

SCH CD-FIREARMS PROHIBITED
(REP. MAURA HIRSCHAUER)

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to prohibit teachers, school administrators, or other persons employed at a school, employed by the school or by a third party, from carrying a firearm on school grounds. Exempts safety personnel from the prohibition. Prohibits a school board from authorizing exceptions. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

PROP TX-ASSESSMENT
(REP. EVA-DINA DELGADO)

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Revenue to conduct a property tax assessment process study. Amends the Property Tax Code. Limits the increase in the assessment of any commercial or residential property to 15% over the assessed value in the previous tax year and 40% in any 3-year period. Provides that the limitation shall apply in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and may apply in other counties by ordinance or resolution of the county board. Provides that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, whenever the chief county assessment officer of the county substantively changes the procedure by which he or she assesses properties, the chief county assessment officer shall hold a 60-day public comment period to receive input from members of the public before the change takes effect.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

PROP TX-FLOODING DISASTER
(REP. THOMAS BENNETT)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Defines "flooding disaster." Provides that in order to qualify for valuation as a qualified commercial and industrial property, the structure must be rebuilt within 2 years after the date of the tornado disaster or flooding disaster, (currently, tornado disaster) and the square footage of the rebuilt structure may not be more than 110% of the square footage of the original structure as it existed immediately prior to the tornado disaster or flooding disaster (currently, tornado disaster). Modifies "base year" to include tornado disaster or flooding disaster (currently, tornado disaster). Makes similar changes regarding "modified equalized assessed value" and "qualified parcel of property." Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-THREAT ASSESS PROCEDURE
(REP. FRED CRESPO; SEN. PATRICIA VAN PELT)

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that each year prior to the start of the school year, a school board shall file its threat assessment procedure and a list identifying the members of the school district's threat assessment team or regional behavior threat assessment and intervention team with (i) a local law enforcement agency and (ii) the regional office of education or, with respect to the Chicago school district, the State Board of Education. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure any threat assessment procedure under the School Safety Drill Act and any information contained in the procedure from inspection and copying. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0791

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SBE SPEC TRUST FUND-ROYALTIES
(REP. LANCE YEDNOCK; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

Amends the School Code to require the State Board of Education to deposit any royalty payments received as a result of licensing agreements or any other agreements entered into by the State Board of Education, unless specifically directed to be deposited into other funds, into the State Board of Education Special Purpose Trust Fund. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0792

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-REMOTE LEARNING-DOC
(REP. LAKESIA COLLINS; SEN. KARINA VILLA)

Amends the School Code. Provides that alternative learning opportunities programs may include high school completion programs that allow certain students eligible for remote learning to complete their education while incarcerated in a Department of Corrections facility. Provides that the Chicago Board of Education may offer a remote learning option to a student who is in the custody of the Department of Corrections if the student (i) is enrolled at Consuella B. York Alternative High School at the time the student is transferred to a Department of Corrections facility or had been enrolled in the school within the 6 months prior to being transferred to a Department of Corrections facility and (ii) is within 2 school years of completing all of the course requirements necessary for high school graduation. Allows the school district to continue to offer the option of remote learning to the student to complete any remaining course requirements necessary for high school graduation for up to one school year following the student's release from the custody of the Department of Corrections. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0966

5/27/2022 - Effective Date May 27, 2022

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

RIGHT TO READ ACT
(REP. RITA MAYFIELD)

Creates the Right to Read Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall offer support: to each public school district to select evidence-based core reading instruction programs and implement them using structured literacy instruction; and to each early childhood, elementary, and special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, and administrator to complete evidence-based training in teaching reading. Requires the State Board of Education to annually compile and post on its website information on the steps it has undertaken to support school districts to deliver high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction, including a list of any Early Literacy Grant recipients, documentation of how the recipient allocated the funding to support improved literacy, and what evidence-based literacy curricula the recipient is utilizing. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning educator testing, requires applicants seeking specified licenses to pass a test in reading foundations, which shall include assessment of the applicant's understanding of phonological and phonemic awareness, concepts of print and the alphabetic principle, the role of phonics in promoting reading development, word analysis skills and strategies, vocabulary development, application of reading comprehension skills and strategies, and methods for assessing reading development. In provisions concerning minimum requirements for educators trained in other states or countries, provides that an applicant who has successfully completed a reading foundations test of at least comparable rigor to the Illinois reading foundations test is not required to complete a reading foundations test. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Second Reading

SCH CD-ST BD ED MEMBERS
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR)

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides for the appointment of 2 nonvoting student members to the State Board of Education, selected from students who have served on the State Board of Education's Student Advisory Council, to serve for a one year term. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

SCH CD-TEACHER TENURE/3 YEARS
(REP. DAVE VELLA)

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

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Third Reading

SCH CD-HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
(REP. PAUL JACOBS)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, a child with a disability who has an individualized education program, who has completed 4 years of high school, and whose parent or guardian has decided not to enroll the child in transition services shall receive a regular high school diploma. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Second Reading

PROP TX-LEVY LIMITATIONS
(REP. RITA MAYFIELD)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning in levy year 2023, no taxing district may increase its aggregate extension when compared with the taxing district's aggregate extension for the last preceding levy year by more than the average percentage increase in property assessments when compared with the last preceding levy year.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCHOOL DISTRICT 187-ELECTIONS
(REP. RITA MAYFIELD)

Amends the School Code. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the school board of North Chicago School District 187 shall, by lot, pick 3 members whose terms shall end once their successors are elected and qualified at the 2023 consolidated election and 4 members whose terms shall end once their successors are elected and qualified at the 2025 consolidated election. Provides that, if there are any vacancies on the board at the time the lot is drawn, the vacant position shall be included in the lot, and the term of any person subsequently appointed to that vacant position shall be the term as determined by the lot. Provides that, if an appointed member refuses to relinquish his or her position after his or her successor is elected and qualified in the 2023 or 2025 consolidated elections, then the State Board of Education may take any action needed to remove the appointed member. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Removes provisions relating to the school board determining terms by lot. Instead provides for that determination to be made by the chairperson of the Independent Authority for the school district. Makes a technical correction.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/18/2022 - Alternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Sen. Adriane Johnson

3/7/2022 - Referred to Senate Assignments

SCH CD-ITALIAN AMERICAN HIST
(REP. ANTHONY DELUCA)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires every public elementary school and high school to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Italian American history. Contains provisions governing this instruction. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

SCH CD-WATER SAFETY EDUCATION
(REP. EVA-DINA DELGADO)

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 education in water safety that incorporates the water safety instructional materials and resources developed by the American Red Cross and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-SCREEN CARDIAC DEATH
(REP. CYRIL NICHOLS)

Creates the Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention Screening Act. Defines "sport" and "student athlete". Provides that a student athlete over the age of 12 must undergo sudden cardiac death screening before the student athlete may participate in sports. Provides that a student athlete must undergo sudden cardiac death screening once in middle school or high school and then once before postsecondary-education-level sports.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

PROPERTY TAX DISTRIBUTION
(REP. MARK BATINICK)

Amends the State Revenue Sharing Act. Provides for an even distribution of the moneys in the Personal Property Tax Replacement Fund between currently specified entities and Countywide Personal Property Tax Distribution Funds. Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides for a distribution of the moneys collected by the county collector from holders of commercial and industrial property to Countywide Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Funds. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that each county treasurer shall create and maintain a separate Countywide Personal Property Tax Distribution Fund and Countywide Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Fund. Provides that each Fund shall serve as a distribution fund for the distribution of specified revenues on a countywide, per-pupil basis. Provides further duties of the county treasurer concerning each Fund and the allocation of moneys therein. Amends the School Code. Requires each school board to provide the county treasurer with the daily pupil attendance calculation on a monthly basis. Requires each county board to ensure compliance of the county treasurer with duties concerning the Countywide Personal Property Tax Distribution Fund and the Countywide Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Fund and the allocation of moneys therein.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

INVEST IN KIDS-SUNSET
(REP. AMY GRANT)

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Invest in Kids Act. Provides that the Invest in Kids credit applies permanently (currently, the credit applies for taxable years ending before January 1, 2023). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-BOARD ORG TIMELINE
(REP. MICHAEL HALPIN)

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Provides that within 40 days (instead of 28) after the regular election of directors, the directors shall meet and organize by appointing one of their number president and another as clerk. Provides that within 40 days (instead of 28) after the consolidated election, the board shall organize by electing its officers and fixing a time and place for the regular meetings. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0798

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. WILLIAM DAVIS)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-TRANSPORTATION
(REP. MARCUS EVANS)

Amends the Transportation Article of the School Code. Requires school boards for various school districts to cover the transit fees for free transportation for pupils residing at a distance of one and one-half miles or more from any school to which they are assigned for attendance maintained within the districts. Makes conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

4/11/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

4/11/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

PROP TX-PTAB FILING FEE
(REP. SAM YINGLING)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the Property Tax Appeal Board shall charge a filing fee of $150 for each assessment appeal.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
(REP. LANCE YEDNOCK)

Amends the School Code. Sets forth various limitations on State Board of Education reporting. Removes the requirement that a school district submit a statement of affairs. Requires only the Chicago school district (rather than each school district, charter school, and nonpublic, non-sectarian elementary or secondary school) to file its policy on bullying with the State Board of Education. Repeals provisions concerning a salary and benefit survey and a report of teacher dismissals. Amends the Illinois Pension Code to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Removes certain amendatory provisions regarding the limitations on reporting. Provides that the State Board of Education shall merge the end-of-the-year grant periodic report with the fourth quarter electronic expenditure report. Provides that the ISBE Survey of Unfilled Teaching Positions shall be merged with the Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents' Educator Shortage Survey. Provides that no later than July 1, 2023, the State Board shall merge the evidence-based spending plan with existing reports to reduce reporting burdens on school districts. Provides that beginning July 1, 2022, the State Board may not require school districts to complete the NCLB/ESSA Monitoring Instrument. Provides that the State Board shall merge the 2 sections titled "Annual" in IWAS under a single section titled "Annual". Provides that the State Board shall be responsible for extracting data from the Annual Financial Report and importing the data into the IDEA Maintenance of Effort and IDEA Excess Cost Reports. Provides that school districts shall post a vendor report on their websites within 60 days after the completion of the Annual Financial Report. Provides for how the vendor report shall be broken down. Makes other changes.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/7/2022 - Referred to Senate Assignments

3/7/2022 - FIRST READING

SCH CD-COMMERCIAL DRIVER ED
(REP. DAVE VELLA)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires that a course that provides a student with the education and skills required to obtain a commercial learner's permit or a commercial driver's license be considered by a school district to be a career and technical education course. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-REPEALS
(REP. WILLIAM DAVIS; SEN. TERRY HALL)

Amends the School Code. Repeals provisions concerning the School District Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, audit adjustments to State aid claims for alternative education programs, the Giant Steps Autism Center for Excellence pilot program, job training programs, posting of entrepreneurial skills teaching resources, posting of high-skilled manufacturing teaching resources, fast growth grants, the Alternative Route to Administrative Certification for National Board Certified Teachers, and the board of examiners. Makes conforming changes in the School Code and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

1/10/2023 - House Bills on Third Reading

1/9/2023 - House Bills on Third Reading

SCH CD-GUN SAFETY INFO
(REP. MAURA HIRSCHAUER; SEN. JULIE MORRISON)

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that the safety education that school boards and othe boards may provide instruction in includes safe gun storage.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0971

5/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-ELECTRONIC PLAN
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD)

Amends the School Code. Provides that each school district shall develop a plan for electronic learning by January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-INTERPRETER-MEETINGS
(REP. ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ; SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT)

Amends the School Code. Adds a provision that any parent who is deaf, or does not normally communicate using spoken English, who participates in a meeting with a representative of a local educational agency for the purposes of developing an individualized educational program, or attends a multidisciplinary conference, a 504 mediation session, or a due process hearing (instead of just a meeting with a representative of a local educational agency for the purposes of developing an individualized educational program) shall be entitled to the services of an interpreter. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement the provisions. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces references to a 504 mediation session with references to a 504 meeting and a mediation session for when a parent is entitled to the services of an interpreter.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: In provisions concerning notification of services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, provides that the notice shall also state that any parent who is deaf or does not typically communicate using spoken English and who participates in a Section 504 meeting with a representative of a local educational agency shall be entitled to the services of an interpreter. Removes the amendatory language that provides that those who attend a 504 meeting, a mediation session, or a due process hearing shall be entitled to the services of an interpreter. Provides that at all stages of an impartial due process hearing or mediation, the hearing officer or mediator shall require that interpreters licensed pursuant to the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 be made available by the school district for persons who are deaf or qualified interpreters be made available by the school district for persons whose normally spoken language is other than English (rather than providing that at all stages of an impartial due process hearing, the hearing officer shall require that interpreters be made available by the school district for persons who are deaf or for persons whose normally spoken language is other than English). Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

6/10/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1072

6/10/2022 - Effective Date June 10, 2022

6/10/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-EDUC MATERIAL/REVIEW
(REP. KEITH WHEELER)

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to adopt a policy to ensure that the parent or guardian of a student is provided with an opportunity to review the curricula and learning material used in the student's classroom at any point during the school year if the parent or guardian requests to review the curricula and learning material. Requires the policy to be published in the student handbook and on the school district's Internet website if one is maintained. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. TIM OZINGA)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning standards for schools.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-HOMELESS FEE WAIVER
(REP. WILL GUZZARDI; SEN. BILL CUNNINGHAM)

Amends the School Code. Defines "school fees" or "fees" to mean any monetary charge collected by a public school, public school district, or charter school from a student or the parents or guardian of a student as a prerequisite for the student's participation in any curricular or extracurricular program of the school or school district. Provides that homeless children and youth as defined in Section 11434A of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act also qualify for a waiver for fees and fines for the loss or destruction of school property (currently, fees). Provides that the school board may provide for waiver verification no more often than once every academic year (currently, once every 60 days). Provides that no discrimination or punishment of any kind, including, but not limited to, the lowering of grades, exclusion from classes, or withholding of student records, transcripts or diplomas, (currently, lowering of grades or exclusion from classes) may be exercised against a student whose because the student's parents or guardians are unable to purchase required textbooks or instructional materials.

House Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill but removes the applicability of the fine waiver for the destruction of school property, removes the applicability for children living in households eligible for reduced lunch and makes technical corrections

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0805

5/13/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-ACCELERATED PLACEMENT
(REP. DENYSE STONEBACK)

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the State Board of Education's school report card, makes changes concerning students participating in a gifted education program, accelerated placement, or another advanced academic program. Sets forth what practices may be incorporated into a school district's plan to expand access to its accelerated placement program. Makes changes concerning the evidence-based funding formula with respect to gifted and advanced academic program investments, the utilization of gifted and advanced academic program resources, gifted education representation on the Professional Review Panel, and the Panel's review of gifted and advanced academic programming.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/25/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/25/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

SCH CD-RESTRICT ASSESSMENTS
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD; SEN. JACQUELINE COLLINS)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Chicago Board of Education's requirements and criteria for the position of principal of an attendance center. Provides that if the requirements and criteria result or may result in the exclusion of otherwise qualified and licensed candidates from being eligible for selection to serve as a principal, then the Board shall maintain a public database that includes the names of all of the candidates who are eligible to be selected as a principal and who do not choose to not have their name included in the database. Requires the Board to establish a grievance and hearing procedure for those candidates the general superintendent has deemed ineligible to serve as a principal. Makes changes concerning the use of performance evaluations in determining that a principal is no longer eligible to seek a principal position at an attendance center. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

2/10/2023 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1139

2/10/2023 - Effective Date February 10, 2023

2/10/2023 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-EDUCATOR ENDORSEMENTS
(REP. KELLY CASSIDY)

Amends the School Code. Provides that subsequent endorsements for the Professional Educator License shall require a minimum of 18 (currently, 24) semester hours of coursework in the endorsement area and passage of the applicable content area test, unless otherwise specified by rule. Provides that subsequent endorsements may also be granted through school districts for specific content areas and grade levels, which reflect approval to practice within that school district. Provides that a career and technical educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who has a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an accredited trade and technical institution and has a minimum of 1,000 (currently, 2,000) hours of experience outside of education in each area to be taught. Provides that school districts may establish professional development sequences that include a comprehensive review of content standards for subsequent approvals or endorsements that are consistent with other trainings or coursework approved by the State Board of Education for the addition of endorsements to Professional Educator Licenses. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools

PROP CD-PROP TAX APPEAL BOARD
(REP. KAMBIUM BUCKNER)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the Property Tax Appeal Board shall not accept or consider any appraisal that does not meet the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as promulgated by The Appraisal Foundation at the time the appeal was filed. Provides that the Property Tax Appeal Board Process ends in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants for all property with the 2022 assessment year. Provides that the Property Tax Appeal Board may retain jurisdiction over any appeal properly filed with respect to a property in a county of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants before the last day of calendar year 2023, provided that any such appeal that is not resolved by the last day of 2024 shall be dismissed without a decision, notwithstanding the other provisions. Such a dismissal may not be appealed, but a tax objection case may be filed pursuant to Article 23 of the Property Tax Code in the circuit court of the county in which the property involved in the dismissed case is situated for a period of one year after the date of the dismissal, notwithstanding any temporal filing limitations in the provisions of Article 23. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-RIGHTS OF PARENTS
(REP. AVERY BOURNE)

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

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-ST BD ED-STANDARDS
(REP. THOMAS BENNETT)

Amends the School Code. Prohibits the State Board of Education from revising its teaching standards or learning standards without the approval of the General Assembly through adoption of a joint resolution outlining the State Board's specific revisions and granting the State Board the authority to revise those standards. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-INSTRUCTIONAL MANDATES
(REP. THOMAS BENNETT)

Amends the School Code. Allows a school board to discontinue, by publicly adopted resolution, any instructional mandate in the Courses of Study Article of the School Code unless a separate State appropriation is made for the school district that provides full funding for the specific instructional mandate (with exceptions). Provides that if a student requests information on any instructional mandate that has been discontinued, then the school district shall provide the student with the requested information. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-SEX ED/PARENTAL OPT-IN
(REP. TONY MCCOMBIE)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that if the parent or guardian of a student wants the student to receive comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education, the student's parent or guardian must opt the student in to receive that education (rather than allowing a student's parent or guardian to opt the student out of comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education). Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. JACKIE HAAS)

Amends the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

FIREARMS RESTRAINING ORDER
(REP. DANIEL DIDECH)

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that a public body may hold a closed meeting to consider security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel, equipment, reporting to law enforcement, or legal action to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from inspection and copying records concerning a school employee's determination about whether an individual poses a clear and present danger, a school district's report of a threat to law enforcement, or an action by a school district under the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that when the Illinois State Police is notified that a person has been determined to pose a clear and present danger, it shall determine whether to file an action under the Firearms Restraining Order Act with that person as the respondent. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that when the Illinois State Police is notified that a person has been determined to pose a clear and present danger, the Illinois State Police shall determine whether to revoke the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card and whether to file an action under the Firearms Restraining Order Act with that person as the respondent. Provides that any information disclosed under this provision shall remain privileged and confidential, and shall not be redisclosed, except as required under the provisions reporting a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Index, Denied Persons Files or for the purpose of an action under the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Provides that a school district board of directors or board of education may by policy or resolution authorize a designee or designees to file petitions for firearms restraining orders on its behalf with or without prior board approval of a specific petition. Provides that for any petition filed by a designee without prior board approval, the board must approve a resolution ratifying the specific petition as soon as possible after the filing of the petition, but no later than 30 days after the filing of the petition.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Judiciary - Criminal

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. WILLIAM DAVIS)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/18/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

PENCD-TRS-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION
(REP. STEPHANIE KIFOWIT)

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a person who first becomes a member on or after January 1, 2023 shall have 3% of his or her pre-tax compensation contributed to a plan that is eligible under Section 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 offered by a vendor approved by his or her employer. Provides that to satisfy this requirement, the defined contribution benefit offered by the System may be adopted by the employer at the discretion of the employer. Makes a conforming change. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Personnel & Pensions

INVEST IN KIDS-VARIOUS
(REP. ANGELICA GUERRERO-CUELLAR)

Amends the Invest in Kids Act. Provides that non-public pre-kindergarten schools are considered qualified schools. Provides that the credit shall be in the amount of 100% (currently, 75%) of the contribution. Provides that the credit may not exceed $1,333,333 per taxpayer (currently, $1,000,000). Establishes priority groups for the awarding of scholarships. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

$ISBE
(REP. WILLIAM DAVIS)

Appropriates $350,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the State Board of Education for education funding. Effective July 1, 2022.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/9/2022 - Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

4/7/2022 - House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education

PEN CD-TEACHERS-RE-EMPLOYMENT
(REP. JANET YANG ROHR; SEN. LAURA ELLMAN)

House Floor Amendment No. 4 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that during the period between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, an additional 20 paid days or 100 paid hours shall be added to a provision that authorizes an annuitant to accept employment for a certain number of paid days or paid hours as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

4/22/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0709

4/22/2022 - Effective Date April 22, 2022

4/22/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-ABSENCE FOR CIVIC EVENT
(REP. SONYA HARPER; SEN. CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that any child from a public school, subject to guidelines established by the State Board of Education, shall be permitted by a school board at least one school day-long excused absence per school year for any middle school or high school student for a child that is absent from school to engage in a civic event. A school board may require that the student provide advance notice of the intended absence and require that the student provide documentation of participation in a civic event.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Provides that school boards may require reasonable advance notice (instead of requiring advance notice) of the intended absence. Provides that the reasonable advance notification and documentation shall be provided to the appropriate school administrator. Further amends the Compulsory Attendance for Pupils Article of the School Code. Defines "civic event", and provides that the State Board of Education may adopt rules to further define "civic event". Adds attending a civic event as part of the definition of "valid cause". Makes corresponding, grammatical, and stylistic changes.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0981

5/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCHOOL CODE-VARIOUS
(REP. TOM WEBER)

Amends the School Code. Provides that school districts may not include certain concepts as part of a course, or allow teachers or other employees of the school district to use supplemental instructional materials that include or promote certain concepts. Provides for a complaint method and cause of action for violations. Sets forth provisions regarding notice, developing a complaint form, ways to determine if there is a valid complaint, and penalties. Provides that if a school district uses a third-party vendor in providing a personal analysis, evaluation, or survey that reveals or attempts to affect a student's attitudes, habits, traits, opinions, beliefs, or feelings, the third-party vendor and the school district may not collect or maintain the responses to or results of the analysis, evaluation, or survey in a manner that would identify the responses or results of an individual student. Makes changes concerning courses in patriotism and principles of representative government education. Makes changes regarding courses in comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education. Provides that the data on complaints shall be placed on the school's report card. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

PARENTAL ACCESS AND CURRICULUM
(REP. ADAM NIEMERG)

Creates the Parental Access and Curriculum Transparency Act, which may be referred to as PACT. Makes findings. Provides that no public school district or public institution of higher education shall direct, require, or otherwise compel a student to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to specified tenets. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or administrative rule to the contrary, a school board, parent, legal guardian, or student has the right to object to and refuse any unit of instruction or required course of study that directs, requires, or otherwise compels a student to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to any of the specified tenets. Provides that school boards have to review and resolve objections to school curriculum. Provides a list of ways to resolve objections. Provides that a school board may submit a certified question to the applicable board of elections to approve or disapprove of funding certain curriculum. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no distinction or classification of students shall be made on account of race or color, but nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit the required collection or reporting of demographic data by public school districts or public institutions of higher education. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. DENYSE STONEBACK)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning funding of local gifted education programs.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

PROP TX-LAND BANK EXEMPTION
(REP. LAKESIA COLLINS; SEN. ANTONIO MUÑOZ)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that with the exception of a county or taxing district acquiring tax certificates to property, all purchasers or assignees of a property at a tax sale shall pay the clerk postage plus the sum of $10 dollars (currently, the purchaser or assignee). Provides that not less than 1 month (currently, 3 months) nor more than 6 months prior to the expiration of the period of redemption, the purchaser or his or her assignee shall prepare and deliver to the clerk of the Circuit Court of the county in which the property is located, the notice provided for, together with the statutory costs for mailing the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. Provides that notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, all properties owned and held for future development by specified entities are exempt from property taxes. Provides requirements to claim the exemption. Specifies the County of Cook d/b/a Cook County Land Bank as an entity exempt from property taxes. Provides that when property is owned and held by a specified entity, then excludes them from needing to file an application with the county board of review or board of appeals. Provides that the decision of the board of review is final with regards to exemptions to the specified entities. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Adds the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority and the Northern Illinois Land Bank Authority to the list of entities whose property is exempt if it is held for future development. Makes a conforming change concerning final decisions of the board of review. Makes various formatting changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0815

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-SCH SPEECH-DISCIPLINE
(REP. ANNE STAVA-MURRAY)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district operating one or more high schools, a charter school, or a private secondary school shall not make or enforce a rule subjecting a high school student to disciplinary sanctions solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside of the campus, is protected from governmental restriction by the United States Constitution or the Illinois Constitution. Provides that a student who is enrolled in a school at the time that the school has made or enforced a rule that the student would be protected from may commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by the court. Provides that the new provisions do not apply to a private secondary school that is controlled by a religious organization to the extent that the application would not be consistent with the religious tenets of the organization. Provides that an employee shall not be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in conduct authorized under the new provisions, or refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/4/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/4/2022 - House Bills on Second Reading

SCH CD/HIGHER ED-TEXT HOTLINE
(REP. FRED CRESPO)

Amends the School Code and the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that the State Board of Education and Board of Higher Education shall establish text message hotlines to assist students and other persons in reporting any cases of sexual assault, grooming, or other violations that occurred within a school district or public institution of higher education or at a function of the school district or institution. Provides that the Boards shall adopt rules establishing the guidelines for the text message hotlines and providing for adequate support assistance to students and other persons who use the text message hotlines. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/17/2022 - House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies

SCH CD-SCH EMPLOYEE MIN WAGE
(REP. LAMONT ROBINSON)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall pay a minimum wage of at least $20 per hour by 2025 for all public school employees, including, but not limited to, custodians, support staff, and substitute teachers.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/18/2022 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. LA SHAWN FORD)

Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

EDUCATION-TECH
(REP. MARY FLOWERS)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/18/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

2/16/2022 - House Executive

SCH CD-HIGH SCHOOL-ASVAB TEST
(SEN. RAM VILLIVALAM)

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, requires a school district to provide to students enrolled in grades 10 through 12 the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and consult with a military recruiter during regular school hours and in a location situated on school grounds.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

1/11/2022 - Senate Education

REVENUE-TECH
(SEN. DON HARMON)

Amends the Cigarette Machine Operators' Occupation Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/10/2022 - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

4/8/2022 - Senate Floor Amendment No. 8 Purusant to Senate Rule 3-8(b-1) the following amendments will remain in the Committee on Assignments.

TIF/REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
(SEN. ANN GILLESPIE)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Adds two factors to the determination of a "blighted area" for improved, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings or improvements: (i) if the redevelopment project area has had an annual average unemployment rate of at least 120% of the State's annual average unemployment rate; and (ii) if the redevelopment project area has a poverty rate of at least 20%, 50% or more of children in the redevelopment project area participate in the federal free lunch program, or 20% or more households in the redevelopment project area receive food stamps. Removes or modifies various factors from the definitions of "blighted area" and "conservation area" for improved and vacant areas. Provides that a new redevelopment project shall have a completion date no later than December 31st of the 10th year after the ordinance was adopted (rather than the 23rd year) and may be extended to 15 years (rather than 35 years). Provides that the joint review board and municipality shall approve surplus funds and extensions of redevelopment project area completion dates. Provides that surplus funds shall be distributed annually within 90 days (rather than 180 days) after the close of a municipality's fiscal year. Provides that a new or modified redevelopment project area that overlaps with any existing redevelopment project area shall not be approved. Effective July 1, 2021.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/10/2022 - Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

2/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

SCH CD-CRSA-RESIDENTIAL AGMNT
(SEN. KARINA VILLA)

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Grants the Community and Residential Services Authority the authority to provide to youth in this State who are eligible for placement in a residential facility, but who have not been placed in a facility with the opportunity to be placed in a residential facility through the use of an individual agreement. Sets forth the duties of the Community and Residential Services Authority in regard to the placement of youth under an individual agreement in residential placement facilities, including prioritizing residential programs that have been approved by State agencies and preparing the individual agreement contract to be used by State agencies. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

SCH CD-TRANSFER ALT SCHOOL
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY)

Amends the School Code. Provides that school officials shall limit the number and duration of transfers to alternative schools in place of discipline. Requires a school district to create an Alternative School Bill of Rights by which a pupil who is offered a transfer to an alternative school in place of disciplinary action shall be provided with certain information by the appropriate administrator. Provides that the Alternative School Bill of Rights shall constitute a contract between the school board and the educational rights holder by requiring a signature from either a representative, assignee, or other designated member of the school board and the educational rights holder. Provides that in no event may a school board extend the duration of a pupil's transfer to an alternative school in place of discipline without written notice to the educational rights holder and an opportunity to be meaningful heard before the school board. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/10/2022 - Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

MUNI CD-TIF CONTIGUOUS PARCELS
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that parcels are considered to be contiguous if they touch or join one another in a reasonably substantial sense. Provides that parcels are also considered to be contiguous if they meet the criteria for annexation under specified provisions of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides the changes and declarative of existing law and are retroactive with regard to pending actions, except to any rights of a party subject to a final judgment entered pursuant to the September 23, 2021 opinion of the Illinois Supreme Court in Board of Education of Richland School District 88A v. City of Crest Hill, 2021 IL 126444. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/25/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

3/24/2022 - House Revenue & Finance

SCH CD-PARAPROFESSIONAL SALARY
(SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. With respect to minimum salaries, provides that if a school board establishes a schedule for teachers' salaries based on education and experience, then all licensed paraprofessionals employed by that board shall be paid at least one-half of the teacher's rate in accordance with the provisions of such schedule. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

1/26/2022 - To Appropriations- Education

PEN CD-TRS-RETURN TO SERVICE
(SEN. NAPOLEON HARRIS, III)

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that beginning July 1, 2021 through 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 150 paid days (instead of 120 paid days) or 750 paid hours (instead of 600 paid hours) in each school year. 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 120 paid days (instead of 100 paid days) or 600 paid hours (instead of 500 paid hours) in each school year. Makes a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that beginning July 1, 2021 through 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 140 paid days (rather than 150 paid days) or 700 paid hours (rather than 750 paid hours) in each school year, but not more than 100 paid days in the same classroom.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

4/11/2022 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

4/7/2022 - Substitute House Sponsorship Request Referred to Rules Committee

SCH CD-REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
(SEN. SUE REZIN; REP. THOMAS BENNETT)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that the number of professional development hours required is reduced by 20% for any renewal cycle that includes the 2021-2022 school year. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0852

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-PARAPROFESSIONAL AGE
(SEN. SUZANNE HILTON)

Amends the School Code. Allows a person who is at least 18 years of age (instead of 19 years of age) to be licensed as a paraprofessional educator. With respect to the paraprofessional competency test, requires the test to be passed within 90 days after employment.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

2/9/2022 - Postponed - Education

EMPLOY/EDUC SUPPORT PERSONNEL
(SEN. LINDA HOLMES; REP. AMY ELIK)

Amends the School Code. Adds a special education cooperative that dissolves or reorganizes to provisions concerning the continued employment of educational support personnel employees in a new, annexing, or receiving school district. Provides that with respect to a special education cooperative reorganization, the contractual continued service status of a teacher transfers to the new or different board. Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that it is unlawful for an employer to demote an employee because of the exercise of his or her rights or remedies under the Act. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Makes corresponding changes concerning the addition of a special education cooperative that dissolves or reorganizes to provisions concerning the continued employment of educational support personnel employees in a new, annexing, or receiving school district and in provisions specifying that, with respect to a special education cooperative reorganization, the contractual continued service status of a teacher transfers to the new or different board. Provides that, in the case of a special education cooperative that dissolves or reorganizes, the districts that are parties to the joint agreement shall follow specified procedures. Removes changes to the Workers' Compensation Act. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - In provisions concerning contractual continued service, provides that if, by reason of a special education cooperative reorganization or dissolution (rather than by reason of a special education cooperative reorganization), the position held by any teacher having a contractual continued service status is transferred from one board to the control of a new or different board, then the contractual continued service status of the teacher is not thereby lost.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0854

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

ECON&COMM DEVELOP COMMISSION
(SEN. DORIS TURNER)

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality shall, within 30 days of adoption of an ordinance establishing a redevelopment project area, create an economic and community development commission. Provides for each commission to consist of 9 members appointed by the mayor of the municipality and members appointed by school districts, county boards, park districts, townships, community college boards, water reclamation districts or sanitary districts, and other taxing districts within the redevelopment project area. Provides that each commission shall review and approve the use of all funds from the special tax allocation fund for redevelopment projects and, if the members of the commission disagree, the majority opinion shall be understood as the commission's approval or denial of the use of such funds.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

2/1/2022 - Assigned to Senate Revenue

PROPERTY TAX-SITE VALUE
(SEN. WIN STOLLER)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates the Site Value Tax Law within the Property Tax Code. Provides that a municipality and any taxing district located in whole or in part within that municipality may levy a site value tax upon the assessed value of land within the municipality. Provides that "assessed value" means 33 1/3% of the fair cash value of the land, without regard to buildings, structures, improvements, or other permanent fixtures on the land, except for the value of oil, gas, coal, and other minerals in the land and the right to remove such oil, gas, coal, and other minerals from the land. Contains provisions concerning enforcement and collection. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

2/1/2022 - Assigned to Senate Revenue

LOCAL GOV CONSOLIDATION-10 YRS
(SEN. JULIE MORRISON; REP. SAM YINGLING)

Creates the Decennial Committees on Local Government Consolidation and Efficiency Act. Provides that, within one year after the effective date of the Act and at least once every 10 years thereafter, each unit of local government that may levy any tax (except municipalities and counties) must form a committee to: study local efficiencies, including an analysis of whether to consolidate with another unit of local government, municipality, or county; and create a report with recommendations regarding efficiencies, increased accountability, and consolidation. Provides that the duties of the committee include, but are not limited to, the study of the unit of local government's governing statutes, ordinances, rules, procedures, powers, jurisdiction, shared services, intergovernmental agreements, and interrelationships with other units of local government and the State. Provides that the committee shall collect data, research, analysis, and public input. Dissolves the committee after completion of its report. Provides for committee membership, meetings, and report requirements. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Renames the Act to the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act. Removes a requirement that a committee study whether the governmental unit should consolidate with another governmental unit, municipality, or county and makes conforming changes. Amends the School Code. Provides that the report that accompanies the school district's annual financial report must be adopted at an open meeting that allows for public comment. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

  RECENT STATUS

6/10/2022 - Effective Date June 10, 2022

6/10/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1088

6/10/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

STATE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
(SEN. CRISTINA CASTRO; REP. LINDSEY LAPOINTE)

Amends the Children and Family Services Act, the Illinois Youthbuild Act, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act, the School Code, the Public University Uniform Admission Pilot Program Act, the Public Community College Act, the Higher Education Student Assistance Act, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Pharmacy Practice Act, the Structural Pest Control Act, the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act, the Home Inspector License Act, the Real Estate License Act of 2000, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, the Illinois Vehicle Code, and the Unified Code of Corrections. Changes references from high school equivalency certificate to State of Illinois High School Diploma.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - In the provisions of the School Code concerning high school equivalency, specifies that a State of Illinois High School Diploma is a recognized high school equivalency certificate for purposes of reciprocity with other states and a high school equivalency certificate from another state is equivalent to a State of Illinois High School Diploma.

  RECENT STATUS

6/24/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1100

6/24/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

6/24/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-WHOLE CHILD TASK FORCE
(SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON; REP. NICHOLAS SMITH)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Vocational Education Act. Requires the Gender Equity Advisory Committee, on or before December 15, 2023, to submit recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly, and State Board of Education on how school districts and the State Board of Education can better support historically disadvantaged males, including African American students and other students of color, to ensure educational equity. Makes that requirement inoperative on and after December 31, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0863

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-COMPLETION RATES
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY)

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Supporting Special Needs Students Act. Amends the School Code. When computing certain completion rates, requires the State Superintendent of Education to exclude students who: are at least 18 years of age as of September 1 of the school year as reported for the fall semester and have satisfied the credit requirements for high school graduation; have not completed their individualized education program; and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, in high school districts in counties with populations greater than 800,000 but less than 4,000,000 where there are 2 high schools individually serving grades 9 through 12 and where enrollment is less than 2,500 at any school, enrollment shall be balanced across high schools within the district equally, not to exceed a 15% enrollment difference when averaged over the previous 3 consecutive years.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

3/24/2022 - Senate Bills on Third Reading

SCH CD-LUNCH-VETERAN CHILDREN
(SEN. ADRIANE JOHNSON; REP. SUE SCHERER)

Amends the School Code. Provides that all school boards shall waive fees assessed by the district for each student with a parent who is a veteran with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that all school boards shall waive fees assessed by the district for each student with a parent who is a veteran or active duty military personnel (only veteran in the introduced bill) with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Effective Date May 27, 2022

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1032

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-MACHINE CONTROL LANG
(SEN. KARINA VILLA)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code with respect to high school course requirements. Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, provides that foreign language courses may include courses in machine control language. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

2/9/2022 - Postponed - Education

SUB TEACHER-120 DAYS TOTAL
(SEN. PATRICK JOYCE; REP. SUE SCHERER)

Amends the School Code. Provides that a substitute teacher may teach up to 120 (instead of 90) school days for any one licensed teacher under contract in the same school year. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that substitute teachers may teach up to 120 school days beginning with the 2021-2022 school year through the 2022-2023 school year.

  RECENT STATUS

4/29/2022 - Effective Date April 29, 2022

4/29/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0717

4/29/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

PROP TX-ASSESSMENT
(SEN. DON HARMON)

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Revenue to conduct a property tax assessment process study. Amends the Property Tax Code. Limits the increase in the assessment of any commercial or residential property to 15% over the assessed value in the previous tax year and 40% in any 3-year period. Provides that the limitation shall apply in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and may apply in other counties by ordinance or resolution of the county board. Provides that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, whenever the chief county assessment officer of the county substantively changes the procedure by which he or she assesses properties, the chief county assessment officer shall hold a 60-day public comment period to receive input from members of the public before the change takes effect.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

10/21/2022 - Chief Sponsor Changed to Sen. Don Harmon

2/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

PROP TX-REDUCED ASSESSED VALUE
(SEN. ANN GILLESPIE)

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that to receive a reduction in assessed value, an owner, for the purpose of the initial application and only until the building is put in service, may provide proof of either a deed restriction or participation in a government program that includes legally enforceable affordability requirements comparable to the requirements of this Code and the chief county assessment officer shall furnish a letter of intent to the applicant indicating that a preliminary assessment of the new construction or qualifying rehabilitation indicates that it will meet all eligibility requirements. Modifies "assessed value for the residential real property in the base year" to mean the assessed value used to calculate the tax bill, as certified by the Board of Review, for the tax year immediately prior to the tax year in which the building permit is issued; for property assessed as other than residential property, the "assessed value for the residential real property in the base year" means the assessed value that would have been obtained had the property been classified as residential as derived from the Board of Review's certified market value (currently, the value in effect at the end of the taxable year prior to the latter of: (1) the date of initial application; or (2) the date on which 20% of the total number of units in the property are occupied by eligible tenants paying eligible rent). Modifies "maximum income limits" to include when a property may be deemed to have satisfied the maximum income limits with a weighted average if municipal, state, or federal laws, ordinances, rules or regulations requires the use of a weighted average of no more than 60% of area median income for that property. Modifies "maximum rent" to include that a property may be deemed to have satisfied the maximum rent with a weighted average if municipal, state, or federal laws, ordinances, rules or regulations requires the use of a weighted average of no more than 60% of area median income for that property.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Removes provisions from the introduced bill providing that the owner may provide proof of either a deed restriction or participation in a government program that includes certain legally enforceable affordability requirements. Provides that the bill is effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/20/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0893

5/20/2022 - Effective Date May 20, 2022

5/20/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

RIGHT TO READ ACT
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD)

Creates the Right to Read Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall offer support: to each public school district to select evidence-based core reading instruction programs and implement them using structured literacy instruction; and to each early childhood, elementary, and special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, and administrator to complete evidence-based training in teaching reading. Requires the State Board of Education to annually compile and post on its website information on the steps it has undertaken to support school districts to deliver high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction, including a list of any Early Literacy Grant recipients, documentation of how the recipient allocated the funding to support improved literacy, and what evidence-based literacy curricula the recipient is utilizing. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning educator testing, requires applicants seeking specified licenses to pass a test in reading foundations, which shall include assessment of the applicant's understanding of phonological and phonemic awareness, concepts of print and the alphabetic principle, the role of phonics in promoting reading development, word analysis skills and strategies, vocabulary development, application of reading comprehension skills and strategies, and methods for assessing reading development. In provisions concerning minimum requirements for educators trained in other states or countries, provides that an applicant who has successfully completed a reading foundations test of at least comparable rigor to the Illinois reading foundations test is not required to complete a reading foundations test. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause with provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Makes changes to the General Assembly's findings. Makes changes concerning the support offered by the State Board of Education to a public school district to select evidence-based core reading instruction programs and implement them. Makes changes concerning the support offered by the State Board of Education to each early childhood, elementary, and special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, higher education faculty member, and administrator to complete evidence-based training in teaching reading, including creation of a tool that school districts and the public may use to evaluate professional development and training programs (instead of the creation of an advisory list of rigorous professional development programs). Further amends the School Code. Requires that, before October 1, 2023, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, review and, as needed, amend its professional licensure standards to align with the principles of evidence-based literary instruction. Makes changes to the amendatory provisions concerning educator testing, including requiring that applicants seeking specified licenses pass a test in reading foundations after October 1, 2025. Makes changes concerning the minimum requirements for educators trained in other states or countries, including providing that applicants must complete coursework concerning evidence-based methods of reading that include explicit and repeated focus on phonemic awareness, a systematic approach to phonics (decoding), spelling instruction (encoding), vocabulary development, including morphology, reading fluency, oral language development, and reading comprehension, including syntax and background (content) knowledge. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

5/10/2022 - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

4/8/2022 - Senate Bills on Second Reading

SCH CD-DIPLOMA PREREQUISITES
(SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD)

Amends the School Code. Resolves conflicts with versions of provisions concerning prerequisites to receiving a high school diploma from Public Acts 101-654 (Sections 50-5 and 60-5), 102-366, and 102-551. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0864

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SUB TEACHER-EXPAND SHORT TERM
(SEN. DORIS TURNER; REP. SUE SCHERER)

Amends the School Code. Provides that an individual holding a Short-Term Substitute Teaching License may teach up to 15 (instead of 5) consecutive days per licensed teacher who is under contract. Provides that a school district may hire an individual holding a Short-Term Substitute Teaching License for teacher absences lasting 6 or more days per licensed teacher who is under contract, if the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

4/27/2022 - Effective Date April 27, 2022

4/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0712

4/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-MENTAL HEALTH DAYS
(SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL; REP. DAGMARA AVELAR)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning sick leave for full-time teachers and eligible employees, adds mental or behavioral health complications to the enumerated interpretations of sick leave. Adds that the school board may require a certificate from a mental health professional licensed in Illinois providing ongoing care or treatment to the teacher or employee. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Adds provisions to the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1. Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that, in addition to any interpretation or definition included in a collective bargaining agreement or board of education or district policy, sick leave, or its equivalent, to which a teacher or other eligible employee is entitled shall be interpreted to include mental or behavioral health complications. Provides that, unless contrary to a collective bargaining agreement or board of education or district policy, the board may require a certificate from a mental health professional licensed in Illinois providing ongoing care or treatment to the teacher or employee as a basis for pay during leave after an absence of 3 days for mental or behavioral health complications. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0866

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

WAIVE SUB TEACHER LICENSE FEE
(SEN. MEG LOUGHRAN CAPPEL; REP. JONATHAN CARROLL)

Amends the School Code. Provides that the application fee for a Short-Term Substitute Teaching License shall be waived when the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0867

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

STUDENT SCHOOL HELPLINE
(SEN. ELGIE SIMS; REP. DEB CONROY)

Creates the Student Confidential Reporting Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Illinois State Police, in consultation with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, State Board of Education, Department of Children and Family Services, and the Department of Human Services, to establish a program for receiving reports and other information from the public regarding potential self-harm or potential harm or criminal acts directed at school students, school employees, or schools in this State. Requires the program to include a Safe2Help Illinois helpline (defined as a school helpline involving a statewide toll-free telephone number, social media, a website, or other means of communication, or a combination of a toll-free telephone number and another means of communication, that transmits voice, text, photographic, or other messages and information to the Safe2Help Illinois operators). Provides for referrals from and the discontinuance of other State-operated school violence help lines (excluding the CPS Violence Prevention Hotline). Sets forth other program and Illinois State Police requirements. Contains provisions concerning the confidentiality of reported information, funding, and annual reporting. Provides that a Safe2Help Illinois employee, law enforcement agency, or law enforcement official acting in good faith in compliance with the Act shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise occur as a result of handling tips, with the exception of willful or wanton misconduct. Provides that the Illinois State Police may adopt emergency rules to implement the Act. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Defines "Safe2Help Illinois Manager". Provides that beginning on the date that Safe2Help Illinois is operational, any State or locally operated school violence help line currently in operation shall work in conjunction with Safe2Help Illinois as needed. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall ensure that program personnel or call center staff, or both, are appropriately trained in the following areas: (1) crisis management, including recognizing mental illness and emotional disturbance; (2) the resources that are available for providing mental health and other human services; (3) matters determined by the Illinois State Police to be relevant to the operation of the program; and (4) handling of criminal intelligence information regarding primary and data collection, storage, and dissemination. Provides that the Safe2Help Illinois program manager, in consultation with the Illinois State Police and the State Board of Education, shall prepare an annual report. Deletes provisions requiring the Department of Innovation and Technology's dedicated website to provide risk assessment information for students. Deletes provisions requiring the Illinois State Police to be responsible for the administrative oversight of the Safe2Help Illinois program. Deletes the amendatory changes to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Further amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Permits the disclosure of juvenile law enforcement records to the appropriate school official only if the agency or officer believes that there is an imminent threat of physical harm to students, school personnel, or others (removing "who are present in the school or on school grounds").

  RECENT STATUS

5/6/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/6/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0752

5/6/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-CAREER CONNECT PROGRAM
(SEN. LAURA MURPHY; REP. JONATHAN CARROLL)

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and continuing for not less than 2 years, to make available a model program of study that incorporates the training and experience necessary to serve as a direct support professional. Requires the State Board, by July 1, 2023, to submit recommendations developed in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, organizations representing community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and education practitioners, including, but not limited to, teachers, administrators, special education directors, and regional superintendents of schools, to the Department of Human Services for the training that would be required in order to be complete the model program of study.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0874

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-MINIMUM SALARY
(SEN. ELGIE SIMS)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that in fixing salaries of employees, school boards shall pay to employees an hourly rate not less than the following: (i) $20 for the 2022-2023 school year; (ii) $21 for the 2023-2024 school year; and (iii) $22 for the 2024-2025 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 the school district who provides educational support services to the district, including, but not limited to, custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, administrative staff, or paraprofessional educators. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

2/10/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

2/1/2022 - To Appropriations- Education

SCH CD-TEACHER DISMISSAL
(SEN. ELGIE SIMS)

Amends the School Code. Provides that if an employing board determines to dismiss a teacher during the probationary period (instead of in the last year of a specified probationary period), the employing board must provide a written notice for dismissal with specific reasons for dismissal. Provides that any full-time teacher who does not receive written notice from the employing board at least 45 days before the end of any school term and whose performance does not require dismissal (instead of whose performance does not require dismissal after the fourth probationary year) shall be re-employed for the following school term. Effective immediately.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

3/24/2022 - Senate Bills on Third Reading

SCH-NONEXCLUSIONARY DISCIPLINE
(SEN. ELGIE SIMS)

Amends the School Code. Requires school districts to make reasonable efforts to provide ongoing professional development to teachers, administrators, school board members, school resource officers, and staff on non-exclusionary discipline practices. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

3/25/2022 - Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As April 8, 2022

SCH CD-TEACHER TENURE/3 YEARS
(SEN. ELGIE SIMS)

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Makes changes to each of the 3 probationary periods pertaining to attaining contractual continued service for certain teachers based upon the teacher's school terms of service and performance. For the first probationary period, requires the teacher to be employed for 3 (rather than 4) consecutive school terms and to receive an overall annual evaluation rating of at least "Proficient" for all 3 school terms of service (rather than in either the second or third term of service). For the second probationary period, requires the teacher to serve for 2 (rather than 3) consecutive terms of service in which the teacher receives 2 (rather than 3) overall annual evaluations of "Excellent". For the third probationary period, requires the teacher to receive 2 overall annual evaluations of "Proficient" service (rather than "Excellent" service). Makes a conforming change. Effective July 1, 2023.

  RECENT STATUS

1/10/2023 - Session Sine Die

3/25/2022 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

3/24/2022 - Senate Bills on Second Reading

SCH CD-RESTRICT ASSESSMENTS
(SEN. CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS; REP. SUE SCHERER)

Amends the School Code. Prohibits the State Board of Education from developing, purchasing, or requiring a school district to administer, develop, or purchase a standardized assessment for students enrolled or preparing to enroll in prekindergarten through grade 2, other than for diagnostic purposes. Prohibits the State Board of Education from providing funding for any standardized assessment of students enrolled or preparing to enroll in prekindergarten through grade 2. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Changes the term "diagnostic purposes" to "diagnostic and screening purposes". Includes in the definition of diagnostic and screening purposes the determination of eligibility for special education, early intervention, bilingual education, dyslexia services, or other related educational services. Removes "child find" from the definition of diagnostic and screening purposes. Permits the State Board of Education to provide funding for any standardized assessment of students enrolled or preparing to enroll in prekindergarten through grade 2 for diagnostic and screening purposes.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date May 13, 2022

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0875

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCHCD-PARAPROFESSIONAL-ELEM ED
(SEN. CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS; REP. MAURA HIRSCHAUER)

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that a paraprofessional educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who is at least 18 years of age and will be using the Educator License with Stipulations exclusively for elementary education. Makes a corresponding change.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill, but allows a paraprofessional educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations to be issued to an applicant who is at least 18 years of age only until the individual reaches the age of 19 years and otherwise meets the criteria for a paraprofessional educator endorsement.

  RECENT STATUS

4/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

4/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0713

4/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCH CD-SCH COUNSELING SERVICES
(SEN. CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS; REP. AVERY BOURNE)

Amends the School Code. Provides that school counseling services may include the promotion of career and technical education by assisting each student to determine an appropriate postsecondary plan based upon the student's skills, strengths, and goals and assisting the student to implement the best practices that improve career or workforce readiness after high school.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the school counseling services of developing individual career plans with students and assisting all students with a college or postsecondary education plan includes planning for postsecondary education, as appropriate, and engaging in related and relevant career and technical education coursework in high school.

  RECENT STATUS

5/13/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/13/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0876

5/13/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

HEALTH EDUCATION-MENTAL HEALTH
(SEN. MIKE SIMMONS; REP. CAROL AMMONS)

Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. With respect to the Comprehensive Health Education Program, requires that the instruction on mental health and illness discuss how and where to find mental health resources in this State. Effective immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: With respect to the Comprehensive Health Education Program, requires that the Program include instruction on how and where to find mental health resources and specialized treatment in the State (rather than on mental health and illness discuss how and where to find mental health resources in the State). Amends the Children's Mental Health Act of 2003. Provides that the Children's Mental Health Partnership shall also include an adjunct council. Defines membership and qualifications of the adjunct council. Provides that the adjunct council will make recommendations to the Partnership regarding youth mental health, including, but not limited to, identifying barriers to youth feeling supported by and empowered by the system of mental health and treatment providers, barriers perceived by youth in accessing mental health services, gaps in the mental health system, available resources in schools, including youth's perceptions and experiences with outreach personnel, agency websites, and informational materials, methods to destigmatize mental health services, and how to improve State policy concerning student mental health. Provides that the council shall meet at least 4 times annually.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Provides that the Partnership shall include an adjunct council comprised of no more than 6 youth aged 14 to 25 and (rather than no more than) 4 representatives of 4 different community-based organizations (instead of 3 representatives of 3 different community based organizations) that focus on youth mental health. Provides that, of the community-based organizations that focus on youth mental health, one of the community-based organizations shall be led by an LGBTQ-identified person, one of the community-based organizations shall be led by a person of color, and one of the community-based organizations shall be led by a woman (instead of each community-based organization shall be led by an LGBTQ-identified person, a person of color, or a woman). Provides that, of the representatives appointed to the council from the community-based organizations, at least one representative shall be LGBTQ-identified, at least one representative shall be a person of color, and at least one representative shall be a woman.

  RECENT STATUS

5/27/2022 - Effective Date January 1, 2023

5/27/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-1034

5/27/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED

SCHOOLS-MISCELLANEOUS
(SEN. CHRISTOPHER BELT; REP. THOMAS BENNETT)

Amends Public Act 102-466 to change the effective date of certain provisions. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning State Board of Education reporting, references to the Certification of Teachers Article and certification, reporting attacks on school personnel, the Annual State Report on Special Education Performance, the High-Cost Special Education Funding Commission, the evidence-based funding formula, a part-time provisional career and technical educator endorsement or a provisional career and technical educator endorsement on an educator license with stipulations, the heroin and opioid drug prevention pilot program, the Emotional Intelligence and Social and Emotional Learning Task Force, and the limitation on noninstructional costs in the Chicago school district. Repeals provisions concerning the Downstate School Finance Authority for Elementary Districts Law, an alternative education program audit adjustment prohibition, high-skilled manufacturing teaching resources, entrepreneurial skills teaching resources, a job training program prohibition, the Giant Steps Autism Center for Excellence pilot program, fast growth grants, and the Alternative Route to Administrative Certification for National Board Certified Teachers. Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Adds a charter school authorized by the State Board of Education and a special education cooperative to the definition of "school" and requires a charter school to have threat assessment procedures. Amends the Property Tax Code, Illinois Pension Code, and Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act to make related changes. Amends the College and Career Success for All Students Act to make a technical change. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Further amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall review each school district, charter school, or non-public, non-sectarian elementary or secondary school's filled policy on bullying by September 30 of the subject year. Provides that if a school fails to file a policy by September 30, then the State Board of Education shall provide a written request for the school to file the policy. Provides that if a school fails to file a policy after receiving a written request, then the State Board of Education shall publish notice of the non-compliance on the State Board of Education's website.

  RECENT STATUS

5/20/2022 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0894

5/20/2022 - Effective Date May 20, 2022

5/20/2022 - GOVERNOR APPROVED