[6/04/2023] State of Illinois Legislative Update

Select Bills Introduced in the Illinois General Assembly Pertaining to Education

Prepared by Bev Johns, June 4, 2023

House Bill 1003—Flowers.

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the Chicago Board of Education shall require the top 20% of the lowest performing schools in the school district, as determined by the Board, to employ a school nurse in conformance with certain provisions of the Code concerning school nurses. Effective Immediately. House Appropriations- Elementary and Secondary Ed. Deadline Extended to May 19, 2023

House Bill 1095—Flowers.

Appropriates $26,000,000 to the State Board of Education for the purpose of providing a grant to City of Chicago School District 299 to employ individuals licensed as school nurses to proved health care-related services to students in the district and to eliminate any contracts with outside entities entered into to provide nurses for the district’s schools. Effective July 1, 2023. Houses Appropriations – Elementary and Secondary Ed. Deadline Extended to May 19, 2023

House Bill 1099—Flowers.

Creates the Children’s Mental Health Local Collaborative Transformation Fund Act. Creates local children’s mental health collaboratives. Defines “local children’s mental health collaborative” as an entity formed by the agreement of representatives of the local system of care, including mental health services, social services, correctional services, education services, health services, and vocational services, for the purpose of developing and governing an integrated service system. Provides that, to qualify as a local children’s mental health collaborative and be eligible to receive start-up funds, the representatives of the local system of care and nongovernmental entities ( such as parents of children in the target population; parent and consumer organizations; community, civic, and religious organizations; private and nonprofit mental and physical health care providers; culturally specific organizations; local foundations; and business) or, at a minimum, one county, one school district or special education cooperative, one mental health entity, and one juvenile justice or juvenile corrections entity, must agree to the following: (1) to establish a local children’s mental health collaborative and develop an integrated service system; (2) to commit resources to providing services through the local children’s mental health collaborative; and (3) to develop a plan to contribute funds to the children’s mental health collaborative. Effective January 1, 2024. House Appropriations – Health and Human Services. Deadline Extended to May 19, 2023

House Bill 1123—Costa Howard.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes provisions requiring the student outcome data on a school report card to include the percentage of students with disabilities who have fulfilled the minimum State graduation requirements but have not completed their individualized education program and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services. Provides that for any school report card prepared after July 1, 2025, for all high school graduation completion rates that are reported on the school report card, the State Superintendent of Education shall also report the percentage of students who did not meet the requirements of high school graduation completion for any reason and, of those students, the percentage that are classified as students who fulfill the requirements of the participation in graduation provisions of the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Requires the State Superintendent to ensure that for the 2023-2024 school year there is a specific code for districts to report students who fulfill the requirements of those provisions. Provides that these reporting requirements shall be included on the school report card where high school graduation completion rates are reported, along with a brief explanation. Adds an immediate effective date. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 1204—Traver II.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Provides that the child may also attend the ceremonial induction into office of anyone in the child’s household, the child’s grandparents, siblings, or a close friend of the child. Senate First Reading.

House Bill 1211—Buckner.

Amends the evidence-based funding provisions of the School Code. Provides that funds received by the Chicago school district for low-income, English learner, and special education resources must be distributed to every school of the district in the appropriate amount specified under the Essential Elements component of the funding formula.  Effective July 1, 2023. House Appropriations – Elementary and Secondary Ed. Extended to May 19, 2023.

House Bill 1273—Elik.

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

House Bill 1291—Stuart.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Provides that funds may be used for professional development training provided by the National Board Resource Center (instead of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or the National Board Resource Center). Passed both Houses.

House Bill 1375—Traver II.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Provides that the personal finance course requirement begins with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2027-2028 (rather than 2024-2025) school year. Provides that the State Board of Education (instead of the school board) shall develop implementation guidelines and timelines to assist schools in implementing the personal finance course and determine what may be counted as a graduation requirement for this course. Passed House. Postponed in Senate Education.

House Bill 1561—Lilly. 

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Provides that school district employees who are trained to respond to trauma pursuant to the specified in-service training shall be immune from civil liability in the use of a trauma kit (instead of in all matters relating to trauma response training, school district employees are immune from civil liability in the use of a trauma kit) unless the action constitutes willful or wanton misconduct. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 1633—West and Didech.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

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

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1

Provides that the State Education Equity Committee shall include a member who is either an individual with a disability or a statewide organization representing or advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 2156—Keicher. 

Amends the School Code. Provides that student identification cards shall also provide contact information for the Safe2Help Illinois helpline. Effective July 1, 2023.

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Boards and the Chicago School District Articles of the School Code. In provisions concerning identification cards, and suicide prevention information, removes the option to have a local suicide prevention hotline number on the card. Repeals certain provisions concerning student identification cards. Effective July 1, 2023. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 2365—LaPointe.

Provides that a social work applicant who, on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act or within 5 years before the effective date of the amendatory Act, has taken but has not successfully completed an examination to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work (instead of only an applicant) may use an examination alternative to allow the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 2384—Nichols.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district shall (rather than may) employ a sufficient number of school counselors to maintain a (rather than the national and State recommended) student-counselor ratio of 250 to one. Provides that school districts shall require school counselors to meet with their assigned students at least once each month. Makes related changes. House Appropriations- Elementary and Secondary Ed. Deadline Extended to May 19, 2023.

House Bill 2392—Scherer.

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

House Bill 2396—Canty.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

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

House Bill 2442—Guerrero-Cuellar. 

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that subsequent endorsements may be granted to employees licensed under the Educator Licensure Article of the Code through entitlement by the school district for specific content areas and grade levels, and authorizes the school district to entitle educators for subsequent endorsements on Professional Educator Licenses issued to applicants who meet all of the requirements for the endorsement or endorsements, including passing any required content area knowledge tests. Sets forth provisions concerning professional development sequences. Effective Immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that subsequent teaching endorsements may be granted to licensed employees for specific content areas and grade levels as part of a pilot program (instead of allowing subsequent endorsements to be granted to licensed employees through entitlement by the school district for specific content areas and grade levels); makes related changes. Requires the professional development sequences to be approved by the State Board of Education, in collaboration with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (instead of approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board). Provides that the sequences shall (Instead of may) include a comprehensive review. Removes the provision requiring the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board to approve the sequences or, within 10 business days after the Board’s meeting, return the sequences to the district with notes to amend the sequences. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary for implementation no later than June 30, 2024. Effective immediately. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 2469—Ortiz.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a school board or local school council shall not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize graduation attire with items associated with the student’s cultural or ethnic identity or any protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that the items used to accessorize graduation attire may include, but are not limited to, flags, pins, or any other relevant item. Effective Immediately.  Passed House. Now in Senate Assignments.

House Bill 2773—Flowers.

Amends the School Code. Provides that school districts shall teach students how to read using phonics.  Passed House. Now in Senate Assignments.

House Bill 2789—Stava-Murray.

Amends the Illinois Library System Act. Provides that it is the policy of the State to encourage the improvement of free public libraries and to encourage cooperation among all types of libraries in promoting the sharing of library resources, including digital resources, and to encourage and protect the freedom of public libraries and library systems to acquire material without external limitation and to be protected against attempts to ban, remove, or otherwise restrict access to books or other materials. Provides that the State Librarian shall prescribe rules concerning the development of a written policy declaring the inherent authority of the public library or library system to prohibit the practice of banning specific books or resources. Provides that, in order to be eligible for State grants, a public library or library system shall develop a written policy prohibiting the practice of banning books within the public library or library system. Makes other changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: changes references to “public library or library system” to “library or library system”, provides that an alternative to the development of a written statement (rather than policy) prohibiting the practice of banning books to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights that indicates materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval; and provides that the written statement shall declare that an adequate collection (rather than stock) of books and other materials is needed in a sufficient size and varied in kind and subject matter to satisfy the library needs of the people of the State. Makes conforming changes. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 2792—Davis.

Amends the evidence-based funding provisions of the School Code. Provides that the Minimum Funding Level is equal to $550,000,000 (instead of $350,000,000). Provides for a continuing appropriation. Effective July 1, 2023. House Appropriations – Elementary and Secondary Ed. Extended to May 19, 2023.

House Bill 2865—Mayfield.

Amends the School Code. With respect to the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, removes language that provides that the State Board of Education may distribute an amount not to exceed 2% of the moneys appropriated for the Program for the purpose of providing teacher training and re-training in the teaching of reading. Provides that if the appropriation for the Program for a given fiscal year is less than $15,000,000, then the State Board shall limit eligibility to certain school districts and shall impose additional eligibility criteria to limit the number of approved applicants to a cohort sufficient for each selected district to provide adequate training and ongoing coaching support to each teacher of students in grades K through 2 and special education teachers and evidence-based curriculum investments. Removes language that provides that programs provided with grant funds shall not replace quality classroom reading instruction. Provides that Program funds may be used for grades K through 6 to provide both evidence-based, high-quality core literacy curriculum materials that consider the unique needs of English learners for concurrent oral language practice and high-quality screening assessments designed to inform instruction in English language arts and literacy for students (instead of classroom reading materials for students). Sets forth other provisions concerning if the appropriation is less than $15,000,000 or is at least $15,000,000.  House Appropriations – Elementary and Secondary Ed. Extended to May 19, 2023.

House Bill 2872—Mayfield.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, in consultation with education stakeholders, the State Board of Education shall develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan for the State on or before October 1, 2023. Effective Immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the content of the bill, but changes the date for the State Board of Education to develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan from on or before October 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Effective immediately. Passed House. Now in Senate Assignments.

House Bill 3071—Crespo.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

In provisions concerning data governance and organization to support equity and racial justice, provides that the State Board of Education shall not be required (instead of is not required) to collect personally identifiable information and report statistical data on specified categories. In provisions concerning the rewards system implemented by the State Board of Education, provides that the State Board may recognize schools that have substantial growth (instead of substantial growth performance) over the 3 years immediately preceding the year in which recognition is awarded. In provisions concerning Targeted, Comprehensive, and Intensive schools, provides that a “comprehensive” school shall be a school that is among the lowest performing 5% of schools in this State based on the multi-measures accountability system defined in the State Plan with respect to the performance of the “all students” group (instead of the “all students” group for the percentage of students deemed proficient in English/language arts and mathematics combined and demonstrates a lack of progress as defined by the State Board of Education). Changes and additional reference to the Illinois Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization Form. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3086—Harper.

Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Increases various fees imposed under the Act beginning in 2024. Amends the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act. Provides that the lawn care containment permit fee is $250 (rather than $100). Further amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that the Interagency Committee on Pesticides shall examine, with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, the possibility of using continuing education courses to satisfy pesticide applicator competency requirements required for existing licensees. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3147—Dias.

Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance on evidence-based practices. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective Immediately. 

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately. Passed House. Senate Assignments.

House Bill 3224—LaPointe.

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

House Bill 3230—LaPointe.

Creates the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Illinois Act. Requires the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health, to use an independent third-party expert to conduct a cost analysis and determine actuarially sound costs associated with developing and maintaining a statewide initiative for the coordination and delivery of the continuum of behavioral health crisis response services in the State, including crisis call centers, mobile crisis response team services, crisis receiving and stabilization centers, and other acute behavioral health services. Contains provisions concerning recommendations on multiple sources of funding that could potentially be utilized to support a sustainable and comprehensive continuum of behavioral health crisis response services; a behavioral health crisis workforce; an action plan; a stakeholder working group to develop recommendations to coordinate programming and strategies to support a cohesive behavioral health crisis response system; and other matters. Effective Immediately. 

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill but with the following changes: Makes subject to appropriation the requirement that the Department of Human Services use an independent third-party expert to conduct a cost analysis on developing and maintaining a statewide initiative for the coordination and delivery of the continuum of behavioral health crisis response services in the State. Provides that the cost analysis shall include costs that are or can be reasonably attributed to: (i) staffing and technological infrastructure enhancements necessary to achieve operational and clinical standards and best practices set forth by the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (rather than costs that are or can be reasonably attributed to ensuring the efficient and effective routing of calls made to the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline to the designated hotline center and community behavioral health centers); (ii) the need to develop staffing that is consistent with federal guidelines for (rather than staffing that is adequate for expedient) mobile crisis response times, based on call volume and the geography served; and (iii) the provision of call, text, and chat response; mobile crisis response; and follow-up and crisis stabilization services that are in response to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Removes all references to “Program 590” with “the Division of Mental Health’s Crisis Care Continuum Program”. Makes other technical changes. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Requires the Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health to determine the sound costs (rather than the actuarially sound costs) associated with developing and maintaining a statewide initiative for the coordination and delivery of the continuum of behavioral health crisis response services in the State. Expands membership on the stakeholder working group to include labor unions that represent workers in the behavioral health workforce. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3346—Chung. 

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a grant program to support the educator licensure of paraprofessionals with bachelor’s degrees. Provides that the State Board shall distribute grants to qualified school districts. Provides that the school districts shall distribute funds to paraprofessionals. Sets forth requirements for school districts to qualify. Sets forth requirements for paraprofessionals to qualify. Sets forth requirements for the grant application, selection of paraprofessionals, restrictions of funds, priority to award grant assistance, program evaluation, and rulemaking. House Appropriations – Elementary and Secondary Ed. Extended to May 19, 2023.

House Bill 3402—Chung. 

Amends the School Code. Provides that, when hiring physical education, music, and visual arts educators, school districts must prioritize the hiring of educators who hold a teaching license and endorsement in those content areas. Provides that, if a school district is unable to hire a qualified candidate, the district may then hire a candidate who holds a valid professional educator license on a short-term basis. Provides that the professional educator license applicant must pass the content area test for which they are assigned to teach within one calendar year of the employment start date. Provides that, in order to retain employment for subsequent school years, the employee must complete 18 hours of course work in the content area in which they are teaching within 3 calendar years of their employment start date. Provides that in case of a reduction in force, districts may follow their local contract language for filling positions. 

House Floor Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that, when hiring or assigning physical education, music, and visual arts educators, a school district must prioritize the hiring or assigning of educators who hold an educator license and endorsement in those content areas. Provides that a professional educator licensure applicant must pass the licensure content area test for the content area he or she is assigned to teach or complete at least 9 semester hours of coursework in the content area prior to his or her employment start date. Provides that, in order to retain his or her employment for subsequent school years, the employee must complete the remaining hours of coursework in the content area in which he or she is teaching and apply for a license endorsement within 3 calendar years after his or her employment start date. Provides that, in the case of a reduction in force, a school district may follow its employee contract language for filling positions. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3425—Croke.

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

House Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Makes changes concerning the definition of “policy on bullying”. Requires a policy to be based on the State Board of Education’s template for a model bullying preventing policy which includes the criteria set forth in the definition of “policy on bullying”. Provides that school districts, charter schools, and non-public, non-sectarian elementary and secondary schools must submit data in an annual report due to the State Board of Education no later than August 15 of each year starting with the 2024-2025 school year (instead of requiring school districts to submit data in an annual report due to the State Board no later than June 1 of each year). Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt rules regarding the submission of data that includes, but is not limited to: (i) a record of each verified allegation of bullying and action taken; and (ii) whether the instance of bullying was based on certain actual or perceived characteristics and, if so, lists the relevant characteristics. Provides that the State Board of Education’s rules for the submission of data shall be consistent with Federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, including, but not limited to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Illinois School Student Records Act. Removes provisions concerning recommendations for out-of-school suspensions. expulsions. or referrals to law enforcement. Provides that the State Board of Education shall post on its Internet website a template for a model bullying prevention policy). Makes other changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

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

House Bill 3428—Blair-Sherlock.

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

House Bill 3442—Crespo.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a district may continue to employ that same substitute teacher in that same vacant position for 90 calendar days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if, prior to the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period then current, the district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education for a 30-calendar-day extension on the basis that the position remains vacant and the district continues to actively seek qualified candidates and provides documentation that it has provided training specific to the position, including training on meeting the needs of students with disabilities and English learners if applicable (instead of a district may continue to employ that same substitute teacher in that same vacant position for one or more additional 30 calendar day periods if, prior to the expiration of the then-current 30 calendar day period, the district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education for a 30 calendar day extension on the basis that the position remains vacant and the district continues to actively seek qualified candidates). Provides that each extension request shall be granted in writing (instead of shall be deemed granted unless denied in writing) by the regional office of education. Restores current law to provide that an emergency situation is one in which an unforeseen vacancy (instead of a vacancy) has occurred. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3446—Davis.

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the school report card, provides that a school district’s expenditure of Base Funding Minimum and Evidence-Based Funding received from the State in the level of specificity required by the annual spending plans required by the Evidence-Based Funding provisions. In provisions concerning Evidence-Based funding, provides that Organizational Units shall also indicate in their submission of annual spending plans which stakeholder groups the Organizational Unit engaged with to inform annual spending plans. Provides that annual spending plans shall be integrated in annual school district budgets completed pursuant to specified provisions.  House Appropriations – Elementary and Secondary Ed. Extended to May 19, 2023

House Bill 3559—Rohr. 

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

House Bill 3570—Dias. 

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

House Floor Amendment No.1

Provides that the rating assessments shall cover rating data for the last evaluation cycle prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act for which there is complete data as well as the first complete evaluation cycle after the effective date of the amendatory Act for all probationary teachers and teachers in continued contractual service (instead of rating data for the last evaluation cycle and current evaluation cycle for all probationary teachers and teachers in continued contractual service). Provides that peer mentors or coaches assigned to educators shall be employed in the same or substantially similar grade level, subject area, or clinical specialty, have at least 5 years’ experience as an educator, and complete a required training experience. Removes provisions concerning a continuing appropriation.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the State Board of Education shall report (instead of analyze and assess) teacher evaluation data from each school in the State. Makes changes to what data is included in the report. Provides that the report shall contain data in an aggregate format and the report is not confidential pursuant to provisions of the School Code prohibiting disclosure of evaluations unless an individual teacher is personally identifiable in the report. With respect to the report, provides that the underlying data and any personally identifying information of a teacher is confidential. Provides that the State Board shall provide the data in a format that prevents identification of individual teachers. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3590—Weaver. 

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, by no later than June 30, 2024, the State Board of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Central Management Services, the Department of Insurance, and the Illinois Community College Board, shall establish a system providing liability insurance to cover (i) public high school students and community college students participating in a career development experience or apprenticeship program and (ii) public school teachers and community college faculty participating in an externship program. Provides that the liability insurance program shall be implemented by fiscal year 2025. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with those other agencies, may direct the program to cover specific occupational areas. 

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee and sets forth the membership of the Committee. Provides that the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee shall issue a report to the Governor and the General Assembly containing recommendations for providing liability insurance to (i) public high school students who participate in a career development experience or apprenticeship program and community college students who participate in a career development experience or apprenticeship program and (ii) public school teachers who participate in externship programs and community college faculty who participate in externship programs. Passed House. Senate Assignments.

House Bill 3600—Mussman.

Amends in the Senate to change the bill. Amends the School Code. Requires a non-public school to perform a check of the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database (in addition to the Statewide Sex Offender Database) for each applicant for employment to determine whether the applicant has been adjudicated of a sex offense or of a murder or other violent crime against youth. Provides that the checks must be conducted once for every 5 years that an applicant remains employed. Extends the teacher qualification provisions for preschool educational program grants to the 2028-2029 school year (rather than the 2023-2024 school year). Provides that a school district may adopt a policy to waive tuition costs for a non-resident pupil if the pupil is a child of a district employee. Provides that, until June 30, 2028 (rather than June 30, 2023), applicants may apply to the State Board of Education for issuance of a 5-year, Short-Term Substitute Teaching License; makes other changes. Makes changes concerning the Alternative Educator Licensure Program. Effective Immediately.  Calendar order of Concurrence.

House Bill 3613—Mason. 

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Provides that a school district that provides special educational facilities for children with disabilities under the School Code may maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks (instead of the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school may maintain a supply of undesignated oxygen tanks). Makes a conforming change and a typographical correction. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3640—Mason. 

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board shall use the State and federal programs, grants, and subsidies that are available to assist in paying for student teachers as appropriate funds are made available.  House Appropriations-Elementary and Secondary Ed. Extended to May 19, 2023.

House Bill 3643—Syed. 

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that in the development of the individualized education program for a student who is 17 years of age or older, or will be during that academic year, the IEP team shall consider voter registration as an appropriate goal or competency to be included in the IEP plan, and, if appropriate, when and how voter registration shall be accomplished. Provides that any resulting decisions shall be included in the IEP plan.  House Second Reading, Short Debate.

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Removes considering voter registration as an appropriate competency to be included in a student’s IEP. Corrects terminology errors. Passed House Senate Assignments.

House Bill 3680—Benton and Blair-Sherlock.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that, when deciding whether to exempt a student from participating in a walk-through lockdown drill, the administrator and school support personnel shall include the student’s individualized education program team or federal Section 504 plan team in the decision to exempt the student from participating.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Provides that extra accommodation during emergencies shall be taken into account when developing a student’s individualized education program or federal Section 504 plan (instead of a student’s IEP plan). Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3713—Lilly. 

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall require all school districts to supply all active classroom instructors, all school staff and administration, and district leadership with an educational document, in a PDF and a physical format, explaining at a minimum the values of good indoor air quality, including peer-reviewed research demonstrating effects of poor and good indoor air quality, an explanation of airborne transmission of pathogens and other airborne substances, a basic explanation of air changes per hour and relation to outdoor air and filtered air, best practice recommendations for the portable air cleaner and the air quality monitor, including guidance on theory, function, placement, and operation of the monitor. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to ensure that all active classrooms that are not mechanically ventilated have at least 2 properly functioning windows, or one window in situations where only one is present, that can open and can safely stay open. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to ensure that all active classrooms are equipped with an air quality monitor that meets specified requirements. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to ensure that all active classrooms are equipped with a portable air cleaner that meets specified requirements. Provides that the State Board shall require all schools districts to supply each school with 5 additional portable air cleaners and 5 additional air quality monitors to be used in school health offices, libraries, cafeterias, and other similar spaces. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to undertake a ventilation verification assessment of all mechanical ventilation systems in the school district performed by a certified assessor or a mechanical engineer. Makes other changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to supply all active classroom instructors, all school staff and administration, and district leadership with an educational document, in a PDF and a physical format, explaining at a minimum the values of good indoor air quality, including peer-reviewed research demonstrating effects of poor and good indoor air quality, an explanation of airborne transmission of pathogens and other airborne substances, a basic explanation of air changes per hour and relation to outdoor air and filtered air, best practice recommendations for the portable air cleaner and the air quality monitor, including guidance on theory, function, placement, and operation of the monitor. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to ensure that all active classrooms that are not mechanically ventilated have at least 2 properly functioning windows, or one window in situations where only one is present, that can open and can safely state open. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to ensure that all active classrooms are quipped with air quality monitor that meets specified requirements. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to ensure that all active classrooms are equipped with a portable air cleaner that meets specified requirements. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to supply each school with 5 additional portable air cleaners and 5 additional air quality monitors to be used in school health offices, libraries, cafeterias, and ither similar spaces. Provides that the State Board shall require all school districts to undertake a ventilation verification assessment of all mechanical ventilation systems in the school district performed by a certified assessor or a mechanical engineer. Makes other changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Provides that the window, air quality monitor, portable air cleaner, and ventilation verification assessment requirements are subject to appropriation.

House Floor Amendment No. 3

Provides that “certified technician means” a person who is certified as a Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau Technician by the International Certification Board and accredited to comply with ISO/IECV 17024, which is the conformity assessment regarding general requirements for bodies operating certification of persons, by the American National Standards Institute in Testing Adjusting and Balancing or another nationally recognized certifying body accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 in testing adjusting and balancing (instead of meaning a person who is certified as a testing and balancing technician by an accredited organization). Passed House. Now in Senate Assignments.

House Bill 3798—Stava-Murray. 

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all internships for school social workers must be paid internships. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall award competitive grants on an annual basis to school districts to assist in the funding of these paid internships. Provides that the State Board of Education shall annually disseminate a request for applications to the grant program. Provides that higher priority shall be given to schools that demonstrate a shortage of school social workers, which is determined by the average ratio of school social workers to students in the target school district over the preceding 3 school years. Provides that the State Board of Education shall produce an annual report on the program. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Board of Higher Education shall award competitive grants on an annual basis to colleges and universities in this State to fund field placements for social workers. Provides that, subject to appropriation, colleges and universities shall annually disseminate a request for applications from students under the grant program. Provides that colleges and universities, upon receiving funding, shall provide applications to students eligible for this funding. Provides that a college or university shall give priority to applicants who are members of a racial minority. Provides that each college or university that receives funds shall provide an annual report to the Board of Higher Education, and the Board of Higher Education shall post those reports on the Board’s website. Effective Immediately.  Passed House. Senate Assignments.

House Bill 3924—Rohr. 

Amends the School Code and the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Beginning with 2024-2025 school year, proves that in every State-required health course for grades 9 through 12, a school district shall provide instruction, study, and discussion on the the dangers of fentanyl. Sets forth requirements for the instruction study, and discussion, and requires students to be assessed on the instruction. Passed both Houses.

House Bill 3932—Rohr. 

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions regarding safety education, provides that allergen safety for students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 shall be included in the definition of “safety instruction”. Provides that the allergen safety instruction shall include instruction on recognizing signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis; steps to take to prevent exposure to allergens, and safe emergency epinephrine administration.

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year in grades 9 through 12, the Comprehensive Health Education Program shall include instruction, study and discussion on the dangers of allergies. Provides that information for the instruction, study, and discussion shall come from information provided by the Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sets forth what topics this instruction, study, and discussion shall include. Passed both Houses.

SENATE BILLS

Senate Bill 58—Fine.

Provides that after January 1, 2026, or at the renewal of its next contract, whichever occurs later, no vendor contracted through a State agency or department may provide customers with disposable food service containers that are composed in whole or in part from polystyrene foam at any site owned or leased by the State, and instead shall offer only compostable food ware or recyclable food ware for use at sites owned or leased by the State. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 99—Fine.

Creates the Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act. Requires a public institution of higher education to adopt a policy that makes certain documentation submitted by an enrolled or admitted student sufficient to establish that the student is an individual with a disability. Requires the policy to be transparent and explicit regarding information about the process by which the public institution of higher education determines eligibility for accommodations for an individual with a disability. Provides that each public institution of higher education shall disseminate such information to students, parents, and faculty in accessible formats and make the information readily available on a public website of the institution. Allows a public institution of higher education to establish less burdensome criteria to establish whether an enrolled or admitted student is an individual with a disability. Requires a public institution of higher education to engage in an interactive process to establish a reasonable accommodation for an individual pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill but makes the following changes. Changes the name of the Act to the Removing Barriers to Higher Education Success Act. Makes changes concerning the types of documentation that can be provided to establish if a student has a disability. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 183—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 meaningfully heard before the school board. Makes related changes. Effective Immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that before the effective date of the transfer, the student’s parents or guardians shall receive information about the alternative school program including the specific nature of the curriculum, number of students in the program, any available services, the program’s disciplinary policies, a typical daily schedule, and extracurricular activities offered at the alternative school program. In provisions concerning the details of the alternative educational plan, provides that the duration of the plan, including the date the student will be returned to the regular educational program shall be included in the alternative shall be included in the alternative educational plan. Provides that a method and time frame for reviewing the student’s progress and for transitioning the student back to the regular education program in the public schools of the transferring district on a specified date shall be included in the alternative education plan. Provides that the date after which the student will return to the regular educational program in the public schools of the transferring district shall not be extended over the objection of the student’s parent or guardian. Provides that the date after which the student will return to the regular educational program in the public schools of the transferring district shall not be extended over the objection of the student’s parent or guardian. Provides that the date after which the student will return to the regular educational program in the public schools of the transferring district may be extended upon written agreement by the transferring school district, alternative school program, and the student’s parent or guardian. Reorganizes and moves provisions to make conforming changes.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

In provisions relating to developing an alternative educational plan for a student transferring to an alternative school program, provides that, if the student or the student’s parents or guardians are unable to attend the alternative educational plan meeting, the appropriate personnel from the alternative school program shall offer a meeting within 30 days after the effective date of the transfer to the student and the student’s parents or guardians to discuss and provide input on the student’s alternative educational plan and shall provide a copy of the alternative educational plan to the student and the student’s parents or guardians prior to the meeting. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 724—Feigenholtz.

Creates the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act. Provides that the Act establishes a Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Officer (Officer). Requires the Officer to lead the State’s comprehensive, interagency effort to ensure that youth with significant and complex behavioral health needs receive appropriate community and residential services and that the State-supported system is transparent and easier for youth and their families to navigate. Establishes the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Team to find appropriate services, residential treatment, and support for children identified by each participating agency as requiring enhance agency collaboration to identify and obtain treatment in a residential setting. Provides that the responsibilities of each participating agency shall be outlined in an interagency agreement. Requires the Department of Children of Family Services, and other specified agencies, to enter into an interagency agreement. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to adopt rules to establish a process for all licensed residential providers to submit data if they contract or receive reimbursement for children’s mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services from specified State agencies. Contains provisions concerning temporary emergency placements for youth in crisis. Amends the School Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to expand its selection of individuals from the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database to include individuals who receive services through the Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities-Support Waiver. Contains provisions concerning mental health screenings for student in kindergarten through grade 12. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to obtain input from specified State agencies and providers on leading indicators of elevated behavioral health crisis risk for children. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that no minor who is taken into limited custody shall be sheltered in a temporary living arrangement for more than 21 days, with certain exceptions. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 4

Adds reference to : 20 ILCS 1705/11.4 new

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: In the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act, removes a provision requiring the behavioral health interagency agreement to require the contracting State agencies to identify children with significant and complex behavioral health needs who meet certain criteria. Instead provides that the interagency agreement shall set criteria to identify children whose cases will be presented to the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Team for prioritized review. Lists certain criteria that shall be included in the interagency agreement. Provides that all information collected, shared, or stored pursuant to the Act shall be handled in accordance with all State and federal privacy laws and accompanying regulations and rules, including without limitation the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed or applied in a manner that would conflict with, diminish, or infringe upon, any State agency’s obligation to comply fully with requirements imposed under a court order or State or federal consent decree applicable to that agency. Further amends the Children and Family Services Act. In a provision requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to adopt rules to establish a process for all licensed residential providers in Illinois to submit data, if they contract or receive reimbursement for children’s mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services, provides that all information collected, shared, or stored pursuant to that provision shall be handled in accordance with all State and federal privacy laws and accompanying regulations and rules, including without limitation the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. In a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to develop a Youth and Community Services Program, provides that the program is to ensure that youth who come into contact or may come into contact with either the child welfare system or the juvenile justice system (rather than who come into contact or may come into contact with the child welfare and the juvenile justice systems) have access to needed community, prevention, diversion, emergency and independent living services. In provisions listing the Department’s duties under the program, removes the duty to develop a statewide adoption awareness campaign aimed at pregnant teenagers. Adds the duty to establish temporary emergency placements for youth in crisis as defined by the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Team (rather than the Department) through comprehensive community-based youth services provider grants. Sets forth certain requirements that such temporary emergency placements must meet. Provides that, once sufficient capacity has been developed, temporary emergency placements must also include temporary emergency placement shelters provided under the Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services program, shall be managed by Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services provider organizations, and shall be available to house youth receiving interim 24/7 crisis intervention services. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed or applied in a manner that would conflict with, diminish, or infringe upon, any State agency’s obligation to comply fully with requirements imposed under a court order or State or federal consent decree applicable to that agency. Further amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that no minor shall be sheltered in a temporary living arrangement for more than 21 business days (rather than 21 days). Provides that if at any time during the crisis intervention there is a concern that the minor has experienced abuse or neglect, the Comprehensive Community Based-Youth Services provider shall contact the Department of Children and Family Services as provided in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and maintain a public-facing Care Portal to serve as a centralized resource for families with children who have significant and complex behavioral health needs. Effective Immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 5

Further amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that temporary emergency placements for youth in crisis must be licensed through the Department of Children and Family Services or, in the case of a foster home or host home (rather than in the case of a foster home), by the supervising child welfare agency. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 1233—Halpin.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a financial institution or investment provider, by entering into a written agreement, may offer or provide services to a plan established or maintained by a school district with an enrollment of at least 1,000 students under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if the written agreement is not combined with any other written agreement for the administration of a school district’s 457 plan. Provides that each school district that provides a 457 plan shall make available to participants at least 4 financial institutions or investment providers that have not entered into a written agreement and that provide services to the school district’s 457 plan. Sets forth requirements for a financial institution or investment provider providing services for a 457 plan. 

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that the provisions apply to school districts with a full-time, licensed teacher population of 525 teachers or more (instead of with an enrollment of at least 1,000 students). Provides that each school district that provides a 457 plan shall make available to participants a minimum of one financial institution or investment provider (instead of at least 4 financial institutions or investment providers). Provides that a school district shall have one year from the effective date of the amendatory Act to find a 457 plan provider. Makes conforming changes.

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the amendatory provisions do not apply to the Chicago school district. Provides that the amendatory provisions apply to a school district with a population of 575 or more teachers that maintain a 457 plan, including a plan established under provisions of the Illinois Pension Code concerning an optional defined contribution benefit. Provides that every applicable school district shall make available to participants more than one financial institution or investment provider to provide services to the school district’s 457 plan. Provides that a financial institution or investment provider, by entering into a written agreement, may offer or provide services to a plan offered, established, or maintained by a school district (instead of established or maintained by a school district). Provides that each school district that offers (instead of provides) a 457 plan shall make available to participants more than one financial institution or investment provider that has not entered into a written agreement to provide administration services and that provides services to a 457 plan offered to school districts (instead of that has not entered int a written agreement and that provides services to the school district’s 457 plan). Provides that a financial institution or investment provider shall cover all plan administration cost relating to the administration of the 457 plan (instead of relating to the 457 plan). Provides that nothing in the amendatory provisions shall apply to or impact the optional defined contribution benefit established by the Teacher’s Retirement System of the State of Illinois under the Illinois Pension Code. Sets forth provisions regarding sharing data. Makes grammatical and typographical corrections.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Provides that the amendatory provisions do not apply to the Chicago school district. Provides that the amendatory provisions apply to a school district with a population of 575 or more teachers that maintain a 457 plan, including a plan established under provisions of the Illinois Pension Code concerning an optional defined contribution benefit. Provides that every applicable school district shall make available to participants more than one financial institution or investment provider to provide services to the school district’s 457 plan. Provides that a financial institution or investment provider, by entering into a written agreement, may offer or provide services to a plan offered, established, or maintained by a school district (instead of established or maintained by a school district). Provides that each school district that offers (instead of provides) a 457 plan shall make available to participants more than one financial institution or investment provider that has not entered into a written agreement to provide administration services and that provides services to a 457 plan offered to school districts (instead of that has not entered into a written agreement and that provides services to the school district’s 457 plan). Provides that a financial institution or investment provider shall cover all plan administration costs relating to the administration of the 457 plan (instead of relating to the 457 plan). Provides that nothing in the amendatory provisions shall apply to or impact the optional defined contribution benefit established by the Teacher’s Retirement System of the State of Illinois under the Illinois Pension Code. Sets forth provisions regarding sharing plan data. Makes grammatical and typographical corrections. Placed on Senate Calendar of concurrence.

Senate Bill 1351—Lightford.

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

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with changes. Provides that teachers who are due to be evaluated in the last year before (instead of the year) they are set to retire shall be offered the opportunity to waive their evaluation and retain their ratings unless they receive a “needs improvement” or “unsatisfactory” rating. Changes certain references from “retired teacher” to “teacher”. Further amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code to make corresponding changes in that Article. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 1352—Lightford. 

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

Senate Bill 1446—Hilton. 

Amends the School Code. Provides that any residential facility that is on the approval list of another State agency or that contracts with another State agency shall be considered approved on the State Board of Education’s approved residential facility list.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill but removes provisions concerning nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3

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

Senate Bill 1468—Bennett and Chapin Rose.

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that during the period between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026, 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 or 750 paid hours in each school year. Provides that beginning July 1, 2026 (instead of 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 100 paid days or 500 paid hours in each school year. Effective Immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that through June 30, 2026 (instead of June 30, 2023), an annuitant may accept employment as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status if that employment is not within the school year during which service was terminated and does not exceed 120 paid days or 600 paid hours in each school year. Deletes language concerning an additional 20 days or 100 paid hours that an annuitant may accept employment as a teacher without impairing his or her retirement status for the period between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Effective Immediately. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 1470—Bennett.

Amends the School Code. Allows a school district to utilize a remote learning day in lieu of an emergency day provided for in the school calendar or because a school was selected as a polling place. Provides that the number of remote learning days used in a school year may not exceed 5 days and the district superintendent must approve a remote learning plan for the district before the district may utilize a remote learning day. Sets forth what the plan must address, the term of approval, and how the plan must be posted. Sets forth district requirements. Allows statutory and regulatory curricular mandates and offerings to be administered via remote learning, allows for electronic communication for instruction and interaction between educators and students, and provides for rulemaking. Makes related changes. Effective July 1, 2023. 

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1. 

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that before the district superintendent adopts a remote learning plan, the school board must hold a public hearing on the school district’s initial proposal for a remote learning plan or for renewal of the remote learning plan at a regular or special meeting of the school board, at which meeting the terms of the proposal or renewal must be substantially presented and an opportunity for allowing public comments must be provided. Makes typographical and grammatical changes regarding provisions concerning payment to contractors providing educational support services. Effective July 1, 2023. Passed Senate. House Rules.

Senate Bill 1488—Bennett. 

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning educator testing, removes the provision that requires the teacher performance assessment to be approved by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. Provides instead that each teacher preparation program in this State may use any evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness that aligns to current State teaching standards. Effective July 1, 2023.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2.

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

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3.

Provides that the members of the Task Force representing different public universities and 4-year nonpublic universities or colleges shall be a current faculty member in an approved educator preparation program.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Makes changes concerning the purpose of the Teacher Performance Assessment Task Force. Provides that members appointed to the Task Force must reflect the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of this State. Makes changes concerning the membership of the Task Force. Passed both Houses.

Sente Bill 1569—Lightford. 

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that if an employing board determines to dismiss any teacher who currently holds a summative evaluation rating of “Proficient” or “Excellent” during the probationary period (instead of determines to dismiss a teacher 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. Passed Senate. Now in House Third Reading.

Senate Bill 1685—Murphy.

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Supporting Special Needs Students Law. 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 2026-2027 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.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1.

Removes the provisions amending the Section of the School Code concerning standards for schools. Passed Senate. Now in House Rules–Re-referred…

Senate Bill 1709—Simmons.

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

Senate Bill 1772—Morrison. 

Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2024, no person shall spray a pesticide at a school serving students grades kindergarten through 8th grade on areas of the property where children may be present during normal school hours or within 24 hours of students’ arrival on school grounds for a normal school day. Provides that the provisions shall not apply to areas of school grounds where children are not typically present. Effective Immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2024, no person shall spray a pesticide at a school serving students grades kindergarten through 8th grade on areas of the property where children may be present during normal school hours or within 24 hours of students’ arrival on school grounds for a normal school day. Provides that the provisions shall not apply to areas of school grounds where children are not typically present. Effective Immediately.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Pesticide Application at Schools Act. Sets forth legislative findings and definitions. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2024, a school serving students grades kindergarten through 8th grade is prohibited from scheduling pesticide applications on school grounds during the school day, including during a partial day, when students are in attendance at school for instructional purposes. Effective Immediately. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 1786—Koehler. 

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that any task force, study committee, blue ribbon panel, commission, or organization created or appointed by the State Board of Education or the State Superintendent of Education after the effective date of the amendatory Act, including one created by the State Board of Education or one mandated by the Governor or General Assembly, shall include representatives that reflect the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of this State, including representatives of rural, suburban, and urban areas. Passed Senate. House Rules.

Senate Bill 1787—Koehler.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Make changes concerning the functions and membership of the council. Specifies that the expense reimbursement is subject to the rules of the appropriate travel control board. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative and other support to the council as needed (instead of requiring the State Board and the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools to provide administrative and other support and specifying the categories of support). Provides that the council is dissolved and the amendatory provisions are repealed on December 31, 2031. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 1872–

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. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 1924—Halpin.

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

Senate Bill 2017—Holmes.

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that teachers and educational support personnel employees shall not be required to teach or otherwise work on Saturdays (instead of providing that teachers shall not be required to teach on Saturdays). Prohibits teacher, educational support personnel employees, and other school employees (instead of teachers and other school employees) from being required to work on legal school holidays, with exceptions. Provides that no deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee, including an educational support personnel employee, on account of any legal or special holiday in which that employee would have otherwise been scheduled to work but for the legal or special holiday (instead of providing that no deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee on account of any legal or special holiday).

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that teachers and educational support personnel employees shall not be required to teach or otherwise work on Saturdays (instead of providing that teachers shall not be required to teach on Saturdays). Prohibits teachers, educational support personnel employees, and other school employees (instead of teachers and other school employees) from being required to work on legal school holidays, with exceptions. Provides that no deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee, including an educational support personnel employee, on account of any legal or special holiday in which that employee would have otherwise been scheduled to work but for the legal or special holiday (instead of providing that no deduction shall be made from the time or compensation of a school employee on account of any legal or special holiday).

House Floor Amendment No. 2

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

Senate Bill 2031—Lightford. 

Amends the School Code. Adds specified information concerning high schools that must be included in the school report cards prepared by the State Superintendent of Education. For the school district report cards prepared by the State Superintendent, provides that indicators from the school report card shall be aggregated at the course level, department level, and school level, and the course-level indicators shall be collected from each course.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. By October 31, 2024 and October 31 each subsequent year, requires the State Board of Education, through the State Superintendent of Education, to prepare a report covering school districts and schools, to be referred to as the Expanded School Snapshot Report. Sets forth how the Report is to be made available. Requires the Report to include (i) a listing of all standard coursework or programs offered by a school, (ii) a listing of all advanced-track coursework or programs offered by a school, (iii) a listing of all English learner coursework or programs offered by a school, (iv) a listing of all special education coursework or programs offered by a school, (v) data tables and graphs comparing advanced-track coursework or programs with standard coursework or programs according to specified parameters, and (vi) specified data for each race and ethnicity category and gender category, as defined by the most recent federal decennial census.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2.

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

House Floor Amendment No. 1

Provides that the State Board of Education shall prepare the initial Expanded High School Snapshot Report by October 31, 2027 (instead of October 31, 2025). Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 2039—Pacione-Zayas. 

Amends the School Code. Provides that at least one designated employee in every public school shall ensure the opportunity to enroll in the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database is made available during annual individualized education program meetings.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services Database, makes changes to the findings, title, and changes references of “Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services” to “PUNS”. Provides that the State Board of Education shall work in collaboration with the Department of Human Services and with school districts to ensure that all students with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians are informed about the PUNS database (instead of the State Board of Education may work with school districts to inform all students with developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians about the Prioritization of Urgency or Need for Services database). Makes changes regarding the computer-based training program and the annual IEP review conference. Removes a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to consider the length of time spent on the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services waiting list, in addition to other factors considered, when selecting individuals on the list for services.

Senate Floor Amendments No. 3.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database, makes changes to the findings, and changes references from “Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services” to “PUNS”. Provides that the State Board of Education shall work in consultation with the Department of Human Services and with school districts to ensure that all students with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians are informed about the PUNS database (instead of the State Board of Education may work with school districts to inform all students with developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians about the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database). Makes changes regarding the computer-based training program. Provides that during the student’s annual individualized education program (“IEP”) review meeting, if the student has an intellectual disability or a developmental disability, the student’s IEP team shall determine the student’s PUNS database registration status based upon information provided by the student’s parents or guardian or by the student. Sets forth related requirements. Removes a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to consider the length of time spent on the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services waiting list, in addition to other factors considered, when selecting individuals on the list for services. Makes other changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1

Provides that the State Board of Education may (instead of shall) work in consultation with the Department of Human Services and with school districts to ensure that all students with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities and their parents or guardians are informed about the PUNS database. Provides that the Department of Human Service’s development and implementation of an online, computer-based training program shall be in consultation with the State Board of Education. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 2218—Preston.

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

Senate Bill 2236—Cappel.

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Removes the repeal date for the short-term substitute teacher training program. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning short-term substitute teacher licenses, removes the June 30, 2023 expiration date for issuing short-term substitute teacher licenses. Removes the licensing fees for short-term substitute teacher, substitute teaching, and professional teaching licenses.  Passed Senate. House Rules.

Senate Bill 2243—Lightford.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, in consultation with education stakeholders, the State Board of Education shall develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan for the State on or before October 1, 2023. Effective Immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the content of the bill, but changes the date for the State Board of Education to develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan from on or before October 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Effective Immediately.

House Amendment

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts, by July 1, 2024, a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to support districts when developing literacy plans, and guidance on practices for effective structures for training and deploying literacy coaches. Requires the State Board of Education to develop and make available training opportunities for educators in teaching reading on or before January 1, 2025. Provides that, in consultation with education stakeholders, the Board of Education shall develop and adopt a comprehensive literacy plan for the State on or before January 31, 2024. Sets forth requirements for the comprehensive literacy plan. In the Educator Licensure Article of the Code, makes changes concerning educator testing and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective Immediately. Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 2390—Pacione-Zayas.

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

Senate Committee Amendment

Provides that the residency program for alternative educator licensure shall be comprised of 3 phases (instead of 4). Provides that in residency, the candidate must: be assigned an effective, fully licensed teacher by the principal or principal equivalent to act as a mentor and coach the candidate through residency. In provisions concerning the alternative educator endorsement, provides that the individual may complete a major in the content area of early childhood reading (instead of reading). Passed both Houses.

Senate Bill 2391—Pacione-Zayas.

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

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that a community school may also be a nonpublic school. Restores provisions describing what a community school is in the legislative findings. Restores certain grant proposal provisions. Provides that a school may (instead of must) provide certain items to qualify for a grant. Restores language concerning the provision of a program director or resource coordinator. Effective June 1, 2024. Passed both Houses.