Education

in committee · Illinois · House May 19, 2026

HB 5778: FOIA-STUDENT COMMS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from inspection and copying under the Act written communication and attachments that pertain to a current or former student and that were sent between an educational institution and the student or between an educational institution and the student's parent or guardian, except if the Illinois School Student Records Act or the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act applies.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects student privacy by exempting communications from FOIA, safeguarding sensitive educational records and parent-student interactions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects student data privacy by exempting educational communications from FOIA inspection, aligning with privacy protection indicators.85% confidence

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passed · Illinois · House May 5, 2026

HR 840: CONGRATS-JOANNA GOLDBERG

This bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates Joanna Goldberg, a teacher at Sherlock Elementary School in Cicero, for being named to the Extraordinary Educators Class of 2026 by Curriculum Associates. The resolution highlights her 17 years of teaching experience and her students' academic achievements, such as meeting MAP goals in 2024, as reasons for the honor. It also states that a copy of the resolution will be presented to her as a symbol of respect and esteem.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors a teacher and recognizes student academic achievements, explicitly supporting educators and the teaching profession.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Teachers

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in committee · Illinois · House Jul 1, 2026

HR 929: IDR-PROPERTY TAX STUDY

Urges the Illinois Department of Revenue, in consultation with the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of phasing out the use of property taxes as a funding source for school districts and replacing that revenue with other State and local revenue streams.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to replace property taxes with other revenue streams, potentially increasing school funding stability and reducing local tax burdens.75% confidence

Track

passed · Illinois · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SR 822: CONGRATS-CRAIG BENES

Congratulates Superintendent Craig Benes on his retirement from Itasca School District 10. Thanks him for his commitment to education and to the State of Illinois.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors a superintendent's retirement, acknowledging his commitment to education, which implies a positive stance toward the field.60% confidence

Track

in committee · Illinois · Senate Jul 2, 2026

SR 752: SCHOOL START TIMES

Encourages all public school districts serving grades 6 through 12 to develop a plan to adopt school start times that reflect the biological sleep needs of adolescents.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates later start times to align with adolescent biological sleep needs, directly supporting student health and educational access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety School Transportation

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passed · Illinois · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SR 791: CONGRATS-DR. JON BARTELT

Congratulates Dr. Jon Bartelt on his retirement as Superintendent of Schools for Bloomingdale School District 13. Expresses deep appreciation for his extraordinary contributions to education and the Bloomingdale community. Wishes him well in retirement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly praises Dr. Bartelt's extraordinary contributions to education, indicating a positive stance toward the field.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Illinois · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 4188: BEREAVEMENT CARE

Creates the Bereavement Care for All Act. Directs the Department of Public Health to develop a statewide Bereavement Care Strategic Plan and a centralized Bereavement Care Resource and Navigation Hub. Requires the State Board of Education to develop model guidance for school districts regarding grief-informed education. Directs State-funded professional licensing boards to evaluate integration of grief-informed training and education into continuing education requirements. Directs the Department of Public Health to develop screening tools in schools and healthcare settings to identify bereaved children and adults and connect them with appropriate resources. Requires the Department of Public Health to improve data collection regarding bereavement prevalence and disparities and submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly. Authorizes the Department of Public Health to adopt rules. Contains findings. Defines terms.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates grief-informed education guidance and training, enhancing student support and teacher professional development.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates development of a statewide bereavement care plan and resource hub, directly strengthening mental health and grief-informed services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · Illinois · House May 21, 2026

HB 5741: $DEC-EARLY CHOICES

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Early Childhood for grants and administration expenses associated with support for the inclusion of children ages 3 to 5 with developmental delays and disabilities in school and community-based early childhood settings. Effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to fund early childhood education services for children with developmental delays.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates $500,000 to fund early childhood education grants for children with disabilities, expanding access and support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue

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passed · Illinois · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 831: COMMENDS-FELIX SAJI

Commends Felix Saji, a fourth grade teacher at John V. Leigh School, on being named to the Curriculum Associates 2026 Class of Extraordinary Educators and for his continued extraordinary efforts in and out of the classroom.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill commends a teacher for extraordinary efforts, recognizing and honoring educators which aligns with supporting teachers and the education system.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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in committee · Illinois · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 4184: $DCEO-SCHREIBER CAMPUS

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to the LEARN John & Kathy Schreiber Campus for facility renovation. Effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates $5M for campus facility renovation, directly improving school infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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