Education (School Safety)

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires a school district, if funds are available, to provide a minimum of 3 hours of instruction for students in any of grades 7 through 12 on (i) legal aspects explaining certain laws and penalties, (ii) responding to a police encounter, and (iii) the aftermath. Allows the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to school boards resource materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of the instruction. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to adopt and implement, by no later than July 1, 2025, a policy addressing sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect of children. Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Requires that the comprehensive health education program shall include physical abuse or neglect awareness and prevention education in grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Effective immediately.

Affirms the value of incorporating age-appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and life-saving skills into the curriculum for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Recognizes that collaboration with medical providers and emergency response organizations could prove beneficial to the development of guidelines and resources, ensuring these age appropriate lessons are delivered effectively and safely. Recognizes that the prioritization of interactive, hands-on learning opportunities have proven effective in engaging students and making lessons impactful while maintaining adherence to safety standards. Recognizes the importance of making life-saving education an integral part of preparing young people to be not only good students but also responsible and compassionate citizens capable of responding effectively in times of crisis.