Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning student mental health screenings, requires the State Board of Education's model school district procedures to facilitate the implementation of mental health screenings to include the option to opt in (rather than opt out) and a minimum of 3 written notifications each school year about the use of mental health screenings, one of which must be delivered by first-class mail, to a student's parent or guardian. Effective January 1, 2026.
Amends the School Code. In provisions requiring the State Board of Education to develop model school district procedures to facilitate the implementation of mental health screenings for students, provides that the procedures shall include the option for parents to opt in (rather than opt out) of mental health screenings for their children. Effective January 1, 2026.
Amends the State Treasurer Act. In provisions concerning the College Savings Pool, provides that trade schools and elementary or secondary public, private, or religious schools are also considered eligible educational institutions, subject to certain limitations. Provides that expenses, up to $10,000 per taxable year, for tuition in connection with enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school are considered qualified expenses.
Amends the Public Higher Education Act, the Board of Higher Education Act, and the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that a resident of the State who is not lawfully present in the United States is not eligible, on the basis of residence within the State, for any postsecondary educational benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident. Provides that any benefit conferred to a nonresident of the State who is lawfully present in the United States may not be lesser in amount, duration, or scope than the benefit conferred to a State resident who is unlawfully present in the United States.
Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning mental health screenings, removes the requirement that the State Board of Education report its work and make available resource materials, including model procedures and guidance informed by a phased approach to implementing universal mental health screening in schools, on or before September 1, 2026. Also removes the requirement that school districts offer, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, mental health screenings to students in grade 3 through grade 12. Effective January 1, 2026.
Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Prohibits a public institution of higher education from entering into the federal Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.
Appropriates $2,950,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Board of Higher Education to address shortages of school psychologists in this State through specified methods. Effective July 1, 2025.
Creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alyssa's Law. Requires, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting diverse emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. Allows a school district to implement additional strategies or systems to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies in a school security emergency. Sets forth provisions requiring a competitive contract solicitation. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a Mobile Panic Alert System Grant Program for the purpose of issuing grants to reimburse school districts for the cost of mobile panic alert systems from moneys appropriated from the Mobile Panic Alert System Grant Fund. Amends the State Finance Act and the School Code to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.
Amends the School Code. Allows a teacher to grieve the issuance of a warning regarding causes that are considered remediable pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement to determine whether the school district had just cause in issuing the warning. Requires notice of remedial warnings to be narrowly specify the nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied. Provides that general allegations of unprofessional conduct are insufficient to link together otherwise unrelated offenses as related. Provides that under no circumstances shall a notice of remedial warning remain effective or within a teacher's personnel file or record for longer than 3 years from the date of the occurrence which gave rise to the issuance of the notice of remedial warning. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the maximum amount of the credit for instructional materials and supplies is $1,000 for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025 (currently, $500). Effective immediately.