HB 4990 Illinois House · 104th Regular Session

HIGHER ED-PREVENT SEX VIOLENCE

Summary

Amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. Makes changes concerning definitions. Requires a higher education institution's comprehensive policy to include sexual harassment. Provides that a confidential advisor is separate from a complaint advisor, unless a complainant chooses to have the confidential advisor also serve as the complaint advisor. Makes changes to the complaint resolution procedure, including the timeline of the complaint resolution procedure, protective measures and accommodations, the distribution of evidence that includes a private or intentionally digitally altered sexual image, the direct questioning of either party, support persons for survivors and respondents, and the notice of appeal. Provides that violations of the Act are actionable in civil court. Sets forth the relief a prevailing survivor is entitled to. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure to make changes concerning confidential advisors. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2027.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

House Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Governor

Introduced Apr 21, 2026 Last action Jun 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 5 edits · May 31, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify definitions regarding complaint and confidential advisors, ensuring they are distinct roles unless a survivor explicitly requests otherwise. The definition of sexual harassment was expanded to include specific impacts on a student's education, and the definition of digital sexual harassment was updated to explicitly cover repeated unwelcome electronic communications. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for institutions on handling complaints and support roles.

Scope change

The scope of the bill's definitions was broadened to include more specific examples of sexual harassment and clarified the roles of advisors involved in the complaint process.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Complaint advisor' was revised to specify that they advise on the resolution procedure and may accompany a party to meetings or hearings, with clearer language regarding their appointment and relationship to confidential advisors.

The definition of 'Confidential advisor' was updated to maintain the distinction from a complaint advisor, requiring mutual agreement if one person serves in both roles.

The definition of 'Sexual harassment' was expanded to explicitly list mental or physical health impacts and challenges with focusing on academics as factors that interfere with a student's educational performance.

A new definition for 'Digital sexual harassment' was added, specifying it includes repeated unwelcome electronic communications based on sex or containing sexually explicit material, in addition to the dissemination of private images.

A new definition for 'Respondent' was added, defining them as a student accused of violating the institution's comprehensive policy.

Floor votes · Senate May 31, 2026 · House Apr 17, 2026

How they voted

41–13

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 58

May 31, 2026

D Democratic39

35 Yea 4

89% Yea

R Republican19

6 Yea 13 Nay

68% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 1, 2026

Committee

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Committee

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Introduced

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Mary Beth Canty

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Mary Beth Canty

lower

May 31, 2026

Introduced

Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence Senate Amendment(s) 1, 3

lower

May 31, 2026

Introduced

Arrived in House

lower

May 31, 2026

Amended

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 5-4(a)

upper

May 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading - Passed; 042-013-000

upper

May 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Adopted; Guzman

upper

May 27, 2026

Introduced

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Recommend Do Adopt Higher Education; 011-003-000

upper

May 26, 2026

Introduced

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Assignments Refers to Higher Education

upper

May 22, 2026

Committee

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Referred to Assignments

upper

May 22, 2026

Introduced

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Graciela Guzmán

upper

May 19, 2026

Introduced

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Assignments Refers to Higher Education

upper

May 15, 2026

Committee

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Assignments

upper

May 15, 2026

Introduced

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Graciela Guzmán

upper

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Do Pass as Amended Higher Education; 008-005-000

upper

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted

upper

May 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Higher Education

upper

May 4, 2026

Committee

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments

upper

May 4, 2026

Introduced

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Graciela Guzmán

upper

Apr 28, 2026

Committee

Assigned to Higher Education

upper

Apr 22, 2026

Committee

Referred to Assignments

upper

Apr 21, 2026

Introduced

Arrive in Senate

upper

Apr 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-027-000

lower

Apr 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

lower

Apr 15, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Higher Education Committee; 007-002-000

lower

Apr 15, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Higher Education Committee

lower

Apr 14, 2026

Committee

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

lower

Apr 14, 2026

Introduced

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Mary Beth Canty

lower

Mar 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

Do Pass / Short Debate Higher Education Committee; 008-002-000

lower

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

Assigned to Higher Education Committee

lower

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

Referred to Rules Committee

lower

2 primary · 22 co-sponsors