Rep. Jason Bunting

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the conviction of certain offenses as grounds for disqualification for licensure or suspension or revocation of a license, includes the sex offense of abuse by an educator or authority figure under the definition of "sex or other offense". Amends the Sex Offenses Article of Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits abuse by an educator or authority figure if that person holds a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to a student in a school, the student is at least 18 years of age, the person is at least 4 years older than the student, and the person either (1) commits an act of sexual conduct with the student or (2) commits an act of sexual penetration with the student. Provides that abuse by an educator or authority figure involving sexual conduct is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense or if there is more than one victim. Provides that abuse by an educator or authority figure involving sexual penetration is a Class 4 felony for the first offense and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent offense or if there is more than one victim. Provides that consent of the victim is not a defense to abuse by an educator or authority figure.

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning sexual misconduct in schools, provides that guidelines established for certain situations and all available methods for how to report staff-student boundary violations within a school and to external agencies must be posted on the website, if any, of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school and must be included in any staff, student, or parent handbook provided by the school district, charter school, or nonpublic school. In provisions concerning an employment history review, provides that a job applicant shall provide the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant contact information of the applicant's current employer only if the applicant has direct contact with children or students at the applicant's current employer. Provides that for a substitute employee licensed by the State Board of Education and seeking employment in more than one school district, the employment history review shall be conducted by the regional office of education or intermediate service center in which the school districts are located. Provides for when this review is required and how the review remains valid, and provides for immunity for regional offices of education and intermediate service centers.

Amends the Governmental Account Audit Act. In provisions requiring an annual audit by a governmental unit to be performed of all the accounts and funds of the governmental unit, provides that township accounts and funds audited under the provisions do not include road district accounts or funds. In provisions relating to the type of audit report a governmental unit must provide based upon whether the unit has revenue of less or more than $850,000, provides that township revenue shall be calculated exclusive of road district funds. Effective immediately.

Declares June 10, 2024 as FarmWeek Appreciation Day. Congratulates FarmWeek on its 50th anniversary and wishes the publication continued success.

Declares March 3 through March 9, 2024 as Illinois Soil Health Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages the celebration of Soil Health Week and its related activities to increase the awareness of Illinois farmers, eaters, and those involved in agribusiness of the importance of the air and water quality environment for all citizens of this State.

Commends Deputy John Forlenza and Police K9 Dax for their honorable service and dedication to their community, the State as a whole, and the nation.

Amends the Southern Illinois University Management Act. In provisions concerning the members of the Illinois Ethanol Research Advisory Board, provides that the Board may be composed of designees of the members. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Provides that, at least 120 days prior to making any changes to the health benefits for TRS benefit recipients, the Department of Central Management Services shall post those changes on its website and shall submit the planned changes to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. Provides that at least 120 days prior to making any changes to funding for the Teacher Health Insurance Security Fund, the Department shall post those changes on its website and shall submit the planned changes to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

Amends the Foster Parent Law. Provides that foster parents have a right to receive an initial payment of $480 per child to be made within 24 hours of a permanent placement. Provides that if the final monthly payment for a child amounts to $480 or more, the amount of $480 shall be deducted from the final monthly payment. Provides that if the final monthly payment amounts to less than $480, the final monthly payment shall not be made.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.