Rep. Amy Elik

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 Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that no contributory fault may be attributed to a plaintiff bringing an action for damages for personal injury based on childhood sexual abuse as defined. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Illinois House of Representatives' official estimate of available general funds for the 2025 state fiscal year. It lists specific projected revenue amounts from sources such as personal and corporate income taxes, sales taxes, and various fees, totaling approximately $52 million when including federal sources. By submitting these figures, the bill fulfills a constitutional requirement that state spending cannot exceed the amount the General Assembly estimates will be collected. The document serves as a procedural step to set the financial baseline for the upcoming budget cycle.

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall provide stipends for teachers who participate in externships with a manufacturing company in the State.

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 Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision defining "eligible employment" for the purpose of allowing a teacher to return to teaching in subject shortage areas without impairing his or her retirement status or retirement annuity, changes the ending date of the employment from no later than June 30, 2024 to no later than June 30, 2029. Effective immediately.

Recognizes the members and leaders of the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of Illinois to join in appreciation and celebration of the GSUSA for the organization's work on behalf of girls across the State and the country.

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.

Declares the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024 as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week in the State of Illinois in honor of the coroners, deputy coroners, medical examiners, support and ancillary staff, forensic pathologists, and medicolegal death investigators for their ongoing commitment of service to the citizens of Illinois and their communities.