Legislative Highlights for Week Ending 5/17/24, Part 2 of 2

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn this Friday, May 24. While the House cancelled the session scheduled for this past weekend, it is anticipated that work on the budget will continue. Several committees are scheduled to advance cross chamber bills through the final legislative steps next week. And it is expected for budget drafts to surface at the middle to end of next week.

Bill action this week includes:

Fentanyl Education

HB 4219 (Yang Rohr, D-Naperville/Ellman, D-Naperville) as amended allows the instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl to be taught by a licensed educator, school nurse, school counselor, school social worker or law enforcement officer. HB 4219 is in the House on concurrence.

Reading Plan Requirements

HB 4902 (Faver Dias, D-Grayslake/Lightford, D-Hillsdale) provides that the support provided by a vendor or learning partner approved to support a school's continuous improvement plan related to English language arts must be based on the comprehensive literacy plan for the State developed by the State Board of Education. HB 4902 passed both the House and Senate.

Waiver of non-resident tuition for DCFS Placements

SB 2824 (McClure, R-Litchfield/Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville) ensure that children are able to attend school in their original school district where they previously resided if they are removed from their homes by DCFS, if it is in the child’s best interest. SB 2824 passed both the House and Senate.

Student Relaxation Time

SB 2872 (Faver Dias, D-Grayslake) would allow schools the option to provide relaxation activities for at least 20 minutes a week. A school district could partner with public and private community organizations to provide relaxation activities. The bill passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor.

Carbon Free School Report information

HB 4751 (Stadelman, D-Rockford) This bill provides that "confidential information" does not include program offerings, solar opportunities, health and safety certifications, energy efficiency recommendations, information about transportation and other funding offerings. This information would be public on a school’s Carbon-Free Assessment report. The bill passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor.

School Air Quality Task Force

HB 4903 (Johnson, D-Waukegan) would create the Air Quality in Schools Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations to the General Assembly on air quality goals for elementary, middle, and high schools. The bill passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor.

Workplace Readiness Week

HB 4417 (Halpin, D-Rock Island) provides that all public high schools, including charter schools, may designate and annually observe a week known as "Workplace Readiness Week". Students would be provided information on their rights as workers during that week. Topics could include worker safety, paid sick leave and the right to organize a union. The bill passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor.

403b Updates

SB 2568 (Villa ,D- West Chicago) among other provisions the legislation provides that 403b plans must be agreed upon by the collective bargaining units and management in school districts. The bill was heard in the Senate Labor committee this week and is positioned on 3rd reading in the Senate.

Timeliness goals for labor boards

HB5324 (Hoffman, D-Belleville) would require the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) and Illinois Labor Relations Board (ILRB) to set timeliness goals for issuing decisions on Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges. The boards would also be required to submit an annual report on their caseload and how long it took for decisions to be made. The bill passed out of the House 111-0.

A look ahead

Legislative action, including on FY25 budget and revenue bills, is likely to occur in the coming days. Watch Under the Dome for updates!