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IL HB1583

IL HB1583
SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICERS


summary

Introduced
01/22/2025
In Committee
01/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall approve a course for school safety officers (a retired law enforcement officer who has been hired by a school district to perform security services). Sets forth training and certification requirements. Provides that an applicant for employment as a school safety officer must authorize an investigation to determine if the applicant has been convicted of any criminal offense that disqualifies the person as a school safety officer. Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Exempts school safety officers from the Act if a school board does not require officer-worn body cameras. Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, a school may employ a school safety officer. Requires a school safety officer applicant to provide the school district a certificate of completion or approved waiver issued by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Provides that a school safety officer shall wear a uniform that clearly identifies the officer as a school safety officer. Provides that a school safety officer may detain a person when the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that an offense, other than an ordinance violation, is being committed. Provides that a school safety officer may carry a firearm as long as the officer is certified under specified provisions of the Peace Officer and Probation Officer Firearm Training Act. Adds references to school safety officers throughout the Code. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that that the provisions concerning the unlawful use of weapons as those provisions pertain to firearms do not apply to or affect the carrying or possession of firearms by a qualified current or retired law enforcement officer qualified under the laws of the State or under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act in specified properties, including schools. Effective immediately.

AI Summary

This bill introduces a comprehensive framework for school safety officers in Illinois, establishing training, certification, and operational guidelines for retired law enforcement officers hired to provide security services in schools. Beginning January 1, 2026, school districts may employ school safety officers who must complete a specialized training course developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. The course will cover critical areas such as de-escalation, use of force, mental health awareness, and cultural competency. School safety officers must wear a distinctive uniform and may carry a firearm if they meet specific certification requirements under the Peace Officer and Probation Officer Firearm Training Act. The bill also allows these officers to detain individuals when they have reasonable suspicion that an offense is being committed. Additionally, the legislation provides exemptions for school safety officers from certain weapons regulations and body camera requirements, giving school boards flexibility in implementing security measures. The bill aims to enhance school safety by providing a structured approach to employing and training retired law enforcement professionals as school security personnel.

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Patrick Sheehan (on 02/27/2025)

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