summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
03/12/2025
03/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
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 the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits abuse by an educator or authority figure if that person is an educator or authority figure at the school, the student is at least 18 years of age but under 23 years of age, the person is at least 4 years older than the student and holds or held within the previous year a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the student in connection with an educational or extracurricular program or activity, 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.
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code and the Criminal Code of 2012 to create a new offense called "abuse by an educator or authority figure" that specifically targets sexual relationships between school staff and students. The bill defines an educator or authority figure as an adult employed by or associated with a school who is at least 4 years older than a student between 18 and 23 years old, and who currently or recently held a position of trust or supervision over that student. The new law makes it a criminal offense for such an educator or authority figure to engage in sexual conduct or sexual penetration with a student, even if the student is over 18 and appears to consent. The severity of the criminal charge depends on the type of sexual act: sexual conduct is initially a Class A misdemeanor, while sexual penetration is a Class 4 felony. Repeat offenses or cases with multiple victims result in more serious felony charges. The bill also updates the School Code to include this new type of sex offense in the list of offenses that can result in the suspension or revocation of an educator's professional license, ensuring that educators who engage in such misconduct can be prevented from continuing to work in schools.
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Ryan Spain (on 09/17/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2446&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB2446.htm |
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