summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code. Provides that when registering or seeking recognition status with the State Board of Education, a nonpublic elementary or secondary school shall include assurances that the school will not prohibit religious hairstyles, hair-related religious practices, or facial hair worn in accordance with a student's or employee's sincerely held religious beliefs, observance, or practice. Provides that a school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a school board or local school council may not include or apply to religious hairstyles, hair-related religious practices, or facial hair worn in accordance with a student's sincerely held religious beliefs, observance, or practice. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill, also known as the Religious Hair and Facial Hair Protections Act or Jett Hawkins Law, amends the School Code to ensure that nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, when registering or seeking recognition from the State Board of Education, must guarantee they will not prohibit religious hairstyles, hair-related religious practices, or facial hair worn in accordance with a student's or employee's sincerely held religious beliefs, observance, or practice. This means that school uniform or dress code policies adopted by school boards or local school councils cannot include or apply to these religious expressions, with a clarification that schools can still require hair or facial hair to be secured or covered during specific activities if necessary for safety, as long as it doesn't require permanent alteration.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Education Committee Hearing (14:00:00 2/24/2026 Room 212) (on 02/24/2026)
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