summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
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 in the definition of "sex or other offense" abuse by an educator or authority figure as defined in the Criminal Code of 2012. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Creates the offense of abuse by an educator or authority figure. Provides that a person commits the offense 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. Defines "authority figure" and "educator".
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Illinois law to create a new criminal offense and strengthen protections for students. Specifically, it expands the definition of "sex or other offense" under the School Code to include abuse by an educator or authority figure, which can lead to disqualification, suspension, or revocation of an educator's license. The bill also establishes the new crime of "abuse by an educator or authority figure" within the Criminal Code of 2012. This offense applies when an educator or authority figure (defined as someone employed by, volunteering at, or contracted by a school, or who holds a position of trust and authority over a student in an educational or extracurricular setting) engages in sexual conduct or sexual penetration with a student who is at least 18 but under 23 years old, and the educator/authority figure is at least four years older. The severity of the penalties for this new offense varies based on whether it involves sexual conduct or sexual penetration, and whether it's a first offense or a repeat offense, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 3 felony. Importantly, the consent of the victim is explicitly stated as not being a defense to this charge.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/05/2026)
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