Bill > SB4031

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing bullying in Illinois public schools, including charter schools, by outlining specific measures based on the severity of the offense. For minor offenders, the bill mandates participation in hearings, school-based restorative justice programs, apologies to victims, community service, and counseling. Parents or guardians of minor offenders are required to attend hearings, pay administrative fees to the Illinois Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Fund, and participate in educational sessions. Victims will receive free counseling and have their well-being monitored. The bill categorizes bullying offenses into low, moderate, and major severity, with escalating consequences for repeat offenses or more serious harm, potentially leading to expulsion for the most severe cases. It also requires schools to provide educational sessions on bullying, mental health, and digital citizenship, and to establish crisis intervention teams. Furthermore, the State Board of Education will annually report on bullying incidents, restorative justice outcomes, and disciplinary actions to a national survey, and will conduct audits of schools participating in restorative measures to track anti-bullying metrics. The bill also clarifies that charter schools must comply with these new bullying accountability provisions.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4031&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104