Bill Text: IL HB5478 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall require, in a manner and method determined by the State Board, that each school district report the number of student referrals to law enforcement. Provides that the disaggregated data shall include data on referrals to law enforcement required to be submitted by a school district and charter school under the Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall post the disaggregated data on the State Board's Internet website for the previous school year by October 31, starting with the 2023-2024 school year. Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the suspension or expulsion of pupils, provides that school personnel may not issue a monetary fine, fee, or municipal ticket for school-based behavior as a disciplinary consequence (instead of providing that a student may not be issued a monetary fine or fee as a disciplinary consequence). Sets forth provisions concerning disciplinary responses of schools. Provides that school personnel (instead of a school district) may not refer a truant, chronic truant, or truant minor to any other local public entity, school resource officer, or peace officer (instead of any other local public entity). Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-04-05 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HB5478 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HB5478-Introduced.html

---

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB5478 Introduced , by Rep. La Shawn K. Ford SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
105 ILCS 5/1-3 from Ch. 122, par. 1-3
105 ILCS 5/2-3.204 new
105 ILCS 5/10-20.14 from Ch. 122, par. 10-20.14
105 ILCS 5/10-22.6 from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.6
105 ILCS 5/26-12 from Ch. 122, par. 26-12
Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall require, in a manner and method determined by the State Board, that each school district report the number of student referrals to law enforcement. Provides that the disaggregated data shall include data on referrals to law enforcement required to be submitted by a school district and charter school under the Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall post the disaggregated data on the State Board's Internet website for the previous school year by October 31, starting with the 2023-2024 school year. Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the suspension or expulsion of pupils, provides that school personnel may not issue a monetary fine, fee, or municipal ticket for school-based behavior as a disciplinary consequence, (instead of providing that a student may not be issued a monetary fine or fee as a disciplinary consequence). Sets forth provisions concerning disciplinary responses of schools. Provides that school personnel (instead of a school district) may not refer a truant, chronic truant, or truant minor to any other local public entity, school resource officer, or peace officer (instead of any other local public entity). Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.
LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT MAY APPLY
A BILL FOR
HB5478 LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
AN ACT concerning education.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. Findings and intent.
(a) The General Assembly finds the following:
(1) Public Act 99-456 prohibited schools from the
issuance of monetary fines or fees as disciplinary
consequences.
(2) Public Act 100-810 prohibited schools from
referring truant minors to local public entities for the
purpose of issuing fines or fees as punishment for truancy
and requiring schools to document the provision of all
appropriate and available supportive services before
referring an individual having custody of a truant minor
to a local entity.
(3) Thousands of students have been referred to
municipalities for behaviors occurring on school grounds,
during school-related events, or while taking school
transportation.
(4) The impact of municipal tickets, citations, and
ordinance violations disproportionately impact students of
color and students with disabilities.
(5) Municipal fines and fees associated with municipal
tickets, citations, and ordinance violations create

HB5478 - 2 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
financial hardship for minors and their families.
(6) Municipal proceedings do not provide minors with
sufficient due process, confidentiality, or record
expungement protections.
(7) In accordance with federal law and regulations,
Illinois schools provide data to the Civil Rights Data
Collection required by the Department of Education Office
of Civil Rights, including data on referrals to law
enforcement and which disaggregates referrals resulting in
arrests, but does not disaggregate referrals resulting in
a municipal ticket, citation, or ordinance violation.
(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to learn more
about the prevalence of student referrals to law enforcement,
particularly those resulting in municipal tickets, citations,
or ordinance violations for behaviors occurring on school
grounds, during school-related events, or while taking school
transportation. It is not the intent of the General Assembly
to modify current school disciplinary responses provided in
the School Code or responses to alleged delinquent or criminal
conduct as set forth in the School Code, the Juvenile Court
Act, and the Criminal Code of 2012.
Section 10. The School Code is amended by changing
Sections 1-3, 10-20.14, 10-22.6, and 26-12 and by adding
Section 2-3.204 as follows:

HB5478 - 3 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
(105 ILCS 5/1-3) (from Ch. 122, par. 1-3)
Sec. 1-3. Definitions. In this Code:
The terms "common schools", "free schools" and "public
schools" are used interchangeably to apply to any school
operated by authority of this Act.
"School-based behavior" means student behavior that occurs
at a school, a school-sponsored activity or event, or any
activity or event that has a reasonable relationship to a
school.
"School board" means the governing body of any district
created or operating under authority of this Code, including
board of school directors and board of education. When the
context so indicates it also means the governing body of any
non-high school district and of any special charter district,
including a board of school inspectors.
"School fees" or "fees" means any monetary charge
collected by a public school, public school district, or
charter school from a student or the parents or guardian of a
student as a prerequisite for the student's participation in
any curricular or extracurricular program of the school or
school district as defined under paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subsection (a) of Section 1.245 of Title 23 of the Illinois
Administrative Code.
"School personnel" means persons who are employed by, who
are on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district,
charter school, or non-public, non-sectarian elementary or

HB5478 - 4 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
secondary school, including, but not limited to, school
administrators, school district administrators, teachers,
school social workers, school counselors, school
psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians,
bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.
"Special charter district" means any city, township, or
district organized into a school district, under a special Act
or charter of the General Assembly or in which schools are now
managed and operating within such unit in whole or in part
under the terms of such special Act or charter.
(Source: P.A. 102-687, eff. 12-17-21; 102-805, eff. 1-1-23.)
(105 ILCS 5/2-3.204 new)
Sec. 2-3.204. Law enforcement referral report.
(a) In this Section, "referral to law enforcement" means
an action by which a student is reported to any law enforcement
agency or official, including a school resource officer, for
school-based behaviors.
(b) The State Board of Education shall require, in a
manner and method determined by the State Board, that each
school district reports the number of student referrals to law
enforcement. The disaggregated data shall include data on
referrals to law enforcement required to be submitted by a
school district or charter school under Articles 10 and 34.
The State Board of Education shall post the disaggregated data
on the State Board's Internet website for the previous school

HB5478 - 5 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
year by October 31, starting with the 2023-2024 school year.
(c) The disaggregated data collected under subsection (b)
shall be organized by school district and include the
following:
(1) The number of referrals to law enforcement that
resulted in a municipal ticket, a citation, or an
ordinance violation and number of students cited,
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, whether that
student has an individualized education program or a plan
pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, whether the student is an English language
learner, and the reason for referral organized by offense.
(2) The total number of municipal tickets, citations,
and ordinance violations issued by law enforcement
resulting from school-based behaviors, disaggregated by
race, ethnicity, gender, whether that student has an
individualized education program or a plan pursuant to
Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
whether the student is an English language learner, and
the reason for issuance organized by offense.
(3) The total number of arrests made by law
enforcement resulting from school-based behaviors,
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, whether that
student has an individualized education program or a plan
pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, whether the student is an English language

HB5478 - 6 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
learner, and the reason for arrest organized by offense.
(4) The total number of referrals to law enforcement
and total number of students referred to law enforcement,
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, whether that
student has an individualized education program or a plan
pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, whether the student is an English language
learner, and the reason for referral organized by offense.
(5) The number of referrals to law enforcement that
resulted in an arrest and number of students arrested,
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, whether that
student has an individualized education program or a plan
pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, whether the student is an English language
learner, and the reason for referral organized by offense.
(105 ILCS 5/10-20.14) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-20.14)
Sec. 10-20.14. Student discipline policies; parent-teacher
advisory committee.
(a) To establish and maintain a parent-teacher advisory
committee to develop with the school board or governing body
of a charter school policy guidelines on pupil discipline,
including school searches and bullying prevention as set forth
in Section 27-23.7 of this Code. School authorities shall
furnish a copy of the policy to the parents or guardian of each
pupil within 15 days after the beginning of the school year, or

HB5478 - 7 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
within 15 days after starting classes for a pupil who
transfers into the district during the school year, and the
school board or governing body of a charter school shall
require that a school inform its pupils of the contents of the
policy. School boards and the governing bodies of charter
schools, along with the parent-teacher advisory committee,
must annually review their pupil discipline policies, the
implementation of those policies, and any other factors
related to the safety of their schools, pupils, and staff.
(a-5) On or before September 15, 2016, each elementary and
secondary school and charter school shall, at a minimum, adopt
pupil discipline policies that fulfill the requirements set
forth in this Section, subsections (a) and (b) of Section
10-22.6 of this Code, Section 34-19 of this Code if
applicable, and federal and State laws that provide special
requirements for the discipline of students with disabilities.
(b) The parent-teacher advisory committee in cooperation
with local law enforcement agencies shall develop, with the
school board, policy guideline procedures to establish and
maintain a reciprocal reporting system between the school
district and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal
and civil offenses committed by students. School districts are
encouraged to create memoranda of understanding with local law
enforcement agencies that clearly define law enforcement's
role in schools, in accordance with Section 10-22.6 and
Section 2-3.204 of this Code.

HB5478 - 8 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
(c) The parent-teacher advisory committee, in cooperation
with school bus personnel, shall develop, with the school
board, policy guideline procedures to establish and maintain
school bus safety procedures. These procedures shall be
incorporated into the district's pupil discipline policy.
(d) The school board, in consultation with the
parent-teacher advisory committee and other community-based
organizations, must include provisions in the student
discipline policy to address students who have demonstrated
behaviors that put them at risk for aggressive behavior,
including without limitation bullying, as defined in the
policy. These provisions must include procedures for notifying
parents or legal guardians and early intervention procedures
based upon available community-based and district resources.
(Source: P.A. 99-456, eff. 9-15-16.)
(105 ILCS 5/10-22.6) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.6)
(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 102-466)
Sec. 10-22.6. Suspension or expulsion of pupils; school
searches.
(a) To expel pupils guilty of gross disobedience or
misconduct, including gross disobedience or misconduct
perpetuated by electronic means, pursuant to subsection (b-20)
of this Section, and no action shall lie against them for such
expulsion. Expulsion shall take place only after the parents
have been requested to appear at a meeting of the board, or

HB5478 - 9 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
with a hearing officer appointed by it, to discuss their
child's behavior. Such request shall be made by registered or
certified mail and shall state the time, place and purpose of
the meeting. The board, or a hearing officer appointed by it,
at such meeting shall state the reasons for dismissal and the
date on which the expulsion is to become effective. If a
hearing officer is appointed by the board, he shall report to
the board a written summary of the evidence heard at the
meeting and the board may take such action thereon as it finds
appropriate. If the board acts to expel a pupil, the written
expulsion decision shall detail the specific reasons why
removing the pupil from the learning environment is in the
best interest of the school. The expulsion decision shall also
include a rationale as to the specific duration of the
expulsion. An expelled pupil may be immediately transferred to
an alternative program in the manner provided in Article 13A
or 13B of this Code. A pupil must not be denied transfer
because of the expulsion, except in cases in which such
transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students
or staff in the alternative program.
(b) To suspend or by policy to authorize the
superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant
principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend pupils
guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, or to suspend
pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct on the
school bus from riding the school bus, pursuant to subsections

HB5478 - 10 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
(b-15) and (b-20) of this Section, and no action shall lie
against them for such suspension. The board may by policy
authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal,
assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to
suspend pupils guilty of such acts for a period not to exceed
10 school days. If a pupil is suspended due to gross
disobedience or misconduct on a school bus, the board may
suspend the pupil in excess of 10 school days for safety
reasons.
Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the
parents or guardian of a pupil along with a full statement of
the reasons for such suspension and a notice of their right to
a review. The school board must be given a summary of the
notice, including the reason for the suspension and the
suspension length. Upon request of the parents or guardian,
the school board or a hearing officer appointed by it shall
review such action of the superintendent or principal,
assistant principal, or dean of students. At such review, the
parents or guardian of the pupil may appear and discuss the
suspension with the board or its hearing officer. If a hearing
officer is appointed by the board, he shall report to the board
a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting. After
its hearing or upon receipt of the written report of its
hearing officer, the board may take such action as it finds
appropriate. If a student is suspended pursuant to this
subsection (b), the board shall, in the written suspension

HB5478 - 11 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
decision, detail the specific act of gross disobedience or
misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend. The
suspension decision shall also include a rationale as to the
specific duration of the suspension. A pupil who is suspended
in excess of 20 school days may be immediately transferred to
an alternative program in the manner provided in Article 13A
or 13B of this Code. A pupil must not be denied transfer
because of the suspension, except in cases in which such
transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students
or staff in the alternative program.
(b-5) Among the many possible disciplinary interventions
and consequences available to school officials, school
exclusions, such as out-of-school suspensions and expulsions,
are the most serious. School officials shall limit the number
and duration of expulsions and suspensions to the greatest
extent practicable, and it is recommended that they use them
only for legitimate educational purposes. To ensure that
students are not excluded from school unnecessarily, it is
recommended that school officials consider forms of
non-exclusionary discipline prior to using out-of-school
suspensions or expulsions.
(b-10) Unless otherwise required by federal law or this
Code, school boards may not institute zero-tolerance policies
by which school administrators are required to suspend or
expel students for particular behaviors.
(b-15) Out-of-school suspensions of 3 days or less may be

HB5478 - 12 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
used only if the student's continuing presence in school would
pose a threat to school safety or a disruption to other
students' learning opportunities. For purposes of this
subsection (b-15), "threat to school safety or a disruption to
other students' learning opportunities" shall be determined on
a case-by-case basis by the school board or its designee.
School officials shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve
such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the
length of suspensions to the greatest extent practicable.
(b-20) Unless otherwise required by this Code,
out-of-school suspensions of longer than 3 days, expulsions,
and disciplinary removals to alternative schools may be used
only if other appropriate and available behavioral and
disciplinary interventions have been exhausted and the
student's continuing presence in school would either (i) pose
a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of
the school community or (ii) substantially disrupt, impede, or
interfere with the operation of the school. For purposes of
this subsection (b-20), "threat to the safety of other
students, staff, or members of the school community" and
"substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the
operation of the school" shall be determined on a case-by-case
basis by school officials. For purposes of this subsection
(b-20), the determination of whether "appropriate and
available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been
exhausted" shall be made by school officials. School officials

HB5478 - 13 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve such threats,
address such disruptions, and minimize the length of student
exclusions to the greatest extent practicable. Within the
suspension decision described in subsection (b) of this
Section or the expulsion decision described in subsection (a)
of this Section, it shall be documented whether other
interventions were attempted or whether it was determined that
there were no other appropriate and available interventions.
(b-25) Students who are suspended out-of-school for longer
than 4 school days shall be provided appropriate and available
support services during the period of their suspension. For
purposes of this subsection (b-25), "appropriate and available
support services" shall be determined by school authorities.
Within the suspension decision described in subsection (b) of
this Section, it shall be documented whether such services are
to be provided or whether it was determined that there are no
such appropriate and available services.
A school district may refer students who are expelled to
appropriate and available support services.
A school district shall create a policy to facilitate the
re-engagement of students who are suspended out-of-school,
expelled, or returning from an alternative school setting.
(b-30) A school district shall create a policy by which
suspended pupils, including those pupils suspended from the
school bus who do not have alternate transportation to school,
shall have the opportunity to make up work for equivalent

HB5478 - 14 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of a pupil's
parent or guardian to notify school officials that a pupil
suspended from the school bus does not have alternate
transportation to school.
(c) A school board must invite a representative from a
local mental health agency to consult with the board at the
meeting whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be
the cause of a student's expulsion or suspension.
(c-5) School districts shall make reasonable efforts to
provide ongoing professional development to teachers,
administrators, school board members, school resource
officers, and staff on the adverse consequences of school
exclusion and justice-system involvement, effective classroom
management strategies, culturally responsive discipline, the
appropriate and available supportive services for the
promotion of student attendance and engagement, and
developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote
positive and healthy school climates.
(d) The board may expel a student for a definite period of
time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a
case-by-case basis. A student who is determined to have
brought one of the following objects to school, any
school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event
that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be
expelled for a period of not less than one year:
(1) A firearm. For the purposes of this Section,

HB5478 - 15 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
"firearm" means any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined
by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code,
firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners
Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section
24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. The expulsion period
under this subdivision (1) may be modified by the
superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may
be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
(2) A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon
regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other
object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily
harm, including "look alikes" of any firearm as defined in
subdivision (1) of this subsection (d). The expulsion
requirement under this subdivision (2) may be modified by
the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination
may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
Expulsion or suspension shall be construed in a manner
consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act. A student who is subject to suspension or
expulsion as provided in this Section may be eligible for a
transfer to an alternative school program in accordance with
Article 13A of the School Code.
(d-5) The board may suspend or by regulation authorize the
superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant
principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend a
student for a period not to exceed 10 school days or may expel

HB5478 - 16 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2
calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis, if (i)
that student has been determined to have made an explicit
threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a
student, or any school-related personnel, (ii) the Internet
website through which the threat was made is a site that was
accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or
was available to third parties who worked or studied within
the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and (iii)
the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to
the safety and security of the threatened individual because
of his or her duties or employment status or status as a
student inside the school.
(e) To maintain order and security in the schools, school
authorities may inspect and search places and areas such as
lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and
equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as
personal effects left in those places and areas by students,
without notice to or the consent of the student, and without a
search warrant. As a matter of public policy, the General
Assembly finds that students have no reasonable expectation of
privacy in these places and areas or in their personal effects
left in these places and areas. School authorities may request
the assistance of law enforcement officials for the purpose of
conducting inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking
lots, and other school property and equipment owned or

HB5478 - 17 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
controlled by the school for illegal drugs, weapons, or other
illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including
searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.
If a search conducted in accordance with this Section produces
evidence that the student has violated or is violating either
the law, local ordinance, or the school's policies or rules,
such evidence may be seized by school authorities, and
disciplinary action may be taken. School authorities may also
turn over such evidence to law enforcement authorities.
(f) Suspension or expulsion may include suspension or
expulsion from school and all school activities and a
prohibition from being present on school grounds.
(g) A school district may adopt a policy providing that if
a student is suspended or expelled for any reason from any
public or private school in this or any other state, the
student must complete the entire term of the suspension or
expulsion in an alternative school program under Article 13A
of this Code or an alternative learning opportunities program
under Article 13B of this Code before being admitted into the
school district if there is no threat to the safety of students
or staff in the alternative program.
(h) School officials shall not advise or encourage
students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic
difficulties.
(i) School personnel may not issue A student may not be
issued a monetary fine, or fee, or municipal ticket for

HB5478 - 18 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
school-based behavior as a disciplinary consequence, though
this shall not preclude requiring a student to provide
restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property. This
subsection (i) does not modify school disciplinary responses
provided under this Section or Section 10-20.14 of this Code
that exist before the effective date of this amendatory Act of
the 103rd General Assembly or responses to alleged delinquent
or criminal conduct set forth in this Code, Article V of the
Juvenile Court Act of 1987, or the Criminal Code of 2012.
(j) Subsections (a) through (i) of this Section shall
apply to elementary and secondary schools, charter schools,
special charter districts, and school districts organized
under Article 34 of this Code.
(k) The expulsion of children enrolled in programs funded
under Section 1C-2 of this Code is subject to the requirements
under paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 2-3.71 of
this Code.
(l) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, an in-school
suspension program provided by a school district for any
students in kindergarten through grade 12 may focus on
promoting non-violent conflict resolution and positive
interaction with other students and school personnel. A school
district may employ a school social worker or a licensed
mental health professional to oversee an in-school suspension
program in kindergarten through grade 12.
(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 102-539, eff. 8-20-21;

HB5478 - 19 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)
(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 102-466)
Sec. 10-22.6. Suspension or expulsion of pupils; school
searches.
(a) To expel pupils guilty of gross disobedience or
misconduct, including gross disobedience or misconduct
perpetuated by electronic means, pursuant to subsection (b-20)
of this Section, and no action shall lie against them for such
expulsion. Expulsion shall take place only after the parents
or guardians have been requested to appear at a meeting of the
board, or with a hearing officer appointed by it, to discuss
their child's behavior. Such request shall be made by
registered or certified mail and shall state the time, place
and purpose of the meeting. The board, or a hearing officer
appointed by it, at such meeting shall state the reasons for
dismissal and the date on which the expulsion is to become
effective. If a hearing officer is appointed by the board, he
shall report to the board a written summary of the evidence
heard at the meeting and the board may take such action thereon
as it finds appropriate. If the board acts to expel a pupil,
the written expulsion decision shall detail the specific
reasons why removing the pupil from the learning environment
is in the best interest of the school. The expulsion decision
shall also include a rationale as to the specific duration of
the expulsion. An expelled pupil may be immediately

HB5478 - 20 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
transferred to an alternative program in the manner provided
in Article 13A or 13B of this Code. A pupil must not be denied
transfer because of the expulsion, except in cases in which
such transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of
students or staff in the alternative program.
(b) To suspend or by policy to authorize the
superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant
principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend pupils
guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, or to suspend
pupils guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct on the
school bus from riding the school bus, pursuant to subsections
(b-15) and (b-20) of this Section, and no action shall lie
against them for such suspension. The board may by policy
authorize the superintendent of the district or the principal,
assistant principal, or dean of students of any school to
suspend pupils guilty of such acts for a period not to exceed
10 school days. If a pupil is suspended due to gross
disobedience or misconduct on a school bus, the board may
suspend the pupil in excess of 10 school days for safety
reasons.
Any suspension shall be reported immediately to the
parents or guardians of a pupil along with a full statement of
the reasons for such suspension and a notice of their right to
a review. The school board must be given a summary of the
notice, including the reason for the suspension and the
suspension length. Upon request of the parents or guardians,

HB5478 - 21 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
the school board or a hearing officer appointed by it shall
review such action of the superintendent or principal,
assistant principal, or dean of students. At such review, the
parents or guardians of the pupil may appear and discuss the
suspension with the board or its hearing officer. If a hearing
officer is appointed by the board, he shall report to the board
a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting. After
its hearing or upon receipt of the written report of its
hearing officer, the board may take such action as it finds
appropriate. If a student is suspended pursuant to this
subsection (b), the board shall, in the written suspension
decision, detail the specific act of gross disobedience or
misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend. The
suspension decision shall also include a rationale as to the
specific duration of the suspension. A pupil who is suspended
in excess of 20 school days may be immediately transferred to
an alternative program in the manner provided in Article 13A
or 13B of this Code. A pupil must not be denied transfer
because of the suspension, except in cases in which such
transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students
or staff in the alternative program.
(b-5) Among the many possible disciplinary interventions
and consequences available to school officials, school
exclusions, such as out-of-school suspensions and expulsions,
are the most serious. School officials shall limit the number
and duration of expulsions and suspensions to the greatest

HB5478 - 22 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
extent practicable, and it is recommended that they use them
only for legitimate educational purposes. To ensure that
students are not excluded from school unnecessarily, it is
recommended that school officials consider forms of
non-exclusionary discipline prior to using out-of-school
suspensions or expulsions.
(b-10) Unless otherwise required by federal law or this
Code, school boards may not institute zero-tolerance policies
by which school administrators are required to suspend or
expel students for particular behaviors.
(b-15) Out-of-school suspensions of 3 days or less may be
used only if the student's continuing presence in school would
pose a threat to school safety or a disruption to other
students' learning opportunities. For purposes of this
subsection (b-15), "threat to school safety or a disruption to
other students' learning opportunities" shall be determined on
a case-by-case basis by the school board or its designee.
School officials shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve
such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the
length of suspensions to the greatest extent practicable.
(b-20) Unless otherwise required by this Code,
out-of-school suspensions of longer than 3 days, expulsions,
and disciplinary removals to alternative schools may be used
only if other appropriate and available behavioral and
disciplinary interventions have been exhausted and the
student's continuing presence in school would either (i) pose

HB5478 - 23 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of
the school community or (ii) substantially disrupt, impede, or
interfere with the operation of the school. For purposes of
this subsection (b-20), "threat to the safety of other
students, staff, or members of the school community" and
"substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the
operation of the school" shall be determined on a case-by-case
basis by school officials. For purposes of this subsection
(b-20), the determination of whether "appropriate and
available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been
exhausted" shall be made by school officials. School officials
shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve such threats,
address such disruptions, and minimize the length of student
exclusions to the greatest extent practicable. Within the
suspension decision described in subsection (b) of this
Section or the expulsion decision described in subsection (a)
of this Section, it shall be documented whether other
interventions were attempted or whether it was determined that
there were no other appropriate and available interventions.
(b-25) Students who are suspended out-of-school for longer
than 4 school days shall be provided appropriate and available
support services during the period of their suspension. For
purposes of this subsection (b-25), "appropriate and available
support services" shall be determined by school authorities.
Within the suspension decision described in subsection (b) of
this Section, it shall be documented whether such services are

HB5478 - 24 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
to be provided or whether it was determined that there are no
such appropriate and available services.
A school district may refer students who are expelled to
appropriate and available support services.
A school district shall create a policy to facilitate the
re-engagement of students who are suspended out-of-school,
expelled, or returning from an alternative school setting.
(b-30) A school district shall create a policy by which
suspended pupils, including those pupils suspended from the
school bus who do not have alternate transportation to school,
shall have the opportunity to make up work for equivalent
academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of a pupil's
parents or guardians to notify school officials that a pupil
suspended from the school bus does not have alternate
transportation to school.
(b-35) In all suspension review hearings conducted under
subsection (b) or expulsion hearings conducted under
subsection (a), a student may disclose any factor to be
considered in mitigation, including his or her status as a
parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual
violence, as defined in Article 26A. A representative of the
parent's or guardian's choice, or of the student's choice if
emancipated, must be permitted to represent the student
throughout the proceedings and to address the school board or
its appointed hearing officer. With the approval of the
student's parent or guardian, or of the student if

HB5478 - 25 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
emancipated, a support person must be permitted to accompany
the student to any disciplinary hearings or proceedings. The
representative or support person must comply with any rules of
the school district's hearing process. If the representative
or support person violates the rules or engages in behavior or
advocacy that harasses, abuses, or intimidates either party, a
witness, or anyone else in attendance at the hearing, the
representative or support person may be prohibited from
further participation in the hearing or proceeding. A
suspension or expulsion proceeding under this subsection
(b-35) must be conducted independently from any ongoing
criminal investigation or proceeding, and an absence of
pending or possible criminal charges, criminal investigations,
or proceedings may not be a factor in school disciplinary
decisions.
(b-40) During a suspension review hearing conducted under
subsection (b) or an expulsion hearing conducted under
subsection (a) that involves allegations of sexual violence by
the student who is subject to discipline, neither the student
nor his or her representative shall directly question nor have
direct contact with the alleged victim. The student who is
subject to discipline or his or her representative may, at the
discretion and direction of the school board or its appointed
hearing officer, suggest questions to be posed by the school
board or its appointed hearing officer to the alleged victim.
(c) A school board must invite a representative from a

HB5478 - 26 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
local mental health agency to consult with the board at the
meeting whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be
the cause of a student's expulsion or suspension.
(c-5) School districts shall make reasonable efforts to
provide ongoing professional development to teachers,
administrators, school board members, school resource
officers, and staff on the adverse consequences of school
exclusion and justice-system involvement, effective classroom
management strategies, culturally responsive discipline, the
appropriate and available supportive services for the
promotion of student attendance and engagement, and
developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote
positive and healthy school climates.
(d) The board may expel a student for a definite period of
time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a
case-by-case basis. A student who is determined to have
brought one of the following objects to school, any
school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event
that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be
expelled for a period of not less than one year:
(1) A firearm. For the purposes of this Section,
"firearm" means any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined
by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code,
firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners
Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section
24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. The expulsion period

HB5478 - 27 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
under this subdivision (1) may be modified by the
superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may
be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
(2) A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon
regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other
object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily
harm, including "look alikes" of any firearm as defined in
subdivision (1) of this subsection (d). The expulsion
requirement under this subdivision (2) may be modified by
the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination
may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
Expulsion or suspension shall be construed in a manner
consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act. A student who is subject to suspension or
expulsion as provided in this Section may be eligible for a
transfer to an alternative school program in accordance with
Article 13A of the School Code.
(d-5) The board may suspend or by regulation authorize the
superintendent of the district or the principal, assistant
principal, or dean of students of any school to suspend a
student for a period not to exceed 10 school days or may expel
a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2
calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis, if (i)
that student has been determined to have made an explicit
threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a
student, or any school-related personnel, (ii) the Internet

HB5478 - 28 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
website through which the threat was made is a site that was
accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or
was available to third parties who worked or studied within
the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and (iii)
the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to
the safety and security of the threatened individual because
of his or her duties or employment status or status as a
student inside the school.
(e) To maintain order and security in the schools, school
authorities may inspect and search places and areas such as
lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and
equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as
personal effects left in those places and areas by students,
without notice to or the consent of the student, and without a
search warrant. As a matter of public policy, the General
Assembly finds that students have no reasonable expectation of
privacy in these places and areas or in their personal effects
left in these places and areas. School authorities may request
the assistance of law enforcement officials for the purpose of
conducting inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking
lots, and other school property and equipment owned or
controlled by the school for illegal drugs, weapons, or other
illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including
searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.
If a search conducted in accordance with this Section produces
evidence that the student has violated or is violating either

HB5478 - 29 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
the law, local ordinance, or the school's policies or rules,
such evidence may be seized by school authorities, and
disciplinary action may be taken. School authorities may also
turn over such evidence to law enforcement authorities.
(f) Suspension or expulsion may include suspension or
expulsion from school and all school activities and a
prohibition from being present on school grounds.
(g) A school district may adopt a policy providing that if
a student is suspended or expelled for any reason from any
public or private school in this or any other state, the
student must complete the entire term of the suspension or
expulsion in an alternative school program under Article 13A
of this Code or an alternative learning opportunities program
under Article 13B of this Code before being admitted into the
school district if there is no threat to the safety of students
or staff in the alternative program. A school district that
adopts a policy under this subsection (g) must include a
provision allowing for consideration of any mitigating
factors, including, but not limited to, a student's status as
a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual
violence, as defined in Article 26A.
(h) School officials shall not advise or encourage
students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic
difficulties.
(i) School personnel may not issue A student may not be
issued a monetary fine, or fee, or municipal ticket for

HB5478 - 30 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
school-based behavior as a disciplinary consequence, though
this shall not preclude requiring a student to provide
restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property. This
subsection (i) does not modify school disciplinary responses
provided under this Section or Section 10-20.14 of this Code
that exist before the effective date of this amendatory Act of
the 103rd General Assembly or responses to alleged delinquent
or criminal conduct set forth in this Code, Article V of the
Juvenile Court Act of 1987, or the Criminal Code of 2012.
(j) Subsections (a) through (i) of this Section shall
apply to elementary and secondary schools, charter schools,
special charter districts, and school districts organized
under Article 34 of this Code.
(k) The expulsion of children enrolled in programs funded
under Section 1C-2 of this Code is subject to the requirements
under paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 2-3.71 of
this Code.
(l) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, an in-school
suspension program provided by a school district for any
students in kindergarten through grade 12 may focus on
promoting non-violent conflict resolution and positive
interaction with other students and school personnel. A school
district may employ a school social worker or a licensed
mental health professional to oversee an in-school suspension
program in kindergarten through grade 12.
(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 102-466, eff. 7-1-25;

HB5478 - 31 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
102-539, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)
(105 ILCS 5/26-12) (from Ch. 122, par. 26-12)
Sec. 26-12. Punitive action.
(a) No punitive action, including out-of-school
suspensions, expulsions, or court action, shall be taken
against truant minors for such truancy unless appropriate and
available supportive services and other school resources have
been provided to the student. Notwithstanding the provisions
of Section 10-22.6 of this Code, a truant minor may not be
expelled for nonattendance unless he or she has accrued 15
consecutive days of absences without valid cause and the
student cannot be located by the school district or the school
district has located the student but cannot, after exhausting
all available supportive services, compel the student to
return to school.
(b) School personnel A school district may not refer a
truant, chronic truant, or truant minor to any other local
public entity, as defined under Section 1-206 of the Local
Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act,
school resource officer, as defined under Section 10-20.68 of
this Code, or peace officer, as defined under Section 2-13 of
the Criminal Code of 2012, for that local public entity to
issue the child a fine or a fee as punishment for his or her
truancy.
(c) A school district may refer any person having custody

HB5478 - 32 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
or control of a truant, chronic truant, or truant minor to any
other local public entity, as defined under Section 1-206 of
the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort
Immunity Act, for that local public entity to issue the person
a fine or fee for the child's truancy only if the school
district's truant officer, regional office of education, or
intermediate service center has been notified of the truant
behavior and the school district, regional office of
education, or intermediate service center has offered all
appropriate and available supportive services and other school
resources to the child. Before a school district may refer a
person having custody or control of a child to a municipality,
as defined under Section 1-1-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code,
the school district must provide the following appropriate and
available services:
(1) For any child who is a homeless child, as defined
under Section 1-5 of the Education for Homeless Children
Act, a meeting between the child, the person having
custody or control of the child, relevant school
personnel, and a homeless liaison to discuss any barriers
to the child's attendance due to the child's transitional
living situation and to construct a plan that removes
these barriers.
(2) For any child with a documented disability, a
meeting between the child, the person having custody or
control of the child, and relevant school personnel to

HB5478 - 33 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
review the child's current needs and address the
appropriateness of the child's placement and services. For
any child subject to Article 14 of this Code, this meeting
shall be an individualized education program meeting and
shall include relevant members of the individualized
education program team. For any child with a disability
under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), this meeting shall be a Section 504
plan review and include relevant members of the Section
504 plan team.
(3) For any child currently being evaluated by a
school district for a disability or for whom the school
has a basis of knowledge that the child is a child with a
disability under 20 U.S.C. 1415(k)(5), the completion of
the evaluation and determination of the child's
eligibility for special education services.
(d) Before a school district may refer a person having
custody or control of a child to a local public entity under
this Section, the school district must document any
appropriate and available supportive services offered to the
child. In the event a meeting under this Section does not
occur, a school district must have documentation that it made
reasonable efforts to convene the meeting at a mutually
convenient time and date for the school district and the
person having custody or control of the child and, but for the
conduct of that person, the meeting would have occurred.

HB5478 - 34 - LRB103 37522 RJT 67645 b
(Source: P.A. 100-810, eff. 1-1-19; 100-825, eff. 8-13-18;
101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)
Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes
changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text
that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section
represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does
not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes
made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other
Public Act.