Illinois law calls for new student discipline procedures, school bus safety guidelines

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law could help make schools safer through updated student discipline procedures.

The Illinois State Board of Education will be required to draft and publish guidance for development of reciprocal reporting systems between schools and law enforcement.

This plan also calls on ISBE to publish guidance for re-engagement of students suspended, expelled or returning from an alternative school setting.

"There's so much happening in our schools," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). "We want to make sure that kids are learning and getting the best education they can. But we also want the teachers and the management, the whole building, to feel safe and to feel like it's an institution for learning."

Senate Bill 1400 requires new guidance for school bus safety and evidence-based intervention procedures as well.

The new law took effect Friday and ISBE will work with stakeholders to create the new school procedures by July 1, 2025.

"This bill is in direct response to districts reaching out asking for more parameters so that they can be more effective when it comes to student discipline," said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford).