SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday to create new protections for students sexually assaulted by other students.

This plan would require any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at school, a school-sponsored activity or event, or activities related to school to be expelled for at least one year.

Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) filed the legislation last year after a Taylorville Junior High student was sexually assaulted multiple times by an older student and had to see the abuser return to her school.

"This is not acceptable," said Ashley Peden, the victim's mother. "This is not ensuring safety for all students, and until stricter laws are in place, this is going to continue to happen. It is time now to make a change. Please don't wait for something to happen to somebody you know." 

The plan has gained support from over 35 senators. It now moves to the Senate Education Committee for further consideration. 

"We keep hearing shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appear to be sweeping these incidents under the rug," McClure said. "Here's what can't be swept under the rug — the real pain caused by sexual violence and the real danger that a perpetrator of that kind of violence poses to victims, other students and staff." 

A previous version of the proposal failed to gain enough support to move in the Senate during the 2025 session. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.