IllinoisHB1783104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

ST BD ED-LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Creates the Language Equality Acquisition for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Children Act. Provides that the State Board of Education, in cooperation with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission and the Department of Human Services, shall establish a language assessment program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children, and select language developmental milestones. Sets forth provisions concerning the scope and purpose of the program and the development of a resource for use by parents and guardians. Provides that the State Board, in cooperation with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission and the Department of Human Services, shall select tools or assessments for educators that can be used to assess the language and literacy development of all deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children. Sets forth provisions concerning the tools or assessments. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2026, a language assessment shall be given to each child who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and who is less than 6 years of age. Sets forth provisions concerning the assessment. Provides that an advisory committee on language assessment programs shall be established by the State Board, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, and the Department of Human Services. Sets forth the membership and duties of the advisory committee. Provides that on or before July 1, 2026, the State Board, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, and the Department of Human Services shall publish a joint action plan and may propose legislation and rules necessary to implement the recommendations of the advisory committee. Sets forth provisions concerning reporting and rulemaking. Effective immediately.

education policyassignmentseducation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster hearing care for young children

Newborns must be screened for hearing loss by 1 month, diagnosed by 3 months, and referred to early intervention by 6 months. After referral, an initial evaluation and family service plan meeting must happen within 45 days. Services must begin within 30 days after a parent or guardian gives required consent. For suspected late-onset hearing loss, diagnosis is due within 3 months, with referral to services immediately after diagnosis.

Language assessments for deaf children

Illinois creates a program to track language and communication growth for deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind children from birth through age 5. Families and providers receive tools, training, and parent resources in English, American Sign Language, Protactile, and home languages. Beginning July 1, 2028, families must be offered a yearly language assessment by a qualified professional. Children in early intervention are offered assessments when they enter and each year; children entering school with an individualized education program or Section 504 plan receive a formal assessment. When a child is not making language progress, the child’s team must review needs and services, then follow up within 30 to 60 days or at another appropriate time.

Consent-based sharing of children's records

Illinois agencies may share a child’s screening, diagnosis, intervention, education, assessment, and monitoring information after getting consent. They may use the information to coordinate care and services, while following student-record and privacy laws. Health care providers, hospitals, and medical facilities are protected from civil or criminal liability for actions that follow the sharing rules. That protection does not cover willful or wanton misconduct.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Diane Blair-Sherlock

    Democratic • House

  • Edgar González, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Janet Yang Rohr

    Democratic • House

  • Laura Faver Dias

    Democratic • House

  • Meg Loughran Cappel

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michael Crawford

    Democratic • House

  • Michelle Mussman

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole La Ha

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 202 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/19/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 59 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/6/2026

Do Pass Education;

Yes: 14 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 0

House vote • 4/15/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Education Policy Committee;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 3/19/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Education Policy Committee;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0658

    7/30/2026House
  2. Effective Date July 30, 2026

    7/30/2026House
  3. Governor Approved

    7/30/2026House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2026House
  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/19/2026House
  6. Third Reading - Passed; 059-000-000

    5/19/2026Senate
  7. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026

    5/14/2026Senate
  8. Second Reading

    5/14/2026Senate
  9. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 7, 2026

    5/6/2026Senate
  10. Do Pass Education; 014-000-000

    5/6/2026Senate
  11. Assigned to Education

    4/28/2026Senate
  12. Referred to Assignments

    4/21/2026Senate
  13. First Reading

    4/21/2026Senate
  14. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel

    4/21/2026Senate
  15. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading

    4/21/2026Senate
  16. Arrive in Senate

    4/21/2026Senate
  17. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 105-000-000

    4/16/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    4/16/2026House
  19. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted

    4/16/2026House
  20. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Education Policy Committee; 011-000-000

    4/15/2026House
  21. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Education Policy Committee

    4/14/2026House
  22. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee

    4/14/2026House
  23. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Michelle Mussman

    4/14/2026House
  24. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

    4/13/2026House
  25. Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

    4/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • House Amendment 1

  • House Amendment 2

  • Introduced

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