IllinoisHB2802104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

SCH CD-STEAM ABSENCE EXEMPTION

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. Provides that a female student in any of grades 6 through 12 who is participating in an educational program in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, subject to guidelines established by the State Board of Education, shall be permitted by a school board to have one school-day-long, excused absence per school year to participate in an externship or volunteer opportunity with an Illinois organization in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Provides that the school board may require that the student provide reasonable advance notice of the intended absence to the appropriate school administrator and require that the student provide documentation of the participation in an externship or volunteer opportunity to the appropriate school administrator.

elementary & secondary education: administration, licensing & charter schoolsassignmentseducation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Student activities count, but coursework remains

Illinois students can count approved work-based learning, including supervised agricultural experiences, toward school attendance. Participation and learning results need approval from an educator with the required career and technical endorsement and work-based learning designation. Covered activities can include organized competitions, exhibitions, and conferences; youth apprenticeships require a licensed educator’s approval to assess skills. Students and their parents or legal guardians must get missed coursework from teachers. By the start of the 2026-2027 school year, districts must update attendance policies, include them in handbooks, and post them publicly. Policies must explain activity approval and how students make up missed work without penalty.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Anna Moeller

    Democratic • House

  • Christopher Belt

    Democratic • Senate

  • Doris Turner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emanuel "Chris" Welch

    Democratic • House

  • Javier L. Cervantes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kimberly A. Lightford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Edly-Allen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rachel Ventura

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sue Scherer

    Democratic • House

  • Suzanne M. Ness

    Democratic • House

  • Tony M. McCombie

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 204 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 58 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/7/2025

Do Pass Education;

Yes: 14 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 115 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools;

Yes: 8 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0250

    8/15/2025House
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2026

    8/15/2025House
  3. Governor Approved

    8/15/2025House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/20/2025House
  5. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Christopher Belt

    5/27/2025Senate
  6. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

    5/26/2025Senate
  7. Passed Both Houses

    5/22/2025House
  8. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes

    5/22/2025Senate
  9. Third Reading - Passed; 058-000-000

    5/22/2025Senate
  10. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura

    5/22/2025Senate
  11. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

    5/22/2025Senate
  12. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **

    5/20/2025Senate
  13. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 14, 2025

    5/13/2025Senate
  14. Second Reading

    5/13/2025Senate
  15. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 8, 2025

    5/7/2025Senate
  16. Do Pass Education; 014-000-000

    5/7/2025Senate
  17. Assigned to Education

    4/29/2025Senate
  18. Referred to Assignments

    4/23/2025Senate
  19. First Reading

    4/23/2025Senate
  20. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Doris Turner

    4/23/2025Senate
  21. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 29, 2025

    4/14/2025Senate
  22. Arrive in Senate

    4/14/2025Senate
  23. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 115-000-000

    4/11/2025House
  24. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    4/11/2025House
  25. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

    4/11/2025House

Bill Text

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