All Roll Calls
Yes: 210 • No: 0
IllinoisSB1231104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
SCH ED-SPECIAL ED FACILITIES
Sponsored By: Meg Loughran Cappel (Democratic)
Became Law
assignmentseducationeducation policy
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Fair special education for English learners
The law protects English learners in special education. Schools must test in the child’s main language and use non‑biased tools. IEPs must reflect language and culture needs, and favor integration in bilingual classrooms. Parents who are deaf or do not speak English get an interpreter at meetings. The State sets standards for bilingual IEPs and interpreters.
Faster IEP timelines and clearer notices
After you give written consent, the district must decide eligibility and hold the IEP meeting within 60 school days. After required notice, IEP services must start within 10 school attendance days. If your child is waiting for a special class, the district must tell you and the State what services your child will get in the meantime. Before any change or refusal on identification, evaluation, placement, or services, the school must give you written notice in your language when possible, explain your rights, and update forms at least every two years. At IEP meetings, the team must give you a written assistive technology notice with a toll‑free number and website, and must inform you about State residential schools and similar local options when relevant.
Targeted IEP supports and transition planning
For students with autism, the IEP team must consider speech, social skills, sensory issues, resistance to change, and need for positive behavior supports. Students found functionally blind are presumed to need Braille, and the IEP must name the right learning media. IEPs and 504 plans must include needed supports for emergencies, like natural disasters or an active shooter. If a student may qualify for adult home‑based support services, the IEP must include steps to check eligibility, enroll, and assign who will do each task.
Clear process and parent consent for evaluations
Before special education placement, a full case study and a team review by qualified specialists are required. Certain special classes also require a psychological evaluation and a school psychologist’s recommendation. Parents must give written consent before any evaluation. If consent is refused or there is a dispute, the district can seek an impartial hearing to move forward. If you disagree with the evaluation, your child stays in the regular class while it is resolved. Parents may object to medical exams or treatment on religious grounds. The State sets clear definitions for terms used in these decisions.
Independent evaluations and school access rights
You can ask for an independent educational evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the district’s evaluation. If the district’s evaluation is shown to be inappropriate, the district reimburses you for the IEE. IEEs paid by the district must be finished within 60 school days unless there is a hearing or good cause to extend. The district can start an impartial hearing very quickly after your written IEE request (the law uses the phrase “7 school 5 days”). The State provides a list of suggested evaluators, including clinical psychologists, who cannot charge more than a school psychologist for the same work. Parents and their evaluators get reasonable access to classrooms, staff, and the child for observation and testing, with safety and privacy rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Meg Loughran Cappel
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Maura Hirschauer
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/22/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 115 • No: 0
House vote • 4/30/2025
Do Pass / Short Debate Education Policy Committee;
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 56 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/19/2025
Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Education;
Yes: 14 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/19/2025
Do Pass Education;
Yes: 13 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0368
8/15/2025SenateEffective Date January 1, 2026
8/15/2025SenateGovernor Approved
8/15/2025SenateSent to the Governor
6/20/2025SenatePassed Both Houses
5/22/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 115-000-000
5/22/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/13/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
5/13/2025HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/30/2025HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Education Policy Committee; 012-000-000
4/30/2025HouseAssigned to Education Policy Committee
4/17/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
4/17/2025HouseFirst Reading
4/17/2025HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Maura Hirschauer
4/14/2025HouseArrived in House
4/9/2025HouseThird Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
4/9/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
4/3/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Loughran-Cappel
4/3/2025SenateRecalled to Second Reading
4/3/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Education; 014-000-000
3/19/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 19, 2025
3/18/2025SenateSecond Reading
3/18/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Education
3/12/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
3/5/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel
3/5/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1