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HB 2670

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Sickles

Expands grounds to dismiss teachers by listing unauthorized release of student records, non-advantageous aggressive contact, and disparagement based on protected traits as sufficie

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Bill Summary · HB 2670

Summary — HB 2670 (School Code — Teacher Dismissal), 2025

Note: The provided document bundle includes an unrelated Arizona bill (also numbered HB 2670) about fetal development instruction. This summary covers the Illinois measure titled "SCH CD‑TEACHER DISMISSAL" introduced by Rep. David Friess, which amends the Illinois School Code.

Purpose

To expand and clarify the statutory grounds on which a school board may dismiss a teacher under Section 10‑22.4 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/10‑22.4), explicitly listing additional behaviors the board may treat as "sufficient cause" for dismissal.

Key provisions

  • Amends 105 ILCS 5/10‑22.4 (School Code, School Boards article) to include, among causes for dismissal:
    • Releasing student record information to unauthorized parties.
    • Engaging in aggressive physical contact with a student or staff member when the physical contact does not serve to promote greater safety.
    • Disparaging a student or a member of staff based on protected characteristics.
  • Retains existing language that allows dismissal for incompetency, cruelty, negligence, immorality, or other sufficient cause and reiterates that temporary mental/physical incapacity and marriage are not causes for dismissal.
  • Effective date language in the bill: the Act takes effect upon becoming law.

Who is affected

  • Teachers and certificated staff in Illinois public schools: the bill broadens express statutory bases that local boards can use to initiate dismissal proceedings.
  • School boards and district administrators: may rely on the expanded list when evaluating personnel actions and preparing dismissal charges.
  • Students and staff: the provisions address protections for student privacy, physical safety, and protection from disparagement tied to protected characteristics.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Sponsor: Rep. David Friess.
  • Introduced in early February 2025.
  • The bill passed both chambers and was transmitted to the Governor.
  • Governor’s action: vetoed on April 18, 2025 (so the bill did not become law as of that veto).
  • If revived or re‑passed over a veto, the bill would take effect upon becoming law.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Schools may have clearer statutory support to discipline or dismiss staff in cases involving unauthorized disclosure of student records, non‑safety‑justified aggressive physical contact, or disparagement on protected grounds.
  • Could result in increased dismissal proceedings; boards will still need to follow due process and applicable collective bargaining and statutory hearing procedures (Sections 24‑10 to 24‑16.5 referenced in the statute).
  • May raise implementation questions around definitions (e.g., what constitutes “aggressive physical contact” or “disparaging” on protected characteristics), evidentiary standards, interplay with free‑speech considerations, and privacy definitions under FERPA and state law.

If you want, I can:
- Draft a short side‑by‑side comparison of the current text of 105 ILCS 5/10‑22.4 and the proposed changes; or
- Summarize the veto message (if available) to outline reasons the Governor gave for the veto.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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