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HB 3527

PROHIBITED DISABILITY MASCOTS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 18 co-sponsors

Public educational institutions in Illinois cannot use discriminatory disability mascots, logos, or names, with a phased 2028 transition for existing materials.

Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mark L. Walker
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Bill Summary · HB 3527

HB 3527 — Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act

Introduced: February 28, 2025 (Rep. Maurice A. West, II et al.) · Companion: SB 1341

Main purpose

To prohibit public educational institutions in Illinois from adopting or continuing to use mascots, names, or logos that are derogatory toward or representative of individuals or groups based on disability, in order to promote a respectful and inclusive educational environment.

Key provisions

  • Short title: “Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act.”
  • Definitions:
    • “Discriminatory disability mascot” — any name, logo, or mascot that is derogatory or representative of an individual or group based on disability, using the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of disability.
    • “Public educational institutions” — any publicly funded institution from kindergarten through grade school, community college, or public university.
  • Prohibition:
    • Public educational institutions shall not adopt or continue to use discriminatory disability mascots.
  • Transitional/limited grandfathering relief:
    • Institutions may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a prohibited mascot/name/logo that were purchased on or before the Act’s effective date until September 1, 2028, provided all of the following conditions are met:
    • The institution selects a new, compliant school or athletic team name/logo/mascot.
    • The institution does not purchase, acquire, or use resources to distribute or sell uniforms bearing the prohibited mascot/name/logo.
    • The institution does not purchase, acquire, or use resources to distribute or sell yearbooks, newspapers, programs, or other tangible materials that include the prohibited mascot/name/logo in the title or logo.
    • If a facility bears the prohibited name/logo/mascot, the school must remove it no later than the next time that part of the facility is remodeled or replaced in the normal course of maintenance, or when purchasing/constructing a marquee, sign, or other replacement fixture that would include the prohibited imagery.
  • The text does not specify an effective date, enforcement mechanism, or penalties.

Who is affected

  • Public K–12 school districts, charter schools receiving public funds, community colleges, and public universities in Illinois.
  • Students, staff, athletic programs, boosters, and vendors who produce or sell uniforms, signage, publications, and memorabilia.

Potential impacts

  • Administrative actions: schools will need to select new names/logos and update policies.
  • Financial impacts: costs for new branding, signage, facilities updates, and replacement of materials could occur; the bill provides a multiyear phase-out window (until Sept. 1, 2028) for pre‑existing purchases.
  • No funding source or specified enforcement/penalty provisions included in the text.

Legislative status & timeline highlights

  • Filed: 02/28/2025
  • Passed House (Third Reading): 04/08/2025 (71–38)
  • Arrived in Senate: 04/09/2025; referred to Assignments and Intergovernmental Affairs; reported favorably without amendment (04/07/2025) and placed on calendar.
  • Subsequent actions: placed on General State Calendar (04/30/2025); laid on table subject to call (05/01/2025).
  • Co-sponsors added in both chambers; Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Karina Villa.

Notes: The bill text defines prohibited mascots by reference to the ADA’s definition of disability but does not include a statutory enforcement/penalty mechanism or specify the Act’s effective date in the provided excerpt.

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

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