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SB 1329

SCH CD-ED LICENSE-DISCLOSURE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Laura Murphy and 1 co-sponsor

Expands when and to whom certain educator investigation records and charging documents may be disclosed, including to current or most recent employers.

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Bill Summary · SB 1329

Summary — SB 1329 (Public Act 104-0373)

Title: SCH CD-ED LICENSE‑DISCLOSURE
Session/Status: Enacted as Public Act 104‑0373 (Governor approved Aug 15, 2025). Effective January 1, 2026.
Introduced: Jan 28, 2025. Sponsors: Sen. Denise “Mitzi” Epstein et al. (companion: HB 1010)

Purpose

Amend Section 21B‑75 of the Illinois School Code (Educator Licensure Article) to expand when and to whom certain records and charging documents related to investigations of licensed educators may be disclosed.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes disclosure of "correspondence, documentation, and other information" that a regional superintendent, the State Superintendent of Education, the State Board of Education, or the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board has received to the license holder’s current or most recent employer.
  • Explicitly provides that a Notice of Opportunity for Hearing and the Statement of Charges issued by the State Superintendent against a license holder is not confidential and may be disclosed to third parties.
  • Leaves intact existing substantive authority and procedures in Section 21B‑75 concerning the State Superintendent’s power to investigate and to initiate suspension (up to 5 calendar years) or revocation of licenses for causes such as child abuse/neglect, sexual misconduct, immorality, incompetency, unprofessional conduct, failure to report suspected abuse, etc.
  • Preserves hearing rights and procedures: notice and opportunity for hearing, 10‑day deadline to request hearing (which stays proceedings), hearings located in the educator’s last employment region, discovery rules, preponderance of the evidence standard, and judicial review of final administrative decisions.

Who is affected

  • Licensed educators (teachers, administrators, and others required to be licensed under the Article).
  • Current and most recent employers (school districts, charter operators, regional offices).
  • State education entities: regional superintendents, State Superintendent, State Board of Education, and State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Bill progressed through the 2025 legislative session, passed both chambers (third reading May 23, 2025 House/Senate actions noted), sent to the Governor June 20, 2025, signed Aug 15, 2025.
  • New disclosure authorities take effect Jan 1, 2026.

Potential practical effects (neutral description)

  • Employers may receive investigative materials and formal charging documents earlier or more routinely, which could influence hiring, suspension, administrative responses, or internal investigations.
  • Educators may have less confidentiality for certain investigatory materials and charging documents prior to final administrative resolution.
  • The change clarifies disclosure permissibility for State and regional education authorities when communicating with employers.

For the statutory change, see the amendment to 105 ILCS 5/21B‑75 in the enacted Public Act 104‑0373.

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

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