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Bill

SB 2991

SCH-SUSPEND/EXPEL-SEX ASSAULT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Neil Anderson and 38 co-sponsors

Bill establishes new procedures for Illinois schools to suspend or expel students accused of sexual assault, standardizing discipline protocols across districts.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 2991

Legislative bill overview

SB 2991 modifies Illinois school suspension and expulsion procedures specifically for students accused of sexual assault. The bill establishes new protocols for how schools must handle discipline cases involving sexual assault allegations, likely including enhanced due process protections, investigation standards, or expedited procedures. A Senate committee amendment was filed in March 2026, indicating the bill underwent revisions during the legislative process.

Why is this important

Sexual assault in schools affects student safety, trauma recovery, and educational access for both survivors and accused students. Current procedures vary significantly across districts, creating inconsistent accountability and protection standards. This legislation attempts to standardize how schools address these serious allegations while balancing survivor support with fair disciplinary processes.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process vs. survivor protection: Balancing robust investigation procedures and legal protections for the accused against trauma-informed support and timely accountability for survivors
  • School authority scope: Whether schools should handle sexual assault discipline independently or coordinate more closely with law enforcement and the criminal justice system
  • Evidentiary standards: What level of evidence schools should require for suspension/expulsion versus criminal courts, and how to handle cases that don't meet criminal thresholds
  • Appeal and record implications: How disciplinary records affect students' future educational and employment opportunities and whether expulsion is appropriate for school-level adjudication

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

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