2009 Education Legislation Summary
September 29, 2009
The Governor has now acted on nearly every bill sent to him after the most recent legislative session. To review our summary of the legislative changes affecting school districts, please click here. To discuss these changes in more detail, please contact any Franczek education attorney.
PRIORITY BILLS
- Freedom of Information Act Rewritten
- New Employee Compensation Reporting Requirements
- Qualified Exception to Bidding Requirements for Special Needs Transportation Contracts
- New Requirements for Sick Leave Related to Births and Adoptions
- Greater Access Granted to Parents and Experts for Special Education Evaluations
SPECIAL EDUCATION
- New Specifications for Transition Services in an IEP
- Clarification Provided on Special Education Cooperative Agreements
HEALTH & SAFETY
- Time Requirements for Trained AED Users Narrowed to Staffed Business Hours
- Mandatory Adoption of Food Allergy Policies Added to School Code
- Stricter Policies Required for Application of Lawn Care Products
DISCIPLINE
- Increased Penalty for Discharging a Weapon on School Grounds
- Restitution Imposed for False Bombs Threats in Schools
- Harsher Penalty Imposed for Threats Made Against Schools
ATHLETICS
REVENUE
- Cook County First Installment Property Taxes Will Now Be 55% of Prior Year
- PTELL/Tax Cap Calculations Adjusted to Allow Growth in Debt Service Extension Base
- Changes to ADA Calculations for In-Services and Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Changes to ADA Calculations for Health Emergencies
EMPLOYMENT
- Chiropractors Allowed to Provide Certificates for Sick Leave & Compulsory Attendance
- Clarifying Statements Added to Student Records Act
PENSION BENEFITS
- Sick Leave Days from Multiple Employers Now Creditable Service for IMRF Purposes
- New Rules for Including Service at Private School in Pension Calculations
CONSTRUCTION
- State-Funded Construction Projects Must Now Meet Environmental Requirements
- Greater Flexibility Provided for Emergency Construction Projects
TRANSPORTATION