IL HB5161

Amends stalking no contact order, civil no contact order, and domestic violence protection laws to address educational placement of minor respondents who are ordered to transfer schools.

Removes burden of proof requiring respondents to prove by preponderance of evidence that school transfers are unavailable; instead requires respondents only to produce evidence regarding expense, difficulty, and educational disruption.

Requires courts to seek advice from school officials about special education status, safety plans, and alternative educational programs when ordering school transfers for respondents.

Creates exception to parental cost responsibility: parents cannot be forced to pay transportation and transfer costs if court finds they cannot afford them and costs would prevent the respondent from attending school.

Specifies that educational placement changes for students with IEPs or Section 504 plans must follow federal special education laws, case law, federal regulations, the School Code, and State Board of Education rules; prohibits courts from imposing costs for special education and related services including transportation.