IL HB1288

Establishes an impartial due process hearing system for special education disputes that applies to hearings requested on or after July 1, 2005, with the State Board of Education responsible for appointing hearing officers using a rotating system within 3 days of receiving a request.

Requires hearing requests to be filed within 2 years of when the person knew or should have known of the event forming the basis for the complaint, and must include the student's name and address, description of the problem, and proposed resolution.

Mandates a resolution meeting convened within 15 days of a hearing request where the school district and parents attempt to resolve the dispute before proceeding to a full hearing, with the option to waive this meeting or use mediation instead.

Specifies that the hearing officer must issue a written decision with findings of fact and conclusions of law within 10 days after the hearing concludes, but no later than 45 days after the hearing timeline begins, with parties able to request judicial review within 120 days of the decision.

Adds new state complaint procedures (Section 14-8.02e) requiring the State Board of Education to adopt complaint procedures consistent with federal regulations, with school districts required to submit written responses and provide copies to complainants within prescribed timeframes.