HB2779 Summary

• Amends the School Code to allow retired certified or licensed teachers to be rehired without new fingerprint-based criminal history checks if they submitted to a check within the last 10 years and sign an affidavit stating they have not been convicted of any crime since that check.

• Changes terminology from "noncertified" to "licensed and unlicensed" applicants and from "Teacher Certification Board" to "State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board" throughout relevant sections.

• Applies background check requirements to both Section 10-21.9 (general school districts) and Section 34-18.5 (other school entities), with consistent language regarding criminal history records checks and sex offender database checks.

• Requires school districts to conduct checks of the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database in addition to existing criminal history and sex offender database checks for all applicants.

• Adds "or license" language throughout to clarify that certificate suspension and revocation proceedings apply to both certified teachers and licensed personnel under Article 21B of the School Code.