HB5707 Summary

• School districts, charter schools, and non-public, non-sectarian elementary and secondary schools must create, maintain, and implement bullying prevention policies that meet specific state requirements.

• Bullying is prohibited based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity or expression, and other distinguishing characteristics.

• Bullying policies must include procedures for reporting, investigation (within 10 school days), parental notification, interventions including restorative measures, and consequences for retaliation or false accusations.

• Schools must post policies on their websites, include them in student handbooks, and conduct biennial reviews and evaluations of policy effectiveness, with results made publicly available.

• The bill protects rights to free expression and free exercise of religion under the First Amendment and Illinois Constitution, and does not prevent victims from seeking other civil or criminal remedies.