IL HB4742

Amends the Illinois Pension Code to exclude employees of substitute teacher recruiting firms (that are not school districts) from the definition of "teacher" and "substitute teacher" for pension purposes.

Requires the State Board of Education to implement a program by January 1, 2019 allowing school districts to use substitute teacher recruiting firms to address severe substitute teacher shortages, subject to specified conditions.

Mandates that substitute teachers from recruiting firms must comply with all state laws and screening requirements, receive equal pay to other substitute teachers, and cannot be used to circumvent collective bargaining agreements or reduce full-time staff positions.

Prohibits use of recruiting firms during teacher strikes and requires charter schools to certify adequate funding, prioritize existing substitute teachers, file contracts with the State Board, and require annual reporting from recruiting firms.

Allows substitute teacher recruiting firms to enter into agreements with labor organizations that have collective bargaining agreements with school districts.