HB5129 Summary

• Amends the School Code to add "immigration status" (actual or perceived) as a protected characteristic under bullying prevention policies.

• Requires school personnel, including those in early childhood education programs funded by block grants, who engage in bullying to face potential disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

• Maintains existing bullying prevention framework requiring schools to create, implement, and file anti-bullying policies with the State Board of Education, reviewed every 2 years.

• Prohibits bullying across school settings including during school-sponsored programs, on school property, on buses, and through electronic communications that cause substantial educational disruption.

• Preserves constitutional protections for free expression and free exercise of religion under the First Amendment and Illinois Constitution.