HB1975 - Faith's Law Summary

• Creates resource guide on State Board of Education website by July 1, 2023 providing information about children's advocacy centers, medical evaluation services, mental health services, and legal assistance for child sexual abuse victims, with schools required to notify parents of availability

• Requires all school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools to develop and implement an employee code of professional conduct policy defining "sexual misconduct" and establishing staff-student boundaries, with violations subject to disciplinary action up to dismissal

• Mandates professional development training for all educators beginning July 1, 2022 on student physical and mental health needs, student safety, educator ethics, and professional conduct as part of licensure renewal requirements

• Expands the definition of child abuse under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to include the offense of grooming as defined in the Criminal Code, making it reportable abuse

• Amends grooming statute to include acts performed in person, by conduct through a third party, or through written communication in addition to online communication