SB2357 Summary

• Amends Illinois School Code to require fingerprint-based criminal history checks and sex offender/violent offender database checks for all school district applicants, with checks of sex offender and violent offender databases repeated every 5 years during employment.

• Requires school superintendents to notify the State Superintendent of Education within 10 days of learning about pending criminal charges against license holders for specified offenses, and within 15 business days of conviction or database matches.

• Expands requirements for superintendents to report suspected child abuse or neglect by license holders within 30 days, including the educator's Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN) and a brief description of alleged misconduct.

• Changes terminology throughout the School Code from "certified" to "licensed" to reflect updated educator credentialing language.

• Clarifies that school boards (not just the State Superintendent) must notify teacher pension systems of felony convictions for teachers, and modifies Section 24-14 to require specific documentation when boards refer teachers to the State Superintendent for improper resignation during school terms.