HB0342 Summary

• Establishes a Children's Adversity Index by May 31, 2025 to measure childhood trauma exposure across Illinois communities for children ages 3-18, with data updated at least every 2 years and made publicly available.

• Requires schools to provide trauma-informed practice training to teachers beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, including definitions of trauma, trauma-responsive learning environments, and whole child approaches.

• Mandates school board members elected after the effective date complete at least 4 hours of professional development training on trauma-informed practices for students and staff starting in the 2023-2024 school year.

• Adds requirement to school report cards beginning October 2024 to include data on school counselors, social workers, nurses, and psychologists, including average student-to-staff ratios for each position.

• Reestablishes the Whole Child Task Force to develop trauma-responsive school systems, recommend implementation timelines, and submit a progress report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2027; establishes a Professional Educator Licensure Review Committee to recommend including trauma and restorative practices in teacher licensure requirements by October 1, 2024.