HB3592 Summary

• Amends the School Code to modify teacher dismissal procedures in Illinois public schools, specifically Sections 24-12 and 34-85 regarding removal and dismissal of teachers in contractual continued service.

• Establishes protections for student and minor witnesses (under 18) in teacher dismissal hearings by allowing accommodation measures such as remote testimony, videoconference with teacher's camera off, or pre-recorded testimony including forensic interviews from Children's Advocacy Centers.

• Prohibits teachers from directly questioning student or minor witnesses; requires hearing officers to pose questions submitted by the teacher on behalf of the student witness to protect them from intimidation, trauma, or re-traumatization.

• Adds accountability measures for hearing officers who fail to provide required accommodations or meet timelines, including removal from hearing officer lists for up to 24 months for first violations and permanent removal for repeated failures.

• Clarifies that these provisions apply to dismissal cases involving corporal punishment, physical abuse, grooming, or sexual misconduct, with timelines reset for cases previously paused under prior law.