HB4216 Summary: School Safety Officers

• Establishes "school safety officer" position as a retired law enforcement officer hired by school districts to perform security services, effective January 1, 2025.

• Requires the Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to develop a specialized training course for school safety officers including de-escalation, mental health awareness, and firearm certification within one year.

• Permits school safety officers to carry firearms if certified, wear identifying uniforms, and detain persons with reasonable suspicion of criminal offenses on school grounds only.

• Exempts school safety officers from body camera requirements under the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act if the school board does not mandate cameras.

• Adds references to school safety officers throughout the School Code and Illinois Police Training Act, including in sections on criminal background investigations, booking stations, and sexual abuse investigations.