IL HB5848

Amends Illinois School Code Section 27-23.7 to expand the definition of "cyber-bullying" to include distribution or posting of digital replicas of individuals engaged in activities they did not participate in, including sexually explicit deepfake images, effective beginning the 2025-2026 school year.

Defines "artificial intelligence," "digital replica," and "generative artificial intelligence" within the bullying prevention statute to address technology-based harassment.

Requires school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools to include the expanded cyber-bullying definition in their bullying prevention policies and to file updated policies with the State Board of Education by September 30 of each year.

Mandates schools collect and submit non-identifiable bullying allegation data to the State Board of Education annually (August 15) from the 2024-2025 through 2030-2031 school years.

Prohibits the provision from infringing on free expression or religious speech rights protected under the First Amendment and Illinois Constitution.