IL SB3461

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, all public elementary and high school American history courses must include a unit of instruction covering events from the previous 30 years and their causes.

The unit of instruction shall provide full, unbiased, objective, and thorough coverage of significant nationwide and global phenomena, with examples including September 11, 2001, the Iraq War, the 2007 iPhone release, and the 2008 financial crisis.

The State Superintendent of Education may develop and provide instructional materials and professional development to school boards, but each school board determines the minimum instructional time required for the unit.

Regional superintendents of schools must monitor school district compliance during annual compliance visits and provide recommendations for improvement, including professional development opportunities.

The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, and may trigger reimbursement obligations under the State Mandates Act.