IL HB2521

Requires interscholastic athletic organizations in Illinois to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history background checks on applicants seeking licensure as sports officials

Disqualifies applicants convicted of specified criminal or drug offenses, or any felony within 7 years of application, including equivalent offenses from other states or federal law

Mandates checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database for all official applicants, with rechecks required every 5 years

Requires prospective officials awaiting full background check clearance to be supervised at all times by someone who has passed all background check components

Takes effect July 1, 2026