IL HB4926

Requires Illinois school districts (outside Chicago) to maintain a student-to-counselor ratio of 150:1, changing from the previous permissive 250:1 recommendation.

Mandates the Chicago Board of Education maintain a stricter student-to-counselor ratio of 100:1, replacing the previous encouragement to meet a 250:1 ratio.

Changes school counselor staffing requirements from permissive ("may employ") to mandatory ("shall employ") for all districts.

May trigger State Mandates Act reimbursement requirements due to the new mandated staffing levels imposed on school districts.

Amends Sections 10-22.24b and 34-18 of the School Code and adds new Section 34-18.88 for Chicago schools.