IL HB5488

Parents, guardians, or students aged 18+ may request impartial due-process hearings under federal Section 504 for disputes regarding identification, evaluation, eligibility, accommodations, or educational placement of students with disabilities.

School districts must appoint a qualified, impartial hearing officer within 3 business days of receiving a hearing request and respond to the complaint within 7 business days.

Hearings must occur between 15 and 45 business days after the request is received, with expedited hearings available within 20 days when student health or safety concerns exist.

Hearing officers must hold a juris doctor degree with active law license, or a master's/doctoral degree in education or disability-related field, and complete State Board of Education training.

School districts bear costs for hearing officers, verbatim records, and interpretation services; provisions apply to hearings requested after January 1, 2027.