DCFS-ABUSED CHILD-GROOMING

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Expands the definition of "abused child" to include a child whose parent or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent engages in a pattern of conduct or communications directed toward such child, meaning 2 or more instances of conduct or communication, that a reasonable person would understand as intended to groom, seduce, solicit, lure, or entice the child for the purpose of committing any sex offense or engaging in sexual misconduct against such child. Defines "sexual misconduct" to mean, but not be limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, by a person responsible for the child's welfare to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the child. Provides that such conduct or communications may include, but is not limited to: (1) a sexual or romantic invitation; (2) dating or soliciting a date; (3) engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog; or (4) making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with the child. Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning sexual misconduct in schools, provides that guidelines established for certain situations and all available methods for how to report staff-student boundary violations within a school and to external agencies must be posted on the website, if any, of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school and must be included in any staff, student, and (instead of or) parent handbook provided by the school district, charter school, or nonpublic school (instead of nonpublic, nonsectarian elementary or secondary school). In provisions concerning an employment history review, requires a job applicant to provide the name, address, telephone number, and other relevant contact information of the applicant's current employer only if the applicant has direct contact with children or students at the applicant's current employer. Provides that for a licensed substitute teacher who is seeking employment in more than one school district, a school district's regional office of education or intermediate service center shall collect and, at the request of the substitute teacher, share specified information and records. Provides that a regional office of education's or intermediate service center's participation in the employment history review shall be limited to collecting such information and records and sharing the information and records with the school district, school districts, or other regional offices of education or intermediate service centers. Sets forth other provisions concerning a regional office of education's or intermediate service center's participation in the employment history review and how long the review remains valid. In provisions concerning comprehensive health education programs, provides that no student in pre-K through 8th grade shall be required to take or participate in any class or course providing instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse if the parent or guardian of the student submits written objection thereto; and refusal to take or participate in such class or course shall not negatively impact a student's academic standing. Requires each school to give not less than 5 days' written notice to the parents or guardians of such students before commencing the class or course.

Status

Passed

Signed or otherwise enacted

Status date

Aug 10, 2026

94 days ago

Current chamber

House of Representatives

Session

2025-2026 Regular Session