HB3681 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 30466 DTM 56899 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB3681

Introduced 2/17/2023, by Rep. Harry Benton and Diane Blair-Sherlock

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/2-3.196 new

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to create an Equity for Autistic Students Commission to research, recommend, and review policies that affect autistic students to ensure fair access to resources, therapies, education, and equity with a focused lens on historically marginalized groups. Provides that the Commission shall review different therapies and practices used or recommended for autistic students and, with the help of experts appointed to the Commission, decide if those therapies and practices are still the best therapies and practices. Provides that the Commission shall consist of members appointed by the State Board of Education and shall include experts in the field of autism in children and students. Provides that at least one member appointed to the Commission by the State Board of Education shall have autism. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative assistance and necessary staff support services. Provides for meetings and reporting.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 2-3.196 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.196 new)

Sec. 2-3.196. Equity for Autistic Students Commission.

(a) The State Board of Education shall create an Equity for Autistic Students Commission. The purpose of the Commission shall be to research, recommend, and review policies that affect autistic students to ensure fair access to resources, therapies, education, and equity with a focused lens on historically marginalized groups, such as persons who are considered Black, Indigenous, or people of color, girls, low-income, or English learners. The Commission shall review different therapies and practices used or recommended for autistic students and, with the help of experts appointed to the Commission, decide if those therapies and practices are still the best therapies and practices.

(b) The Commission shall consist of members appointed by the State Board of Education and shall include experts in the field of autism in children and students. At least one member appointed to the Commission by the State Board of Education shall have autism.

Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.

(c) The State Board of Education shall provide administrative assistance and necessary staff support services.

(d) The Commission shall meet at the call of the State Board of Education and shall report its findings and recommendations to the State Board of Education.