New Illinois Education Laws Address AI and Student Rights
As the new year begins, a fresh set of laws are taking effect for Illinois schools. The legislation focuses on two of 2025's most discussed topics: the rights of immigrant students and the role of artificial intelligence in the classroom.
Protecting All Students
Changes in federal immigration enforcement policy last year prompted Illinois to clarify protections for noncitizen students. The state moved to ensure schools remain safe and accessible for every child.
House Bill 3247 now prohibits schools from excluding students from school or related programs because of their immigration status, or that of their parents. It also forbids schools from asking for or sharing citizenship information unless specifically required by state or federal law. After July 1, schools that violate these rules can be sued in civil court.
Another law, House Bill 460, expands scholarship opportunities. It allows students to qualify for financial aid programs run by local governments, regardless of their citizenship status.
Defining AI's Place in Education
The rapid adoption of AI tools has raised questions for educators about their proper use. Illinois lawmakers have started to provide some guardrails.
At the college level, House Bill 1859 requires that community college courses be taught by qualified people, not AI programs. The law clarifies that AI can be used as a teaching tool by faculty, but it cannot be the sole source of instruction for a course.
For K-12 schools, Senate Bill 1920 directs the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to develop comprehensive guidelines by July 1. These guidelines will explain what AI is, how it can be used to support learning, and how to address concerns like student data privacy and the potential for bias in AI systems.
As educators prepare for these changes, understanding the technology is critical. Staying informed on the latest AI courses can provide a practical foundation for implementing these new guidelines effectively.
Other Key Education Updates
A few other notable laws are also now in effect:
- Early High School Credits: House Bill 3039 allows school districts to award high school credits to seventh and eighth graders who pass high school-level courses and the required exams.
- IEP Meeting Rights: House Bill 1366 requires districts to notify parents of students with special needs that they have the right to bring a third-party advocate with them to Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
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