Lawmakers in Illinois have reintroduced a bill that would require at least a one-year expulsion for students who commit sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at school. The legislation is sponsored by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville).
“We keep hearing shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appear to be sweeping these incidents under the rug,” said McClure. “Here’s what can’t be swept under the rug: the real pain caused by sexual violence and the real danger that a perpetrator of that kind of violence poses to victims, other students, and staff.”
Senate Bill 2991 would apply to assaults occurring on school grounds, during school-sponsored activities or events, or any event reasonably related to school.
“Parents expect that when they send their kids to school, they’ll be protected, not placed back into situations that retraumatize victims and put other students at risk,” said Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer. “This bill makes student safety the priority and ensures administrators have a clear standard to follow when sexual violence occurs.”
“Sexual assault has devastating emotional and psychological consequences for young people,” said Senator Tracy. “This legislation makes clear that violent behavior in our schools will have serious consequences. Our responsibility is to protect victims and preserve safe learning environments.”
The bill was introduced following an incident in McClure’s district where a girl was sexually assaulted but her attacker was neither expelled nor suspended despite admitting guilt. Ashley Peden, mother of the victim, described having to go through court repeatedly for protection orders.
“A year ago, I stood with Senator McClure to push for this change, but our bill never made it to the Senate floor for a vote. In the meantime, kids across the state have been left to rely on so-called ‘safety plans’ that don’t actually keep anyone safe,” said Peden. “Senate Bill 2991 recognizes the real danger sexual predators pose and makes it clear our schools must protect innocent children and stand with victims.”
Other families in Illinois have faced similar experiences. Jessica Johnson recounted how her daughter was also sexually assaulted on school property without disciplinary action taken against the offender.
“This bill is important to me because in the case of my daughter being sexually assaulted on school grounds, and the student not being expelled nor suspended for it specifically.When the students walked out, there was a young lady that approached me and thanked us for speaking,because she had to continue to walk past her offender everyday,” said Jessica Johnson.
Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), expressed support for Senate Bill 2991: “ICASA supports Senator McClure’s efforts to ensure schools recognize and respond to sexual assault, support survivors, and hold those accountable who commit such assaults. Senate Bill 2991 focuses on applying existing school guidelines for expulsion to sexual assault cases in an effort to protect & support survivors and ensure the safety of all students.”
The proposal seeks consistency with current Illinois law requiring automatic one-year expulsions when weapons are brought onto campus.
Tracy became senator representing Illinois’ 50th District after being elected in 2023 as a Republican; she replaced Steve McClure.
Senate Bill 2991 has been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee.
