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AI Summary
This bill expands the definition of cyber-bullying to include posting digital replicas and sexually explicit images, effective July 1, 2026.
Business Impact
If you operate a school in Illinois, you must update your bullying policies to include new definitions and provisions by July 1, 2026, or face compliance issues.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Illinois HB3851 amends the School Code to include new definitions and provisions regarding cyber-bullying, particularly focusing on the posting of digital replicas and sexually explicit images. The provisions become effective on July 1, 2026, impacting how bullying is addressed in educational settings.
Key Provisions
- Defines 'cyber-bullying' to include posting digital replicas.
- Includes posting or distributing sexually explicit images as bullying.
- The effective date for new definitions is July 1, 2026.
Latest Legislative Action
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0338
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 26)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Abdelnasser Rashid D | Sponsor | HD-021 |
| Amy Briel D | Sponsor | HD-076 |
| Anthony DeLuca D | Sponsor | HD-080 |
| Camille Lilly D | Sponsor | HD-078 |
| Christopher Belt D | Sponsor | SD-057 |
Roll Call Votes
H ·
Concurrence in House ·
May 31, 2025
117 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
S ·
Third Reading: in Senate ·
May 30, 2025
57 Yea
0 Nay
2 Other
Passed ✓
H ·
Third Reading: in House ·
Apr 9, 2025
116 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Amendments (3)
House Amendment 001
Pending
2025-04-04
Senate Amendment 001
Pending
2025-05-08
Senate Amendment 002
Pending
2025-05-13
Compliance Checklist
Update bullying prevention policies to include new definitions.
Who: All school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools in Illinois.
Deadline: By July 1, 2026.
Penalty: Potential non-compliance notice from the State Board of Education.
Who: All school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools in Illinois.
Deadline: By July 1, 2026.
Penalty: Potential non-compliance notice from the State Board of Education.
File updated bullying policies with the State Board of Education.
Who: All school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools.
Deadline: By September 30 of the subject year.
Penalty: Notice of non-compliance published on the State Board's website.
Who: All school districts, charter schools, and non-public schools.
Deadline: By September 30 of the subject year.
Penalty: Notice of non-compliance published on the State Board's website.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
HB3851 amends the School Code to redefine bullying and cyber-bullying, specifically including the posting or distribution of digital replicas and sexually explicit images. The new definitions become effective on July 1, 2026. The bill does not specify requirements for schools to incorporate these definitions into their bullying prevention policies. Key definitions include 'digital replica' and 'artificial intelligence', indicating a legislative recognition of the implications of digital content in bullying scenarios. This bill aligns with broader trends in other states addressing cyber-bullying and the use of technology in harassment.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB3851 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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