Delivered via email: May 15, 2025
Calls to Action: Support HB2578 and SB2655
IASB is requesting support from members on two legislative initiatives that will help Illinois school districts. HB2578 will provide clarity and flexibility for school districts receiving excessive AI-generated FOIA requests, while SB2655 acts to increase funding for three Mandated Categorical (MCATs) line-items. IASB supports both measures.
SUPPORT HB2578:
Limits on AI-Generated FOIA Requests
HB2578 (Rep. Daniel Didech) clarifies that school districts receiving AI-generated FOIA requests can first require the requester to verify orally or in writing that the requester is a person. If the requester fails to verify within 30 days, then the school district may deny the request.
Why it Matters
- Many of our school districts report burdensome AI-generated FOIA requests, in some cases receiving multiple AI-generated requests on a weekly basis. With AI becoming more common, we anticipate these types of FOIA requests to increase.
- There must be reasonable limits placed on FOIA requests to ensure that school district staff time be prioritized to respond to actual individuals requesting information.
SUPPORT SB2655:
Increase FY26 MCAT Funding
IASB is also asking you to support SB2655 (Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel). SB2655 was discussed last week in the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee. The bill would increase funding for three important Mandated Categorical (MCAT) line-items: Regular Education Transportation, Special Education Transportation, and Special Education Private Facility. Contact your legislator and share this fact sheet with them to show why including additional MCATs funding in the FY26 budget package is important for your school district.
Why it Matters
- MCATs fall outside the Evidence Based Funding (EBF) formula and separate funding must be allocated to support these critical student services.
- MCATs continue to be prorated each year, increasing the fiscal burden on local school districts.
- The state must prioritize both EBF and MCAT funding.
Both of these bills could be added to omnibus bills that are being negotiated over the next two weeks. Please contact your legislator to show your support for these two pieces of legislation. To find your legislator, please visit the Illinois State Board of Elections.