2021 New School Laws Now Available
-
Date PostedJanuary 31, 2021
-
CategoryNews
IASB’s Governmental Relations department has compiled and distributed the annual New School Laws publication for 2021. The digest is intended to inform school leaders and public school advocates about new statutes and changes to existing laws enacted in 2020 that will impact school districts.
The document includes 19 new public acts that are of importance to school districts. Because of the abbreviated 2020 legislative session due to COVID-19, significantly fewer bills were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Some of the laws included in the publication codify the governor’s executive orders that were issued in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Public Act 101-0643 covers a variety of education issues, including allowing schools to utilize remote and E-learning days, flexibility with attendance requirements, extending the expiration period for district interfund transfers, automatic renewal of teachers licenses until June 30, 2021, waivers for some student curricular mandates, and other provisions. Additionally, Public Act 101-0640 addresses the Open Meetings Act, allowing public bodies to meet remotely during emergencies declared by the governor.
Other notable highlights include extending the expiration date to allow a retired teacher to substitute teach for up to 120 days without jeopardizing pension benefits, allowing up to two hours for eligible student voters to cast their vote on Election Day, and electronic bidding of construction contracts over $25,000.
Also included with each law when applicable is the Policy Reference Educational Subscription Service (PRESS) information regarding new legislation. If a new law requires action by the school board, the corresponding PRESS sample policy number is included in its listing.
In addition to online availability, New School Laws 2021 is being mailed to IASB member school districts.
The document includes 19 new public acts that are of importance to school districts. Because of the abbreviated 2020 legislative session due to COVID-19, significantly fewer bills were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Some of the laws included in the publication codify the governor’s executive orders that were issued in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Public Act 101-0643 covers a variety of education issues, including allowing schools to utilize remote and E-learning days, flexibility with attendance requirements, extending the expiration period for district interfund transfers, automatic renewal of teachers licenses until June 30, 2021, waivers for some student curricular mandates, and other provisions. Additionally, Public Act 101-0640 addresses the Open Meetings Act, allowing public bodies to meet remotely during emergencies declared by the governor.
Other notable highlights include extending the expiration date to allow a retired teacher to substitute teach for up to 120 days without jeopardizing pension benefits, allowing up to two hours for eligible student voters to cast their vote on Election Day, and electronic bidding of construction contracts over $25,000.
Also included with each law when applicable is the Policy Reference Educational Subscription Service (PRESS) information regarding new legislation. If a new law requires action by the school board, the corresponding PRESS sample policy number is included in its listing.
In addition to online availability, New School Laws 2021 is being mailed to IASB member school districts.
