SPRINGFIELD – A loophole that left schools in the dark regarding educator misconduct investigations will be closed thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Investigations into educator misconduct are vital to ensure children are protected in school, which is why closing this loophole is not only important – it’s necessary,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When school districts are informed about misconduct investigations, they are able to safeguard students.”

Prior to Murphy’s law, the Illinois State Board of Education was prohibited from providing information on pending misconduct charges or ongoing investigations to an educator’s current employing school district. This left school districts in the dark about whether they unknowingly hired a teacher engaged in misconduct, potentially putting their students at risk.

Senate Bill 1329 provides transparency during ongoing educator misconduct investigations by allowing ISBE to share pending charges with an educator’s current or most recent employer. The information will only be disclosed if the educator is under investigation for an act that constitutes a threat to the safety of students, such as sexual misconduct.

The law closes a loophole that permitted teachers under investigation to quit their job and get a new teaching position, gaining access to children while their investigation is ongoing.

“Educators carry a deep responsibility, and when that trust is broken, the harm done to students can last a lifetime,” Murphy said. “We must stand united in protecting children and ensuring schools remain safe, nurturing places to learn and grow.”

Senate Bill 1329 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1.