Board hears overview of Illinois bills including SB 2914 arbitration provision and AI limits for student data

A board member delivering the legislative report briefed the board on several Illinois bills of interest to school districts. The representative said SB 2914, which has passed both chambers and is headed to the governor, includes a provision allowing binding arbitration tied to a school board’s issuance of a notice to remedy; that provision has drawn concern from school governance groups. The report also described a proposed amendment to SB 2715 aimed at protecting sensitive school communications and addressing excessive FOIA/FOYA requests.

The representative further noted two bills, SB415 and SB416, that address artificial intelligence and student data: the bills would limit student biometric data use and would regulate AI use in grading and handling student work unless the district specifically approves such uses.

Board members were told staff will continue monitoring these measures as they could affect district policies on grievance procedures, records requests, and student data protections.