HB2537
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What this bill does
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, by no later than the beginning of a student's third year of high school or by the student's 16th birthday, whichever occurs first, the transition planning process must include a consideration of whether the student is a candidate for graduation. Requires this process to involve discussions with the student's individualized education program team, including the parent and the student. Provides that the discussions must address the implications of graduating with a regular diploma, particularly how it affects the student's right to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Effective immediately.
PASSED INTO LAW
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Pipeline Progress
Current stage: Signed into Law · Last action 237 days ago
How does a bill become law in Illinois?
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Introduction of Bill
A member of the Senate or the House introduces a bill, which is assigned a unique identifying number (e.g., "H.B. ___" for House bills and "S.B. ___" for Senate bills). If not enacted, it must be reintroduced in the next General Assembly with a new number.
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Committee Work — Hearings
The bill goes to the appropriate committee, which holds hearings to gather expert opinions and determine the need for the legislation.
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Committee Work — Markup, Amendments, Report
The committee may make amendments to the bill. If approved, a committee report endorsing the bill is issued.
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Floor Debate
The bill is debated and can be further amended. The debate transcripts are accessible online for public viewing.
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Passage and Consideration in Second Chamber
If the bill passes in the first chamber, it moves to the second chamber for a similar review process. If both chambers approve, it goes to the governor.
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Gubernatorial Action
The governor can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action (resulting in an automatic law after 60 days). The type of veto can be total or amendatory. Once signed, the bill becomes a Public Act and is assigned a Public Act number.
Sponsor Context
Nicole La Ha
Low Influence (#111)
Bridges legislative blocs (high betweenness)
Bills sponsored by Nicole La Ha advance 8% more often than the chamber average.
Public Engagement
10 witness slips filed
10 proponents / 0 opponents
9 organizations
Witness slips
10 slips filed. Proponent / opponent / no position as filed with the committee.
| Name | Organization | Representing | Position | Hearing committee | Hearing date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amy Zimmerman | Jewish United Fund | Jewish United Fund | Proponent | Education | 2025-04-29 |
| Barb Cohen | Legal Council for Health Justice | Legal Council for Health Justice | Proponent | Education | 2025-04-29 |
| Crystal Mallory | IFT | IFT | Proponent | Education | 2025-04-29 |
| Frank Lally | Access Living | Access Living | Proponent | Education | 2025-04-29 |
| Phil Milsk | Illinois Assistive Technology Program | Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) | Proponent | Education | 2025-04-29 |
| Samantha Alloway | The Arc of Illinois | The Arc of Illinois | Proponent | Education | 2025-04-29 |
| Annette Hightower | Annette Hightower | Proponent | Education Policy | 2025-03-12 | |
| Barb Cohen | Legal Council for Health Justice | Legal Council for Health Justice | Proponent | Education Policy | 2025-03-12 |
| Justin Mahwikizi | The American Institute Of Action | The American Institute Of Action | Proponent | Education Policy | 2025-03-12 |
| Phil Milsk | Law Offices of Phil Milsk | Illinois Assistive Technology Program | Proponent | Education Policy | 2025-03-12 |
Roll-call votes
Total votes and outcome per event. Deciding vote = margin of 1; those voters on the winning side could have changed the outcome by flipping.
| Date | Chamber | Type | Description | Yea | Nay | Present | NV | Outcome | Margin | Deciding voters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | Committee | Education Policy | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Passed | 13 | — | |
| H | Floor | Third Reading | 107 | 0 | 0 | 11 | Passed | 107 | — | |
| S | Committee | Education | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Passed | 14 | — | |
| 2025-05-22 | S | Floor | May 22, 2025 | 58 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Passed | 58 | — |
Action History
53 actions recorded. Last action: 2025-08-15 — Public Act . . . . . . . . .104-0232. Each action's meaning and outcome signal are classified automatically.
2025-02-04
Introduction & Filing
Filed with the Clerk byRep. Michelle Mussman House Rule 6(b)
Bill officially submitted to the House Clerk during the session.
2025-02-04
Introduction & Filing
First Reading Senate Rule 5-1(d)/5-2; House Rule 37(d)/38
Formal introduction — title read into the official record. Required procedural step; bill now exists in the system.
2025-02-04
Committee Assignment
Referred toRules Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(a)
Sent to a committee (usually Rules in the House, Assignments in the Senate). The gatekeeping step — Rules/Assignments decides which substantive committee hears the bill.
2025-03-04
Committee Assignment
Assigned toEducation Policy Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(b)
Sent to a substantive committee (e.g., Transportation, Revenue). This is where the bill gets a real hearing and evaluation.
2025-03-07
Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk byRep. Michelle Mussman
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-03-07
Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred toRules Committee
[Amendment] Sent to a committee (usually Rules in the House, Assignments in the Senate). The gatekeeping step — Rules/Assignments decides which substantive committee hears the bill.
2025-03-11
Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers toEducation Policy Committee
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-03-12
Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted inEducation Policy Committee; by Voice Vote
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-03-12
Committee Action
Positive
Do Pass as Amended / Short DebateEducation Policy Committee; 013-000-000 Rule 3-11(a)(1), Rule 3-12(a)
Committee recommends passage. The most important positive gate — majority of bills never get here.
2025-03-12
Floor Process
Positive
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 4-4(7-8)/5-2; House Rule 31(8-9)/38/52
Bill placed on the Second Reading calendar. Positive — bill is queued for floor action.
2025-03-12
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Katie Stuart Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-03-13
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Janet Yang Rohr Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Chief co-sponsor added.
2025-03-13
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Diane Blair-Sherlock Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Chief co-sponsor added.
2025-03-19
Floor Process
Positive
Second Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 3-12(a)/5-4(a); House Rule 24(a)/40(b)/52(a)(1)
Bill reaches the floor amendment stage on Short Debate calendar. Major milestone — bill has passed committee and is on the floor.
2025-03-19
Floor Process
Positive
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate Rule 4-4(8)
Bill placed on the Third Reading calendar — queued for final vote.
2025-03-26
Cross-Chamber
Chief Sponsor Changed toRep. Nicole La Ha Senate Rule 5-1(d)/4-4(9-11); House Rule 37(d)/31(10-12)
Chief sponsor changed — may indicate leadership taking ownership or a strategic handoff.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Tony M. McCombie Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Norine K. Hammond Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Amy Elik Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Amy L. Grant Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Jennifer Sanalitro Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Jackie Haas Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Patrick Sheehan Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Michelle Mussman Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Chief co-sponsor added.
2025-04-07
Other
Chief Co-Sponsor Changed toRep. Michelle Mussman
Uncategorized action.
2025-04-07
Floor Vote
Positive
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed107-000-000 Senate Rule 5-1(f)/7-1/7-2; House Rule 37(f)/49/50
Bill PASSED on Short Debate Third Reading. Bill cleared the chamber.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Michael Crawford Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Mary Gill Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Suzanne M. Ness Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Matt Hanson Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Yolonda Morris Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Nicolle Grasse Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Martha Deuter Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild −
Removed Co-SponsorRep. Norine K. Hammond Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Co-sponsor removed their support. Mildly negative — someone withdrew.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Norine K. Hammond Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Chief co-sponsor added.
2025-04-07
Co-Sponsorship
Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Jason R. Bunting Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-08
Cross-Chamber
Positive
Arrive in Senate Senate Rule 5-1(d)/4-4(9-11); House Rule 37(d)/31(10-12)
House bill arrives in the Senate after passing the House.
2025-04-08
Procedural
Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading Senate Rule 4-4/7-4; House Rule 31/54
Bill queued for First Reading in the second chamber.
2025-04-08
Cross-Chamber
Positive
Chief Senate SponsorSen. Adriane Johnson Senate Rule 5-1(d)/4-4(9-11); House Rule 37(d)/31(10-12)
Senate sponsor assigned for a House bill.
2025-04-08
Introduction & Filing
First Reading Senate Rule 5-1(d)/5-2; House Rule 37(d)/38
Formal introduction — title read into the official record. Required procedural step; bill now exists in the system.
2025-04-08
Committee Assignment
Referred toAssignments Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(a)
Sent to a committee (usually Rules in the House, Assignments in the Senate). The gatekeeping step — Rules/Assignments decides which substantive committee hears the bill.
2025-04-23
Committee Assignment
Assigned toEducation Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(b)
Sent to a substantive committee (e.g., Transportation, Revenue). This is where the bill gets a real hearing and evaluation.
2025-04-30
Committee Action
Positive
Do PassEducation; 014-000-000 Rule 3-11(a)(1), Rule 3-12(a)
Committee recommends passage. The most important positive gate — majority of bills never get here.
2025-04-30
Floor Process
Positive
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 1, 2025 Rule 3-12(a), Rule 4-4(7)
Bill placed on the order of Second Reading.
2025-05-01
Floor Process
Positive
Second Reading Senate Rule 3-12(a)/5-4(a); House Rule 24(a)/40(b)
Bill reaches the floor amendment stage. Floor amendments can be offered here.
2025-05-01
Floor Process
Positive
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 6, 2025 Rule 4-4(8)
Bill placed on the Third Reading calendar — queued for final vote.
2025-05-20
Floor Process
Positive
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading ** Rule 4-4(8)
Bill placed on the Third Reading calendar — queued for final vote.
2025-05-22
Floor Vote
Positive
Third Reading - Passed;058-000-000 Rule 5-1(f)
Bill PASSED a floor vote on Third Reading. Major milestone — bill has cleared one chamber.
2025-05-22
Concurrence
Positive
Passed Both Houses Rule 8-1, Rule 8-4
Bill PASSED BOTH CHAMBERS. Major milestone — bill goes to the Governor next.
2025-06-20
Governor Action
Positive
Sent to the Governor Senate Article IX/Rules 9-1 to 9-6; House Article IX/Rules 77-82
Bill transmitted to the Governor for signature. Strong positive — bill has passed both chambers.
2025-08-15
Governor Action
Positive
Governor Approved Senate Article IX/Rules 9-1 to 9-6; House Article IX/Rules 77-82
GOVERNOR SIGNED THE BILL. Bill is now law (pending effective date).
2025-08-15
Enacted Into Law
Law
Effective Date August 15, 2025 Article IX
Law's effective date announced. Most IL laws take effect January 1 of the next year unless otherwise specified.
2025-08-15
Enacted Into Law
Law
Public Act . . . . . . . . .104-0232 Article IX
Bill signed into law — assigned a Public Act number (e.g., PA 104-0032).
All actions (table)
| Date | Chamber | Action | Category | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-04 | House | Filed with the Clerk byRep. Michelle Mussman House Rule 6(b) | Introduction & Filing | — |
| 2025-02-04 | House | First Reading Senate Rule 5-1(d)/5-2; House Rule 37(d)/38 | Introduction & Filing | — |
| 2025-02-04 | House | Referred toRules Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(a) | Committee Assignment | — |
| 2025-03-04 | House | Assigned toEducation Policy Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(b) | Committee Assignment | — |
| 2025-03-07 | House | House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk byRep. Michelle Mussman | Amendment Actions | — |
| 2025-03-07 | House | House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred toRules Committee | Amendment Actions | — |
| 2025-03-11 | House | House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers toEducation Policy Committee | Amendment Actions | — |
| 2025-03-12 | House | House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted inEducation Policy Committee; by Voice Vote | Amendment Actions | — |
| 2025-03-12 | House | Do Pass as Amended / Short DebateEducation Policy Committee; 013-000-000 Rule 3-11(a)(1), Rule 3-12(a) | Committee Action | Positive |
| 2025-03-12 | House | Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 4-4(7-8)/5-2; House Rule 31(8-9)/38/52 | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-03-12 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Katie Stuart Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-03-13 | House | Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Janet Yang Rohr Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-03-13 | House | Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Diane Blair-Sherlock Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-03-19 | House | Second Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 3-12(a)/5-4(a); House Rule 24(a)/40(b)/52(a)(1) | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-03-19 | House | Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate Rule 4-4(8) | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-03-26 | House | Chief Sponsor Changed toRep. Nicole La Ha Senate Rule 5-1(d)/4-4(9-11); House Rule 37(d)/31(10-12) | Cross-Chamber | — |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Tony M. McCombie Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Norine K. Hammond Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Amy Elik Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Amy L. Grant Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Jennifer Sanalitro Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Jackie Haas Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Patrick Sheehan Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Michelle Mussman Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Chief Co-Sponsor Changed toRep. Michelle Mussman | Other | — |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed107-000-000 Senate Rule 5-1(f)/7-1/7-2; House Rule 37(f)/49/50 | Floor Vote | Positive |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Michael Crawford Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Mary Gill Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Suzanne M. Ness Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Matt Hanson Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Yolonda Morris Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Nicolle Grasse Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Martha Deuter Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Removed Co-SponsorRep. Norine K. Hammond Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild − |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Norine K. Hammond Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-07 | House | Added Co-SponsorRep. Jason R. Bunting Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) | Co-Sponsorship | Mild + |
| 2025-04-08 | Senate | Arrive in Senate Senate Rule 5-1(d)/4-4(9-11); House Rule 37(d)/31(10-12) | Cross-Chamber | Positive |
| 2025-04-08 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading Senate Rule 4-4/7-4; House Rule 31/54 | Procedural | — |
| 2025-04-08 | Senate | Chief Senate SponsorSen. Adriane Johnson Senate Rule 5-1(d)/4-4(9-11); House Rule 37(d)/31(10-12) | Cross-Chamber | Positive |
| 2025-04-08 | Senate | First Reading Senate Rule 5-1(d)/5-2; House Rule 37(d)/38 | Introduction & Filing | — |
| 2025-04-08 | Senate | Referred toAssignments Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(a) | Committee Assignment | — |
| 2025-04-23 | Senate | Assigned toEducation Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(b) | Committee Assignment | — |
| 2025-04-30 | Senate | Do PassEducation; 014-000-000 Rule 3-11(a)(1), Rule 3-12(a) | Committee Action | Positive |
| 2025-04-30 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 1, 2025 Rule 3-12(a), Rule 4-4(7) | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-05-01 | Senate | Second Reading Senate Rule 3-12(a)/5-4(a); House Rule 24(a)/40(b) | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-05-01 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 6, 2025 Rule 4-4(8) | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-05-20 | Senate | Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading ** Rule 4-4(8) | Floor Process | Positive |
| 2025-05-22 | Senate | Third Reading - Passed;058-000-000 Rule 5-1(f) | Floor Vote | Positive |
| 2025-05-22 | House | Passed Both Houses Rule 8-1, Rule 8-4 | Concurrence | Positive |
| 2025-06-20 | House | Sent to the Governor Senate Article IX/Rules 9-1 to 9-6; House Article IX/Rules 77-82 | Governor Action | Positive |
| 2025-08-15 | House | Governor Approved Senate Article IX/Rules 9-1 to 9-6; House Article IX/Rules 77-82 | Governor Action | Positive |
| 2025-08-15 | House | Effective Date August 15, 2025 Article IX | Enacted Into Law | Law |
| 2025-08-15 | House | Public Act . . . . . . . . .104-0232 Article IX | Enacted Into Law | Law |