In response to increased incidents of bullying using artificial intelligence and altered images, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law that adds to the definition of cyberbullying and addresses artificial intelligence content in the school code.
“As technology progresses, we have seen cyberbullying continue to be an issue for children and teens,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Now that artificial technology is easily accessible, we need to ensure our students know the effects that can come from it and understand the repercussions if it’s used inappropriately.”
The law extends the definition of bullying and clarifies that cyberbullying includes the posting or distribution of unauthorized digital replicas, if the action creates any of the effects stated in the definition of "bullying" within the school code. Also addressed in the law, a student who uses another student’s photo to depict them offensively without permission would be considered cyberbullying. However, classroom uses of AI that involve consent would not constitute as bullying.
State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel announced that seven school districts across the area will receive over $5.6 million in evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding that the state provides.
“The EBF model is essential for our public schools because it provides all children the opportunity to succeed,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “In Illinois, education is a top priority and we will continue our efforts to fully fund our schools so every child has access to a fair, quality education.”
The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.
A new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will streamline local municipal services, allowing the city of Joliet to absorb the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District.
“Joliet is well equipped to ensure a smooth transition between the sanitary district and city, leading to better local governance and removing duplicate systems in the area,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is a commonsense switch that will bring greater efficiency and sustainability to how Joliet manages its essential services to the community.”
Under House Bill 663, the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District will dissolve and the city of Joliet will absorb its assets, powers and responsibilities, with any additional assets going to Will County.
After acknowledging a gap in early childhood disability advocacy, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a new law that ensures stronger representation for young children with disabilities.
“When Early Childhood Education is being discussed, it’s essential we include a representative to advocate for what’s in the best interest of all children, including those with disabilities, ,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “In Illinois, we have made strides in our early childhood education efforts, and this law continues to prove that we care about all children getting the education they need. .”
The law adds the secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood as a member of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities. The role of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, which is housed under the Illinois State Board of Education, is to be a protective body, advising the governor, legislature and ISBE on current issues relating to the education of children with disabilities.
“We already know that early detection of a disability in children makes for better long-term outcomes,” said Loughran Cappel. “Adding the secretary of early childhood to the advisory council shows the inclusiveness of our education system and gives young children with disabilities a proper voice for better advocacy in schools.”
Senate Bill 1555 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect immediately.
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