Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 1975, also known as Faith’s Law, into law.

The legislation adds safeguards by expanding the definition of grooming in the criminal code, increasing resources and protections for sexual abuse survivors and their families, and requiring school districts to develop a sexual misconduct code of conduct, review employment history, and increase training for educators.

The law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create a parent resource guide and for school districts to develop an employee code of professional conduct policy. School districts are required to post the policy on the school’s website and in any handbook provided.

A violation of that policy would subject and employee to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.