Chicago – July 13, 2026
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed House Bill 3772, a new law that prohibits public schools from expelling students in kindergarten through second grade except when required by state or federal law. The legislation also places stricter limits on expulsions for older students and changes how schools evaluate the use of suspensions.
Supporters say the measure aims to reduce disciplinary practices that disproportionately affect students of color. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, who sponsored the bill, said research from the University of Chicago found that restorative practices in Chicago Public Schools helped reduce suspensions, expulsions and student arrests. She argued that removing young children from school denies them the support needed for academic and emotional success.
The law also bans school districts from adopting zero-tolerance policies that automatically require suspensions or expulsions for certain behaviors unless mandated by law. Supporters believe the reforms will promote fairer discipline and improve student outcomes across Illinois.
