Legislation aimed at protecting students who have been victims of sexual assault at school passed out of a House committee, according to an April 6 report. The bill was introduced by Illinois Republicans after a Springfield-area family reported that their daughter was sexually assaulted and the perpetrator was neither expelled nor suspended, despite admitting to the offense.
The proposed law, known as HB 5447, would require any student who commits or attempts a sexual assault at school, during a school-sponsored event, or at any activity reasonably related to the school to be expelled for at least one year. State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer is sponsoring the bill in the House.
Supporters say that HB 5447 seeks to establish consequences for sexual assault similar to those currently in place for offenses involving weapons on campus. The legislation has received approval from the Illinois House Education Policy Committee and will now proceed to consideration by the full House.
Davidsmeyer is a Republican who was elected in 2012 to represent Illinois’ 100th House District, replacing previous state representative Jim Watson, according to available information.
The next steps will involve debate and voting by all members of the Illinois House before any further legislative action can take place.
