Pair of Mussman Bills Expanding Child Abuse Protections are Now Law

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, led several pieces of legislation cracking down on child abuse and protecting Illinois’ most vulnerable, our children. These efforts will ensure children are further protected from child abuse, alleged abuse can be thoroughly investigated and ensures accountability for guilty parties.

“Children across the state need our protection and support, and we have a responsibility to meet that need,” said Mussman. “One case of child abuse is one too many, and I’m confident this set of bills will improve our ability to detect abuse or signs of abuse as early as possible.”

House Bill 4534 strengthens professional boundaries between student and education, improves school misconduct policies and, importantly, defines grooming as a form of abuse. Additionally, the bill allows schools to collect and share information between schools and school districts on substitute teachers seeking employment in more than one school district. With more preventative and early intervention policies in place, instances of abuse and grooming can be identified and investigated earlier.

Senate Bill 3510 allows law enforcement and medical professionals to more clearly communicate information or evidence in child abuse investigations, as permitted by state and federal privacy laws. Also known as the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Act, the bill will revamp existing procedures to investigate and care for allegedly abused children, report their findings to relevant state agencies, and identify gaps in service or areas needing improvement. The act allows for a short term fix improving communication and a longer-term fix requiring extensive data collection and review.

“There’s no way to restore a child’s innocence or safety after they have been abused, but we must ensure youth have all the support they can as they recover from a traumatic experience,” said Mussman. “I’m proud of the work done to ensure these bills became law, and I am committed to continuing the hard work to protect children in our community and across the state.”

House Bill 4534 and Senate Bill 3510 were signed into law on Monday, and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.