New education laws to impact Illinois schools in 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Illinois schools are set to undergo significant changes in 2026 with the implementation of new laws affecting junior high courses, artificial intelligence (AI) in education, and school safety protocols.

Seventh and eighth graders will now receive credit for high school-level courses if they pass the course and final exam, thanks to a bill that passed unanimously in the House and with a 53-vote margin in the Senate. Bill sponsor Janet Yang Rohr said, “My legislation would allow these students more opportunities to pursue coursework that interests and challenges them.”

Additionally, the State Board of Education is tasked with addressing AI in schools, focusing on nine key areas, including its ethical use and impact on student data and privacy. Guidance on these issues must be available by July 1, 2026.

Changes to the School Safety Drill Act will require substitute teachers to receive training on evacuation and lockdown drills. Jason Wind, executive director of school support at District 186, emphasized the importance of this training, stating, “They come into different buildings and they need to understand what those protocols are for each individual building because every building is different.”

These laws are part of nearly 300 new regulations set to take effect in 2026.