HB 2721

Amends the Downstate Teacher and Chicago Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that none of the benefits provided for in those Articles shall be paid to any person who is convicted of any crime under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 or of a crime that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Provides that none of the benefits shall be paid to a person during a criminal investigation for acts that constitute a crime under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 or to a person during a criminal proceeding for a violation of Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012. If criminal charges under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 are dismissed with prejudice or the person is acquitted of those criminal charges, then the right to benefit payments shall resume. Provides that none of the benefits shall be paid to a person during an investigation by an inspector general in connection with acts of sexual misconduct committed against a student. Provides that, if the inspector general finds that the allegations of sexual misconduct are substantiated, then none of the benefits shall be paid to that person. Provides that, if the inspector general finds that the allegations of sexual misconduct against a student are without merit, unsubstantiated, or unfounded, then the right to benefit payments shall resume. Specifies that provisions concerning the forfeiture of benefits apply without regard to whether the person resigned or was terminated from employment. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act apply only to a person who first becomes a teacher on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Makes other changes.