SPRINGFIELD – Soon students will no longer have to come face-to-face during the hearing process with a teacher or principal who is alleged to have committed sexual misconduct, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“While seeking justice for students is imperative, I see no reason they need to be re-traumatized during the hearing process,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By providing alternative methods for testimony we can see that this does not occur.”

This measure prohibits victims or witnesses of sexual misconduct by a teacher from being compelled to testify at a disciplinary hearing in the physical or visual presence of a teacher or other witness if they are under age 18 or were at the time of the alleged conduct. The law requires hearing officers to make accommodations for witnesses to provide testimony remotely and specifies disciplinary measures for hearing officers who fail to do so.

“It is unfortunate these accommodations have to be made but we must ensure that survivors are supported and feel safe,” said Johnson.

House Bill 3592 was signed into law Friday.