Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock backs SB3533 redefining twice-exceptional students

Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (D-46th) cast a Yes vote for SB3533 on May 31, 2026, during the 104th General Assembly. The bill, which aims to refine the definition of twice-exceptional student, was passed by the Illinois House in a 117-0 vote, according to the Illinois House.

The official text of the bill describes it as: "SCHCD-TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL STUDNT."

The following summary uses language from the bill itself and clarifies its main provisions for easier understanding.

The core change in this bill modifies the School Code’s definition of a “twice-exceptional student” to refer to someone who qualifies for special education or a Section 504 plan and, simultaneously, demonstrates high capability, giftedness, talent, or acceleration needs and would profit from advanced academic programs. When schools develop IEPs or Section 504 plans for such students, they must address both their advanced skills and their disabilities across environments. Listed supports include tailored services, an emphasis on strengths, adaptable grouping, extended time, and various assessments. The law would take immediate effect upon enactment.

The official action for SB3533 was 'Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed'.

Blair-Sherlock earned an AA from College of DuPage in 1985, a BS from Northern Illinois University in 1987, and received her JD from John Marshall Law School in 1993.

A member of the Democratic Party, Blair-Sherlock was first elected to serve the 46th House District in 2023, following the tenure of state representative Deborah Conroy.

Illinois bills undergo a multi-step legislative process, starting with their introduction in either chamber, followed by committee assessment, floor debates, votes in both the House and Senate, and then submission to the governor for a decision. The General Assembly functions on a biennial basis, and only a small portion of the thousands of bills introduced each session are ultimately enacted into law.