Sen. Seth Lewis backs HB4990 to broaden campus sexual harassment and survivor protections

Sen. Seth Lewis (R-24th) supported HB4990 by voting Yes in the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, legislative records from the Illinois Senate show. The bill cleared the Senate in a 42-13 vote.

The bill text names the legislation: "HIGHER ED-PREVENT SEX VIOLENCE."

Below, we provide an overview using information from the bill itself, as well as interpretive elements to clarify specific provisions.

The bill amends Illinois’ Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act to cover additional forms of sexual harassment, including digital harassment, across campus procedures and policies. It gives clearer definitions and strengthens student protections such as timely responses, support and complaint advisors, and enhanced privacy rules regarding private or altered sexual imagery. Institutions and staff would face expanded training and notification requirements. Survivors could pursue civil action if institutional conduct shows reckless disregard for legal obligations or individual safety; available remedies include damages and attorney fees. The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2027.

The official action entered for HB4990 was 'Third Reading - Passed'.

Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa in 1991.

A Republican, Lewis joined the Illinois State Senate in 2023, representing the 24th District after succeeding Suzy Glowiak.

Legislation in Illinois moves through a multi-step process that involves initial introduction, review by committees, debates, and votes in both chambers, before reaching the governor, who may approve or veto. The General Assembly functions on a two-year schedule, seeing thousands of measures introduced each session, out of which only a portion become law.