(20 ILCS 1705/33.1) (from Ch. 91 1/2, par. 100-33.1)

Sec. 33.1. To make assignments for educational or training purposes to qualified persons, and to make payments for such purposes in the manner authorized by this Section.

(a) To qualify for an assignment for educational or training purposes under this Section, a person must:

1. be enrolled in the final 2 years of accredited specialized training which is required to meet the qualifications for the position, as established by the Department of Central Management Services, or be a current employee of the Department who has continuously served in a full-time capacity for at least one year prior to assignment;

2. have completed 4 years of high school education;

3. possess such qualities and attributes as the Secretary of the Department deems necessary for achieving the purposes for which the assignment was made;

4. sign an agreement to serve as an employee of the Department for one calendar year for each academic year of subsidized training for educational or training purposes under this Section;

5. sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the Department for the funds expended if the employee fails to return to employment with, or remain an employee of the Department for the period of time required by paragraph 4; and

6. agree in writing to such other terms and conditions as the Department may reasonably require when granting the assignment.

(b) When granting an assignment for educational or training purposes to an eligible person under this Section, the Department may pay:

1. such amounts as are established by Department regulations; and

2. for school expenses, not to exceed 80% of the cost to the person of all tuition, laboratory fees, matriculation fees and other general student charges made by the institution of higher learning, but not including charges for food or residence halls, which charges shall be payable from the funds for support and living expenses within the limitations provided in paragraph 1.

(c) Except for the purpose of receiving salary, vacation pay or any other similar remuneration payable to State employees, the status of an employee of the Department as an employee of the State is not affected by the employee serving on an educational or training assignment under this Section as specified under the rules and regulations of the Department of Central Management Services.

(d) Training programs such as tuition only refunds and special workshops for employees with one year or more of service and/or training which is a part of collaborative arrangements with institutions of higher learning or other public agencies are not affected by this Section.

(Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)