(20 ILCS 4109/15)

Sec. 15. Membership; administrative support; compensation.

(a) The membership of the Commission shall include, at a minimum:

(1) One member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, who shall serve as co-chairperson.

(2) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall serve as co-chairperson.

(3) The chairperson of the Board of Higher Education or a designee, who shall serve as co-chairperson.

(4) One member appointed by the Governor, who shall serve as co-chairperson.

(5) One member of the Senate appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(6) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(7) The chairperson of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission or a designee.

(8) The chairperson of the Higher Education Committee of the House of Representatives or a designee.

(9) The Minority Spokesperson of the Higher Education Committee of the House of Representatives or a designee.

(10) The chairperson of the Higher Education Committee of the Senate or a designee.

(11) The Minority Spokesperson of the Higher Education Committee of the Senate or a designee.

(12) Twelve members representing the public universities in this State each appointed by the President of each public university.

(13) One member representing a higher education advocacy organization focused on eliminating disparities in college completion in this State for low-income and first-generation college students and students of color appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(14) One member representing a statewide advocacy organization focused on improving educational and employment opportunities for women and adults appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(15) One member representing a statewide advocacy organization focused on developing an equitable birth-to-career educational system appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(16) One member representing a statewide organization that advocates for alternative education and bridge programs and the re-enrollment of students in this State appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(17) One member representing a fiscal policy research organization focused on the impact that State-level budget and tax policies have on equitable education funding solutions appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(18) Two members representing an organization that advocates on behalf of public university faculty members who are each employed by a different university appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(19) One health care expert from the public higher education arena appointed by the Board of Higher Education, in consultation with the presidents and chancellors of the public universities.

(20) One member who has legal expertise in higher education funding and finance appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(21) One postsecondary student enrolled at a public university in this State appointed by the Board of Higher Education.

(b) The Board of Higher Education shall recognize and consider the representation of underrepresented and historically underserved groups, including those who are Black, Latinx, or from low-income families, and the racial and geographical diversity of this State when making appointments to the Commission.

(c) The co-chairpersons may identify and invite experts to speak to the Commission on issues, including, but not limited to, higher education funding, finance, health care, and research and development.

(d) The Board of Higher Education shall provide administrative support to the Commission, including any related workgroups, and shall be responsible for administering the Commission's operations and ensuring that the requirements of this Act are met.

(e) The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation for their services as members of the Commission.

(Source: P.A. 102-570, eff. 8-23-21.)