HB1606 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 27015 RJT 53382 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB1606

Introduced 2/1/2023, by Rep. Cyril Nichols

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

110 ILCS 947/23 new

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to implement and administer a program, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, to award grants to Illinois residents seeking a associate degree, certificate, or diploma from a public community college. Sets forth the terms and conditions of the program. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Higher Education Student Assistance Act is amended by adding Section 23 as follows:

(110 ILCS 947/23 new)

Sec. 23. Public community college tuition grant program.

(a) The Commission shall implement and administer a program, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, to award grants to all eligible Illinois residents seeking a associate degree, certificate, or diploma from a public community college. The following terms and conditions shall apply to the program:

(1) To be eligible for a grant, a student must be admitted to and enrolled as a Illinois resident in a public community college.

(2) Students applying for a grant shall complete the grant application in their initial year of enrollment. Students shall complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each academic year in which they seek to receive a grant.

(3) To continue to receive a grant, a student must maintain Illinois residency.

(4) Each academic year, subject to appropriation, a grant shall be equal to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the public community college.

(5) A student awarded a grant who has an approved medical or personal leave of absence from a public community college may continue to receive the grant upon resuming the student's education at a public community college so long as the student continues to meet all applicable eligibility requirements under this Section and as adopted by the Commission.

(6) A student is eligible for a grant until the student has earned an associate degree, certificate, or diploma from a public community college.

(b) The Commission may adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.