HIGHER ED-EXPENSE REFORM ACT

Creates the Illinois College Expense Reform Act. Provides that public universities and community colleges are not subject to the provisions of the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the State Universities Civil Service Act does not apply to employees hired by public universities and community colleges after the effective date of the Act. Provides that the Prevailing Wage Act does not apply to construction projects by public universities or community colleges estimated at less than $300,000. Provides that the Prevailing Wage Act does not apply to non-instructional services contracted to third parties. Allows universities and community colleges to contract any non-instructional services to third parties. Allows the Board of Higher Education to adopt rules to implement the Act. Amends the Personnel Code. Exempts employees of community colleges from the provisions of the Code. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code, the State Universities Civil Service Act, and the Prevailing Wage Act to make conforming changes. Amends various Acts related to the governance of public universities and community colleges in Illinois. Provides that beginning with the 2018-2019 academic year, public universities and community colleges shall ensure that at least 80% of their incoming freshman classes are Illinois residents.