HIGHER ED-GOLDEN APPLE SCHOLAR

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program. Provides that the transition period for the consolidation of the Illinois Future Teacher Corps Program and the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program into one program shall end no later than the last day (instead of end on the last day) of the 2013 fiscal year. Provides that no later than the last day of the 2013 fiscal year, the Illinois Future Teacher Corps Program shall no longer exist as a separate existing program. Provides that during the transition period, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission may (instead of shall) establish rules. Provides that for Fiscal Year 2013 and any subsequent fiscal year (instead of just for Fiscal Year 2013), the entire appropriation under these provisions shall be designated for the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching. For Fiscal Year 2014 and for each fiscal year thereafter, provides that all amounts appropriated to the Commission for the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching shall be used by the Golden Apple Foundation for the Golden Apple Scholars for Illinois Program or for such other purposes and programs as are determined by the Golden Apple Foundation for the Foundation's stated purposes and to develop and support teacher excellence in this State, especially in schools of need; requires the Auditor General to prepare an annual audit. Effective immediately.