Education (Higher Education)

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Removes language providing that each State university must submit its plan for capital improvements of non-instructional facilities to the Board of Higher Education for approval before final commitments are made if the total cost of the project as approved by the institution's board of control is in excess of $2 million.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Northeastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows; General Funds $41,981,500.

Amends Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Defines "transfer articulation agreement". Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Provides that a State university shall (rather than the General Assembly encourages State universities) to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits toward a baccalaureate degree. Provides that a State university shall enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the community college district to provide a seamless pathway for transfer. Provides that if, within 180 calendar days of the community college's initial request to enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the State university, the community college and State university do not reach agreement on the transfer articulation agreement, then the community college and State university shall jointly implement the provisions of the Model Transfer Articulation Agreement. Provides that a Model Transfer Articulation Agreement shall be developed through a Transfer Articulation Committee by December 31, 2025. Requires each community college and State university to publish the institution's process and timeline for reviewing and making decisions regarding transfer credit requests on the institution's website. Removes language regarding the Board of Higher Education's reviews and reports. Provides instead that, by May 1, 2026, and May 1 of each subsequent year, each State university shall report to the Board of Higher Education specified information. Effective immediately.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Northeastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $41,981,500.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Eastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $49,395,200; Other State Funds $7,000; Total $49,402,200.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Eastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $49,395,200; Other State Funds $7,000; Total $49,402,200.

Creates the University Construction Management Autonomy Act. Provides that public universities in the State shall be granted autonomy to manage construction projects funded by the State, as long as the total State funding does not exceed $20,000,000. Provides that the autonomy granted to universities shall include the authority to: (1) develop and approve project plans, budgets, and timelines; (2) select contractors, architects, and other necessary personnel for the project; (3) procure materials and equipment necessary for the project in compliance with State statutes, rules, and standards; and (4) monitor and oversee the progress of the project to ensure compliance with State rules and standards. Allows the public universities to have the option to use the services of the Capital Development Board for construction projects. Provides that public universities availing themselves of the autonomy shall provide regular reports to the Board of Higher Education detailing the progress, expenditures, and outcomes of construction projects managed independently. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Central Management Services to ensure that, for all job titles and for all State employment, positions that require a college degree or in which a college degree is preferred shall allow for the acceptance of a community college certificate as equal to a college degree, if appropriate in the determination of the Department. Allows the Department to adopt rules.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Chicago State University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $41,334,600: Other State Funds $3,307,000; Total $44,641,600.

House Bill 119 appropriates funds from the state's General Revenue Fund to Eastern Illinois University. Specifically, it allocates $2 to cover the university's general operating expenses for fiscal year 2026. This bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.