Education

House Bill 2023 proposes an appropriation for Southern Illinois University to cover its ordinary and contingent expenses for Fiscal Year 2026. This bill allocates two dollars from the state's General Revenue Fund to the university. The funding is intended to support the university's operational needs. This appropriation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of Northern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $103,639,900; Other State Funds $22,000; Total $103,661,900.

Amends the Illinois Finance Authority Act. In provisions concerning the Young Farmer Loan Guarantee Program, provides that State Guarantees under the program shall not exceed $1,000,000 (currently $500,000) per young farmer. Provides that the Illinois Finance Authority is authorized to issue State Guarantees to lenders for loans to finance or refinance tuition debt incurred by or on behalf of an eligible farmer for post-secondary education in an agriculture field. Provides that the Illinois Finance Authority may use moneys under the Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program to finance rental payments for land leased to the farmer. Provides that State Guarantees provided under the Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program may not exceed $500,000 per borrower. Effective immediately

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall develop and maintain a program to provide free tuition at one community college in each R3 Area (designated as such under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act) using money appropriated from the Cannabis Regulation Fund. Authorizes the Board to adopt any rules necessary. Amends the State Finance Act to make related changes.

Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Southern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as follows: General Funds $231,786,400; Other State Funds $1,266,000; Federal Funds $0; Total $233,052,400.

Creates the Immigration Safe Zones Act. Provides that, within 60 days after the effective date of the Act, the Attorney General shall, in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders, publish model policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and State law ensuring that the following facilities remain safe and accessible to all residents of this State, regardless of immigration status: (1) State-funded schools, including licensed day care centers, pre-schools, and other early learning programs; elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education; (2) State-funded medical treatment and health care facilities, including hospitals, health clinics, emergency or urgent care facilities, nursing homes, group homes for persons with developmental disabilities, community-integrated living arrangements, and State mental health facilities; (3) public libraries; (4) facilities operated by the Office of the Secretary of State; and (5) courts in this State. Provides that, on and after the effective date of the Act, all applications, questionnaires, and interview forms used in relation to benefits, opportunities, or services provided by a State agency or in-State or in-district tuition verification, scholarships, grants, or services provided by a public elementary or secondary school or public institution of higher education shall be promptly reviewed by that State agency, school, or institution, and any questions regarding citizenship or immigration status, other than those required by statute, ordinance, federal law, or court order, shall be removed within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act. Provides that reasonable accommodations for incarcerated individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability shall include a waiver of any requirement that the individual take the Test of Adult Basic Education and receive a passing score, or take and receive a passing score on any other examination or test that the Department may require to determine academic achievement or access to educational programs, work assignments, and vocational programs. Provides that participation in these programs through the Test of Adult Basic Education waiver and other reasonable accommodations shall qualify individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability to earn earned sentence credit, consistent with opportunities provided to other incarcerated individuals. Provides that Department of Corrections staff, including educational personnel, shall receive annual training on: (1) identifying individuals who have an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; (2) providing accommodations and supports to an individual with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability in educational, employment. and vocational settings; and (3) administering appropriate alternative assessments. Provides that staff training programs shall be developed in collaboration with disability advocacy organizations and educational institutions. Provides that the Department shall ensure compliance with federal disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act of 1973, through the implementation of the Act. Provides that individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability who are denied access to programs or accommodations under the Act may file a grievance through the Department's established grievance procedures. Effective immediately.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to specified organizations as deemed appropriate by the Department for purposes of administering preapprenticeship workforce development programs that support education and training programming targeted to individuals under the age of 18 who reside in underserved areas in specified fields. Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Community College Board for grants to community college districts and public high schools for the purposes of administering the 21st Century Employment grant program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Provides those entitled to inspect and copy a recipient's record include the parent or guardian of a minor, regardless of the minor's age, who is involved in special education services under the School Code or the "designated representative" of a student over the age of 18 involved in special education services under the School Code.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Establishes the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) Grant Program to be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall award grants under the program to eligible applicants who (i) have graduated from high school or have received a State of Illinois High School Diploma, (ii) are pursuing or intend to pursue a qualifying degree or certificate at a qualified institution, and (iii) are entitled to apply for assistance. Provides that a qualifying degree or certificate is an associate degree or certificate granted by a qualified institution in a field related to the trades, including, but not limited to, electrical work, plumbing, masonry, steel working, fabrication, or construction. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.