Appropriates $8,000,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the administration of scholarships under the Teach Illinois Scholarship Program. Effective July 1, 2025.
Creates the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall award income tax credits to taxpayers who make authorized contributions to scholarship granting organizations for the purpose of awarding scholarships to eligible students who attend technical academies. Sets forth limitations with respect to the aggregate amount of credits awarded by the Department of Revenue under the program in a calendar year and the amount of credits awarded to an individual taxpayer. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes.
Appropriates $20,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program. Effective July 1, 2025.
Amends the School Code. Provides that the General Assembly voluntarily elects the State to: (1) participate in the federal tax credit established under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act for individuals who make qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations; and (2) identify scholarship granting organizations located in this State. Authorizes and empowers the State Board of Education to certify and submit a list of qualifying scholarship granting organizations to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States in accordance with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its associated regulations. Provides that by January 1, 2027 and by every January 1 thereafter, the State Board shall submit to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States and publish on the State Board's Internet website a list of all scholarship granting organizations that meet the requirements of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are located in this State.
Amends the School Code. Provides that the General Assembly voluntarily elects the State to: (1) participate in the federal tax credit established under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act for individuals who make qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations; and (2) identify scholarship granting organizations located in this State. Authorizes and empowers the State Board of Education to certify and submit a list of qualifying scholarship granting organizations to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States in accordance with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its associated regulations. Provides that by January 1, 2027 and by every January 1 thereafter, the State Board shall submit to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States and publish on the State Board's Internet website a list of scholarship granting organizations that meet the requirements of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are located in this State. Provides that the State Board and the Department of Revenue may adopt only those rules necessary to implement the provisions in a manner consistent with federal law and may not impose additional criteria, restrictions, or limitations beyond those required under federal statute or regulation. Requires the State Board and the Department of Revenue to publish annual reports on the use and impact of the list of scholarship granting organizations.
HB 1342 makes Illinois' Invest in Kids tax credit program permanent, allowing Illinois taxpayers to claim credits for donations to approved scholarship organizations. The program provides scholarships to low-income students (from families earning under 300% of the federal poverty level) attending non-public schools in Illinois, covering necessary school costs like tuition and fees. Taxpayers receive a credit equal to their contribution amount, with scholarship grants capped at the school's required costs. The bill permanently amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to implement this education funding mechanism, effective immediately.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the monetary award program. Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year through the 2030-2031 academic year, provides that an applicant who is otherwise eligible for grant assistance under the program may receive grant assistance for an additional academic year after receiving a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent of 135 semester credit hours if he or she (i) enrolls in a State-approved educator preparation program and (ii) within 5 years after receiving a Professional Educator License, teaches in this State for a minimum of 3 years. Requires repayment if at any time a person fails to meet the requirements. Effective immediately.
HB 2649 reenacts and makes permanent Illinois' "Invest in Kids Act," allowing taxpayers to make tax-deductible contributions to scholarship-granting organizations. These contributions fund scholarships covering "necessary costs and fees" for eligible students from low-income households (initial income ≤ 300% of federal poverty level, rising to 400% after receiving a scholarship) to attend qualified non-public schools in Illinois. The bill establishes requirements for technical academies offering career-focused CTE programs aligned with industry needs and wage standards. It amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to permanently integrate this scholarship program, effective immediately.
SB 261 reenacts and makes permanent Illinois' Invest in Kids Act, which provides tax credits to Illinois taxpayers who contribute to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). The bill directly affects Illinois taxpayers who make qualified contributions to SGOs, allowing them to claim a tax credit equal to their contribution. These contributions fund scholarships for eligible students from households with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level (rising to 400% after receiving a scholarship), who attend qualified non-public schools in Illinois. The legislation amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make these tax credit provisions permanent, replacing a temporary program set to expire in 2025.
HB 3147 reenacts and makes permanent Illinois' Invest in Kids Act, a tax credit program for education scholarships. It allows Illinois taxpayers to claim a credit on their state income tax for contributions to approved scholarship-granting organizations, which then provide funds to cover "necessary costs and fees" for eligible low-income students attending non-public schools. The program targets students from households earning under 300% of the federal poverty level (rising to 400% after receiving a scholarship), with specific focus on career-focused technical academies. The bill permanently extends this tax credit mechanism, which was previously set to expire, and amends tax code provisions to reflect the permanent status.