COURSE EQUITY ACT

Creates the Course Equity Act. Defines terms. Requires the State Board of Education to establish a Course Equity Program in which any public or nonpublic school student in this State may enroll in a Course Equity Program course, provided that the student has completed all applicable prerequisite course requirements. Provides that the funding structure for Course Equity Program courses must maximize access to courses for low-income students and school districts by following a specified funding structure. Provides that the initial authorization of a Course Provider and courses shall be for a one-year period and the State Board may reauthorize a Course Provider for additional periods of up to 3 years. Provides that the initial authorization of a Course Provider requires the Board to establish a course review and approval process for Course Providers that may be implemented by the Board or an entity designated by the Board. Specifies qualifications for a course to be added to the Course Equity Catalog. Requires Course Providers to annually report to the Board; specifies report requirements. Provides for the Board's responsibilities and a school district's responsibilities. Allows for rulemaking by the Board. Amends the Public Community College Act to provide that, for purposes of enrollment in a dual credit course through the Course Equity Program, a student shall, for tuition purposes, be classified as a resident of a community college district if he or she meets the criteria to be deemed an Illinois resident under the Act. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 805/6-4.2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that no school district may pass on the cost of the fee to enroll in a Course Equity Program course to a student if he or she is eligible for (i) Medicaid, (ii) the Children's Health Insurance Program under the Children's Health Insurance Program Act, (iii) the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or (iv) the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (rather than if the student qualifies to receive free or reduced-price lunch under the federal Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act). Provides that a school district must recognize on an eligible funded student's transcript (rather than student's transcript) each Course Equity Program course completed by the student (rather than each completed course granted approval to be taken by the student). Removes a provision allowing a public community college to serve as a Course Equity Provider; makes a conforming change. Removes a provision requiring a school district to notify students and parents of the availability of Course Equity Program courses. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.