BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Amends the P-20 Longitudinal Education Data System Act by changing the definition of "institution of higher learning" and removing provisions related to the collection of data, data sharing, and analysis. Amends the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012 to require schools operating under the Act to be issued 5-year permits of approval by the Board of Higher Education; makes other changes. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Makes changes to provisions concerning the terms or vacancies of members of the Board of Higher Education. Adds provisions concerning the implementation of equity plans and practices in regard to the underrepresentation of certain groups in higher education; and sets forth certain requirements that must be included in an equity plan. Changes provisions concerning the closing of an institution of higher education and the retention of student records. Amends the Higher Education Cooperation Act by changing the term "Illinois master plan" to "Illinois strategic plan". Amends the Academic Degree Act. Makes changes to provisions concerning the approval of notices, amendments, applications, or proposed degree programs submitted to the Board of Higher Education; amends provisions concerning the inspection of records. Adds a provision requiring any certified institution to make certain disclosures if the United States Department of Education places the institution on heightened cash monitoring or reimbursement payment methods. Allows the Board of Higher Education to issue an order to cease and desist to any educational entity operating without authorization issued by the Board of Higher Education. Makes related and other changes to the Private College Act. Changes a reporting date to February 15, 2023 (rather than January 1, 2023) in the Developmental Education Reform Act; makes a related change. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 426/75.5 new 110 ILCS 1005/14.5 110 ILCS 1005/15 110 ILCS 1005/16 new 110 ILCS 1010/12 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Removes the amendatory provisions authorizing the Board of Higher Education to issue an order to cease and desist to an educational entity operating without authorization and to impose a penalty fee. In provisions concerning record retention requirements when an institution of higher education closes, removes provisions authorizing the Board to set a fee for processing transcript requests for records held by the Board. Makes corresponding changes. Removes the amendatory provisions concerning penalties for violating the Private College Act. Effective immediately.