Budget & Taxes

HB 1928 proposes to allocate a specific amount of money from the state's general budget. This bill would appropriate $2 from the General Revenue Fund. These funds are designated for the Court of Claims to cover its ordinary and contingent operational expenses. The appropriation is intended for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026.

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Treasurer may make a matching contribution of $50 to an ABLE account opened on or after January 1, 2026 for a beneficiary who is a resident of Illinois. Provides that the matching contribution shall be limited to one contribution per beneficiary and shall not be treated differently from any other contributions to the account. Provides that if there are insufficient funds available, the State Treasurer may reduce the matching contribution amount or forgo contributions. Provides that the Illinois ABLE Matching Contribution Fund shall be the official repository of all contributions, appropriated funds, interest, and dividend payments, gifts, or other financial assets received by the State Treasurer in connection with matching contributions to ABLE accounts. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Illinois ABLE Matching Contribution Fund.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that unless otherwise required by State law or federal requirements, a service provider shall not be subject to a matching funds requirement in order to be eligible to receive funds from the Department for the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program or the Supportive Housing Program. Provides that, when making funding determinations, the Department of Human services retains discretion to take into consideration the ability of a service provider to leverage other funding sources, as well as other factors that may demonstrate fiscal solvency of the service provider and that the service provider is not solely reliant on State funds for the provision of services. Effective immediately.

States that meaningful reform of education in Illinois requires structural changes at all levels, including increases to paid teacher preparation and collaboration time, staffing models, and systems for recognition and incentives for educators. Urges school districts across the state to provide adequate paid planning time for teachers.

Expresses strong support for the continued offering and expansion of night courses and programs at Illinois colleges and universities. Urges higher education institutions and governing bodies to prioritize and protect night programs from budgetary cuts or elimination.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall establish, implement, and administer a STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program, using funds appropriated from the STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program Fund, for the purpose of offering scholarships to young women pursuing degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at public universities in this State. Sets forth provisions concerning eligibility, preference and priority, the assistance awarded, funding, and rulemaking. Creates the STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Makes a corresponding change in the State Finance Act.