Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Eastern Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $49,884,200; Other State Funds $7,000; Total $49,891,200.
Creates the Fixing Illinois Higher Education Funding Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to study the cost drivers of State universities and develop a comprehensive, 10-year plan to ensure the long-term performance and sustainability of higher education in the State that ensures funding supports education outcomes, assesses the affordability of higher education for students, and supports long-term economic and workforce development goals. Sets forth factors to be studied. Requires the Board to issue a report based on the findings of the study to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than March 31, 2027. Effective immediately.
Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that a public institution of higher education shall permit a student who is subject to a disciplinary proceeding to be assisted by an advocate of the student's choosing or, upon request, by an advocate provided by the public institution of higher education. Requires any written notice initiating a disciplinary proceeding to include a clear and conspicuous statement informing the student of the student's right to be assisted by an advocate. Provides that if a student does not have an advocate, the public institution of higher education shall make a reasonable effort to provide the student with access to an advocate. Provides that an advocate participating in a disciplinary proceeding shall receive training on the public institution of higher education's disciplinary procedures. Allows an advocate, with the consent of the student, to receive communications regarding the status of the disciplinary proceeding concurrently with the student and participate in meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary proceeding in a supportive capacity. Sets forth limitations. Allows the Board of Higher Education to adopt any rules necessary to implement the provisions.
Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that as part of the required minimum 4-hour professional development leadership training, each voting member of a board of trustees shall complete a minimum of one hour of training covering the topic of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the Illinois Veteran grant program. Changes the definition of "qualified applicant" to include a person who, among satisfying other requirements, does not meet requirements regarding residency or public institution of higher education enrollment in the State, but (i) at least 12 months of his or her federal active duty took place in the State, (ii) he or she resided in the State for 2 years after leaving federal active duty service, and (iii) he or she now serves in a reserve component of the Armed Forces.
Expresses the belief that nursing, social work, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, physician assistant practice, public health, and education are professional disciplines that require advanced graduate education, professional licensure, and adherence to rigorous ethical and clinical standards. Lists the graduate degrees that should be considered professional degrees. States that any state agency, public university, or entity receiving state funds should take all necessary steps to avoid discrimination against individuals holding these graduate degrees in hiring, promotion, compensation, professional development funding, or other terms and conditions of employment based on any federal student loan classification. Urges the United States Department of Education to include all graduate degrees in nursing, social work, counseling, therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, physician assistant practice, public health, and education in its definition of "professional degrees" for federal student loan purposes. Urges the Illinois Congressional Delegation to advocate for legislation to ensure that graduate students in all health and human services professions have access to adequate federal student loan funding to complete their professional education. Commits to exploring state-level solutions to support graduate education in health and human services professions, including but not limited to scholarships, grants, loan repayment assistance programs, and other workforce development initiatives. Expresses support for the licensed health and human services professionals in Illinois who serve our most vulnerable populations with skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the public good.
Appropriates $20,000,000 to the University of Illinois for the purpose of increasing the extension service trust fund allocation for the University of Illinois Extension program. Effective July 1, 2026.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Illinois Community College Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $343,131,200; Other State Funds $121,395,000; Federal Funds $51,000,000; Total $515,526,200.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Western Illinois University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $59,116,600; Other State Funds $10,000; Total $59,126,600.
Makes appropriations for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Governors State University for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, as follows: General Funds $27,650,500.
