Veterans (Military Families)

Creates the Veterans' Dependents and Spouses College Tuition Waiver Act. Provides that an applicant is eligible for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a public institution of higher education if the applicant is a spouse or dependent of an eligible veteran, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the public institution of higher education, and meets residency and enrollment requirements established by rule. Provides that the waiver applies only to tuition and mandatory fees and does not include room, board, books, supplies, or other nonmandatory expenses. Sets forth the length of the waiver. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall administer the waivers created by the Act. Provides that the Act's benefits shall be applied after federal educational benefits have been applied, unless otherwise provided by rule. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits an applicant from receiving federal educational benefits, as long as there is no duplication of State-funded tuition assistance. Allows the Commission to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the Act. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the School Code and the Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant Act. In provisions concerning the Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents scholarship and the Deceased, Disabled, and MIA/POW Veterans' Dependents Educational Opportunity Grant program, provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall determine, by rule, the eligibility of the persons who apply for the scholarship or grant (rather than the Department shall determine the eligibility of the persons who apply For the scholarship or grant).