Bill > HB1170

This bill amends the State Finance Act and the Public Community College Act to establish a program providing free community college tuition in R3 Areas, which are specific regions designated under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. The bill creates a funding mechanism by allocating a portion of the Cannabis Regulation Fund to support free tuition at one community college in each R3 Area. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing Cannabis Regulation Fund allocation process to include a new paragraph that earmarks funds for free community college tuition, after first setting aside money for administrative costs related to cannabis regulation. The Illinois Community College Board is authorized to develop and implement the program and adopt any necessary rules. This initiative aims to increase access to higher education by eliminating tuition costs for students in designated areas, with the funding coming from revenue generated by cannabis regulation and taxation. The bill represents an innovative approach to using cannabis-related revenue to support educational opportunities, particularly in areas that may have been historically underserved.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1170&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104