Bill > SB0061

This bill, known as the Preferential Admission Ban Act, aims to prohibit independent higher education institutions in Illinois from using legacy and donor preferences in their admissions processes, starting September 1, 2025. The bill defines key terms such as "legacy preference in admissions" (considering an applicant's family connection to alumni) and "donor preference in admissions" (considering an applicant's relation to a donor), and applies to nonprofit, accredited institutions that receive or benefit from state-funded student financial assistance. Under the new law, these institutions will be prohibited from asking applicants about their family's alumni or donor status and using such information in admissions decisions. Furthermore, each independent institution will be required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Office of the Attorney General by June 30, 2026, detailing their compliance with the new regulations. If an institution is found to have violated the act, the Attorney General's office will be required to publish the names of non-compliant institutions on their website. The legislative intent is explicitly stated as protecting students in their pursuit of higher education by stopping preferential admission practices based on family connections or financial donations.