summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Board of Higher Education to create a school counselor stipend program. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of all eligible students and eligible cooperating school counselors who qualify for the stipend program. Sets forth requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating school counselor who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a school counselor stipend program, funded by appropriations, to address a shortage of school counselors in Illinois. An "educator preparation program" (an approved program for training teachers and school personnel) will identify "eligible students" (students in these programs pursuing school counseling careers who are not the primary counselor of record) and "eligible cooperating school counselors" (licensed school counselors who mentor these students). Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 per semester for two semesters, and eligible cooperating school counselors can receive up to $1,000 per semester for two semesters, with stipends potentially increasing if funds are available or decreasing if funds are insufficient, prioritizing those with financial need. Cooperating school counselors receiving a stipend must complete specific training. The Board of Higher Education will oversee the program, working with the State Board of Education to disburse funds and evaluate the program's impact, and can adopt emergency rules for its administration.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (5)
Mike Halpin (D)*,
Christopher Belt (D),
Javier Cervantes (D),
Graciela Guzmán (D),
Meg Loughran Cappel (D),
Last Action
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán (on 02/19/2026)
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