Bill > HB4729

This bill, titled the Veterans' Dependents and Spouses College Tuition Waiver Act, establishes a program to waive tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans. An "eligible veteran" is defined as someone who served on active duty, received an honorable discharge, and was a resident of Illinois, with specific provisions for those with a service-connected disability of 30% or greater, those killed in the line of duty, those who died from a service-connected disability, or those who are missing in action or prisoners of war. The "Commission," which refers to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, will administer these waivers, and applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment and meet residency and enrollment requirements. The waiver covers only tuition and mandatory fees, excluding costs like room, board, and books, and is generally limited to four academic years of full-time study for undergraduate coursework. Importantly, these state benefits will be applied after any federal educational benefits are used, though recipients can still receive federal benefits as long as there is no duplication of state-funded tuition assistance. The Commission is authorized to create rules to implement and manage this program, which will take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4729&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104