summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the Illinois Veteran grant program. Provides that a grant recipient is not required to pay any tuition or mandatory fees while attending a State-controlled university or public community college in this State for a period that is based on the length of his or her active duty service, as verified on his or her U.S. Department of Defense form DD-214, calculated at specified credit hour rates (rather than for a period that is equivalent to 4 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms). Provides that a grant may be transferred to a qualified dependent beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year. Amends the School Code to make a related change. Effective July 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the Illinois Veteran grant program by changing how the length of tuition and mandatory fee waivers is calculated for veterans attending state-controlled universities or public community colleges. Instead of a flat four-year equivalent, the grant period will now be based on the veteran's active duty service, as documented on their U.S. Department of Defense form DD-214, and calculated using specific credit hour rates, with longer service periods resulting in more credit hours covered. Additionally, starting with the 2027-2028 academic year, these grants will be transferable to a qualified dependent, provided certain conditions are met by both the veteran and the dependent, such as the veteran having served a minimum of six years of federal active duty and two years of Reserve or Individual Ready Reserve service, and not receiving overlapping federal educational benefits. The bill also makes a related change to the School Code and specifies an effective date of July 1, 2026.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/13/2026)
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