IllinoisHB1149104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

HIGHER ED-FIREFIGHTER CREDIT

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Creates the Educational Credit for Firefighting Experience Act. Provides that before June 1, 2027, each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy regarding its awarding of academic credit for firefighter training considered applicable to the requirements of a student's certificate or degree program. Requires the policy to apply to any individual who is enrolled in the institution of higher education and who has completed a firefighting training course or program that meets certain requirements. Provides that each institution of higher education shall develop a procedure for receiving the necessary documentation, provide a copy of its policy to certain applicants, and develop and maintain a list of qualifying firefighting training courses and programs. Provides that each institution of higher education shall submit its policy for awarding academic credit to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board, if applicable, before June 30, 2027 and before June 30 of each year thereafter. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall collect data in the Illinois Higher Education Information System on students who are firefighters to assess enrollment and completion outcomes.

higher educationassignments

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

College credit policies for firefighter students

Before June 1, 2027, covered Illinois colleges must adopt policies for awarding firefighter training credit toward certificates or degrees. Covered schools include public universities, qualifying public community colleges, and institutions receiving funds under Section 35 of the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. The requirement applies to schools offering at least one credit course recommended for equivalency by a national higher education association that recommends firefighting credit. Policies cover enrolled career and volunteer firefighters who successfully completed training or experience during firefighting service. That training or experience must have the association's credit recommendation or otherwise be documented. Colleges must verify training records, give policies to applicants who report firefighting service, and maintain lists of qualifying courses and programs. By March 31, 2027, and each March 31 afterward, colleges must submit policies for the following fall to the Board of Higher Education and, where applicable, the Illinois Community College Board. These submissions must be part of their prior-learning credit policies. The law does not set a credit amount or guarantee an award.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Charles Meier

    Republican • House

  • Dale Fowler

    Republican • Senate

  • Dan Swanson

    Republican • House

  • Daniel J. Ugaste

    Republican • House

  • Gregg Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Jason Plummer

    Republican • Senate

  • Jason R. Bunting

    Republican • House

  • Neil Anderson

    Republican • Senate

  • Nicolle Grasse

    Democratic • House

  • Patrick Sheehan

    Republican • House

  • Rick Ryan

    Democratic • House

  • Steven Reick

    Republican • House

  • Tracy Katz Muhl

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 196 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 58 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

Do Pass Higher Education;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 115 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Higher Education Committee;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0043

    8/1/2025House
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2026

    8/1/2025House
  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/20/2025House
  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/22/2025House
  6. Third Reading - Passed; 058-000-000

    5/22/2025Senate
  7. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Jason Plummer

    5/22/2025Senate
  8. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Dale Fowler

    5/21/2025Senate
  9. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **

    5/20/2025Senate
  10. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 6, 2025

    5/1/2025Senate
  11. Second Reading

    5/1/2025Senate
  12. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 1, 2025

    4/30/2025Senate
  13. Do Pass Higher Education; 011-000-000

    4/30/2025Senate
  14. Assigned to Higher Education

    4/23/2025Senate
  15. Referred to Assignments

    4/9/2025Senate
  16. First Reading

    4/9/2025Senate
  17. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson

    4/9/2025Senate
  18. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading

    4/9/2025Senate
  19. Arrive in Senate

    4/9/2025Senate
  20. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicolle Grasse

    4/8/2025House
  21. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier

    4/8/2025House
  22. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Steven Reick

    4/8/2025House
  23. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl

    4/8/2025House
  24. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Rick Ryan

    4/8/2025House
  25. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Gregg Johnson

    4/8/2025House

Bill Text

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