IllinoisHB4304104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

HIGHER ED STUDENT BILL OF RTS

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

Summary

Creates the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act. Provides that a student attending a postsecondary education institution in the State is entitled to the following rights: the right to an inclusive and safe learning environment; the right to equal access; the right to safety and respect; the right to accessibility; the right to free expression; the right to organize; the right to peaceful protest; the right to academic transparency; the right to fair evaluation; the right to educational records; the right to educational programs safeguarded from political interference; the right to career preparation; the right to educational quality; the right to due process; the right to representation; the right to institutional accountability; the right to financial transparency; the right to fair lending and borrowing practices; the right to timely refunds and withdrawals; and the right to transfer.

higher educationassignmentsexecutive

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Clear course info and fair grading

Schools must publish clear and timely information on courses, degree paths, transfer rules, and graduation requirements. Students are graded using published standards, with respect for faculty judgment. You can inspect, review, and ask to correct your education records under law.

Fair student discipline and appeals

The law requires a fair disciplinary process. Students get notice of charges, relevant evidence when possible, and a chance to be heard. Schools must follow their published policies and offer internal appeals for adverse educational actions when required.

Safer, fairer campuses for students

The law requires campuses to prevent unlawful discrimination and harassment. Schools must keep clear, viewpoint‑neutral conduct rules and reporting channels for discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation. Students with disabilities get clear steps to request reasonable accommodations for equal access.

Quality, career-focused college programs

Academic programs follow professional and disciplinary standards and are protected from undue political interference. Schools provide independently accredited education that builds broad learning and transferable skills. Programs offer information and opportunities that build workforce skills, career exploration, and credentials with labor‑market value.

Campus free speech and protest rules

The law protects students’ rights to speak, publish, assemble, and petition. Student groups can form and seek recognition under fair, viewpoint‑neutral rules. Lawful, peaceful protests are allowed on campus. Schools can set reasonable, viewpoint‑neutral time, place, and manner limits to protect safety and classes.

Clear costs and transfer credit rules

Schools must clearly show tuition, fees, and other major costs before and during enrollment. They must publish clear refund, withdrawal, and cancellation rules. Transfer credits are evaluated in a timely, transparent, and consistent way using published criteria. But schools do not have to accept credits that conflict with their legitimate academic standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Emanuel "Chris" Welch

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Katie Stuart

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Michael W. Halpin

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Sharon Chung

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 64

Senate vote 5/31/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 37 • No: 19

Senate vote 5/20/2026

Do Pass Executive;

Yes: 8 • No: 4

House vote 4/14/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 72 • No: 37

House vote 4/8/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Higher Education Committee;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote 3/19/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Higher Education Committee;

Yes: 7 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0768

    8/7/2026House
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2027

    8/7/2026House
  3. Governor Approved

    8/7/2026House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/26/2026House
  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/31/2026House
  6. Third Reading - Passed; 037-019-000

    5/31/2026Senate
  7. Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 31, 2026

    5/22/2026Senate
  8. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 25, 2026

    5/21/2026Senate
  9. Second Reading

    5/21/2026Senate
  10. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 21, 2026

    5/20/2026Senate
  11. Do Pass Executive; 008-004-000

    5/20/2026Senate
  12. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 22, 2026

    5/15/2026Senate
  13. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 15, 2026

    5/8/2026Senate
  14. Assigned to Executive

    4/28/2026Senate
  15. Referred to Assignments

    4/16/2026Senate
  16. First Reading

    4/16/2026Senate
  17. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Michael W. Halpin

    4/16/2026Senate
  18. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 16, 2026

    4/15/2026Senate
  19. Arrive in Senate

    4/15/2026Senate
  20. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-037-000

    4/14/2026House
  21. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    4/14/2026House
  22. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

    4/14/2026House
  23. Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

    4/10/2026House
  24. Second Reading - Short Debate

    4/10/2026House
  25. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Higher Education Committee; 009-000-000

    4/8/2026House

Bill Text

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