IllinoisHB5135104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Adult Education Act and the Public Community College Act. With respect to the annual report on adult education for the preceding school year by the Illinois Community College Board, removes the requirement to include a summary of State reimbursement for adult basic education, adult secondary education, English language acquisition, high school credit, integrated English literacy and civics education, and bridge and integrated education and training programs in coordination with vocational skills training. Provides that any public community college district maintaining adult educations classes for the instruction of those persons who, among other requirements, are 17 (rather than 16) years of age or older are entitled to claim an apportionment of State reimbursement. Allows classes in adult education to include digital literacy. Removes language providing that the maximum generation rate for reimbursement per credit hour or per unit of instruction shall be equal to the community college system reimbursement rate for adult education divided by one-third. Provides that State adult education funds, other than matching funds, are not subject to the authorizing federal law. Removes language providing that approved programs for adult education may assess students up to $6 per credit hour or unit of instruction per semester per student. Removes language requiring an education plan to be established for each adult learning participating in the instructional programs. Requires each adult learner participating in the instructional programs to complete an assessment of foundational skills to appropriately place the adult learner in an instructional program. Makes other and conforming changes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

More types of adult education classes

Approved adult education programs can receive funding for literacy instruction, including digital literacy. Integrated education and training no longer has to be coordinated with vocational skills training. This allows providers to offer more types of instruction.

New rules for adult education funding

The Illinois State Board of Education distributes appropriated funds to adult education providers for approved expenses. Its funding method must include an index of need for planning and local allocations. The Board can award competitive grants to eligible programs to improve or expand services. State adult education funds generally do not have to follow the federal law that authorizes the programs; State funds specifically provided as a federal match are an exception.

Adult education eligibility starts at 17

For this adult education category, learners must be at least 17 and basic-skills deficient. They must not be enrolled or required to attend secondary school under State law. This excludes 16-year-olds from the category.

Adult education fees up to $30

An approved program may charge up to $30 per student each semester to cover program costs. Students receiving public aid under the Illinois Public Aid Code are exempt. The former $6-per-credit or unit limit is removed, but the $30 semester cap remains.

Skills assessment for adult learners

Adult learners in programs under this law must take an assessment of foundational skills for placement. The assessment helps place learners in an instructional program, and replaces the former requirement to create an education plan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Aarón M. Ortíz

    Democratic • House

  • Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

    Democratic • House

  • Dagmara Avelar

    Democratic • House

  • Graciela Guzmán

    Democratic • Senate

  • Janet Yang Rohr

    Democratic • House

  • Lilian Jiménez

    Democratic • House

  • Maura Hirschauer

    Democratic • House

  • Norma Hernandez

    Democratic • House

  • Suzanne M. Ness

    Democratic • House

  • Theresa Mah

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 138 • No: 49

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 48 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

Do Pass Higher Education;

Yes: 11 • No: 1

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 72 • No: 37

House vote • 3/19/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Higher Education Committee;

Yes: 7 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0693

    7/31/2026House
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2027

    7/31/2026House
  3. Governor Approved

    7/31/2026House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2026House
  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/21/2026House
  6. Third Reading - Passed; 048-007-000

    5/21/2026Senate
  7. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026

    5/14/2026Senate
  8. Second Reading

    5/14/2026Senate
  9. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 30, 2026

    4/29/2026Senate
  10. Do Pass Higher Education; 011-001-000

    4/29/2026Senate
  11. Assigned to Higher Education

    4/22/2026Senate
  12. Referred to Assignments

    4/16/2026Senate
  13. First Reading

    4/16/2026Senate
  14. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán

    4/16/2026Senate
  15. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 14, 2026

    4/10/2026Senate
  16. Arrive in Senate

    4/10/2026Senate
  17. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Theresa Mah

    4/9/2026House
  18. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Suzanne M. Ness

    4/9/2026House
  19. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

    4/9/2026House
  20. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

    4/9/2026House
  21. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Norma Hernandez

    4/9/2026House
  22. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar

    4/9/2026House
  23. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lilian Jiménez

    4/9/2026House
  24. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    4/9/2026House
  25. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-037-000

    4/9/2026House

Bill Text

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