All Roll Calls
Yes: 182 • No: 19
IllinoisSB0409104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
EDUCATION-TECH
Sponsored By: Robert Peters (Democratic)
Became Law
assignmentsexecutivehigher education
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Repay stipends if job terms not met
If you do not accept a qualifying full‑time job within six months after graduation, you must repay the stipend money. If you are fired for cause before finishing your required months, you must also repay it. The amount is prorated by the months you did not complete and adds 5% interest, plus any attorney and collection fees. Payment is due within 90 days after the deadline or as otherwise agreed.
Stipends for Illinois social work students
Beginning with the 2021–2022 school year, DCFS runs a child‑welfare fellowship for BSW and MSW students at participating public universities. Eligible students can get up to $10,000 per academic year for up to two years ($20,000 total). Stipends help pay tuition, required university fees, and books; they do not cover room, board, transportation, single‑occurrence fees, or refundable deposits. Awards are paid only if the State funds the program.
Work commitment after graduation for stipends
If you take a stipend, you must accept a full‑time direct‑service child‑welfare job at a DCFS‑contracted agency in Illinois within six months after you graduate. You must stay at least 18 months for each academic year you received a stipend (18 months for one year; 36 months for two years). If your job ends for reasons other than cause, you have 90 days to find and accept a new qualifying full‑time job or you will owe repayment under the program rules.
Program transparency, privacy, and oversight rules
Each participating public university must post who can apply and the stipend amounts on its website, and share this with DCFS and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. DCFS and the Board also post this information. By October 1, 2023 and each October 1 after that, DCFS reports program results to the Governor and General Assembly. Student data follow FERPA and Illinois student records law, and recipient names are not released under FOIA. DCFS can adopt rules to run the program, and schools must sign intergovernmental agreements to take part.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Robert Peters
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Aarón M. Ortíz
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/22/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 92 • No: 19
House vote • 5/21/2025
Do Pass / Short Debate Higher Education Committee;
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/7/2025
Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommend Do Adopt Higher Education;
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/7/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 57 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/19/2025
Do Pass Executive;
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0357
8/15/2025SenateEffective Date January 1, 2026
8/15/2025SenateGovernor Approved
8/15/2025SenateSent to the Governor
6/20/2025SenatePassed Both Houses
5/22/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 092-019-000
5/22/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/22/2025HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
5/21/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
5/21/2025HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
5/21/2025HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Higher Education Committee; 010-000-000
5/21/2025HouseCommittee/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 31, 2025
5/13/2025HouseAssigned to Higher Education Committee
5/13/2025HouseAlternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz
5/13/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
5/7/2025HouseFirst Reading
5/7/2025HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch
5/7/2025HouseArrived in House
5/7/2025HouseSenate Floor Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 5-4(a)
5/7/2025SenateThird Reading - Passed; 057-000-000
5/7/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
5/7/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted; Peters
5/7/2025SenateRecalled to Second Reading
5/7/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommend Do Adopt Higher Education; 012-000-000
5/7/2025SenateSenate Floor Amendment No. 2 Assignments Refers to Higher Education
4/30/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1
Senate Amendment 2