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IllinoisSB1958104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

TRANSFER REFORM-VARIOUS

Sponsored By: Cristina Castro (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentshigher education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Guaranteed university transfer with associate degree

Beginning fall 2016-2017, if you earn a transfer-focused associate degree, meet the major’s prerequisites, and have a 2.0 GPA or higher, you are eligible to transfer into a State university bachelor’s program. If your major needs 120 semester units, the university cannot make you take more than 60 extra units after transfer, as long as you stay in the same program and finished the major’s transfer requirements. Some high‑unit majors can be exempt if the boards agree. Every community college that gets State funds must offer and grant these transfer degrees. Community colleges cannot add extra rules unless both state boards approve.

Annual public reports on transfer outcomes

Starting October 1, 2027, every State university sends yearly transfer data to the Board of Higher Education. Beginning March 1, 2028, the Board publishes a statewide analysis each year. Reports show admissions decisions, credits presented and accepted, and denials for general education and major courses; starting October 1, 2028, they also show denials for non‑IAI courses. The two state boards review the reporting rules every three years. The Board of Higher Education also reviews four‑year outcomes from this law and files recommendations, and it filed an initial implementation report by May 31, 2017.

Colleges must sign clear transfer agreements

When a community college or State university asks, the other school must sign a transfer articulation agreement. Agreements can include 2+2 or 3+1 programs when allowed by rules and accreditors. If no agreement is reached within 180 days, the state boards step in to help. Each agreement must spell out who is eligible, how credits transfer, any scholarships, transfer pathways, reverse transfer options, student supports, data sharing and marketing, appeal rights, and dates.

Better advising and timelines for transfer credit

Each college and State university posts its process and timeline for deciding transfer credit on its website and updates it within 30 days of any change. On your community college application, you can name your target State university. If you do, the college may share your contact info so that university can contact and advise you on the right courses.

Remedial classes don't count toward transfer credits

Remedial, non‑college‑level courses do not count toward the transferable units for a transfer-focused associate degree. You can still take them to prepare, but they add time and cost before you can earn transferable credits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cristina Castro

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Katie Stuart

    Democratic • House

  • Laura Ellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Li Arellano, Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Suzanne M. Ness

    Democratic • House

  • Terra Costa Howard

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 359 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/31/2025

House Committee Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/31/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 2 Senate Concurs

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Higher Education;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Higher Education;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 115 • No: 0

House vote • 5/21/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Higher Education Committee;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Higher Education Committee;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Higher Education;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Do Pass Higher Education;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0402

    8/15/2025Senate

  2. Effective Date August 15, 2025

    8/15/2025Senate

  3. Governor Approved

    8/15/2025Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/27/2025Senate

  5. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura Ellman

    5/31/2025Senate

  6. Passed Both Houses

    5/31/2025Senate

  7. Senate Concurs

    5/31/2025Senate

  8. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Senate Concurs 057-000-000

    5/31/2025Senate

  9. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs 057-000-000

    5/31/2025Senate

  10. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Higher Education; 013-000-000

    5/28/2025Senate

  11. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion To Concur Recommended Do Adopt Higher Education; 013-000-000

    5/28/2025Senate

  12. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion to Concur Assignments Referred to Higher Education

    5/27/2025Senate

  13. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Assignments Referred to Higher Education

    5/27/2025Senate

  14. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion to Concur Referred to Assignments

    5/27/2025Senate

  15. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Motion to Concur Filed with Secretary Sen. Cristina Castro

    5/27/2025Senate

  16. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Assignments

    5/27/2025Senate

  17. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Filed with Secretary Sen. Cristina Castro

    5/27/2025Senate

  18. Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence House Amendment(s) 1, 2 - May 26, 2025

    5/22/2025Senate

  19. Secretary's Desk - Concurrence House Amendment(s) 1, 2

    5/22/2025Senate

  20. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Suzanne M. Ness

    5/22/2025House

  21. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 115-000-000

    5/22/2025House

  22. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    5/22/2025House

  23. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted by Voice Vote

    5/22/2025House

  24. Recalled to Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/22/2025House

  25. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Higher Education Committee; 011-000-000

    5/21/2025House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    PDF

  • House Amendment 1

    PDF

  • House Amendment 2

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Senate Amendment 1

    PDF

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