HB 2719

Abstract

Amends the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Act. Provides that the Program Board created to administer the grant program authorized by the Act shall be comprised of 11 (rather than 21) members. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 930/3 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/22-85 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, in addition to any other requirements under the Code, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, the parent or guardian of each student or, if a student is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student must (i) file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the United States Department of Education or, if applicable, an application for State financial aid or (ii) on a form created by the State Board of Education, file a waiver with the student's school district indicating that the parent or guardian or, if applicable, the student understands what the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and application for State financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application. Provides that a school district must require each high school student to comply with the requirements and must provide to each student and, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian any support or assistance necessary for compliance. Provides that a school district must award a high school diploma to a student who is unable to meet the requirements due to extenuating circumstances, as determined by the school district, if (i) the student has met all other graduation requirements under the Code and (ii) the principal attests that the school district has made a good faith effort to assist the student or, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian in filing an application or a waiver. Allows the State Board to adopt rules.