HB 332

Abstract

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that each public institution of higher education shall study and issue a report on the cost-saving methods and practices utilized by the public institution for improving students' timely access to required course materials and the affordability of required course materials. Sets forth the required areas of study that must be included in the report. Provides that the report from each public institution must be submitted to the Board of Higher Education or Illinois Community College Board no later than August 1, 2022. Provides that no later than February 1, 2023, the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board shall submit a joint report to the Governor and General Assembly that summarizes the findings from the reports submitted by public institutions. Requires the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board to post each institution's report and the joint report on their respective websites. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 205/9.40 new Adds reference to: New Act Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the College Course Materials Affordability and Equitable Access Collaborative Study Act. Provides that the College Course Materials Affordability and Equitable Access Task Force is created within the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Sets forth the membership of the task force. Provides that the duties of the task force are to (i) conduct a collaborative college course materials affordability and equitable access study, (ii) examine the cost-saving methods and practices utilized by public and private institutions of higher learning in this State and throughout the United States for improving students' equitable first-day-of-class access to required course materials and conduct an affordability comparison of providing students' course materials, including digital learning tools, and (iii) submit a report of its findings to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Contains provisions concerning meetings, expenses, Commission assistance, collaboration, and reporting. Dissolves the task force on March 31, 2024, and repeals the Act on March 31, 2025. Effective immediately.