HB 3648

Abstract

Creates the Higher Education in Prison Act. Provides that on or before September 1 of the year following the effective date of the Act and each subsequent September 1, the Department of Corrections shall release a report, to be published on the Department of Corrections's Internet website, detailing certain information pertaining to higher education within Department institutions and facilities. Requires the report to be filed with the Governor and General Assembly. Provides that the data provided in the report shall include an aggregate chart at the Department level and individual reports by each correctional institution or facility of the Department of Corrections. Provides that on or before September 1 of the year following the effective date of the Act and each subsequent September 1, each college and university that provides academic programs for committed persons shall report to the Board of Higher Education on enrollment, retention, completion, and student demographics, including race, ethnicity, age, and gender of committed students. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall compile the information and, within 60 days after receipt of such information, issue a report reflecting the information for each institution required to report. Provides that the report must be filed with the Governor and General Assembly and made publicly available on the Board of Higher Education's Internet website. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Removes provisions regarding Board of Higher Education reporting. Provides instead that each 4-year public or private higher education institution with higher education in prison (HEP) degree or certificate programs shall provide the Board of Higher Education with student-level information as part of its regular agency data-collection processes. Provides that each public community college with HEP degree or certificate programs shall provide the Illinois Community College Board with student-level information as part of its regular agency data-collection processes. Provides that, upon request, the student-level information shall include the correctional facility in which the HEP program is being offered. Provides that the information provided to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board shall include HEP enrollment and completion data disaggregated by variables, including but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and type of degree or certificate. Provides that the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board shall annually make HEP program data publicly available on their Internet websites.