SB 49

Abstract

Amends the Student Debt Assistance Act. Provides that an institution of higher education shall provide an official transcript of a current or former student to the current or former student under specified conditions (instead of providing that an institution of higher education must provide an official transcript of a current or former student to a current or potential employer, even if the current or former student owes a debt). Provides that an institution of higher education may adopt a more lenient policy on providing an official transcript to a current or former student who owes a debt. Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy that outlines the process by which a current or former student may obtain a transcript or diploma that has been withheld from the student because the student owes a debt. Provides for minimum requirements for the policy. Provides that the institution of higher education does not need to institute a new policy if the institution's current policy meets the minimum requirements. Provides that on or before July 1, 2024 and on or before each July 1 thereafter, each institution of higher education shall report to the Board of Higher Education information regarding financial-based transcript and registration holds. Provides that complaints from current or former students who have had an unofficial or official transcript withheld may be filed with the Attorney General's student loan ombudsperson. Makes conforming changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that each institution of higher education shall report to the appropriate agency, the Board of Higher Education or the Illinois Community College Board (instead of reporting to the Board of Higher Education). Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Adds an immediate effective date. Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Deletes reference to: 110 ILCS 66/5 110 ILCS 66/40 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes the provisions concerning definitions. Makes changes concerning the specified conditions in which an institution of higher education must provide an official transcript of a current or former student to require the institution to provide the transcript even if the current or former student owes a debt if the student requests the official transcript to complete a job application; transfer from one institution of higher education to another; apply for State, federal, or institutional financial aid; join the United States Armed Forces or Illinois National Guard; or pursue other postsecondary opportunities. Provides that reporting shall be made to either the Board of Higher Education or the Illinois Community College Board, whichever is appropriate (instead of reporting to the Board of Higher Education). Removes the provisions concerning complaints. Makes a typographical correction. Effective immediately.