HB 5696

Abstract

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of State universities. With respect to any contract or collective bargaining agreement entered into, amended, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, provides that a university is prohibited from entering into a contract or agreement that offers its employees or contractors tuition waivers, grants, scholarships, or any other higher education benefits for the children, spouses, or other family members of the employees or contractors. Provides that nothing in this prohibition prevents or diminishes the right of a child, spouse, or other family member of an employee or contractor to borrow money for higher education expenses or apply for and be awarded a tuition waiver, grant, scholarship, or other award for higher education expenses, provided that there is no conflict of interest and no preference is given on account of the person being the child, spouse, or other family member of an employee or contractor. Provides that nothing in this prohibition shall diminish the value of contractual rights existing before the effective date of the amendatory Act that are enjoyed by employees and contractors of the university or their children, spouses, and other family members. Repeals provisions that permit the children of employees of a State university who have been employed by any one or by more than one State university for an aggregate period of at least 7 years to receive a 50% tuition waiver. Effective immediately.