HB 194

Abstract

Creates the Lincoln Promise Zone Act. Allows the city councils of Rockford, Aurora, and East St. Louis to each create a promise zone. Provides that the promise zone shall raise funds from private sources at least sufficient to provide each eligible student who resides within the promise zone and who graduates from a public high school located within that promise zone with the tuition necessary to obtain an associate degree or its equivalent at the local community college during the 2015-2016 and 2016-1017 academic years. Provides for the creation of a Lincoln Promise Zone Authority for the promise zone. Sets forth the membership of the Board of the Authority and the Authority's powers and duties. Requires the Authority to prepare and adopt a promise zone development plan. Creates a review committee to review promise zone development plans and their implementation. Requires the review committee to report to the General Assembly on all aspects of the Act's implementation on or before December 31, 2017. Abolishes the Authorities on January 31, 2018, and repeals the Act on January 31, 2018. Effective immediately.