Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HB4166

LRB104 15253 HLH 28403 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB4166

Introduced 10/28/2025, by Rep. Sharon Chung

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 605/605-1120 new

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law. Creates the High School and Area Vocational Center Grant Program. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall award grants to high schools, area vocational centers, and area career centers for the instruction and training of preapprenticeship students in the clean energy industry and the construction industry. Lists purposes for the Program. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to adopt rules.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 605-1120 as follows:

(20 ILCS 605/605-1120 new)

Sec. 605-1120. High School and Area Vocational Center Grant Program.

(a) The High School and Area Vocational Center Grant Program is hereby established as a program to be implemented and administered by the Department. The Program shall provide grants for the purposes described in subsections (b) and (c).

(b) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall award grants to high schools, area vocational centers, and area career centers for the instruction and training of preapprenticeship students in clean energy industry occupations and construction industry occupations, including instruction and training for careers as wind turbine technicians; solar installers; construction craft laborers; carpenters; electricians; plumbers or pipefitters; masons; welders or ironworkers; heavy equipment operators; roofers; sheet metal workers; painters and drywall installers; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians; and other trades.

(c) The Department shall adopt, by rule, criteria for the awarding of grants under this Section for the following purposes:

(1) to open the doors of opportunity into the clean energy industry, the construction industry, and the trades;

(2) to quickly and efficiently create, throughout the State, a qualified talent pipeline to fill job opportunities in the clean energy industry and the construction industry with diverse candidates;

(3) to allow students to attend and graduate from the instruction and training under this Section tuition-free; and

(4) to encourage diversity and inclusion in the clean energy industry and the construction industry.

(d) The Department shall adopt all rules necessary for the implementation and administration of the Program established under this Section.