SB3151 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 18520 LNS 31962 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB3151

Introduced 2/2/2026, by Sen. Patrick J. Joyce

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Community College Economic Empowerment Act. Requires the Illinois Community College Board to provide an additional $1,000,000 per year in funding to community college districts whose primary campus is located within an enterprise zone, a HUBZone, or 2 miles of an opportunity zone; defines these zones. Establishes qualifications for funding. Requires each community college district that receives additional funds to submit an annual report to the Board. Requires the Board to submit a compiled annual report to the General Assembly. Provides that implementation of the Act is subject to appropriation. Contains a severability clause. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

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

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Community College Economic Empowerment Act.

Section 5. Legislative findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) community colleges play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable higher education to the residents of this State;

(2) the development of designated economically disadvantaged areas, such as enterprise zones, HUBZones, and opportunity zones, is essential for fostering long-term economic growth and prosperity; and

(3) the presence of community colleges within these designated areas promotes educational advancement, workforce development, and local economic revitalization.

Section 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Community college" means a public community college district in this State.

"Enterprise zone" means a geographic area designated by the State pursuant to the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act, intended to stimulate economic development and job creation.

"HUBZone" means a historically underutilized business zone designated by the United States Small Business Administration, which provides federal benefits to businesses located within the zone.

"Opportunity zone" means a designated low-income community, under Section 13823 of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, that is eligible for tax incentives under the federal Qualified Opportunity Zone program.

Section 15. Funding eligibility.

(a) The Illinois Community College Board shall provide an additional $1,000,000 per year in funding to community colleges whose primary campus is located: (i) within an enterprise zone; (ii) within a HUBZone; and (iii) within 2 miles of an opportunity zone.

(b) To qualify for funding under this Section, the community college must submit a request to the Illinois Community College Board, which shall verify that a campus meets the criteria set forth in subsection (a) and confirm the ongoing eligibility of the community college for such funding.

Section 20. Allocation of funds.

(a) The annual allocation of funds under Section 15 shall be distributed equally among all eligible community colleges, as verified by the Illinois Community College Board, unless otherwise directed by the General Assembly.

(b) Funds provided pursuant to this Act shall be used exclusively for initiatives that support educational programs, workforce development, community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and other activities directly benefiting students and local communities.

Section 25. Reporting requirements.

(a) Each community college receiving funding under this Act shall submit an annual report to the Illinois Community College Board detailing: (i) the total amount of funds received; (ii) how the funds were expended; (iii) the measurable impact on local economic development, student enrollment, and workforce outcomes; and (iv) any other information required by the Illinois Community College Board.

(b) The Illinois Community College Board shall compile and submit an annual report to the General Assembly summarizing the use and impact of funds distributed under this Act.

Section 30. Appropriations. Implementation of this Act is subject to appropriation by the General Assembly. Subject to available appropriations, the Illinois Community College Board shall administer and distribute funds in accordance with this Act.

Section 97. Severability. The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.