SB2728eng 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB2728 Engrossed LRB098 16123 NHT 51180 b

AN ACT concerning education.

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

Section 5. The Comprehensive Healthcare Workforce Planning Act is amended by changing Section 15 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2325/15)

Sec. 15. Members.

(a) The following 10 persons or their designees shall be members of the Council: the Director of the Department; a representative of the Governor's Office; the Secretary of Human Services; the Directors of the Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Employment Security, Financial and Professional Regulation, and Healthcare and Family Services; and the Executive Director executive director of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Executive Director President of the Illinois Community College Board, and the State Superintendent of Education.

(b) The Governor shall appoint 8 additional members, who shall be healthcare workforce experts, including representatives of practicing physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, State and local health professions organizations, schools of medicine and osteopathy, nursing, dental, allied health, and public health; public and private teaching hospitals; health insurers, business; and labor. The Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, the President of the Illinois Senate, the Minority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the Illinois Senate may each appoint 2 representatives to the Council. Members appointed under this subsection (b) shall serve 4-year terms and may be reappointed.

(c) The Director of the Department shall serve as Chair of the Council. The Governor shall appoint a healthcare workforce expert from the non-governmental sector to serve as Vice-Chair.

(Source: P.A. 97-424, eff. 7-1-12.)

Section 10. The Illinois Century Network Act is amended by changing Section 15 as follows:

(20 ILCS 3921/15)

Sec. 15. Management of the Illinois Century Network.

(a) Staffing and contractual services necessary to support the network's activities shall be governed by the Illinois Century Network Policy Committee. The committee shall include:

(1) 6 standing members as follows:

(i) the Illinois State Library Director or designee;

(ii) the Illinois State Museum Director or designee;

(iii) the Executive Director of the Board of Higher Education or designee;

(iv) the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board President or designee;

(v) the State Board of Education State Superintendent or designee; and

(vi) the Director of Central Management Services or designee;

(2) up to 7 members who are appointed by the Governor and who:

(i) have experience and background in private K-12 education, private higher education, or who are from other participant constituents that are not already represented;

(ii) shall serve staggered terms up to 3 years as designated by the Governor; and

(iii) shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified; and

(3) a Chairperson who is appointed by the Governor and who shall serve a term of 2 years and until a successor is appointed and qualified.

(b) Illinois Century Network Policy Committee members shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses of travel for members who are required to travel for a distance greater than 20 miles to participate in business of the Illinois Century Network Policy Committee.

(Source: P.A. 91-21, eff. 7-1-99; 92-691, eff. 7-18-02.)

Section 15. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 3-15.12 and 22-45 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.12) (from Ch. 122, par. 3-15.12)

Sec. 3-15.12. High school equivalency testing program. The regional superintendent of schools shall make available for qualified individuals residing within the region a High School Equivalency Testing Program. For that purpose the regional superintendent alone or with other regional superintendents may establish and supervise a testing center or centers to administer the secure forms of the high school level Test of General Educational Development to qualified persons. Such centers shall be under the supervision of the regional superintendent in whose region such centers are located, subject to the approval of the Executive Director President of the Illinois Community College Board.

An individual is eligible to apply to the regional superintendent of schools for the region in which he or she resides if he or she is: (a) a person who is 17 years of age or older, has maintained residence in the State of Illinois, and is not a high school graduate; (b) a person who is successfully completing an alternative education program under Section 2-3.81, Article 13A, or Article 13B; or (c) a person who is enrolled in a youth education program sponsored by the Illinois National Guard. For purposes of this Section, residence is that abode which the applicant considers his or her home. Applicants may provide as sufficient proof of such residence and as an acceptable form of identification a driver's license, valid passport, military ID, or other form of government-issued national or foreign identification that shows the applicant's name, address, date of birth, signature, and photograph or other acceptable identification as may be allowed by law or as regulated by the Illinois Community College Board. Such regional superintendent shall determine if the applicant meets statutory and regulatory state standards. If qualified the applicant shall at the time of such application pay a fee established by the Illinois Community College Board, which fee shall be paid into a special fund under the control and supervision of the regional superintendent. Such moneys received by the regional superintendent shall be used, first, for the expenses incurred in administering and scoring the examination, and next for other educational programs that are developed and designed by the regional superintendent of schools to assist those who successfully complete the high school level test of General Education Development in furthering their academic development or their ability to secure and retain gainful employment, including programs for the competitive award based on test scores of college or adult education scholarship grants or similar educational incentives. Any excess moneys shall be paid into the institute fund.

Any applicant who has achieved the minimum passing standards as established by the Illinois Community College Board shall be notified in writing by the regional superintendent and shall be issued a high school equivalency certificate on the forms provided by the Illinois Community College Board. The regional superintendent shall then certify to the Illinois Community College Board the score of the applicant and such other and additional information that may be required by the Illinois Community College Board. The moneys received therefrom shall be used in the same manner as provided for in this Section.

Any applicant who has attained the age of 17 years and maintained residence in the State of Illinois and is not a high school graduate, any person who has enrolled in a youth education program sponsored by the Illinois National Guard, or any person who has successfully completed an alternative education program under Section 2-3.81, Article 13A, or Article 13B is eligible to apply for a high school equivalency certificate (if he or she meets the requirements prescribed by the Illinois Community College Board) upon showing evidence that he or she has completed, successfully, the high school level General Educational Development Tests, administered by the United States Armed Forces Institute, official GED Centers established in other states, or at Veterans' Administration Hospitals or the office of the State Superintendent of Education administered for the Illinois State Penitentiary System and the Department of Corrections. Such applicant shall apply to the regional superintendent of the region wherein he has maintained residence, and upon payment of a fee established by the Illinois Community College Board the regional superintendent shall issue a high school equivalency certificate, and immediately thereafter certify to the Illinois Community College Board the score of the applicant and such other and additional information as may be required by the Illinois Community College Board.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, any applicant who has been out of school for at least one year may request the regional superintendent of schools to administer the restricted GED test upon written request of: The director of a program who certifies to the Chief Examiner of an official GED center that the applicant has completed a program of instruction provided by such agencies as the Job Corps, the Postal Service Academy or apprenticeship training program; an employer or program director for purposes of entry into apprenticeship programs; another State Department of Education in order to meet regulations established by that Department of Education, a post high school educational institution for purposes of admission, the Department of Professional Regulation for licensing purposes, or the Armed Forces for induction purposes. The regional superintendent shall administer such test and the applicant shall be notified in writing that he is eligible to receive the Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate upon reaching age 17, provided he meets the standards established by the Illinois Community College Board.

Any test administered under this Section to an applicant who does not speak and understand English may at the discretion of the administering agency be given and answered in any language in which the test is printed. The regional superintendent of schools may waive any fees required by this Section in case of hardship.

In counties of over 3,000,000 population, a GED certificate shall contain the signatures of the Executive Director President of the Illinois Community College Board; , the superintendent, president, or other chief executive officer of the institution where GED instruction occurred; and any other signatures authorized by the Illinois Community College Board.

The regional superintendent of schools shall furnish the Illinois Community College Board with any information that the Illinois Community College Board requests with regard to testing and certificates under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-108, eff. 7-1-05; 95-609, eff. 6-1-08.)

(105 ILCS 5/22-45)

Sec. 22-45. Illinois P-20 Council.

(a) The General Assembly finds that preparing Illinoisans for success in school and the workplace requires a continuum of quality education from preschool through graduate school. This State needs a framework to guide education policy and integrate education at every level. A statewide coordinating council to study and make recommendations concerning education at all levels can avoid fragmentation of policies, promote improved teaching and learning, and continue to cultivate and demonstrate strong accountability and efficiency. Establishing an Illinois P-20 Council will develop a statewide agenda that will move the State towards the common goals of improving academic achievement, increasing college access and success, improving use of existing data and measurements, developing improved accountability, fostering innovative approaches to education, promoting lifelong learning, easing the transition to college, and reducing remediation. A pre-kindergarten through grade 20 agenda will strengthen this State's economic competitiveness by producing a highly-skilled workforce. In addition, lifelong learning plans will enhance this State's ability to leverage funding.

(b) There is created the Illinois P-20 Council. The Illinois P-20 Council shall include all of the following members:

(1) The Governor or his or her designee, to serve as chairperson.

(2) Four members of the General Assembly, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(3) Six at-large members appointed by the Governor as follows, with 2 members being from the City of Chicago, 2 members being from Lake County, McHenry County, Kane County, DuPage County, Will County, or that part of Cook County outside of the City of Chicago, and 2 members being from the remainder of the State:

(A) one representative of civic leaders;

(B) one representative of local government;

(C) one representative of trade unions;

(D) one representative of nonprofit organizations or foundations;

(E) one representative of parents' organizations; and

(F) one education research expert.

(4) Five members appointed by statewide business organizations and business trade associations.

(5) Six members appointed by statewide professional organizations and associations representing pre-kindergarten through grade 20 teachers, community college faculty, and public university faculty.

(6) Two members appointed by associations representing local school administrators and school board members. One of these members must be a special education administrator.

(7) One member representing community colleges, appointed by the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.

(8) One member representing 4-year independent colleges and universities, appointed by a statewide organization representing private institutions of higher learning.

(9) One member representing public 4-year universities, appointed jointly by the university presidents and chancellors.

(10) Ex-officio members as follows:

(A) The State Superintendent of Education or his or her designee.

(B) The Executive Director of the Board of Higher Education or his or her designee.

(C) The Executive Director President and Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Community College Board or his or her designee.

(D) The Executive Director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission or his or her designee.

(E) The Co-chairpersons of the Illinois Workforce Investment Board or their designee.

(F) The Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or his or her designee.

(G) The Chairperson of the Illinois Early Learning Council or his or her designee.

(H) The President of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy or his or her designee.

(I) The president of an association representing educators of adult learners or his or her designee. Ex-officio members shall have no vote on the Illinois P-20 Council.

Appointed members shall serve for staggered terms expiring on July 1 of the first, second, or third calendar year following their appointments or until their successors are appointed and have qualified. Staggered terms shall be determined by lot at the organizing meeting of the Illinois P-20 Council.

Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments, and any member so appointed shall serve during the remainder of the term for which the vacancy occurred.

(c) The Illinois P-20 Council shall be funded through State appropriations to support staff activities, research, data-collection, and dissemination. The Illinois P-20 Council shall be staffed by the Office of the Governor, in coordination with relevant State agencies, boards, and commissions. The Illinois Education Research Council shall provide research and coordinate research collection activities for the Illinois P-20 Council.

(d) The Illinois P-20 Council shall have all of the following duties:

(1) To make recommendations to do all of the following:

(A) Coordinate pre-kindergarten through grade 20 (graduate school) education in this State through working at the intersections of educational systems to promote collaborative infrastructure.

(B) Coordinate and leverage strategies, actions, legislation, policies, and resources of all stakeholders to support fundamental and lasting improvement in this State's public schools, community colleges, and universities.

(C) Better align the high school curriculum with postsecondary expectations.

(D) Better align assessments across all levels of education.

(E) Reduce the need for students entering institutions of higher education to take remedial courses.

(F) Smooth the transition from high school to college.

(G) Improve high school and college graduation rates.

(H) Improve the rigor and relevance of academic standards for college and workforce readiness.

(I) Better align college and university teaching programs with the needs of Illinois schools.

(2) To advise the Governor, the General Assembly, the State's education and higher education agencies, and the State's workforce and economic development boards and agencies on policies related to lifelong learning for Illinois students and families.

(3) To articulate a framework for systemic educational improvement and innovation that will enable every student to meet or exceed Illinois learning standards and be well-prepared to succeed in the workforce and community.

(4) To provide an estimated fiscal impact for implementation of all Council recommendations.

(e) The chairperson of the Illinois P-20 Council may authorize the creation of working groups focusing on areas of interest to Illinois educational and workforce development, including without limitation the following areas:

(1) Preparation, recruitment, and certification of highly qualified teachers.

(2) Mentoring and induction of highly qualified teachers.

(3) The diversity of highly qualified teachers.

(4) Funding for highly qualified teachers, including developing a strategic and collaborative plan to seek federal and private grants to support initiatives targeting teacher preparation and its impact on student achievement.

(5) Highly effective administrators.

(6) Illinois birth through age 3 education, pre-kindergarten, and early childhood education.

(7) The assessment, alignment, outreach, and network of college and workforce readiness efforts.

(8) Alternative routes to college access.

(9) Research data and accountability.

(10) Community schools, community participation, and other innovative approaches to education that foster community partnerships.

The chairperson of the Illinois P-20 Council may designate Council members to serve as working group chairpersons. Working groups may invite organizations and individuals representing pre-kindergarten through grade 20 interests to participate in discussions, data collection, and dissemination.

(Source: P.A. 98-463, eff. 8-16-13.)

Section 20. The Public Community College Act is amended by changing Section 3-33.7 as follows:

(110 ILCS 805/3-33.7)

Sec. 3-33.7. Establishment of lines of credit. The board may establish a line of credit with a bank or other financial institution in an amount not to exceed the following:

(1) if anticipating State revenues due in the current fiscal year, 85% of the amount or amounts of the revenues due in the current fiscal year, as certified by the Executive Director President/CEO of the State Board or other official in a position to provide assurances as to the amounts; and

(2) if anticipating State revenues expected to be due in the next subsequent fiscal year, 50% of the amount or amounts of the revenues due in the current fiscal year, as certified by the Executive Director President/CEO of the State Board or other official in a position to provide assurances as to the amounts.

All moneys so borrowed shall be repaid exclusively from the anticipated revenues within 60 days after the revenues have been received. Borrowing authorized under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this Section shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate authorized by the Bond Authorization Act, from the date of issuance until paid.

Prior to establishing a line of credit under this Section, the board shall authorize, by resolution, the line of credit. The resolution shall set forth facts demonstrating the need for the line of credit, state the amount to be borrowed, establish a maximum interest rate limit not to exceed that set forth in this Section, and provide a date by which the borrowed funds must be repaid. The resolution shall direct the relevant officials to make arrangements to set apart and hold the revenue, as received, that will be used to repay the borrowing. In addition, the resolution may authorize the relevant officials to make partial repayments of the borrowing as the revenues become available and may contain any other terms, restrictions, or limitations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-912, eff. 6-9-10.)