Bill
SB 3151
Provides extra annual funding to eligible community college districts near enterprise zones, HUBZones, or opportunities zones to boost education, workforce development, and local e
Dates and status
- Introduced: February 2, 2026
- Primary sponsor: Sen. Patrick J. Joyce (co-sponsor listed)
- Committee trajectory: Assigned to Appropriations – Education; Rule 2-10 deadlines set during 2026 session
- Effective date: Upon becoming law
- Fiscal note: Implementation subject to appropriation
Purpose and intent
- Create the Community College Economic Empowerment Act to bolster higher education and workforce development in economically distressed areas by providing targeted state funding to community college districts.
- Aim to stimulate economic growth, educational advancement, and local revitalization in designated zones near community college campuses.
Key definitions
- Enterprise Zone: A geographic area designated under the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act to spur economic development and job creation.
- HUBZone: A Historically Underutilized Business Zone designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- Opportunity Zone: A designated low-income community eligible for federal tax incentives under the Qualified Opportunity Zone program (as defined by the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017).
Funding and eligibility
- Additional funding: Requires the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to provide an extra $1,000,000 per year to each community college district whose primary campus is located in:
- An enterprise zone, or
- A HUBZone, or
- Within 2 miles of an opportunity zone.
- Eligibility verification: A college district must submit a funding request to the ICCB, which will verify campus eligibility and ongoing eligibility for the funds.
Allocation and use of funds
- Allocation method: The annual funds are to be distributed equally among all eligible community colleges unless the General Assembly directs otherwise.
- Permissible use: Funds must be used exclusively for initiatives that support:
- Educational programs
- Workforce development
- Community engagement
- Infrastructure improvements
- Other activities directly benefiting students and local communities
Reporting requirements
- For recipient colleges: Each funded college must submit an annual report to the ICCB detailing:
- Total funds received
- How funds were expended
- Measurable impact on local economic development, student enrollment, and workforce outcomes
- Any other information required by the ICCB
- For ICCB: The Board must compile and submit an annual report to the General Assembly summarizing the use and impact of the funds distributed under this Act.
Budget and appropriations
- The program is contingent on appropriations by the General Assembly.
- The ICCB is responsible for administering and distributing funds consistent with the Act, subject to available appropriations.
Severability
- The Act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is held invalid, the remainder can continue to operate.
Impact considerations
- Geographic focus: Grounds additional state support specifically for community colleges located in or near designated economic development zones.
- Economic and educational outcomes: Aims to boost local workforce development, increase student enrollment, and promote community revitalization through targeted funding and accountable reporting.
- Administration: Adds reporting requirements for colleges and a compiled annual impact report to the General Assembly, enabling oversight and evaluation of effectiveness.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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