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HB 5460

EDUC-SCH SOCIAL WORK SCHLRSHP

104th Regular Session Introduced by Diane Blair-Sherlock and 11 co-sponsors

Illinois HB 5460 creates a scholarship program for school social work students requiring post-graduation service commitments to address workforce shortages in schools.

Sent to the Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 5460

Legislative bill overview

HB 5460 establishes a scholarship program in Illinois to support students pursuing degrees in school social work. The bill aims to address workforce shortages in school social work positions by providing financial assistance to eligible students in exchange for service commitments in Illinois schools.

Why is this important

School social workers play critical roles in student mental health, attendance, and behavioral support, yet many districts struggle to fill these positions. Creating a scholarship program with service requirements can help build a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals while reducing the financial barriers that deter students from entering this field.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost and state budget impact: The program requires state funding to provide scholarships; the fiscal note request suggests cost concerns among some legislators about appropriation levels and long-term financial obligations.
  • Service requirement enforcement: Questions about how the state will enforce post-graduation employment commitments and whether penalties for non-compliance are reasonable or create undue burdens on graduates facing personal circumstances.
  • Geographic and institutional equity: Uncertainty about how scholarships will be distributed fairly across regions and whether all eligible institutions and student populations will have equal access to the program.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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