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HB 3234

HIGHER ED-ARMY RESERVES-GRANT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Brad Fritts

Extends Illinois tuition exemption to Army Reserve members with at least 1 year of service, covering up to 4 years of in-state tuition and fees at state colleges and universities.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3234

Summary — HB 3234 (Higher Ed — Army Reserves Grant)

Status: Enacted (filed without Governor’s signature 6/20/2025). Effective date: September 1, 2025.
Introduced: 2/18/2025 by Rep. Bradley Fritts.

Purpose

HB 3234 expands an existing Illinois tuition exemption program (previously limited to the Illinois National Guard and Illinois Naval Militia) to include qualified members of the Army Reserves. It also renames the associated grant fund and makes conforming changes in the State Finance Act.

Key provisions

  • Expands the Illinois National Guard and Naval Militia grant program to cover members of the Army Reserves.
  • Eligibility: Any person who has served at least one year in the Army Reserves and who satisfies the institution’s entrance requirements may apply and, upon proof, receive the grant.
  • Benefit: Exemption from tuition and fees at a State-controlled university or community college of the recipient’s choice for up to the equivalent of 4 years of full-time enrollment (including summer terms) while the recipient is a member of the Army Reserves.
  • Retains existing limitations on what counts as “tuition and fees” (excludes sectarian instruction costs; excludes certain fees such as book rental, laboratory, supply, insurance, and some building/bond-related fees).
  • Existing additional benefits and conditions for long-serving Illinois National Guard members (e.g., prior provisions granting extra years for 10+ years of service) remain in the Section as applicable.
  • If a recipient ceases membership while enrolled, the grant generally terminates, but the student may complete the current term by paying tuition and allocable fees for the remaining portion. Under certain service thresholds (at least 5 years service and 6 months active duty), a recipient may remain eligible for up to one year after membership ends, provided they have not already exhausted the benefit.
  • If the recipient fails to meet service obligations or participation requirements, the Department of Military Affairs may require prorated repayment of the grant; the Department may adopt rules governing collections.
  • The grant is defined as an “entitlement” that State-controlled institutions must honor, subject to maintaining minimum academic standards and student loan repayment requirements.

Funding and administration

  • Renames the “National Guard and Naval Militia Grant Fund” to the “National Guard, Naval Militia, and Army Reserves Grant Fund” in the State Finance Act (30 ILCS 105/5.569) and in the Higher Education Student Assistance Act (110 ILCS 947/45).
  • Repayments are deposited into the renamed fund.
  • The Illinois Student Assistance Commission may reimburse institutions for grants, but reimbursements are subject to separate appropriations.

Who is affected

  • Current and future members of the Army Reserves who meet the one-year service and entrance requirements.
  • State-controlled universities and community colleges (those identified under the statute).
  • The Department of Military Affairs and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (administration, enforcement, and reimbursement).
  • State budget/appropriations, to the extent additional enrollments and reimbursements require funding.

Legislative history & effective date

  • Passed both chambers (May 2025); enrolled and sent to Governor; filed without signature on June 20, 2025.
  • Effective September 1, 2025.

Potential impact

  • Expands tuition relief to a broader population of service members, increasing access to in‑state higher education for Army Reserve members.
  • May increase state costs if appropriations are provided to reimburse institutions; however, reimbursements are subject to legislative appropriation.
  • Administrative responsibilities for eligibility verification, collection of repayments, and rulemaking fall to the Department of Military Affairs and existing higher education agencies.

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

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