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HB 5093

HIGHER ED-IN-STATE TUITION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dee Avelar and 14 co-sponsors

HB 5093 defines Illinois residency for in-state tuition as either a state-verified resident or charged resident tuition, removing outside-residence triggers.

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Bill Summary · HB 5093

Overview

  • Bill: HB 5093
  • Session: Illinois 104th
  • Sponsor: Sen. Celina Villanueva (co-sponsors listed)
  • Filed: May 5, 2026
  • Committee: Higher Education (passed out of committee 4/9/2026)
  • Status in amendment: An amendment to HB 5093 modifies residency/tuition language and defines “Illinois resident” for tuition purposes consistent with existing law.

Purpose and intent

The bill, as amended, appears to address who is considered an Illinois resident for in-state tuition purposes in higher education. The amendment focuses on clarifying and codifying how a student is determined to be an Illinois resident for tuition purposes, aligning with or updating definitions within the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity Act.

Key provisions and changes (as reflected in Amendment No. ___)

  • Section modification to residency language:

    • The amendment deletes a provision that would have allowed residency status to change based on establishing a residence outside of Illinois.
    • It strengthens or preserves a definition framework for Illinois residency related to tuition, ensuring that certain conditions determine residency status for tuition purposes.

  • New/updated definition (Section 10 of the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity Act):

    • Amends 110 ILCS 986/10 to redefine “Illinois resident” for tuition purposes.
    • An individual qualifies as an Illinois resident if:
    • (i) They are deemed an Illinois resident for tuition purposes under State law, or
    • (ii) They are charged tuition at the same rate as an Illinois resident under State law.
    • This definition aligns with or references existing standards, including language from P.A. 101-21 (eff. 1-1-20).

Who/what would be affected

  • Postsecondary students and prospective students seeking in-state tuition rates at Illinois public institutions (e.g., public universities and community colleges).
  • Institutions’ tuition classification processes, policy documents, and residency determination procedures.
  • State higher education funding and equity objectives aimed at retaining Illinois students by ensuring predictable tuition classifications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Referred to Higher Education Committee (2/24/2026), reported out of committee on 4/9/2026 (Do Pass / Short Debate, 011-000-000).
    • Passed the House on 4/9/2026 with multiple sponsor/co-sponsor support.
    • Senate action includes introduction of an amendment (Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 filed and referred to Assignments on 5/5/2026; assigned to Executive on 5/6/2026).
  • Amendment mechanics:
    • The amendment modifies the text on pages 46-47 of HB 5093, removing a residency-triggering phrase about establishing a residence outside Illinois.
    • Inserts a defined residency standard for tuition purposes, as described above.
  • Effective date: The amendment references P.A. 101-21 (eff. 1-1-20) for the existing residency framework, but no explicit new effective date is provided in the text presented. Enactment would depend on final passage and the Governor’s signature.

Practical implications

  • Residency determinations would be guided by clarified criteria, potentially simplifying or standardizing how Illinois residency is established for tuition purposes.
  • By ensuring that residency is tied to statutory definitions or to being charged at resident rates, students could have greater clarity and stability in tuition costs.
  • Institutions would implement or adjust residency verification processes to align with the amended definition.

Summary

HB 5093, as amended, focuses on clarifying and codifying the definition of “Illinois resident” for in-state tuition under the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity Act. The amendment eliminates a clause that would have allowed residency status to hinge on establishing a residence outside Illinois and replaces it with a defined standard: an individual is an Illinois resident for tuition purposes if they are either deemed a resident under State law or charged resident tuition under State law. The bill advances through the legislature with broad sponsor support and seeks to promote equity and predictability in tuition classifications for Illinois students.

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

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