WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3394

Relating to public meetings.

2025 Regular Session

HB 3394 requires DFPR to offer an asynchronous, online licensure education option in place of current courses, preserving timelines and expanding flexible access.

In committee upon adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3394

Summary — HB 3394 (2025) — Relating to public meetings / Asynchronous education option

Status: In committee upon adjournment (last action: 2025-06-28)
Bill number & statute: HB 3394; adds 20 ILCS 2105/2105‑410 (new)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Adam M. Niemerg; Co‑sponsors: Rep. Travis Weaver, Rep. Jed Davis
Companion bill: SB 2109

Purpose

HB 3394 would require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) — by amending the Department of Professional Regulation Law — to provide applicants for professional licensure an asynchronous education or training option as an alternative to the current required courses under each licensing Act DFPR administers.

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 2105‑410 to the Civil Administrative Code (20 ILCS 2105).
  • Defines "asynchronous education" (student‑centered instruction that permits applicants to train individually and complete courses at a time, place, and pace that suits the applicant).
  • Requires DFPR to provide an asynchronous education or training option available in place of the current course of education/training requirements for all licensing Acts it administers.
  • Explicitly permits the asynchronous option to be completed online.
  • States the asynchronous option shall not interfere with any existing timeframes for completing education or training requirements under applicable licensing Acts.
  • Authorizes DFPR to adopt rules to implement the asynchronous education option.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Applicants for licensure under the various professional licensing Acts administered by DFPR (e.g., healthcare-related and other regulated professions overseen by the Department).
  • Secondary: Education and training providers (course vendors, community colleges, professional schools), licensing boards under DFPR, and DFPR staff responsible for implementation and oversight.

Procedural history (selected)

  • Filed with Clerk: 2025-02-07 (by Rep. Niemerg)
  • First reading / Referred to Rules / Speaker’s desk: Feb–Mar 2025
  • Read first time: 2025-03-21; referred to Subcommittee on County & Regional Government
  • Subcommittee hearing & testimony: 2025-04-21 (left pending)
  • Recalled from subcommittee / considered: 2025-04-28 — failed to receive affirmative committee vote
  • Status: In committee upon adjournment (2025-06-28)

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increased access and flexibility for licensure applicants (useful for working adults, rural applicants, or those with scheduling constraints).
  • Administrative tasks for DFPR: rulemaking, oversight standards, approval criteria for asynchronous courses, verification and proctoring methods, and potential monitoring for educational quality and fraud prevention.
  • Effects on existing course providers: may require curricular or delivery changes, competition with current in‑person or synchronous providers, and possible contractual or revenue impacts.
  • The provision preserves existing statutory timeframes to complete required education, limiting disruption to licensure timelines.
  • Implementation details (accreditation standards, minimum content, assessment methods) would be determined through DFPR rulemaking if the bill becomes law.

Next steps

If reenacted in future legislative action, the bill would proceed to further committee consideration or floor action. If enacted, DFPR would be directed to adopt implementing rules and guidance outlining approval and oversight of asynchronous education options.

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

Sign in to ask a question.