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SB 1322

Virginia Gaming Commerce Regulation Act; established, penalties distribution of funds, report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill DeSteph

Illinois would create a state scholarship program (through ISAC) to fund mental health degrees and require service in Illinois after graduation.

Left in Finance and Appropriations
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Bill Summary · SB 1322

SB 1322 — Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship Act (Illinois)

Status (most recent in bill text): Introduced Jan. 28, 2025 (Sen. Javier L. Cervantes, primary sponsor). The bill (and subsequent Senate amendments) would create a statewide scholarship program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Funding and awards are subject to appropriation.

Purpose / Intent

To recruit, train, diversify, and retain individuals in high‑demand mental health professions in Illinois by providing scholarships to students pursuing qualifying degrees that lead to in‑state mental health jobs.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship Program and creates the Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship Fund (new State Finance Act section).
  • Administered by ISAC, which will adopt application forms, rules, and prioritization methodology.
  • Program start: academic year 2026–2027 (language in committee substitute).

Eligibility
- Resident of Illinois and a U.S. citizen or an “eligible noncitizen” (narrowly defined: attended and graduated from an Illinois high school, resided in Illinois during that time, affidavit to pursue permanent residency, and not established residence outside Illinois).
- Graduated from an approved high school or holds an Illinois high school diploma.
- Enrolled at a qualified institution at least half‑time and pursuing a “qualifying degree” with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (on 4.0 scale).
- “Qualifying degree” includes associate/bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral degrees focused on: professional counseling, professional therapy, social work, psychology, psychiatry, training to become a mental health nurse practitioner, or psychiatric pharmacist.

Award amount and duration
- ISAC may award scholarships up to the full cost of attendance: tuition/fees and room & board for public institutions (an equivalent amount for private institutions as determined by ISAC).
- Scholarships payable to institutions; applicable toward two semesters (or three quarters) per academic year.
- Maximum duration: up to 8 semesters (or 12 quarters).

Recipient obligations / enforcement
- Recipients must sign an agreement to work in Illinois in a “qualifying job” for at least one year per year of scholarship assistance, with a minimum obligation of 2 years in Illinois.
- Failure to fulfill the employment obligation triggers repayment of a prorated portion of the scholarship plus interest (bill references a collection process and deposit into General Revenue).

Priority and selection
- ISAC selects recipients from qualified applicants and may give preference to applicants demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, minority status, or prior recipients (and may prioritize returning recipients after the first year).

Administration and rulemaking
- ISAC to develop application procedures, documentation requirements, payment/proration rules (e.g., housing allowance), repayment/collections policies, and rules for prioritization.

Who is affected

  • Prospective and current Illinois students pursuing qualifying mental health degrees.
  • Illinois institutions of higher education (payment recipients).
  • Illinois employers in mental health fields (potential increased supply of workers).
  • State budget: program spending depends on legislative appropriation; creation of a new dedicated fund to receive appropriations and repayments.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Awards are subject to appropriation; the bill creates a fund and authorizes ISAC administration and rulemaking.
  • Potential fiscal impact: increased state expenditures for scholarships (offset partly by repayments if obligations are not met), and long‑term workforce impacts in public mental health services. Exact fiscal effects depend on appropriation levels and program uptake.

Sponsors / Related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Sen. Javier L. Cervantes (IL). Several co‑sponsors listed in committee records.
  • Companion bills referenced (federal/state analogs not required for program operation).

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

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