BD HIGHER ED-SCH COUNSELOR House SponsorsRep. Katie Stuart, Kimberly Du Buclet and Diane Blair-Sherlock 3/27/2026HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 5 ILCS 100/5-45.65 new110 ILCS 205/9.45 new Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Board of Higher Education to create a school counselor stipend program. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of all eligible students and eligible cooperating school counselors who qualify for the stipend program. Sets forth requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating school counselor who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately. 1/9/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Katie Stuart 1/14/2026HouseFirst Reading 1/14/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee 2/11/2026HouseAssigned to Appropriations-Higher Education Committee 2/19/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet 2/26/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock 3/27/2026HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee