IL HB4039

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act to include students attending Department of Defense schools as eligible Illinois residents for the State Scholar program.

Establishes that students nominated by their school who score at or above the 95th percentile on the Illinois Standard Test Score are automatically designated State Scholars, regardless of other eligibility formulas.

Provides each State Scholar enrolling in an Illinois institution of higher learning a one-time $1,000 grant for tuition and mandatory fees, except those receiving Merit Recognition Scholarships under Section 31.

Requires the Commission to conduct a study by January 1, 2010 documenting State Scholars designated in 2008-2009, their applications to state universities, and denial rates, with recommendations to improve state university accessibility.

Takes effect July 1, 2009.