HB5824 Summary

• Allows Illinois veterans who qualify for the Illinois Veteran Grant program to transfer their unused educational grant entitlement to a spouse, natural child, legally adopted child, or step-child as an alternative to using the grant themselves.

• Permits Illinois National Guard and Naval Militia members who qualify for grants to similarly transfer their entitlement to a spouse, natural child, legally adopted child, or step-child.

• Grants cover tuition and mandatory fees at state-controlled universities and public community colleges in Illinois for up to 4 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms.

• Applies to veterans who served at least one year of federal active duty, received honorable discharge, and returned to Illinois within 6 months of leaving service (with limited exceptions for medical discharge and hostile fire service).

• Takes effect July 1, 2010.