IL SB2966

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act to expand the police officer or fire officer survivor grant program to include survivors of peace officers as defined under the Criminal Code of 1961.

Removes the requirement that the officer be 90% to 100% disabled, allowing the grant to apply to survivors of officers who are permanently disabled at any level or killed in the line of duty.

Eligible survivors include spouses, natural children, legally adopted children, or children in legal custody of deceased or permanently disabled officers employed by or volunteering for the State or local public entities.

Beneficiaries receive up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of full tuition and mandatory fees payment at Illinois state institutions, or equivalent payment at private institutions at the state-established rate.

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.