IL SB1900

Establishes the "Open Access to Research Articles Act" to maximize public availability of research articles produced by faculty at Illinois public universities through free, immediate access and long-term preservation.

Requires each public university to establish an Open Access to Research Task Force by January 1, 2014, composed of voting members from the university library, faculty, and administration, plus non-voting publisher representatives.

Task forces must review current practices and design proposed open access policies considering academic freedom, copyright issues, institutional repository costs, collaboration opportunities, and which types of research should be covered (including dissertations, state-funded research, and faculty publications).

Each task force must submit a report with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2015, to the university board of trustees, Board of Higher Education, General Assembly, and Governor, with the Board of Higher Education publishing a public list of compliance status.

Applies to all Illinois public universities including University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University.