IL SB0223

Establishes grant assistance program for exonerated persons through the Higher Education Student Assistance Commission.

Defines "exonerated person" as an individual who received a gubernatorial pardon on grounds of innocence or a circuit court certificate of innocence.

Grants cover up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of full tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public universities or community colleges for undergraduate or graduate study.

Exonerated persons without a high school diploma may use grant funds to pay for high school equivalency preparation courses, testing fees, and up to one retest per test module.

Applicants are not required to demonstrate financial need, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by their institution.