SB0837 Summary

• Creates the Public University Administrative Cost Decrease Act requiring all public universities to annually submit cost certifications detailing administrative spending by January 31 of each year, starting January 31, 2018.

• Prohibits public university boards of trustees from enacting tuition or fee increases above 2016-2017 levels beginning in the 2019-2020 academic year unless the Auditor General verifies a 25% decrease in administrative costs in the same calendar year.

• Defines "administrator" as employees with executive, administrative, and managerial assignments planning and directing university operations, excluding those spending 50% or more of time on teaching.

• Amends the Illinois State Auditing Act to authorize the Auditor General to verify cost certifications submitted by public universities and report findings to the General Assembly, Governor, and Board of Higher Education.

• Applies to Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, University of Illinois, and any other public university established by the General Assembly.