SB1802 Summary: Innovation Technology Honors Program Act

• Creates the Innovation Technology Honors Program within the Department of Innovation and Technology to recruit recently graduated Illinois residents with information technology skills.

• Limits program to 50 new hires annually with maximum 250 total participants at any time; requires 50% of yearly hires to be recent graduates from Illinois colleges or universities.

• Participants serve 2-year terms subject to suspension or discharge for just cause, with layoffs by seniority; Secretary may renew for additional 2-year terms or let terms expire.

• Exempts program participants from collective bargaining rights and union representation under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, though future promotion to union positions remains possible.

• Excludes program hiring from veteran preference requirements but requires the Department to develop recruiting programs promoting diversity and inclusion of women and minorities in information technology.