IL SB2597

Increases Board of Higher Education membership from 16 to 15 members, with 13 appointed by Governor (requiring Senate confirmation) and 2 non-voting student members, ensuring at least 6 represent public universities and 6 represent public community colleges.

Transfers all rights, powers, duties, and functions of the Illinois Community College Board and Illinois Student Assistance Commission to the Board of Higher Education effective January 1, 2019.

Abolishes the Illinois Community College Board and Illinois Student Assistance Commission on January 1, 2019, with all personnel, property, appropriations, and pending business transferred to the Board of Higher Education.

Continues all existing collective bargaining agreements and labor organization recognition for transferred employees, and preserves all existing rules and procedures of the abolished boards until amended by the Board of Higher Education.

Repeals five sections of the Public Community College Act (Sections 2-2, 2-3, 2-5, 2-8, and 2-9) that are no longer needed following the consolidation.