IL HB0217

Prohibits Illinois colleges (public and private) from inquiring about or considering an applicant's criminal history during the admission decision-making process

Defines criminal history information broadly to include arrests, detentions, criminal charges, indictments, and convictions

Allows exceptions when criminal history checks are required by federal law or specific Illinois statutes, such as for medical school applicants

Permits colleges to use multi-institution applications (like the Common App) that ask about criminal history, but requires them to ignore that information and post a prominent notice informing applicants they won't be penalized for not answering criminal history questions

After admission, colleges may inquire about criminal history for purposes of offering counseling/services or making decisions about housing and campus activities, but cannot use this information to rescind admission offers