HB2848 - Criminal History in College Applications Act

• Prohibits colleges from inquiring about or considering an applicant's criminal history during the admission decision-making process, with exceptions only for requirements under federal law or specific Illinois state laws.

• Allows colleges to use multi-institution applications that inquire about criminal history, but requires them to disregard that information during admission decisions and publish a statement informing applicants they will not be penalized for not answering criminal history questions.

• Permits colleges to inquire about criminal history after admission for purposes of offering counseling and services, or for decisions about student housing and campus activities, but prohibits considering sealed, expunged, or non-conviction records.

• Prohibits colleges from rescinding admission offers based on criminal history information gathered after admission.

• Allows colleges to inform prospective applicants that a criminal record may affect eligibility for certain professional licenses, employment, or clinical educational participation.