IL HB5541

Transfers all powers and duties under the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Act from the Board of Higher Education to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission effective July 1, 2020.

Replaces the mandatory annual independent evaluation requirement with a requirement that GYO-IL submit annual reports to the Commission for monitoring program performance and grant activities.

Allows the Commission to elect whether to contract with an outside entity for an independent evaluation of program implementation, making such evaluation optional rather than mandatory.

Requires the Auditor General to prepare an annual audit of Grow Your Own Illinois operations and finances and provide it to the Governor, General Assembly, and Commission.

Prohibits the Commission from adopting rules regarding candidate eligibility that are more restrictive than those outlined in Section 20 of the Act.