IL SB1641

Designates career and technical education programs at community colleges approved by the Illinois Community College Board as employment and training programs under federal SNAP regulations, allowing students in these programs to qualify for SNAP benefits.

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a protocol in consultation with the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, and student advocates to identify and verify SNAP eligibility exemptions for college students.

Mandates the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to annually include SNAP eligibility information in communications with Monetary Award Program grant recipients, directing students to information about college student eligibility criteria and resources.

Requires Illinois institutions of higher education participating in the Monetary Award Program to provide SNAP eligibility notices to MAP-eligible enrolled or accepted students, with option to designate a public benefits liaison to assist students.

Specifies that the bill does not require DHS to provide specific support services, does not restrict or require use of federal funds for SNAP programs, and does not require higher education institutions to verify SNAP eligibility.