SB2512 Summary

• Allows religious institutions to apply annually to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for exemption from educational requirements, standards, and administrative rules under the Private College Act and Academic Degree Act.

• Defines "religious institution" as Illinois tax-exempt, post-secondary institutions dedicated to religious education and actually engaged exclusively in religious education, which may operate independently or under church control.

• Requires $1,000 application fee and mandates institutions comply with restrictions including: cannot use "university" in name, must offer only religion/theology/clergy preparation degrees with religious modifiers, cannot accept federal or state funds, and must use Board-provided enrollment agreements.

• Mandates prominent disclosures in all materials and transcripts stating the institution is exempt, unaccredited, and credentials are unlikely to be recognized by employers, licensing bodies, or other educational institutions.

• This exemption section supersedes conflicting provisions in the Private College Act and Academic Degree Act.