IL HB0083

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act to expand grant eligibility to include dependents of exonerated persons, in addition to exonerated persons themselves.

Defines "exonerated person" as an individual who received a gubernatorial pardon on grounds of innocence or a certificate of innocence from a circuit court.

Grants cover up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters of full tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public universities and community colleges for undergraduate or graduate study, with satisfactory academic progress required.

Allows qualified applicants without a high school diploma to use grant funds for high school equivalency preparation courses and testing through Illinois Community College Board-approved providers.

Eliminates financial need as a requirement for grant eligibility and takes effect July 1, 2021.