IL HB3178

Establishes a 13-member committee of agriculturalists to develop curriculum and oversee implementation of agricultural education programs in Illinois public schools, with authority over the agricultural education appropriation and related agency rulemaking.

Committee composition includes 3 representatives from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education, 3 agriculturalists, 2 secondary agriculture teachers, and one representative each from Ag In The Classroom, community college agriculture, adult agriculture education, university agriculture teacher education, and FFA.

Committee members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent serve 3-year terms, with initial appointments staggered as 5 members for one year, 4 members for two years, and 4 members for three years.

Requires secondary agricultural education programs to include an approved instructional course sequence, a State and nationally affiliated FFA chapter integral to instruction, and supervised agricultural-experience activities for all students.

Allows existing secondary agricultural education programs in operation before January 1, 2007 to continue operating and receiving state funding even if they do not have an active FFA chapter.