HB4201 Summary

• Requires the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University to each designate a benefits navigator to help students determine eligibility for federal, state, and local assistance programs.

• Each designated benefits navigator must have detailed understanding of benefit program eligibility requirements and must receive training provided by their institution.

• Mandates creation of statewide consortiums facilitated by the Board of Higher Education (for universities) and State Board (for community colleges) to enable benefits navigators to communicate, share data, and develop best practices across institutions.

• Requires benefits navigators to provide culturally specific resources, including materials for non-English speakers, and to coordinate with other navigators on student assistance efforts.

• Requires each institution to develop an internal feedback process allowing students to provide recommendations on how the institution can better assist with benefit program eligibility and applications; effective January 1, 2023.