HB5473 - Second Chance State Education Act

• Requires each institution of higher education to reserve at least one enrollment in every class for a returning resident (person with felony conviction, incarcerated, now released, domiciled in Illinois) and at least one enrollment in each online class for an incarcerated individual.

• Provides that returning residents and incarcerated individuals shall not pay tuition or fees, need not meet entrance exam or admission requirements, and must receive degrees or certifications upon satisfactory completion of coursework.

• Mandates the Department of Corrections provide incarcerated individuals with personal computer equipment, internet access, and books or supplies needed for classes within one year of the act's effective date at no cost.

• Establishes the Incarcerated Individuals and Returning Residents Educational Supply Fund, funded by requiring bookstore operators at public institutions to pay 1% of gross revenues to the fund.

• Prohibits institutions of higher education from considering, inquiring about, or placing applicants or students on probationary status based on criminal history during admissions, with limited exceptions for federal law or specific state law requirements.

• Requires institutions to include information on their websites about how criminal records may affect ability to obtain professional licenses or employment.