IL HB2475

Allows applicants as young as 20 years old (instead of 21) to become Illinois State Police officers if they have completed an associate's degree or 60 college credit hours, but they cannot carry firearms or make arrests until age 21.

Adds five pathways to meet educational requirements: honorable military discharge with specified combat medals, active National Guard/reserve membership with combat medals, honorable discharge with proof of combat duty, three years of active U.S. Armed Forces duty (including state active duty under federal orders), or three years of continuous full-time peace officer service with current employment as a peace officer.

Establishes an application fee waiver program for applicants with household income at or below 200% of the poverty level or those facing substantial hardship from paying the fee.

Requires Merit Board review of cadet applicants and prohibits certification of anyone convicted of felonies or specified misdemeanors, with searches of the Officer Professional Conduct Database.

Allows the Director to appoint current Illinois State Police employees from other state agencies into State Police officer positions within 180 days of January 1, 2022, if they meet certification requirements.