HB3881 Summary

• Requires all public Illinois higher education institutions with a Benefits Navigator to establish and operate a Benefits Navigation Center by August 1, 2023.

• Benefits Navigators may train and supervise student navigators to staff the centers, with students compensated through institutional funds, foundation grants, or federal work-study community service jobs.

• Centers must provide accessible services including case management, benefit application assistance, referrals to community resources, and maintain specific knowledge areas such as government benefits, housing, food insecurity, health care, and reproductive health services.

• Creates a 13-member Student Navigator Advisory Board to research best practices, host a statewide Benefits Navigator consortium, and conduct program evaluations with semiannual reporting requirements.

• All provisions sunset August 1, 2028 for Benefits Navigation Centers and September 1, 2028 for the Advisory Board; services must remain free to students and cannot be funded by existing student fees.