HB5475 Summary

• Establishes a nursing scholarship program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to address healthcare needs in the Department of Corrections.

• Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents enrolled at least part-time in approved nursing programs (associate, baccalaureate, graduate, diploma, or practical nursing certificates) and commit to working as a nurse in the Department of Corrections for a minimum of 3 years.

• Scholarship amounts calculated based on institution type: community college rates plus living allowance for lower-level programs, and university rates plus living allowance for 4-year degree programs, capped at the student's cost of attendance.

• Recipients must sign a service agreement pledging to begin work at the Department of Corrections within one year of completing their nursing program; failure to fulfill the agreement requires repayment of scholarships plus 5% interest and collection fees.

• Program funding is subject to appropriation; the Department of Corrections and Commission must provide annual reports on program effectiveness, recipient numbers, service periods, and challenges.