SB1315 Summary

• Creates the Nurse Educator Scholarship Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, with the Comptroller transferring $1,500,000 annually from the General Revenue Fund beginning July 1, 2023.

• Establishes scholarship eligibility requirements for nurse educators including Illinois residency for one year, enrollment in an approved graduate nursing program, and agreement to meet employment obligations.

• Increases nursing scholarship funding from $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 annually in the Nursing Dedicated and Professional Fund for fiscal year 2023 and thereafter, to be distributed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

• Requires scholarship recipients to begin employment as nurse educators within 12 months of graduation, with provisions for deferment for military service or continued graduate study.

• Imposes repayment obligations on recipients who fail to fulfill employment requirements, requiring repayment of scholarship amounts plus 7% annual interest within 6 years, with exceptions for death, disability, or involuntary job loss.