IL HB1654

School districts and public institutions of higher education become eligible for state unemployment insurance aid, subject to appropriation, with aid calculated as the difference between prior fiscal year net audited unemployment costs and fiscal year 2024 base period costs

If total unemployment insurance aid exceeds the annual appropriation, the State Board of Education (for K-12) or Board of Higher Education (for colleges/universities) must proportionately reduce payments to all eligible institutions

Annual reports due January 15 to the General Assembly detailing unemployment insurance aid account balances and changes in reimbursable costs, broken out by district/campus and major job classes where possible

Removes provisions that made educational institution employees ineligible for unemployment benefits during established vacation periods or holiday recesses when they had reasonable assurance of returning to work

Effective January 1, 2026