IL HB3065

Removes race-based eligibility criteria from multiple Illinois education scholarship and grant programs, including the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Program, the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship (renamed "Teachers of Illinois"), and various social work scholarship programs

Establishes new income-based eligibility criteria for the Teachers of Illinois scholarship, requiring applicants to have attended Illinois public schools with at least 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and schools with teacher vacancy rates at or above state averages

Modifies the DFI Program to limit participation to public institutions where at least 45% of students receive federal Pell Grants, removes private institutions from eligibility, and requires recipients to be former Pell Grant recipients themselves

Increases the maximum annual Teachers of Illinois scholarship amount to $7,500 to cover total cost of attendance, and requires recipients to teach in public school districts with above-average teacher vacancy rates rather than schools with 30% minority enrollment

Changes take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, with provisions protecting current scholarship recipients from losing eligibility or facing repayment penalties due to the new criteria