IL HB4240

Students at Illinois public and private postsecondary institutions may submit a medical exemption from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse to opt out of mandatory meal plans due to medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or other health-related needs

Institutions must process medical exemptions within 10 business days and cannot deny, limit, or condition the exemption or request additional documentation beyond the initial medical statement

Exempted students cannot be charged any portion of mandatory meal plan costs, including partial charges, administrative fees, access fees, wellness fees, or dining facility fees

Institutions are prohibited from increasing housing charges, requiring different housing assignments, denying housing, or penalizing students in housing priority due to a medical exemption

Violations carry civil penalties of up to $5,000 per affected student, with the Board of Higher Education authorized to impose penalties and the Attorney General empowered to enforce collection; effective date is June 1, 2027