IL SB3279

Expands Illinois Veteran Grant program eligibility to include veterans who were not Illinois residents when entering service but served at least 12 months of federal active duty in Illinois, resided in the state for 2 years after leaving active duty, and currently serve in a reserve component of the Armed Forces

Adds a third qualifying pathway (paragraph 6) alongside existing eligibility routes that require either Illinois residency at time of service or 15 consecutive years of post-service residency

Qualified applicants receive tuition and mandatory fee waivers at Illinois public universities and community colleges for up to 4 years of full-time enrollment, including summer terms

Amends Section 40 of the Higher Education Student Assistance Act (110 ILCS 947/40); introduced February 3, 2026 by Senator Mike Porfirio