SB2949enr 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB2949 Enrolled LRB097 14732 NHT 59734 b

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The University Religious Observances Act is amended by adding Section 1.5 as follows:

(110 ILCS 110/1.5 new)

Sec. 1.5. Absence of student due to religious beliefs.

(a) In this Section, "institution of higher learning" has the meaning ascribed to that term in the Higher Education Student Assistance Act.

(b) Any student in an institution of higher learning, other than a religious or denominational institution of higher learning, who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided that the student notifies the faculty member or instructor well in advance of any anticipated absence or a pending conflict between a scheduled class and the religious observance and provided that the make-up examination, study, or work does not create an unreasonable burden upon the institution. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the student such an opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this Section.

(c) A copy of this Section shall be published by each institution of higher learning in the catalog of the institution containing the list of available courses.