Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB4330

Creates the School Choice Act and amends the Illinois Lottery Law, the State Finance Act, and the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides findings and declarations of policy. Establishes the School Choice Program. Provides that under the program the custodian of a qualifying pupil is entitled to a School Choice Scholarship to pay for qualified education expenses at participating nonpublic elementary schools. Requires the principal of each public school to notify custodians of qualifying pupils of the availability of scholarships. Requires custodians to apply to the State Board of Education for a scholarship and provide documentation as to eligibility. Requires the State Board to issue a scholarship to custodians who have made proper application and to honor the scholarship when presented for payment by a nonpublic school. Provides for the amount of a scholarship. Provides that the scholarship may be renewed each year through the 8th grade so long as the pupil and custodian remain eligible. Requires the Department of the Lottery to offer a special instant scratch-off game for the funding of scholarships. Provides that the amount received under the program shall not be considered base income for purposes of Illinois' income tax. Requires the State Board to submit a report to the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2017. Provides criminal penalties for certain violations. Requires the State Board to adopt rules to implement the Act. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2018. Effective immediately.

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