Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB1149

Creates the Educational Credit for Firefighting Experience Act. Provides that before June 1, 2027, each institution of higher education shall adopt a policy regarding its awarding of academic credit for firefighter training considered applicable to the requirements of a student's certificate or degree program. Requires the policy to apply to any individual who is enrolled in the institution of higher education and who has completed a firefighting training course or program that meets certain requirements. Provides that each institution of higher education shall develop a procedure for receiving the necessary documentation, provide a copy of its policy to certain applicants, and develop and maintain a list of qualifying firefighting training courses and programs. Provides that each institution of higher education shall submit its policy for awarding academic credit to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board, if applicable, before June 30, 2027 and before June 30 of each year thereafter. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall collect data in the Illinois Higher Education Information System on students who are firefighters to assess enrollment and completion outcomes.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill, and makes the following changes: Specifies that the institutions of higher education that have to adopt a policy under the Act are institutions of higher education with an applicable program that offers at least one course for credit hours recommended for equivalency by a national higher education association that provides credit recommendations for firefighting training courses and programs. Requires the policy to be submitted by March 31, 2027 and by March 31 of each year thereafter for the policy that is effective in the subsequent fall semester (rather than by June 30, 2027 and before June 30 of each year thereafter). Provides that the policy shall be incorporated into the institution's credit for prior learning policies required to be submitted pursuant to the Credit for Prior Learning Act. Removes language requiring the Board of Higher Education to collect data in the Illinois Higher Education Information System on students who are firefighters to assess enrollment and completion outcomes.

×