Bill Text: IL HB4186 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In the provisions concerning required high school courses, allows a pupil to take one year of a foreign language course (rather than 2 years), if, upon completing one year of foreign language coursework, the pupil, the pupil's parent or guardian, and the school counselor meet to discuss the pupil's postsecondary education or career goals, and, at that meeting, it is determined (i) that the pupil will take one year of career and technical education coursework, (ii) that a second year of foreign language coursework will limit the pupil's access to career and technical education coursework, and (iii) that the pupil does not need a second year of foreign language coursework to meet the pupil's postsecondary education and career goals. Provides that, following this meeting, the pupil's parent or guardian may opt the pupil out of a second year of foreign language coursework in a form and manner that is prescribed by the State Board of Education. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in this State. Provides that a university may not require a public high school student to have completed 2 years of foreign language coursework while in high school if it was determined in high school that the student was not required to and the student's parent or guardian opted the student out. Provides that if the student completed only one year of foreign language coursework in high school, the university may require the student to take no less than one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the university. Effective immediately.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 3-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-01-25 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandun Schweizer [HB4186 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HB4186-Introduced.html

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103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB4186 Introduced , by Rep. Amy Elik SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
105 ILCS 5/27-22 from Ch. 122, par. 27-22
110 ILCS 305/8 from Ch. 144, par. 29
110 ILCS 520/8e from Ch. 144, par. 658e
110 ILCS 660/5-85
110 ILCS 665/10-85
110 ILCS 670/15-85
110 ILCS 675/20-85
110 ILCS 680/25-85
110 ILCS 685/30-85
110 ILCS 690/35-85
Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In the provisions concerning required high school courses, allows a pupil to take one year of a foreign language course (rather than 2 years), if, upon completing one year of foreign language coursework, the pupil, the pupil's parent or guardian, and the school counselor meet to discuss the pupil's postsecondary education or career goals, and, at that meeting, it is determined (i) that the pupil will take one year of career and technical education coursework, (ii) that a second year of foreign language coursework will limit the pupil's access to career and technical education coursework, and (iii) that the pupil does not need a second year of foreign language coursework to meet the pupil's postsecondary education and career goals. Provides that, following this meeting, the pupil's parent or guardian may opt the pupil out of a second year of foreign language coursework in a form and manner that is prescribed by the State Board of Education. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in this State. Provides that a university may not require a public high school student to have completed 2 years of foreign language coursework while in high school if it was determined in high school that the student was not required to and the student's parent or guardian opted the student out. Provides that if the student completed only one year of foreign language coursework in high school, the university may require the student to take no less than one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the university. Effective immediately.
LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
A BILL FOR
HB4186 LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
AN ACT concerning education.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Section
27-22 as follows:
(105 ILCS 5/27-22) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-22)
Sec. 27-22. Required high school courses.
(a) (Blank).
(b) (Blank).
(c) (Blank).
(d) (Blank).
(e) Through the 2023-2024 school year, as a prerequisite
to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the
9th grade must, in addition to other course requirements,
successfully complete all of the following courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English
or any other subject. When applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and

HB4186 - 2 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(3.5) For pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2022-2023 school year and 2023-2024 school year, one year
of a course that includes intensive instruction in
computer literacy, which may be English, social studies,
or any other subject and which may be counted toward the
fulfillment of other graduation requirements.
(4) Two years of science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government
and, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2016-2017 school year and each school year thereafter, at
least one semester must be civics, which shall help young
people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and
attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and
responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course
content shall focus on government institutions, the
discussion of current and controversial issues, service
learning, and simulations of the democratic process.
School districts may utilize private funding available for

HB4186 - 3 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
the purposes of offering civics education. Beginning with
pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2021-2022 school
year, one semester, or part of one semester, may include a
financial literacy course.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include
American Sign Language, (D) vocational education, or (E)
forensic speech (speech and debate). A forensic speech
course used to satisfy the course requirement under
subdivision (1) may not be used to satisfy the course
requirement under this subdivision (6).
(e-5) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, as a
prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil
entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other course
requirements, successfully complete all of the following
courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English
or any other subject. If applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted toward the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry

HB4186 - 4 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(3.5) One year of a course that includes intensive
instruction in computer literacy, which may be English,
social studies, or any other subject and which may be
counted toward the fulfillment of other graduation
requirements.
(4) Two years of laboratory science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government
and at least one semester must be civics, which shall help
young people acquire and learn to use the skills,
knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be
competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives.
Civics course content shall focus on government
institutions, the discussion of current and controversial
issues, service learning, and simulations of the
democratic process. School districts may utilize private
funding available for the purposes of offering civics
education. One semester, or part of one semester, may
include a financial literacy course.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include

HB4186 - 5 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
American Sign Language, (D) vocational education, or (E)
forensic speech (speech and debate). A forensic speech
course used to satisfy the course requirement under
subdivision (1) may not be used to satisfy the course
requirement under this subdivision (6).
(e-10) Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, as a
prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil
entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other course
requirements, successfully complete either (i) 2 years of
foreign language courses, which may include American Sign
Language, or (ii) one year of a foreign language course, which
may include American Sign Language, if, upon completing one
year of foreign language coursework, the pupil, the pupil's
parent or guardian, and the school counselor meet to discuss
the pupil's postsecondary education or career goals, and, at
that meeting, it is determined (I) that the pupil will instead
take one year of coursework in career and technical education
as included under the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006, (II) that a second year of
foreign language coursework will limit the pupil's access to
career and technical education coursework that will prepare
the pupil for a career-readiness path, and (III
) that the
pupil does not need a second year of foreign language
coursework to meet the pupil's postsecondary education and
career goals. Following this meeting, the pupil's parent or
guardian may opt the pupil out of a second year of foreign

HB4186 - 6 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
language coursework in a form and manner that is prescribed by
the State Board of Education. A pupil may choose a third year
of foreign language to satisfy the requirement under
subdivision (6) of subsection (e-5).
(f) The State Board of Education shall develop and inform
school districts of standards for writing-intensive
coursework.
(f-5) If a school district offers an Advanced Placement
computer science course to high school students, then the
school board must designate that course as equivalent to a
high school mathematics course and must denote on the
student's transcript that the Advanced Placement computer
science course qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative
course for students in accordance with subdivision (3) of
subsection (e) of this Section.
(g) Public Act 83-1082 does not apply to pupils entering
the 9th grade in 1983-1984 school year and prior school years
or to students with disabilities whose course of study is
determined by an individualized education program.
Public Act 94-676 does not apply to pupils entering the
9th grade in the 2004-2005 school year or a prior school year
or to students with disabilities whose course of study is
determined by an individualized education program.
Subdivision (3.5) of subsection (e) does not apply to
pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2021-2022 school year or a
prior school year or to students with disabilities whose

HB4186 - 7 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
course of study is determined by an individualized education
program.
Subsection (e-5) does not apply to pupils entering the 9th
grade in the 2023-2024 school year or a prior school year or to
students with disabilities whose course of study is determined
by an individualized education program. Subsection (e-10) does
not apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2027-2028
school year or a prior school year or to students with
disabilities whose course of study is determined by an
individualized education program.
(h) The provisions of this Section are subject to the
provisions of Section 27-22.05 of this Code and the
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act.
(i) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to modify
the requirements of this Section for any students enrolled in
grades 9 through 12 if the Governor has declared a disaster due
to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
(Source: P.A. 102-366, eff. 8-13-21; 102-551, eff. 1-1-22;
102-864, eff. 5-13-22; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)
Section 10. The University of Illinois Act is amended by
changing Section 8 as follows:
(110 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 144, par. 29)
Sec. 8. Admissions.

HB4186 - 8 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(a) (Blank).
(b) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the University unless such
student also has satisfactorily completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that institutions may admit individual
applicants if the institution determines through
assessment or through evaluation based on learning
outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and
technical education courses and courses taken in a charter
school established under Article 27A of the School Code,

HB4186 - 9 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills
substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills
expected to be acquired in the high school courses
required for admission. The Board of Trustees of the
University of Illinois shall not discriminate in the
University's admissions process against an applicant for
admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a
charter school established under Article 27A of the School
Code. Institutions may also admit 1) applicants who did
not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college
preparatory curriculum in high school, and 2)
educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to
the formal organized special assistance programs that are
tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in
either case, the institution incorporates in the
applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other
academic activities that compensate for course
deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of the 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a

HB4186 - 10 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(c) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (b).
(d) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(e) The Board of Trustees shall establish an admissions
process in which honorably discharged veterans are permitted
to submit an application for admission to the University as a
freshman student enrolling in the spring semester if the
veteran was on active duty during the fall semester. The
University may request that the Department of Veterans'
Affairs confirm the status of an applicant as an honorably

HB4186 - 11 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
discharged veteran who was on active duty during the fall
semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 15. The Southern Illinois University Management
Act is amended by changing Section 8e as follows:
(110 ILCS 520/8e) (from Ch. 144, par. 658e)
Sec. 8e. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the University unless such
student also has satisfactorily completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign

HB4186 - 12 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that institutions may admit individual
applicants if the institution determines through
assessment or through evaluation based on learning
outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and
technical education courses and courses taken in a charter
school established under Article 27A of the School Code,
that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills
substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills
expected to be acquired in the high school courses
required for admission. The Board of Trustees of Southern
Illinois University shall not discriminate in the
University's admissions process against an applicant for
admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a
charter school established under Article 27A of the School
Code. Institutions may also admit 1) applicants who did
not have an opportunity to complete the minimum college
preparatory curriculum in high school, and 2)
educationally disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to
the formal organized special assistance programs that are
tailored to the needs of such students, providing that in
either case, the institution incorporates in the
applicant's baccalaureate curriculum courses or other
academic activities that compensate for course
deficiencies; and

HB4186 - 13 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency

HB4186 - 14 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 20. The Chicago State University Law is amended by
changing Section 5-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 660/5-85)
Sec. 5-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Chicago State University
unless such student also has satisfactorily completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);

HB4186 - 15 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that Chicago State University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including career and technical education
courses and courses taken in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Chicago State University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Chicago State
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally

HB4186 - 16 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.

HB4186 - 17 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 25. The Eastern Illinois University Law is amended
by changing Section 10-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 665/10-85)
Sec. 10-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Eastern Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:

HB4186 - 18 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that Eastern Illinois University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including career and technical education
courses and courses taken in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Eastern Illinois University shall not

HB4186 - 19 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Eastern Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the

HB4186 - 20 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 30. The Governors State University Law is amended
by changing Section 15-85 as follows:

HB4186 - 21 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(110 ILCS 670/15-85)
Sec. 15-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Governors State
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that Governors State University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the

HB4186 - 22 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
coursework taken, including career and technical education
courses and courses taken in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Governors State University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Governors State
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .

HB4186 - 23 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may

HB4186 - 24 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 35. The Illinois State University Law is amended
by changing Section 20-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 675/20-85)
Sec. 20-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Illinois State
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and

HB4186 - 25 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that Illinois State University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including career and technical education
courses and courses taken in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Illinois State University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Illinois State
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic

HB4186 - 26 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or

HB4186 - 27 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 40. The Northeastern Illinois University Law is
amended by changing Section 25-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 680/25-85)
Sec. 25-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Northeastern Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;

HB4186 - 28 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that Northeastern Illinois University may
admit individual applicants if it determines through
assessment or through evaluation based on learning
outcomes of the coursework taken, including career and
technical education courses and courses taken in a charter
school established under Article 27A of the School Code,
that the applicant demonstrates knowledge and skills
substantially equivalent to the knowledge and skills
expected to be acquired in the high school courses
required for admission. The Board of Trustees of
Northeastern Illinois University shall not discriminate in
the University's admissions process against an applicant
for admission because of the applicant's enrollment in a
charter school established under Article 27A of the School
Code. Northeastern Illinois University may also admit (i)

HB4186 - 29 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
applicants who did not have an opportunity to complete the
minimum college preparatory curriculum in high school, and
(ii) educationally disadvantaged applicants who are
admitted to the formal organized special assistance
programs that are tailored to the needs of such students,
providing that in either case, the institution
incorporates in the applicant's baccalaureate curriculum
courses or other academic activities that compensate for
course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the

HB4186 - 30 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 45. The Northern Illinois University Law is
amended by changing Section 30-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 685/30-85)
Sec. 30-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any

HB4186 - 31 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
of the departments or colleges of the Northern Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;
(2) except that Northern Illinois University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including career and technical education
courses and courses taken in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent

HB4186 - 32 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Northern Illinois University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Northern Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was

HB4186 - 33 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)

HB4186 - 34 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
Section 50. The Western Illinois University Law is amended
by changing Section 35-85 as follows:
(110 ILCS 690/35-85)
Sec. 35-85. Admissions.
(a) No new student shall be admitted to instruction in any
of the departments or colleges of the Western Illinois
University unless such student also has satisfactorily
completed:
(1) at least 15 units of high school coursework from
the following 5 categories:
(A) 4 years of English (emphasizing written and
oral communications and literature), of which up to 2
years may be collegiate level instruction;
(B) 3 years of social studies (emphasizing history
and government);
(C) 3 years of mathematics (introductory through
advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or
fundamentals of computer programming);
(D) 3 years of science (laboratory sciences or
agricultural sciences); and
(E) 2 years of electives in foreign language
(which may be deemed to include American Sign
Language), music, career and technical education,
agricultural education, or art;

HB4186 - 35 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
(2) except that Western Illinois University may admit
individual applicants if it determines through assessment
or through evaluation based on learning outcomes of the
coursework taken, including career and technical education
courses and courses taken in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code, that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge and skills substantially equivalent
to the knowledge and skills expected to be acquired in the
high school courses required for admission. The Board of
Trustees of Western Illinois University shall not
discriminate in the University's admissions process
against an applicant for admission because of the
applicant's enrollment in a charter school established
under Article 27A of the School Code. Western Illinois
University may also admit (i) applicants who did not have
an opportunity to complete the minimum college preparatory
curriculum in high school, and (ii) educationally
disadvantaged applicants who are admitted to the formal
organized special assistance programs that are tailored to
the needs of such students, providing that in either case,
the institution incorporates in the applicant's
baccalaureate curriculum courses or other academic
activities that compensate for course deficiencies; and
(3) except that up to 3 of 15 units of coursework
required by paragraph (1) of this subsection may be
distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from

HB4186 - 36 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences
and electives and completing those 3 units in any of the 5
categories of coursework described in paragraph (1); and .
(4) except that the University may not require a
graduate of a public high school in this State, as a
condition of admission, to have completed 2 years of
foreign language coursework while in high school if it was
determined in high school that the student was not
required to complete 2 years of foreign language
coursework under subsection (e-10) of Section 27-22 of the
School Code and the student's parent or guardian opted the
student out of a second year of foreign language
coursework; however, if the student completed only one
year of foreign language coursework in high school, the
University may require the student to take no less than
one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in
an undergraduate degree program at the University.
(b) When allocating funds, local boards of education shall
recognize their obligation to their students to offer the
coursework required by subsection (a).
(c) A student who has graduated from high school and has
scored within the University's accepted range on the ACT or
SAT shall not be required to take a high school equivalency
test as a prerequisite to admission.
(d) The Board shall establish an admissions process in
which honorably discharged veterans are permitted to submit an

HB4186 - 37 - LRB103 34576 RJT 64414 b
application for admission to the University as a freshman
student enrolling in the spring semester if the veteran was on
active duty during the fall semester. The University may
request that the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirm the
status of an applicant as an honorably discharged veteran who
was on active duty during the fall semester.
(Source: P.A. 102-403, eff. 1-1-22; 102-404, eff. 1-1-22.)