Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

Illinois House Bill HB2432

Introduced

2/14/23

Refer

2/15/23

Introduced

2/14/23

Refer

2/15/23

Caption

INVEST IN KIDS-DISCRIMINATION

Impact

If enacted, this bill will directly impact how scholarship granting organizations operate within Illinois, aligning their practices with the principles of non-discrimination. Currently, the scholarship system allows for substantial community support for students in need. However, the way these scholarships are managed could change if organizations are required to adhere to the new non-discrimination clause. This could lead to greater participation from students who previously felt discouraged from applying due to potential discrimination based on their gender identity or sexuality.

Summary

House Bill 2432 seeks to amend the Invest in Kids Act by introducing specific provisions that prohibit scholarship granting organizations from discriminating against applicants based on their actual, perceived, or identified gender identity or sexuality. This change aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, have equal access to educational scholarships provided under this program. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity in educational opportunities and the importance of protecting marginalized groups within the education system.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this legislation, particularly from groups that may have concerns about mandates related to gender identity and sexuality in scholarship opportunities. Proponents of the bill, including various education advocates, argue that it is essential to provide equal opportunities and support to all students. However, opponents might view this as an overreach of government regulation into educational organizations, potentially arguing that it could conflict with their personal, religious, or organizational beliefs regarding gender and sexuality. As these discussions unfold, the bill may face challenges in balancing inclusivity while addressing the concerns of various stakeholders.

Latest HB2432 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

UT SB0107

Education Scholarship Amendments

CA AB2480

Income taxes: credit: Scholarship Tax Credit Program Act.

AL HB442

To create the Alabama Fits All Scholarship Program; require the State Board of Education to contract with a program manager to administer the program; to authorize the program manager to establish scholarship accounts on behalf of eligible students; to prohibit a program manager from accepting scholarship funds in certain circumstances; to require fiscal safeguards and accountability measures; to require eligible schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be eligible to receive scholarship funds; to authorize the program manager to distribute scholarship funds; to require the State Board of Education to provide limited oversight of the program manager, including an appeal process for the program manager's administrative decisions; to prohibit certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers; to require criminal history background information checks for employees and officers of a program manager; to provide for program funding; and to require the program manager and the board to submit reports on the program to the Legislature.