Sen. Karina Villa supports HB4304 to establish Higher Education Student Bill of Rights

Sen. Karina Villa (D-25th) cast a Yes vote for HB4304 to create the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The Illinois Senate approved the bill with a 37-19 vote.

The bill’s official text refers to the proposal as: "HIGHER ED STUDENT BILL OF RTS."

The following summary reflects information found in the bill text, with explanatory notes to clarify the legislation’s intent.

This legislation creates the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act, declaring students pursuing postsecondary education in Illinois are awarded comprehensive rights and safeguards. These include the right to a secure, inclusive and accessible learning space; non-discriminatory access; freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful protest; transparent academic expectations and fair assessments. Students are also ensured access to inspect and amend educational records, learn in programs free from political influence, receive high-quality, career-oriented instruction, and be granted due process and representation. The act mandates institutional accountability, honest financial practices, equitable lending standards, clear refund and withdrawal guidelines, and upholds a right to transfer credits if admitted by another institution.

The final legislative step for HB4304 was 'Third Reading - Passed.'

Villa, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2021, filling the seat previously occupied by Jim Oberweis in the 25th Senate District.

Legislation in Illinois advances through a multi-step process that begins in either chamber and involves committee scrutiny, floor considerations, votes from both houses, and final review by the governor, who may approve or veto a measure. The General Assembly meets on a biennial basis and hears thousands of bills per session, though only a limited number conclude the legislative process and become law.