Sen. Laura Ellman supports HB4304 to establish Higher Education Student Bill of Rights

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote for HB4304, which would create the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, as reported by the Illinois Senate. The bill passed by a margin of 37-19.

The measure is described in the bill's official summary as: "HIGHER ED STUDENT BILL OF RTS."

The following analysis offers a summary and clarification of key points based on the bill's text.

Fundamentally, this legislation would establish the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act, declaring Illinois postsecondary students are entitled to comprehensive protections. These include a safe, accessible, and inclusive learning atmosphere; equal opportunity without discrimination; freedom of expression, organization, and peaceful protest; transparent academic standards and impartial evaluations. The bill also grants students the right to review and amend educational records, access politically neutral programs, pursue high-quality and career-oriented education, and ensures due process and representation in disciplinary actions. Institutions would be required to uphold accountability, financial transparency, responsible lending, clear refund and withdrawal policies, and affirm the right to credit transfers if accepted by the receiving institution.

The official action taken on HB4304 was 'Third Reading - Passed'.

Ellman is a Grinnell College graduate, earning a BS in 1987.

Ellman, a Democrat, began serving in the Illinois State Senate in 2019, representing the 21st Senate District after succeeding Michael Connelly.

Illinois bill passage involves a multi-stage legislative process that starts in the House or Senate, proceeds through committees, debates, and floor votes in both chambers, and ends with the governor's decision. The General Assembly meets biennially, introducing thousands of bills each session, though only a small percentage become law.