Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton supports HB4304, providing new rights for Illinois college students
Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-23rd) cast a Yes vote on HB4304, legislation intended to set out a collection of rights for postsecondary students across Illinois, during the 104th General Assembly session on May 31, 2026, the Illinois Senate reports; the chamber passed the bill by a 37-19 vote.
According to the official bill language, the act is titled: "HIGHER ED STUDENT BILL OF RTS."
The summary below is our review and interpretation of the key provisions from the bill.
This legislation establishes the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act, which affirms that students attending postsecondary schools in Illinois are entitled to diverse protections. Provisions include guarantees for a safe, inclusive, and accessible learning environment; equitable access without discrimination; protection for free expression, organizing, and peaceful protest; plus transparency in academics and fair assessment. Students are granted rights to review and amend educational records, access to programs unimpeded by political actions, a quality and career-relevant education, due process protections and representation throughout proceedings. The bill requires accountability measures at institutions, financial transparency, lending standards, refund and withdrawal clarity, and safeguards the transfer of credits if the receiving school accepts the student.
The vote was recorded under 'Third Reading - Passed' in the Senate.
Hilton graduated in 1983 from Illinois Institute of Technology with a BA.
Representing the 23rd Senate District, Hilton, a Democrat, was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023, succeeding Diane Pappas.
Illinois lawmaking involves a multi-step process, starting with bill introduction in either the House or Senate, review by committees, debates on the floor, and votes in both chambers, followed by consideration by the governor. Working under a two-year legislative framework, the General Assembly sees thousands of bills proposed each session, although only some become law.