A proposal to provide free community college in certain parts of Illinois using marijuana tax revenue was referred to the Rules Committee today.
(Photo credit: USA Today).
Filed in January by State Representative Rita Mayfield (D), House Bill 1170 would amend the state’s Public Community College Act to require the Illinois Community College Board to develop and maintain a program offering free tuition at one community college in each Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Area.
These R3 Areas were established under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to support communities that have been disproportionately harmed by past drug policies, including those that have experienced high levels of violence, incarceration, and economic disinvestment.
HB 1170 would allow the program to be funded using appropriations from the Cannabis Regulation Fund. The bill also authorizes the Community College Board to adopt rules necessary to implement the tuition program.
The measure was filed on January 9 and assigned to the Rules Committee today.
