SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva continues to break down barriers in higher education by championing legislation to expand access to student financial aid.

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This bill is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

House Bill 460 would ensure that any student who resides in Illinois can be considered for financial aid funded or administered by the state, local governments, or public institutions of higher learning. The measure aligns eligibility standards across programs to eliminate confusion and inconsistency, creating a more streamlined and equitable process for students.

The legislation builds on Villanueva’s continued advocacy for immigrant, first-generation, and marginalized students, ensuring they are not excluded from crucial support systems simply because of documentation status or mixed messages in the aid application process.

“Higher education should be a door that opens—not one that shuts students out because of bureaucracy,” Villanueva said. “By unifying our approach to financial aid, we’re giving more students a fair chance to thrive in Illinois.”

House Bill 460 passed the Senate Friday.