Friess files bill supporting police officer, address shortage

State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) has filed House Bill 1206, legislation aimed at addressing law enforcement shortages in Illinois through innovative student loan repayment assistance for former police officers. The bill, which amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act, establishes the Returning Police Officers Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

“This legislation is about two things: supporting those who have served our communities and filling the growing gaps in law enforcement across Illinois,” said Rep. Friess. “With HB1206, we’re giving officers the opportunity to return to the profession they love while providing financial relief for the education that got them there.”

Under the program, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will assist eligible police officers with student loan repayment in exchange for their service in the most understaffed and underserved areas of the state. Qualifying applicants may receive up to $6,000 per year in loan repayment assistance for up to five years or until their loans are paid off, whichever comes first.

To ensure this program addresses the most urgent needs, HB1206 prioritizes officers who left the field for reasons other than retirement or permanent disability, while also extending eligibility to officers currently working in shortage areas. Recipients will have one year from their first payment to begin work in a designated area of need.

“Communities across Illinois are struggling to maintain adequate law enforcement coverage, and this bill is a meaningful step toward filling those gaps,” Rep. Friess added. “By incentivizing officers to return to duty and placing them where they’re needed most, we’re strengthening public safety while showing our support for those who’ve answered the call to serve.”

Rulemaking by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will ensure a smooth and transparent rollout of the program.