House Bill No. 7098, also known as Public Act No. 25-88, establishes provisions for tuition refunds and stipends for former students of Stone Academy's practical nurse education program. The bill mandates that the Office of Higher Education pay a stipend to individuals who graduated from the program between November 1, 2021, and February 28, 2023, and who have passed the licensure examination, with the total amount not exceeding $150,000. Additionally, it allows for tuition refunds to applicants who were enrolled but did not graduate, provided they meet specific criteria, including not having received a refund previously and not having participated in a teach-out or proctored examination.

The bill repeals Section 67 of public act 23-204 and introduces new language regarding eligibility for tuition refunds. Notably, it removes the requirement that the course or unit of instruction must comply with applicable statutes and regulations, instead stipulating that the course must not have been accepted as transfer credits at another program. Furthermore, it specifies that applicants must apply for refunds by June 30, 2026, and clarifies that those receiving refunds are ineligible for teach-outs or proctored examinations. The state is also empowered to take legal action against the private career school to recover costs associated with the stipends and refunds.