All Roll Calls
Yes: 277 • No: 39
IllinoisSB0711104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
REGULATION-TECH
Sponsored By: Kimberly A. Lightford (Democratic)
Became Law
assignmentsexecutivehealth care licenses
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
EMS discipline rules and union protections
The Department can suspend, revoke, or deny EMS licenses after a hearing for reasons such as missing required education, unprofessional conduct, rule violations, impairment, or certain felony convictions. You get a hearing before a neutral administrative law judge. If a Department or Medical Director drug‑testing rule conflicts with a union contract, the contract controls and the rule does not apply to covered workers.
License renewal, reinstatement, and reminders
If your EMS license expired less than 36 months ago, you can apply to reinstate it. You must show required education and clinical work, get an Illinois EMS Medical Director’s positive recommendation, and pass the Department’s test. If you give an email at application or renewal, the Department sends renewal notices by email and mail at least 60 days before expiration.
Faster entry for students and veterans
Honorably discharged service members who apply within one year can submit military emergency medical training records. If they meet standards, the Department lets them take the exam and issues a license when they pass. EMS students in approved programs may perform procedures during supervised clinical training. After the first 40 hours of an approved EMT course, a student may take the EMR exam.
New EMS tools and emergency rules
The Director can expand scopes of practice by written order during a declared public health emergency for up to 180 days. Trained EMS staff may use AEDs within an approved EMS System. EMS who complete the Department’s epinephrine course must carry epinephrine while on duty, in a form the Department allows. EMS may honor DNR orders and health care powers of attorney under Department rules and system protocols. EMS may transport an injured police dog when no person needs care. With Medical Director approval, certain EMS staff may complete the initial OSHA respirator medical questionnaire for fire personnel.
Study bridges between EMS and nursing
The Department brings schools, employers, and state agencies together to recommend bridge programs. The focus is helping CNAs move into EMS jobs and helping EMS staff move into nursing careers. This process makes recommendations only and does not create or fund programs.
Standard training and credentials for EMS
The law sets statewide EMS license levels (EMR, EMT, EMT‑I, A‑EMT, Paramedic). Old EMT‑B and EMT‑P stay valid until they expire. EMS staff must finish continuing education every 4 years: Paramedics 100 hours, A‑EMTs and EMT‑I 80 hours, EMTs 60 hours. All systems and licensees must meet updated national EMS education standards within 24 months after the Department adopts its rules. The Department requires opioid‑antidote training for all EMS levels. The law creates an EMS Lead Instructor role with set qualifications (2+ years’ experience, 6 audited teaching hours, instructor curriculum, and Medical Director recommendation) and allows fees and oversight for instructor approval.
Flexible staffing across EMS systems
EMS staff may work for another EMS System for up to two weeks with written approval, direct supervision, and system testing. If testing is not offered within two weeks, they may keep working until it is. Fire union members can take short “silver spanner” assignments at another department for up to two weeks; the EMS Medical Director must decide within 24 hours. A non‑EMS person may drive an EMS vehicle when two licensed EMS staff are present and the patient needs extra licensed help, or if the Department issues a waiver.
EMS licensing fees and waivers
The Department charges fees for EMS exams, first licenses, and renewals. Some people can ask for a waiver: Illinois National Guard members, Illinois State Troopers, and volunteers serving an area under 5,000 people. You must apply on the Department’s form.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kimberly A. Lightford
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer
Republican • House
Debbie Meyers-Martin
Democratic • House
Jeff Keicher
Republican • House
Laura Faver Dias
Democratic • House
Lisa Davis
Democratic • House
Paul Jacobs
Republican • House
William "Will" Davis
Democratic • House
William E Hauter
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/31/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 117 • No: 0
House vote • 5/29/2025
Do Pass / Short Debate Health Care Licenses Committee;
Yes: 13 • No: 0
House vote • 5/28/2025
Motion to Suspend Rule 21 - Prevailed
Yes: 73 • No: 39
Senate vote • 5/22/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 58 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/21/2025
Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommend Do Adopt Licensed Activities;
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/19/2025
Do Pass Executive;
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0362
8/15/2025SenateEffective Date August 15, 2025
8/15/2025SenateGovernor Approved
8/15/2025SenateSent to the Governor
6/27/2025SenateAdded Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin
5/31/2025HouseAdded Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Jeff Keicher
5/31/2025HouseAdded Alternate Co-Sponsor Rep. Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer
5/31/2025HousePassed Both Houses
5/31/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 117-000-000
5/31/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/31/2025HouseAdded Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Lisa Davis
5/31/2025HouseAdded Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias
5/31/2025HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
5/29/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
5/29/2025HouseAdded Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Paul Jacobs
5/29/2025HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
5/29/2025HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Health Care Licenses Committee; 013-000-000
5/29/2025HouseCommittee/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 31, 2025
5/28/2025HouseMotion to Suspend Rule 21 - Prevailed 073-039-000
5/28/2025HouseMotion Filed to Suspend Rule 21 Health Care Licenses Committee; Rep. Bob Morgan
5/28/2025HouseAdded Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. William E Hauter
5/28/2025HouseAssigned to Health Care Licenses Committee
5/28/2025HouseAlternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. William "Will" Davis
5/27/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
5/23/2025HouseFirst Reading
5/23/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1
Senate Amendment 2