IllinoisSB2394104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

FIRST 2025 GENERAL REVISORY

Sponsored By: Bill Cunningham (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

482 provisions identified: 272 benefits, 71 costs, 139 mixed.

Free filings and notices to clear records

If your juvenile records are not auto‑cleared, you can file a court petition to clear them with no filing fee. The Illinois State Police must let you check for free that your juvenile police records were cleared. When a minor is arrested and no petition is filed at release, the youth officer must tell the child and parents and give an expungement packet and forms. If the case goes to court, the judge must explain expungement rights at the end and the clerk must give a plain‑language packet. Failure to inform does not affect the outcome of the case.

Record clearing for trafficking victims

If you were a trafficking victim and were adjudicated as a juvenile, you can ask the court to vacate and expunge or immediately seal your juvenile records. You must show the offense happened before age 18, your role was due to trafficking, and you finished your juvenile sentence.

Water protections near fracking sites

When a complaint alleges fracking harmed a water source, the state starts investigating within 30 days and aims to decide within 180 days. Within 15 days after a decision, the state must notify all water users of the findings and any orders. If tests show pollution beyond standards, the permittee must restore or replace the water so it meets or exceeds baseline quality and quantity. If contamination is confirmed, the permittee must repay the state’s investigation and cleanup costs within 30 days.

Kidney transplants for eligible noncitizens

Beginning October 1, 2014, Medicaid covers kidney transplantation services for noncitizens with end‑stage renal disease who meet state residency and financial rules and are receiving emergency dialysis. Providers must be approved by the Department. This can greatly lower costs for qualifying patients.

Protecting foster youths’ benefits and savings

DCFS must choose a representative payee using federal rules and consider input from the youth’s attorney and guardian ad litem. DCFS must notify youth 16+, their attorney, guardian ad litem, and a parent or responsible adult about applications, and starting January 1, 2025, about SSA, VA, or RRB communications and any appeals. DCFS must provide annual benefit accountings upon request from November 17, 2023 through December 31, 2024, then automatically every year starting January 1, 2025, and within 10 business days on request; accountings must list amounts, dates, sources, and disbursements and reasons. When guardianship ends, DCFS must give a final accounting and ABLE information, and it must teach youth about conserved funds and ABLE by age 14. Starting January 1, 2024, if DCFS is the payee it must conserve at least 40% of benefits for ages 14–15, 80% for ages 16–17, and 100% at age 18+ when a court authorizes an ABLE account if needed.

Stronger health protections for municipal workers

If your city self‑insures, your plan must cover mastectomy care, including reconstruction, surgery on the other breast for symmetry, prostheses, and treatment of complications like lymphedema. If no cancer is found, coverage for repair and prosthetics can be limited to two years after surgery. If you are a municipal firefighter, you can keep group coverage in retirement or disability at the same rates as active firefighters if you pay the premiums. Cities and insurers must give notices within 15 days of retirement or disability.

Stronger mental health and addiction coverage

Plans issued or renewed on or after 2023‑01‑01 must cover medically necessary mental health and substance use treatment. Plans issued or renewed on or after 2019‑01‑01 must cover ASAM levels of care and Opioid Maintenance Therapy. Each year, plans must cover at least 45 inpatient days and 60 outpatient visits for behavioral health, and 20 extra outpatient speech therapy visits for pervasive developmental disorders; no lifetime visit limits are allowed. Medical‑necessity and utilization reviews must use accepted standards, and SUD reviews must use the latest ASAM criteria; denials and appeals must be reviewed by a similarly experienced professional. You can choose among listed licensed providers, and the plan must pay covered charges up to policy limits.

Stronger mental health and addiction coverage

Insurers cannot require prior authorization for covered substance use treatment. If a plan authorized care and you got it in good faith, the plan cannot take it back later, except for fraud or if you were ineligible. Mental health and addiction drug coverage must follow the same parity and review rules as other services. These utilization review rules now cover Medicaid managed care and any contractor doing reviews. Plans cannot set fixed time limits on medically necessary mental health or substance use care. For the first 48 hours of pregnancy or postpartum mental health or addiction hospital care, only your provider decides medical necessity; reviews start after 48 hours.

Stronger pregnancy and postpartum coverage

If your provider identifies a high‑risk pregnancy, you get access to case management with one qualified case manager. Insurers must cover medically necessary mental health and substance use care during pregnancy and postpartum with the same benefits and cost‑sharing as other conditions. Providers must notify the insurer within 48 hours of admissions and initial plans for pregnancy/postpartum mental health or substance care. If coverage is denied as not medically necessary, you get a 24‑hour internal appeal and a 72‑hour external review, and the plan must keep paying through the day after the external decision. These protections also apply after a miscarriage or stillbirth. Plans must cover services by perinatal doulas and licensed certified professional midwives, including home births; policies may limit non‑birth doula home visits to 16 before and 16 after birth, and do not have to cover more than $8,000 in doula visits per pregnancy and postpartum period.

Disability pay for injured public employees

Beginning January 1, 2024, public employees who cannot work get disability pay. A duty injury pays 75% of salary, or 50% if a preexisting condition played a part. A non‑duty disability pays 50% of salary. Ordinary disability lasts up to 25% of years of service, capped at 5 years. Apply with medical proof; reviews and stop rules apply.

More paths and aid to teach

The Alternative Educator Licensure Program lets candidates complete coursework, a year‑long residency, and an assessment to earn a Professional Educator License. A provisional endorsement can last up to two years (renewable for a third). The Golden Apple Scholars program pays up to $5,000 per year for tuition and fees and room and board (or a commuter allowance) for up to eight semesters. Scholars must start teaching within two years and teach five years in qualifying Illinois schools or repay prorated amounts plus 5% interest.

Stronger death benefits for families

When a worker dies from an accidental injury, a spouse gets weekly payments for life. Children get weekly payments until the youngest turns 18, or to age 25 if a full‑time student. Incapacitated children get payments while disabled. If no spouse or child qualifies, dependent parents and certain other relatives can receive weekly payments for set periods based on dependency. A widow or widower (alone or with children) may request up to 100 weeks as a lump sum within 18 months; it is capitalized at 3% and needs Commission approval. Employers must also pay $8,000 for burial, and may owe medical costs if they failed to provide care.

Bigger child tax refunds for families

If you have a qualifying child under 12, you get a new Illinois child tax credit. For tax years starting in 2024, the credit is 20% of your Section 212 credit. For tax years starting in 2025 and after, it is 40%. If the credit is bigger than your tax, you get the extra as a refund. That refund does not count for means‑tested benefits unless federal law requires it.

Groceries tax-free starting 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, most food you buy to eat off‑premises is not taxed. The rule does not cover alcohol, cannabis‑infused food, soft drinks, candy, or ready‑to‑eat prepared food. This cuts sales tax on many grocery and take‑home food purchases.

No sales tax on unclaimed items

If you buy items sold by or for the State Treasurer as unclaimed property, you do not pay sales/use tax on those items.

State tax break for loan repayment

Starting January 1, 2026, you can subtract from Illinois income the student loan repayment help you got from a qualified community foundation if it was included in your federal income. This applies to qualified workers under the Workforce Development through Charitable Loan Repayment Act.

State tax break for medical debt

Starting January 1, 2025, you can subtract from Illinois income any medical debt relief that was included in your federal income. This applies only to relief received through a nonprofit medical debt relief coordinator under the Medical Debt Relief Act.

Tax credit for music jobs and projects

If DCEO awards you a Music and Musicians tax credit, you can claim it in the year the certificate is issued. Attach the certificate to your return. The credit cannot reduce your tax below zero, and unused amounts carry forward up to five years. Partnerships and S‑corps pass credits through to owners.

Tax-free purchases for active-duty members

Starting January 1, 2024, active‑duty service members do not pay sales/use tax when the federal government is the payor. Show valid military ID and use a federal‑payor payment form. Complete the state form at checkout; retailers must keep it for six years.

Lower taxes on farm, factory, aircraft gear

Machinery used mainly in manufacturing is tax‑exempt, including production property bought on or after July 1, 2019 and graphic arts machines from July 1, 2017. Farm machinery, parts, and precision equipment are tax‑exempt; starting January 1, 2024, farm power‑generation equipment is included. From January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2029, many aircraft parts and consumables used in qualified repair or maintenance are tax‑exempt, with broader engine coverage from January 1, 2024.

More contracts for M/WBE businesses

The Authority sets goals to award at least 25% of contract dollars to minority‑owned firms and at least 5% to women‑owned firms. Bids must include clear plans to meet these goals or they are rejected unless the Authority grants a waiver. This applies to services, construction, supplies, materials, and equipment.

Credit for small employers keeping workers

If your business has 50 or fewer full‑time equivalent employees, you may claim a credit against withholding for each qualified employee. The employee must have worked at least 90 straight days. This applies to reporting periods from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2027.

EDGE credit can reduce withholding

For amounts withheld after December 31, 2009, if you made the EDGE election and DCEO certified your credit for incremental income tax on full‑time employees, you can use it against withholding payments. The credit cannot take payments below zero, and excess carries forward under the statute. No credit applies to EDGE agreements entered on or after January 1, 2015.

MICRO projects can cut withholding taxes

Starting January 1, 2025, if you have a MICRO certificate and DCEO certifies the income‑tax portion of your credit, you can reduce your payroll withholding payments by that amount. The credit cannot take payments below zero. Any unused amount carries to later quarters.

No tax on meals in care facilities

Starting January 1, 2026, food prepared for immediate consumption and provided with a sale of service by licensed hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, ID/DD and MC/DD facilities, specialized mental health rehab, child care facilities, or life care facilities is exempt from tax. The exemption uses the law’s definition of ready‑to‑eat food.

No tax on Medicare-paid home meals

Beginning July 1, 2024, home‑delivered meals for Medicare or Medicaid recipients are tax‑exempt when a Medicare or Medicaid contractor pays under a government contract. If you run such a meal service and are paid by an approved intermediary, you do not collect or pay sales tax on those meals.

Nonprofit theater payroll tax credit

For reporting periods from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026, employers with a non‑profit live theater production credit certificate can reduce withholding by the certificate amount in the first reporting period after it is issued. The credit cannot take payments below zero. Unused amounts may be carried forward up to five years.

Quantum campuses get big tax incentives

If you are a certified tenant on a designated quantum campus, you can be exempt from use and retailers’ occupation tax on building materials, get certain utility and telecom charge exemptions, and claim a state income tax credit. Exemptions start within three months after certification and notice. DCEO may also award a credit equal to 20% of wages paid to construction contractor employees building an eligible campus facility. Unused wage credit can be carried forward up to five years.

REV projects get tax breaks and credits

If you elect REV, you can use the certified incremental income‑tax portion of the REV credit to reduce payroll withholding payments on amounts withheld after December 31, 2024. Certified REV sites can get an exemption from the electricity excise tax and certain utility pass‑on charges for up to 30 years, starting within three months after certification and notice. For construction credits, you must file annual reports while building and provide a certified agreed‑upon procedures review or accept the Department’s standard estimate. After review, the Department issues a credit certificate based on construction wages.

Small Business Job Creation withholding credit

If you receive a Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit certificate, you can reduce withholding payments by the certificate amount in the first calendar year after it is issued. The credit cannot take payments below zero. Any unused amount can be carried forward for up to five years.

Tax break for some software and leases

Lessees do not owe tax on the use of certain licensed software if the license meets strict written‑agreement and control rules, including limits on copying and transfer and end‑of‑license return or destruction. Use of leased tangible property is also exempt if a home rule unit adopted a lease‑receipts tax ordinance before January 1, 2023.

Tax credit for paid organ donor leave

For reporting periods starting January 1, 2023, private employers that offer all employees at least 30 days of paid organ or bone marrow donor leave can claim a withholding credit. The credit equals withholdings on wages paid during the leave, up to $1,000 per employee. You must adopt leave procedures, collect medical documentation, submit it to the Department as required, and claim within one year. Unused credit carries forward for three years.

First-time weapon offense diversion program

For offenses on or after January 1, 2018, eligible first‑time defendants for certain unlawful weapon possession charges may enter a court diversion program with the State’s Attorney’s consent. The program lasts 6 to 24 months. If you complete it, the case is discharged and dismissed. If you violate the program, the court may enter judgment on the original finding. The court can set conditions like no firearm possession, education or work, testing, service, and fines.

Hospital transformation funding and oversight

The state funds hospital transformation. During the earlier transition, at least $290 million per year supported access through June 30, 2018. For SFY2019–2020, at least $262,906,870 per year goes to transformation payments: 100%, 75%, or 50% of a hospital’s SFY2018 amount, based on its 2017 Medicaid inpatient rate (≥45%, 25%–<45%, or <25%). For SFY2021–2027, up to $150 million a year is available with federal matching, targeted across priorities totaling $115 million. The Department posts applications for two weeks, requires quarterly reports, and may reduce or end payments; contracts include an early closure fee up to 50% for violations. A workgroup reviews disparities and guides the effort.

More funds to underfunded school districts

The state uses an evidence‑based formula to set an Adequacy Target for each district and lab school. It weighs research‑based costs, student needs, and local wages. New state dollars go first to units furthest below their target.

More funding for transit and bridges

The state deposits set amounts into the Civic and Transit Infrastructure Fund from FY2024 to FY2035 (for example, $200 million in FY2024 rising to $351.4 million in FY2035). Starting Jan 1, 2025, rail lease receipts may flow to a new High-Speed Rail Rolling Stock Fund for locomotives and railcars. Counties can issue bridge revenue bonds, repayable only from bridge revenues, for up to 40 years. Lapsed state bridge funds must help underfunded townships build bridges 20 feet or longer.

More money for roads, bridges, EV rebates

Each month, set shares of motor fuel and gasohol tax revenue go into the Road Fund: 16% (7/1/21–6/30/22), 32% (7/1/22–6/30/23), 48% (7/1/23–6/30/24), 64% (7/1/24–6/30/25), and 80% beginning 7/1/25. Starting in fiscal year 2025, the state may move Road Fund money to the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund, if lawmakers approve. The state also appropriates $60 million each year to counties for bridges 20 feet or longer, with unused amounts lapsing after 48 months.

Big incentives for EV and clean manufacturing

The REV Illinois Program provides incentives to EV, battery, renewable, and related manufacturers. To qualify, projects must meet clear investment, timing, and job thresholds. Examples: EV makers—at least $1.5 billion in investment and 500 new full‑time jobs within 60 months; component/renewable/green steel/eVTOL—$300 million and 150 jobs. Other tiers include $20 million, $2.5 million, $100 million, and a temporary $500 million tier with an 800‑job retention rule.

Long-term tax breaks for data and quantum sites

Certified data centers get sales tax exemptions on qualified property; retailers must keep the DCEO certificate. Quantum campus tenants can receive exemption or credit certificates that last up to 20 years and can be renewed once for another 20 years. No new quantum certificates are issued after July 1, 2030. Exemptions begin within three months after certification and notice.

City convention hall purchases tax-exempt

Purchases by a public‑facilities corporation to build or furnish a municipal convention hall are tax‑exempt if legal title is transferred to the city at completion or when related bonds are paid off. This lowers project costs for those city convention hall projects.

Limits on county sales and use taxes

Home rule counties cannot impose retailers', service, use, sales, or other gross‑receipts taxes. Certain taxes are still allowed, like alcohol, cigarette per‑unit, hotel, real property transfer, some prepared‑food, and lease receipts taxes. Counties may tax aviation fuel only if revenue is spent on airport purposes and federal rules are followed.

Stronger discipline for surgical techs/assistants

The Department can refuse, suspend, or revoke a surgical assistant or technologist registration and fine up to $10,000 per violation for listed offenses. It can require mental or physical exams and evaluations at its cost; refusing leads to automatic suspension until you comply. A hearing must be held within 15 days after an immediate suspension. These provisions sunset on January 1, 2029.

Tighter long-term care costs and rules

The state raises the needs score to 37 to qualify for long‑term care, subject to federal approval. The Department can recover Community Care Program costs from a recipient’s estate after a surviving spouse’s death, with protections for minor, blind, or disabled children and some homesteads. The Department can set copayments based on ability to pay, but it cannot count income at or below the federal poverty level and cannot charge more than the actual service cost. New, financially eligible applicants must apply for and enroll in medical assistance to receive Community Care Program services.

Tougher license penalties for misconduct

The state can refuse or suspend a massage therapy license for tax delinquency until the person fixes the tax issue. It permanently revokes a massage therapy license for convictions such as prostitution, rape, sexual misconduct, or crimes requiring sex‑offender registration. It must revoke a physician’s or chiropractor’s license after a second qualifying felony tied to controlled substances or certain public‑aid crimes.

Lower death benefits for overseas dependents

If a deceased worker’s dependents are noncitizens living outside the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the law pays only 50% of the usual compensation, unless a treaty says otherwise. Payment can be made to the personal representative for distribution.

Past voter‑approved bonds in select districts

Oswego CUSD 308 could issue up to $450 million in bonds if voters approved on November 7, 2006; bonds had to be issued by November 7, 2011. Lincoln‑Way CHSD 210 could issue up to $225 million with voter approval on March 21, 2006; issue by March 21, 2011. Cahokia CUSD 187 could issue up to $50 million with later voter approval; bonds had to be issued by July 1, 2016 and mature within 25 years. Wilmington CUSD 209‑U could issue up to $2.285 million by March 1, 2011. These debts do not count against normal limits and can affect local tax levies while outstanding.

Tougher school discipline for guns and threats

A student who brings a firearm to school or a school event must be expelled for at least one year. The superintendent or school board can shorten the expulsion case by case. If a student posts an explicit online threat that was accessible at school, the district may suspend up to 10 days or expel up to 2 years. Penalties are set case by case by local officials.

State sales tax is 6.25%

Beginning January 1, 2025, most taxable sales are charged a 6.25% state tax. Leases of tangible personal property are taxed at the same 6.25% rate starting on that date.

Tax rule for nonresident pro athletes

Illinois taxes a nonresident pro athlete’s pay by duty days. Your Illinois income equals total pay times (Illinois duty days ÷ total duty days). Duty days include preseason through last game, games, practices, meetings, and team events. Travel days without games or practice are not duty days.

Higher costs to be a used dealer

If you sell or consign 5 or more used vehicles in 12 months, you must be licensed. Each location needs a $50,000 bond or certificate of deposit. You must carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person, $300,000 per crash, and $50,000 property damage. Pay $1,000 for your main location and $50 for each extra location (reduced to $500/$25 if you file after June 15). Pay the Dealer Recovery Fund fee of $500 for the main location and $50 per extra (reduced after June 15). Renewal fees range from $0 to $500 based on vehicles sold; some fees can be waived for dealers selling 25 or fewer cars.

Large fees for early dispensary licenses

Early Approval adult‑use dispensary applicants must pay a $30,000 nonrefundable application fee and a $200,000 nonrefundable Cannabis Business Development Fee. The $200,000 goes to the Cannabis Business Development Fund.

No cannabis sales with conditional license

A cultivation center with a Conditional Adult Use Cultivation Center License cannot grow, buy, hold, or sell cannabis or cannabis‑infused products. These activities are allowed only after the full Adult Use Cultivation Center License is issued by the Department of Agriculture.

Tougher standards for cannabis growers

Cultivation applicants must meet efficiency rules: lighting at or below 36 watts per sq. ft. of canopy or PPE of at least 2.2 on the DLC list, required HVAC types by canopy size, automated watering with average runoff no more than 20%, and capture condensate for reuse when feasible. You must file bylaws, a staffing and security plan approved by State Police, weekly physical inventories, and resource plans for energy, water, waste, and recycling of purchaser packaging. Applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee set by rule and submit background info for principals and board members (age 21+). You must show local zoning compliance. If the Department sends a deficiency notice, you have 10 calendar days to fix it or be disqualified.

Vendor tax discount now capped

For returns due on or after Jan 1, 2025, the vendor discount is capped at $1,000 per month across state and local taxes on the same return. Retailers cannot take the discount on the 1.25% portion of taxes on certain aviation fuel with federal revenue‑use rules.

Stricter clean‑air major source thresholds

For air permits, a site is a “major source” if it can emit 10 tons per year of a single hazardous air pollutant, 25 tons per year combined hazardous air pollutants (or a lower EPA limit), or 100 tons per year of a regulated air pollutant. Some source categories must also count fugitive emissions. In nonattainment areas, lower, tiered tons‑per‑year limits apply for VOCs, NOx, CO, and PM‑10 based on how severe the area is.

Faster record clearing and second‑chance probation

Starting June 25, 2019, people with pending minor cannabis cases from before that date can ask the court to dismiss and expunge records; anyone jailed only for those convictions is released when the order issues. If you are acquitted or your case is dismissed with prejudice on or after January 1, 2018, you can file a same‑day petition to seal the record, and the judge must rule during the hearing. Trafficking victims can, after finishing their last sentence, ask to vacate and expunge or to seal records tied to the trafficking, with options for remote or sealed filings. The State Police lets you verify expungement and get a certificate. Beginning January 1, 2025, some first‑time possession defendants can accept 24 months of probation without a conviction, but must take at least 3 drug tests (and pay testing costs) and do at least 30 hours of community service if funded.

Illinois Gives credit with donor addback rule

For tax years ending on or after December 31, 2025 and before January 1, 2030, if the Department of Revenue authorizes a credit for you under the Illinois Gives Act, you can claim it. The credit cannot reduce your tax below zero, and unused amounts carry forward up to 5 years. If you also took a federal deduction for the same endowment gift, you must add that deduction back to Illinois income.

Real estate licensing ends in 2030

Beginning January 1, 2030, the Real Estate License Act of 2000 is repealed. The state licensing system and rules for brokers and salespersons end on that date. This changes how brokerages and agents operate and may affect consumer protections tied to licensing standards.

Engineering and surveying licenses end in 2030

On January 1, 2030, the state repeals the 1989 laws for professional engineers, structural engineers, and land surveyors. Those licensing and practice rules stop on that date. This changes compliance and market rules for engineers, surveyors, and their firms.

More clean energy and chip incentives

Renewable energy manufacturers can apply for REV Illinois credits for applications submitted on or after Feb 3, 2023. Certified firms under DCEO, REV, or MICRO can get exemptions from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Maintenance Fee for periods and charges set by DCEO. A taxpayer cannot hold more than one MICRO agreement for the same address and time, or both a MICRO and an active EDGE at the same address and time. A new MICRO may be sought after an EDGE ends, subject to approval.

New rules for adult-use dispensaries

Registered medical dispensaries can apply within 60 days for an Early Approval license to open a second adult‑use site. The site must be at least 1,500 feet from another dispensary. If no towns in your assigned regions allow stores within 360 days, the Department may let you choose another BLS Region. Before getting the license, you must complete one social equity plan, such as a payment equal to 3% of sales from 6/1/2018–6/1/2019 (capped at $100,000), a $100,000 grant or donation, a $100,000 incubator loan with mentoring, or a $200,000 interest‑free loan. You must have a licensed private security contractor on‑site at all hours and at least two workers while open. Accept deliveries only in a restricted area unless the Department approves another method. Applications must include zoning papers, plot plan, bylaws, business, security, and inventory plans, and principal officer details (age 21+). After a passed inspection, the Department issues the license within 10 business days unless any 5%+ owner has State tax delinquencies or there are documented compliance violations. Discipline of your adult‑use license can be used to discipline your medical license.

Underground tank claims: faster pay, set caps

The State Fire Marshal and Illinois EPA now run the leaking underground tank program. After you certify a tank removal with no confirmed release, the Office must issue a certificate within 30 days or the certification is rejected and can be appealed. The Agency must decide complete payment applications within 120 days or they are approved by law, then send a voucher within 60 days if funds exist. For releases reported on or after June 8, 2010, a $5,000 deductible applies per site per occurrence. Annual Fund caps are $2,000,000 for owners with fewer than 101 tanks and $3,000,000 for owners with 101+ tanks; costs above these caps are never payable later.

Stronger Move Over and yield rules

When an emergency vehicle comes with lights or sirens, you must pull to the right and stop if needed until it passes. On wide highways, if a stopped emergency vehicle has lights on, move over to a non‑adjacent lane when safe, or slow down and keep a safe distance. If you break the Move Over rule, fines start at $250 for a first offense and at least $750 for later ones, up to $10,000. Damaging a vehicle is a misdemeanor; causing injury or death is a felony. License suspensions can run from 90 days up to 2 years based on severity.

Modern Medicaid hospital payment rules

For discharges on and after July 1, 2014, Illinois uses APR-DRG v30 for Medicaid inpatient payments and sets statewide amounts and adjusters. For outpatient hospital care, it uses EAPG v3.7. Managed care plans must pay any emergency service provider, including inpatient stabilization, even without a contract, using the Medicaid fee-for-service method with add-ons and outliers. The state applied needed MCO capitation rate changes within 90 days of March 8, 2019. The Department updates payment components on a set schedule and posts updates at least 30 days before they take effect.

How districts’ local capacity is set

Local capacity for state funding uses Real Receipts, which equals the district’s applicable tax rate times its adjusted EAV. Adjusted EAV is a three‑year average, but if last year’s EAV fell by 10% or more, it uses the lower of last year or the three‑year average. For 2017–2018, a district’s base funding minimum equals what it got in 2016–2017 from listed state sources. In later years, the base funding minimum equals last year’s EBF plus last year’s base minimum plus any listed PA 100‑21 Section 7 funds. The law sets formulas for preliminary and final resources and percent‑of‑adequacy, including how supplemental grant funding is adjusted. These numbers drive how much state money each district gets.

How new state school funds split

New state school money is split by tier each year: 50% to Tier 1, 49% to Tier 2, 0.9% to Tier 3, and 0.1% to Tier 4. The minimum funding level is $350 million, and up to $50 million of property‑tax relief funds can count toward it. Tier 2 districts cannot get less per student than the highest Tier 3 per‑student amount. Tier 1’s rate is set at 30%, and if the Tier 1 target ratio tops 90%, all Tier 1 dollars move to Tier 2. If New State Funds exceed $300 million, up to $50 million of the excess is dedicated to a set purpose. If the overall appropriation falls, Tier 1 and 2 get a per‑student funding guarantee, and cuts are applied per student as the law directs. Districts must file spending plans by October 31 each year, and the state posts EBF plan data by December 31, 2025.

Four-year electric rates with oversight

Eligible electric utilities file 4-year rate and investment plans. Big projects must be reported ($2,000,000 for very large utilities or $500,000 for large utilities). The Commission sets key financial terms and limits performance incentives to 40 basis points on equity, adjustable by 20 bps (floor 20, cap 60). Each year, a utility files by Feb 15, review starts May 1, and an order issues by Dec 20. A one-time $300,000 filing fee applies and may be recovered in rates.

Big chip incentives with wage and recycling rules

The law creates the MICRO program for chip, semiconductor, and quantum projects. To qualify, big manufacturers invest at least $1.5 billion and add 500 new full‑time jobs in 60 months. Component makers need $300 million and 150 jobs in 60 months. Other manufacturers can qualify at $2.5 million with 50 jobs (or 10% of worldwide staff) in 48 months. Conversions need $100 million and the lesser of 75 jobs or 10% of a baseline in 60 months. Each required new job must pay at least 120% of the county average wage, and applicants must file a hiring plan and annual diversity report by April 15. Tenants seeking a construction certificate at a quantum campus must use responsible bidders and a project labor agreement. REV applicants must also show a contract with a battery recycler (or in‑house capability) at application and report the recycling rate each year.

Automatic clearing of many juvenile records

Police must automatically clear certain juvenile arrest records each year if one year has passed, no petition was filed, and six months passed with no new arrest. If police cannot verify court conditions, they must still clear records that are at least a year old for lower‑level offenses. Older records were cleared on set past deadlines (2013–2017 by Jan 1, 2020; 2000–2012 by Jan 1, 2023). Courts must also order clearing when a petition is dismissed, you are found not delinquent, supervision ends successfully, or minor offenses end successfully. For non‑disqualified adjudications, courts must clear records two years after the case closes if there are no new cases or convictions, and police must finish clearing within 60 business days after getting the order.

Clearing past minor cannabis records

Illinois automatically expunges minor cannabis arrests from before June 25, 2019 if one year has passed and no charges were filed, charges were dismissed or vacated, or you were acquitted. If an agency cannot verify charge status, it still must expunge after one year. Agencies had to meet these deadlines: records from 2013–June 24, 2019 by January 1, 2021; 2000–2012 by January 1, 2023; and before 2000 by January 1, 2025. For qualifying convictions, State Police identify cases and notify the Prisoner Review Board; the Board recommends pardons to the Governor. If the Governor pardons, the Attorney General files to clear the record in court.

Safer, more humane jail rules

Prisons must give people at least one hour out of their cell each day unless safety is at risk. They must provide wholesome meals, medical and dental care, free underwear on request, and up to 7 visits a month. Video calls must be low‑cost and cannot replace in‑person visits. Starting January 1, 2025, jails cannot use shackles on pregnant or postpartum people except in rare, serious cases, and never during labor unless ordered by qualified health staff.

Easier cosigner release on private loans

Effective August 2, 2024, private student loan servicers cannot permanently bar cosigner release. For loans made on or after that date, they cannot require more than 12 consecutive on‑time payments. Twelve months of principal‑and‑interest payments count even if not monthly. Servicers cannot impose negative actions during the 60‑day review. They must tell you if a change restarts the count and allow appeals.

Lower towing charges and plate fees

The law caps a towing or storage possessor lien at $2,000 total. Extra fees not allowed by the vehicle code are banned. You also do not pay replacement plate or sticker fees when reclassing to or from certain listed special plates. The waiver only applies to the plates named in the law.

Medical cannabis patients get priority access

Adult‑use sales at dual‑license dispensaries may begin no earlier than January 1, 2020. When there is a product shortage, dispensaries that serve both markets must serve qualifying medical patients and caregivers before adult‑use customers.

Medical debt off credit reports

Starting January 1, 2025, credit reporting agencies in Illinois cannot put medical debt in your credit file. They also cannot list collection actions to collect medical bills. This helps many people get fairer credit scores and lower borrowing costs.

Birthday window to switch Medigap

If you are age 65 to 75 and already have a Medigap plan, you get a 45‑day open enrollment each year starting on your birthday. You can buy a plan with equal or lesser benefits from the same insurer or an affiliate. The insurer cannot deny you or charge higher prices during that window.

DCFS secures and protects youth benefits

When DCFS takes custody or guardianship of a youth, it checks for eligibility for Social Security, SSI, Veterans, or Railroad Retirement benefits. DCFS files applications and reviews cases on a regular schedule. DCFS also protects eligibility by using tools allowed under federal law, like ABLE accounts, dedicated accounts for back payments, and other exclusions.

Easier access to glucose monitors (Medicaid)

Medicaid rules make it easier to get a continuous glucose monitor. A doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can order it. The device does not need alarms or real‑time features, and you do not need intensive insulin therapy or a recent ER or hospital visit. Once prescribed, prior authorization lasts 12 months.

Easier coverage for inpatient mental health

Beginning January 1, 2026, participating hospitals do not need prior authorization to admit you for inpatient mental health care. If the hospital alerts your insurer and shares the initial plan within 48 hours, the first 72 hours are covered without concurrent review. Insurers can deny those 72 hours later only if the care was not given, you were not insured, there was a material lie, or the service is excluded. Insurers that break utilization review rules can be fined $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, with money sent to the Parity Advancement Fund.

Easier mental health care for first responders

If a county is self‑insured, first responders get mental health counseling with no deductible, copay, or coinsurance starting June 1, 2025, unless needed to keep an HSA plan. The law broadens program definitions so more first responders and services count, including care without a formal diagnosis. For covenants signed after January 1, 2025, noncompete or no‑solicit rules cannot be enforced if they would raise the cost or make it harder for veterans or first responders to get licensed mental health care.

Employer HSA with annual deposit

Beginning January 1, 2012, your employer must offer a Health Savings Account program if you are eligible. If you enroll, your employer deposits an amount equal to one‑third of your annual deductible into your HSA each year.

Families can hire their own homemakers

Vendors in the homemaker program cannot be blocked from hiring family members or people a client recommends. The State cannot force those homemakers to take other home assignments. This helps clients keep the caregiver they choose.

Fentanyl test strips are legal

Starting January 1, 2024, tools to test for fentanyl, analogs, or drug adulterants are not “drug paraphernalia.” People can have and sell these testing tools without paraphernalia penalties.

Group plans must cover mental health

For group health policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, plans must cover medically necessary mental health and substance use care the same as physical care. Coverage follows the law’s parity rules. This improves access to treatment for workers and their families in group plans.

Higher Medicaid pay for sedation and devices

Starting January 1, 2025, Medicaid pays 33% more for deep or IV dental sedation and related evaluations. Rates for nitrous oxide do not change. Also starting January 1, 2025, Medicaid raises 2024 rates for custom prosthetic and orthotic devices by 7%, if the federal government approves.

Medicaid covers all addiction medications

Medicaid covers all FDA‑approved medication‑assisted treatments for alcohol or opioid dependence. These services cannot have prior authorization, lifetime limits, or dosage caps, except for ASAM placement criteria.

Medicaid covers cognitive and PACE care

Beginning January 1, 2024, Medicaid covers cognitive assessment and care planning for people with DSM‑5 signs of cognitive impairment, subject to federal approval. Once CMS approves a State Plan amendment, the Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) becomes a covered Medicaid option in Illinois. These changes expand care for eligible older adults and people with cognitive decline.

Medicaid covers trauma reconstructive surgery

If you have Medicaid and need medically necessary surgery to restore your appearance after a traumatic injury, Medicaid covers it. The coverage applies to reconstructive services intended to restore appearance after trauma.

More addiction and overdose care on Medicaid

Medicaid covers all FDA‑approved medication‑assisted treatment for alcohol or opioid dependence without prior authorization, lifetime limits, or dose caps, using ASAM criteria. Medicaid covers naloxone and related devices and fees, and it cannot charge a copay for naloxone hydrochloride. Health workers who prescribe or dispense opioid antagonists in good faith, and people who give them in emergencies, have legal protections. Prescribers must ensure patients receive required information, which can be provided by partners under written agreements.

More dental care without a dentist visit

A qualified public health dental hygienist can treat you in approved settings without a prior dentist exam if you are on Medicaid or uninsured with income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The hygienist must have an Illinois license, two years’ experience (or 4,000 hours), 42 hours of extra training, and a written supervision agreement with a dentist.

More health benefits in state employee plans

The State Employees Group Insurance Program must cover post‑mastectomy care and other listed required benefits. Starting January 1, 2025, it covers joint mental health therapy for Illinois State Police and campus police officers and their spouse or partner who lives with them. Beginning July 1, 2025, it must cover FDA‑approved treatments that slow Alzheimer’s disease, without step therapy, and cover the needed diagnostic tests.

More help and oversight in long-term care

The state runs a Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to advocate for residents at home and in facilities. Ombudsmen must pass background checks and complete training before visits. Facilities must allow immediate access, private talks, and— with consent— record review; the Ombudsman keeps records confidential except in narrow cases. The state builds a public database with facility info, quality measures, and compliance records to help families compare options. The Aging Department can share data with other agencies to verify eligibility and bring in federal funds, while protecting privacy.

More Medicaid testing and imaging

Medicaid covers more diagnostic care. Starting January 1, 2024, it covers cognitive assessment and care planning when federally approved. If your mammogram shows dense tissue, Medicaid covers molecular breast imaging or a full breast MRI when a clinician says it is needed. Beginning January 1, 2026, it covers multi‑gene testing for inherited cancer risk when a health professional recommends it and federal approval is in place. Medicaid also pays for amino‑acid elemental formulas when a doctor writes a medical‑necessity order for eosinophilic disorders or short bowel syndrome.

More Medicaid treatments and care options

Medicaid covers more treatments. It pays for medically necessary reconstructive services after trauma and community‑based pediatric palliative care. Starting January 1, 2026, it covers hormone therapy for menopause caused by hysterectomy. If federal approval is granted, it covers acupuncture from licensed acupuncturists and HIV PrEP drugs with related tests and counseling. Naloxone for overdose is covered with no copay. If the federal government approves a State Plan change, PACE services become a covered Medicaid option.

More mental health help for firefighters

If a fire protection district self-insures, its plan must cover joint therapy for an officer or member and a co-resident spouse or partner. Starting June 1, 2025, first responders in those districts get mental health counseling with no deductible, copay, or coinsurance. This no-cost rule does not apply if it would make a high‑deductible HSA plan ineligible.

More rights and info for kids in care

The law keeps required mental health screening rules for children on medical assistance. Starting January 1, 2025, child abuse notices must be posted electronically for easier access. Children in DCFS care have listed rights, including safe housing, health care, monthly visits, privacy, contact with family, and, for older youth, the right to manage an emancipation bank account and get independent living services.

More support around birth and loss

Health policies issued or renewed on or after October 8, 2021 must cover pregnancy and newborn care. Policies effective on or after January 1, 2026 must also cover postpartum care. Hospitals with obstetric beds must give parents free information at discharge about donating human milk to accredited nonprofit milk banks. If a spontaneous fetal death occurs at 20 or more weeks, hospitals must notify the gestational parent about the right to a stillbirth certificate using a bilingual Liam’s Law form.

More support for early child care

The state can fund an Off‑Hours Child Care Program to help first responders and other workers find night or sleep‑time care. The Department of Early Childhood and DHS now share planning to shift who runs home‑visiting services. The state updates day‑care caregiver surveys at least every 4 years, with the first updates before 2025. Early childhood construction grants are available with local matches by Tier: Tier 1 = 3%, Tier 2 = 7.5%, Tier 3 = 8.75%, Tier 4 = 10%. This grant section ends July 1, 2026.

More women’s preventive care on Medicaid

Medicaid covers FDA‑approved HPV vaccines for ages 9–45. People 46+ may be covered with high‑risk cervical dysplasia once federal approval is given, and no preauthorization is allowed for the HPV shot. Medicaid covers perinatal depression screenings for 12 months after pregnancy using a Department‑approved tool. The Department reminds women over 40 about mammograms and may bonus doctors who meet screening goals. Starting January 1, 2025, Medicaid pays for remote ultrasounds and fetal nonstress tests done at home when FDA‑approved, HIPAA‑compliant tech is used, subject to federal approval.

No prior auth for Medicaid emergencies

Medicaid plans cannot require prior authorization or concurrent review for emergency services. Hospitals must notify the enrollee’s plan within 48 hours of an inpatient admission. If the hospital notifies the plan, the plan cannot start concurrent review during stabilization and cannot deny services provided during the 48‑hour notice period.

Pediatric palliative care covered by Medicaid

Medicaid covers community‑based pediatric palliative care delivered by a trained interdisciplinary team, as set in the Pediatric Palliative Care Act. This helps families get home‑ and community‑based support for seriously ill children.

Pharmacists can give more shots

You can get vaccines from a pharmacist if you are age 7 or older and have a prescription or standing order. Pharmacists can also give certain injections, including alpha‑hydroxyprogesterone caproate and long‑acting mental health or substance‑use medicines, when ordered by an authorized prescriber. Pharmacists must complete required training, notify your doctor, and keep records. Medicaid and other payers must reimburse pharmacists for vaccines at least the same as physicians.

Pilot program to clear medical debt

The state created a fund to support a pilot that cancels medical debt for eligible residents. The Health Department gives grants to a nonprofit coordinator to buy and discharge debt. Money in the fund is used only for this program and approved admin costs.

Presumptive family planning for low‑income adults

The State seeks federal approval to give presumptive family planning coverage to people at or below 208% of the federal poverty level. Once approved, coverage is effective no later than December 1, 2022. This expansion is subject to CMS approval.

Preventive dental care at school

Starting January 1, 2022, the state runs a school‑based dental program so children under 19 can get preventive dental care at school. The Department sets participation and follow‑up rules and considers urban and rural needs. Local governments cannot charge providers a fee to take part.

Stronger benefits in local government plans

Starting January 1, 2025, counties that self‑insure must cover post‑mastectomy care and other listed Insurance Code benefits. Self‑insured cities and towns must do the same and must cover mammograms: a baseline at ages 35–39, yearly at 40+, and risk‑based screening under 40. For policies renewed on or after 2020‑01‑01, certain breast ultrasounds are covered; for policies renewed on or after 2026‑01‑01, molecular breast imaging and MRI for dense tissue are covered when needed. These screenings are at no cost, except limited diagnostic cost‑sharing to keep HSA‑eligible plans compliant. Cities may also offer group life and health insurance and pay part of the premium, with employee consent for payroll deductions.

Stronger health plan appeals and networks

The law expands what counts as an adverse determination, giving you more grounds to appeal. It clearly lists who can act as your authorized representative in an external review and sets standards for medical evidence. For stand‑alone dental plans amended or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, the state enforces federal network and transparency rules. Starting January 1, 2026, insurers cannot require prior authorization for hereditary bleeding disorder drugs more often than every 6 months or more often than the prescription is valid.

Stronger mental health and addiction coverage

If your plan questions medical necessity, a reviewer in the same specialty is picked by you, your provider, and the insurer. If that reviewer says care was necessary, the insurer must pay and cannot punish your provider. Your plan must share the criteria it uses and give clear reasons for any denial. For substance use treatment, providers must notify insurers quickly (2 business days for non-managed care; within 24 hours for managed care, with one extra business day if the plan can’t accept notice). Treatment plans must follow 77 Ill. Adm. Code 2060. Insurers must train staff yearly and give patients and providers the review rules and materials for free.

Supportive living residents keep $120 monthly

Beginning January 1, 2025, the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in supportive living is $120 per month, if federally approved. This is the amount you can keep for personal items each month.

Telehealth option for adults with IDD

Starting January 1, 2025, telehealth is added to the CILA waiver for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who opt in. The state pays administrative fees to set up these services. Telehealth cannot replace primary care and must be delivered by qualified providers with IDD experience. The services must appear in your person‑centered plan.

Tighter oversight of HMOs and plans

HMOs, limited health service organizations, and health services plan corporations must follow more parts of the Illinois Insurance Code. Plans from other states with many Illinois members can be treated as domestic for oversight. Rulemaking must follow formal state procedures. These steps strengthen consumer protections for people enrolled in these plans.

Uninsured patients get new hospital protections

Hospitals cannot sue an uninsured patient for unpaid bills if the patient shows they lack the income and assets and followed Section 45 steps. If the hospital’s screening shows your household income qualifies for free care, the hospital cannot bill you for required services. If you appear eligible for public insurance, the hospital must tell you how to apply.

Caps on school district debt

District debt is capped by property value. K–8 or 9–12 districts cannot owe more than 6.9% of taxable property value. K–12 districts cannot owe more than 13.8%. These caps limit future property‑tax‑backed borrowing.

Grants for fixing historic properties

The state can award Illinois Heritage Grants to owners of historic properties for planning, repair, restoration, landscaping, and acquisition when funds are available. Owners or their agents can apply. Matching money may be required by rule.

More time to pay drainage assessments

A court can extend the time to pay drainage assessments, change the number of installments, and set the interest rate (not above the Bond Authorization Act cap). The court may allow a cash payment within a set time or issue refunding notes or bonds. Extended assessments remain a lien until paid.

New renter rights on floods, fees

Before you sign a lease, the landlord must disclose in writing if the place is in a FEMA flood zone and past flooding. For lower‑level units, the landlord must disclose any flooding in the last 10 years. If they fail to disclose and you later learn it, or a flood makes the unit unlivable or blocks access, you can end the lease within 30 days and get rent and fees back within 15 days, and you may claim personal property damages. If you give a reusable screening report made in the last 30 days, the landlord cannot charge a screening or access fee. Starting January 1, 2025, landlord actions are presumed retaliatory if you did protected activity within one year before the act. Mobile home leases must include a clear, required notice of tenant rights starting January 1, 2025.

Supportive living housing program created

The state creates a supportive living program that combines housing with health, personal care, and supportive services. The Department selects sites based on need and funding and oversees program standards.

Charter schools: no tuition, key rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, charter schools cannot charge tuition. They can still charge reasonable fees for textbooks, materials, and student activities. Charter schools must continue to follow core state protections, including criminal background checks, discipline rules, special education and English learner laws, reporting and safety rules, and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Easier clearing of cannabis and other records

You can move to vacate and expunge a misdemeanor or Class 4 felony cannabis conviction after finishing all non‑financial conditions. Courts weigh your age, time since conviction, and harms if relief is denied. State’s Attorneys can file motions for one or many people and must notify the Prisoner Review Board within 30 days after an order is granted. Other sealing and expungement rules and definitions are also updated to guide who qualifies and how records are cleared.

Fairer school discipline and make-up work

Schools must explain in writing what behavior led to a suspension or expulsion, why the length was chosen, and if other steps were tried. Students suspended more than three days get support services when appropriate and available, and the decision must say so. Districts must let suspended students make up work for full credit. This also covers bus suspensions when families have no other way to get to school; parents must tell the school. Students can present mitigating factors and bring a representative and approved support person. Hearings run under school rules and are separate from any criminal case.

Guaranteed 40 hours paid leave

Beginning January 1, 2024, Illinois employers must give at least 40 hours of paid leave every 12 months. Leave accrues at one hour for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours. You can start using leave after 90 days on the job or 90 days after the law’s start, whichever is later. Employers may frontload 40 hours, set reasonable notice rules, and require minimum use in blocks up to 2 hours.

Higher pay for injuries to illegally employed minors

If a worker under 16 is injured while illegally employed, their compensation increases by 50%. The payment is 1.5 times the normal amount.

Longer child care licenses and inspections

Child care licenses now last three years. If you file a timely renewal, the license stays valid up to 30 days while the State decides, and may extend another 30 days for good cause. New programs can get one short permit (6 months for centers, 2 months for homes). In disasters, emergency permits can last up to 90 days to take in displaced children. Inspectors may visit without notice, and each facility is monitored at least once a year.

More access to apprenticeships and training

Students can enroll in apprenticeship programs at Board‑run trade schools, whether union‑sponsored or not, and cannot be refused a course because of sex. State agencies maintain a statewide plan for College and Career Pathway Endorsements, set sector steering groups, provide tools, model lessons, and promote stackable certificates. The Authority can create apprenticeship‑readiness and hospitality training, including with Community College District 508 and industry partners.

New school health and safety lessons

Starting in the 2024–2025 school year, grades 6–12 get age‑appropriate fentanyl education; grades 9–12 are tested on it. High school health classes must teach allergy risks, prevention, and safe epinephrine use using state and CDC guidance. By January 1, 2025, every attendance center must have at least one AED during the school day and school‑sponsored activities on campus. The state also creates Type 1 diabetes materials for parents; districts and charters must post them online.

Stronger school discipline and supports

The law bans zero-tolerance rules that force suspension or expulsion. Short out-of-school suspensions (3 days or less) are allowed only for safety threats or major disruptions, and officials must try to shorten them. Longer suspensions, expulsions, or moves to alternative schools require trying other interventions first and clear safety or disruption findings. Schools cannot fine students as punishment, but they can require payment to fix or replace damaged property. In sexual-violence hearings, the accused and their representative cannot question the alleged victim directly; they can submit questions to the officer. Through June 30, 2026, early-childhood programs funded under Section 1C-2 must follow a specific expulsion rule; beginning July 1, 2026, Department of Early Childhood programs funded under Section 15-25 must follow the similar Section 15-30 rule. Other qualified school support professionals may provide the counseling services listed in law.

Stronger worker rights and anti-harassment rules

You are protected from retaliation if, in good faith, you report illegal acts or serious safety risks to a public body or certain supervisors. Starting January 1, 2025, it is a civil rights violation to take adverse action based on citizenship, work‑authorization, or family responsibilities, and employers must act if they learn of harassment by nonmanagerial staff. Employers cannot ban you from speaking a language in conversations not related to your job starting January 1, 2025. Harassment of nonemployees at the workplace is prohibited for incidents on or after January 1, 2020. The law also strengthens enforcement of leave rights for victims, including a 1% per‑day penalty if ordered damages are unpaid after 30 days.

Tighter limits on noncompete and no-solicit

Noncompetes are unenforceable unless you earn over $75,000 starting January 1, 2025; the cutoff rises to $80,000 in 2027, $85,000 in 2032, and $90,000 in 2037. No‑solicit agreements are unenforceable unless you earn over $45,000 starting January 1, 2025; the cutoff rises to $47,500 in 2027, $50,000 in 2032, and $52,500 in 2037. If you were laid off, furloughed, or terminated due to COVID‑related business or government actions, these covenants cannot be enforced unless the employer pays your base salary during enforcement, minus what you earn elsewhere. Noncompetes and no‑solicits are also void for most construction workers and for workers covered by certain public sector collective bargaining, with exceptions for managers, technical roles, and owners.

Lower taxes on health items

Since July 1, 2022, breast pumps and certain pump supplies are tax‑exempt. Menstrual pads, tampons, and menstrual cups are tax‑exempt through December 31, 2026. Many medicines, insulin, medical appliances, and some cancer‑treatment devices are taxed at 1%. This lowers out‑of‑pocket costs for people with health needs.

Extra Medicaid pay for outpatient hospitals

For services on or before June 30, 2018, Critical Access Hospitals have separate outpatient amounts set so simulated EAPG payments match estimated costs with inflation. Starting January 1, 2023, hospitals that provide over 500 outpatient psychiatric Medicaid services to patients under 19 in a year get at least $113 extra per eligible service. Since July 1, 2018, select expensive drug and device claim lines receive an add‑on: (covered charges × hospital cost‑to‑charge ratio − EAPG payment + $1,000) × 0.8, for specified codes.

Faster Medicaid payments and late penalties

Medicaid managed care plans must pay clean claims within 30 days or tell you within 30 days if they cannot adjudicate. Late payments must include at least the Insurance Code interest penalty and be paid within 30 days with penalties reported separately. The Department can require faster payments for providers on its expedited list.

More pay for supportive living homes

Starting July 1, 2025, supportive living providers get at least $6.15 per resident day for two meals, as allowed by the federal waiver. Earlier, for April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022, providers received an extra $26 per resident day using ARPA funds. The Department may set spending rules to meet federal law.

Easier small wireless permits and maintenance

Cities cannot demand unrelated givebacks like fiber or pole space to approve collocations. They cannot force use of a specific pole or set minimum spacing, and they cannot block application processing except during a declared emergency that causes the delay. Routine maintenance and like‑for‑like replacements need no permit or fee if the provider gives 10 days’ notice and specs; permits can still be required if traffic is affected. For new poles, a city can offer an alternate pole within 200 feet, but providers only must accept it if it adds no technical limits or material costs.

Faster small cell permits with fee caps

Authorities must say within 30 days if a small‑cell application is complete. Collocations on existing poles must be approved or denied in 90 days; new pole requests in 120 days, or they are deemed approved with notice. You can file one application for up to 25 similar sites. Fees are capped: up to $650 for one site, $350 per site in multi‑site filings, and $1,000 per site if installing a new pole. Permits last at least five years. Finish work in 180 days (up to 360 with limits). If denied, you get one 30‑day chance to fix issues without extra fees.

More contracts for local and veteran firms

The State sets a goal that at least 3% of contract dollars go to service‑disabled and veteran‑owned small businesses; subcontracts can count. For large State construction, the lowest responsive Illinois bidder gets a 4% preference if out‑of‑state firms also bid. Businesses with VA Vets First verification are recognized as veteran‑owned for State contracting if the home office and qualifying veterans are in Illinois. Bidders must submit an affidavit and documents to prove Illinois status and preference eligibility. For the McCormick Place Expansion Project, there are small‑project programs up to $5,000,000 and set‑asides under $50,000 for bids only from minority‑ or women‑owned firms.

No city permits for some electric fences

Beginning January 1, 2025, cities cannot require a permit for a battery‑charged fence on nonresidential property if it is inside a nonelectric perimeter fence or wall that meets height rules and the fence meets IEC energizer limits. Home rule cities cannot impose stricter rules.

Security grants for high-risk nonprofits

IEMA gives grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for security upgrades, training, and security staff. Applicants must document prior or current threats and submit a vulnerability assessment. IEMA may advance up to 25% of the award, capped at two months of program expenses; the rest is reimbursed. Funding depends on state appropriations and program rules.

Use treated wastewater for farm irrigation

Beginning January 1, 2025, permitted users may irrigate with treated municipal wastewater from a publicly owned treatment works. You must hold and follow a Section 39(b) permit.

Tax break for 501(c)(3) arts groups

Starting January 1, 2025, nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an active Department ID number can buy tangible personal property without use tax. Groups must show the Department the required proof of status and purpose.

Funds shift to local juvenile programs

The state moves money to counties for community‑based options instead of juvenile confinement. Counties that join agree to keep commitments to 75% of their prior 3‑year average, unless the Oversight Board adjusts that limit. If a county exceeds its limit, it must reimburse the Department. Funding depends on state appropriations.

Grants to help people succeed pretrial

DHS gives grants to local health agencies and community groups to help people succeed before trial. Initial grants are awarded no later than January 1, 2025. Later grants are awarded by September 1 each fiscal year, with pre‑award spending allowed starting July 1. Beginning in FY2028, grants run for 3‑year projects if funded and meeting performance rules. DHS must avoid duplicating Reimagine Public Safety Act grants. DHS files an annual report by January 1; after 24 months of grants, reports include an evaluation using community‑based research and input to improve the program.

Old drug possession counts as misdemeanor

Certain felony drug possession convictions entered before July 1, 2021 now count as a Class A misdemeanor when checking eligibility for probation, impact incarceration, or diversion. This change can open more alternatives to prison.

Permits for state building in flood zones

State agencies must get a special flood‑hazard permit before building on state land in flood zones. The Department of Natural Resources sets permit rules and minimum standards. The rules must be at least as strict as FEMA’s flood rules.

Stronger checks on drivers of children

The Department verifies every two years that people who regularly drive children for group homes or child care meet driver rules. The Secretary of State must share records when asked. Facilities that do not comply can get notices, fines up to $1,000 per day, and risk losing their license.

Crime for selling or installing fake airbags

Starting January 1, 2025, it is a crime to knowingly, for payment, import, make, sell, offer, install, or reinstall counterfeit or non‑working airbags, or devices that trick a car’s safety system. Selling a vehicle with such parts is also covered. The offense is generally a Class A misdemeanor. Dealers or owners who did not know before sale are exempt.

Felony for sharing explicit digital images

Beginning January 1, 2025, it is a Class 4 felony to share an identifiable sexually explicit digital image without consent when you know or should know the person did not consent. Some law‑enforcement and public‑purpose uses are allowed. Conviction can lead to forfeiture under Article 124B.

Counties can lease fiber for broadband

Starting Jan 1, 2025, a county may lease or license county‑owned fiber and similar infrastructure to public or private groups. Deals must be fair, nonexclusive, and follow state and federal laws and safety codes. Counties can only open access to infrastructure they own or control.

Faster stroke center designations statewide

Hospitals with approved national stroke certification are state‑designated within 30 business days after they apply and pay a $100–$500 annual fee. Levels include Primary, Comprehensive, Thrombectomy Capable/Ready, and Primary Stroke Center Plus. The state can suspend or revoke a designation, and hospitals must report a lost certification within 5 business days.

Funding for Move Over and 9-1-1

9‑1‑1 authorities must ensure telecommunicators complete required training, testing, and certification. They must keep records for 7 years; development costs are paid from department funds. This rule is in effect from Jun 3, 2021 through Dec 31, 2025. A Scott’s Law Fund supports driver education and enforcement when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, subject to appropriation.

State can run rail and lease airports

Beginning January 1, 2025, the state DOT can provide intercity passenger rail, set fares, lease trains for up to 50 years, and sign long‑term deals, subject to funding. Rail service is exempt from most state utility regulation, except safety. Airport authorities may build offices, hangars, and service buildings and lease them to the DOT, with rents capped at construction and maintenance costs and terms up to 30 years.

Easier hospital entry to overdose program

Hospitals that finish enrollment are treated as meeting Drug Overdose Prevention Program standards. The state streamlines enrollment and waives some proofs, but hospitals must still report data. If funds are approved, enrolled hospitals may receive and share fentanyl test strips.

Higher Medicaid pay for hospitals and supportive living

Beginning July 1, 2018, the state increases outpatient hospital payments. Public hospitals, not including large public hospitals, get about $79.2 million more each year. The statewide outpatient standard amounts also rise by one percentage to raise base claim payments. Beginning January 1, 2025, supportive living rates must be at least 54.75% of the area’s nursing home per diem, including add‑ons, if federal approval is granted.

Higher rates for supportive living care

Medicaid pays supportive living providers at least 54.3% of the area’s average nursing facility per-diem, including add-ons, starting July 1, 2019, if federally approved. Beginning January 1, 2024, dementia care rates are at least 1.5 times the non-dementia supportive living rate with federal approval.

Hospital payments and newborn screening support

Subject to federal approval, Medicaid pays hospitals for newborn screening tests for metachromatic leukodystrophy and tests added on or after August 9, 2024 at no less than the state public health fee. The Department can use emergency rules to change Medicaid hospital rates through June 7, 2025. These steps support hospital services and access for Medicaid families.

Hospital transformation rules and planning help

To get transformation funds, proposals must include a strong community needs assessment, real community input, and teamwork across medical and community groups. Projects must set clear goals to improve outcomes and cut disparities, plan to expand access to care, and include BEP or minority/women vendors when appropriate. The Department can spend up to $5 million on planning and consulting support. An advisory committee guided the launch in 2018–2019 and then ended April 1, 2019.

More overdose prevention, naloxone, and grants

The Department creates overdose prevention materials and training. It sets up programs to prescribe, dispense, and distribute opioid antagonists like naloxone, including to people who may help others, and gives out fentanyl test strips. It may publish a yearly overdose trends report and fund local projects with grants, focusing on areas with high rates and disparities. Agencies can use emergency rules to put Substance Use Disorder changes in place through June 5, 2025.

Protects providers for lawful care choices

The state cannot discipline a physician just for recommending or prescribing an investigational drug or for experimental Lyme treatments if that care is lawful in Illinois. It also cannot discipline surgical assistants or technologists solely for providing care that is legal in Illinois, or rely only on out‑of‑state discipline for conduct that would be lawful here. These rules protect access to lawful care.

State review of health insurance rates

For plan years starting in 2026, insurers must file individual and small‑group premiums with the state, which can change or reject unreasonable rates. Starting January 1, 2026, insurers must file large‑group rates 120 days before they take effect; the state decides within 60 days or the filing is approved. Beginning January 1, 2025, large‑employer form filings are approved if the Director does not decide in 90 days, with one 30‑day extension allowed.

State shields lawful health care

The State does not help out‑of‑state efforts to punish people for lawful care in Illinois. This includes reproductive and gender‑affirming care that is legal here. Location details and related health records are confidential and not available under public records laws, unless Illinois or federal law requires it.

Statewide child care plan each year

The Department of Human Services updates a statewide child care plan each year and sends a report by April 15. The report reviews the last fiscal year and, every two years, includes required assessments and surveys. The survey process takes input from experts and gets updated at least every four years.

Telementoring and fairer clinical trials

Subject to funding, the Department designates and funds health care telementoring entities based on expertise and how many providers they assist. State entities or hospitals with NIH-funded trials must adopt policies to recruit underrepresented groups, provide materials in non-English and culturally specific formats, and offer remote consent when allowed. The Department posts FDA-recognized recruitment methods and issues a recommendations report by July 1, 2026.

Updated Medicaid outpatient hospital payments

Starting March 8, 2019, the state recalculates standardized outpatient payment amounts for hospitals that are not Critical Access Hospitals. The new amounts apply to services on or after that date. The law forbids take‑backs for services from July 1, 2018 through March 7, 2019 tied to this recalculation.

Automatic access to advanced classes

Every district must keep a fair, written accelerated placement policy open to all students and notify parents. By 2023–2024, if a student exceeds State standards in English, math, or science, the district automatically places the student in the next more rigorous course the following term. By 2027–2028, students who meet State standards also gain automatic eligibility for the next level. Districts may waive a required course if the student shows mastery, with documentation. Parents get written notice and forms; if no course is chosen, the student is enrolled by default in the more rigorous course. Districts must also offer alternate coursework tied to post‑secondary or career goals.

Block grants for Chicago schools

The State Board gives Chicago (a district with over 500,000 people) two block grants that replace separate state programs. The educational services grant covers transportation, school meals, special education, summer school, service centers, and the administrators’ academy. For each program, the grant equals the district’s FY1995 share of the current year’s appropriation; Summer Bridges equals 44% of its appropriation. Starting in FY2027, the Department of Early Childhood also gives Chicago a block grant for preschool education, parental training, and prevention, with audits and reporting.

Easier to add pre-K and kindergarten space

Starting September 1, 2024, a school board can build or buy a classroom building without a referendum if it first adopts a resolution that the project increases pre‑K or kindergarten space. The law also defines a “3‑year‑old” for certain programs as a child who is at least 3 but under 4 on the enrollment date.

Guidance to re-engage excluded students

The State Board of Education must publish guidance by July 1, 2025 on bringing back students who were suspended, expelled, or returning from alternative settings. The Board must consult stakeholders. This makes re‑entry steps clearer across districts.

More per-student money for schools

Districts get set dollars per student for key needs. The law pays $125 per student for staff training, $190 for classroom materials, and $25 for tests. It funds $285.50 per student for computers, and Tier 1 or 2 districts get another $285.50 per student. Student activities are funded at $100 (K–5), $200 (middle), and $675 (high school) per student. Districts also get $1,038 per student for maintenance and $742 for central office; $352.92 and $368.48 of those are counted as salary for benefits and regionalization. Benefits funding equals 30% of salary-based items, plus any employer pension normal cost if it is assigned to the district.

Protecting special education dollars

Each year, the State Superintendent identifies the part of each district’s funding that is for special education. Districts must spend those dollars only on special education facilities and services and follow any spending checks. This helps meet federal IDEA maintenance‑of‑effort rules.

State funding for key school staff

The formula funds core teachers at set class‑size targets: K–3 has one teacher per 15 low‑income students and per 20 other students; grades 4–12 has one per 20 low‑income and one per 25 other students. Specialist teachers equal 20% of core teachers in elementary/middle and 33.33% in high school. Districts get one instructional facilitator per 200 students (pre‑K with disabilities plus K–12) and one intervention teacher per prototypical school. Substitute funding equals 5.70% of attendance days at 33.33% of average teacher or assistant salaries. Counselor funding is one per 450 students in pre‑K with disabilities and K–5, and one per 250 in grades 6–12. Nurse funding is one per 750 students.

State-funded aides, librarians, leaders

Districts get funding for more school staff. They receive one supervisory aide per 225 K–5 or middle school students, and one per 200 high school students. They receive one special education teacher and one instructional assistant per 141 combined students, and one school psychologist per 1,000 combined students. Each prototypical elementary, middle, and high school gets one principal and one assistant principal funded. Districts also get one full‑time librarian per prototypical school and one media aide per 300 combined students.

Stronger State Police training

The State Police Training Academy sets and runs training and testing. Finishing the Academy meets state minimum standards and waives certain exams. Required trainings include cultural diversity, PTSD, opioid antidote use, sexual assault response every three years, human trafficking, hate crimes, autism awareness, and trauma‑informed homicide investigations (in place by July 1, 2023).

Quantum computing campus designation

The state can designate a 0.5 to 4 square‑mile quantum computing campus. Campuses host tenants working in quantum research and related fields. Owners must plan to include minority‑, women‑, and disability‑owned businesses and hire diverse workers. Within 60 months of designation, owners must certify the property is carbon‑neutral or meets listed green building standards.

Broader public‑private deals for transport

More public entities can use public‑private partnerships for transportation, including the state DOT, the Tollway, and the five biggest counties. Eligible projects include roads, bridges, rail, and the South Suburban Airport (but not other airports or the Illiana Expressway). The law also defines project revenues broadly, from user fees and leases to grants, loans, bonds, and equity.

New state audit control unit

On August 9, 2024, the Governor’s budget office created an ACFR Internal Control Unit. It coordinates the state’s annual financial report audit, can direct agencies to fix control problems, and can access needed records. This strengthens financial controls and speeds fixes to audit findings.

Stronger guardrails on Build Illinois bonds

Build Illinois bonds must mature within 25 years, and principal payments usually start in the same or next fiscal year. Bonds sold in fiscal year 2025 can have unequal principal schedules. The trustee must be an Illinois bank or trust company with at least $100 million in capital and surplus. The state may use insurance, letters of credit, swaps, and similar tools only with strong, well‑rated partners, and only if fees plus interest stay within legal interest limits.

12-hour impound after likely repeat DUI

If you are arrested for DUI and the officer reasonably believes you may reoffend upon release, your vehicle is impounded for 12 hours after arrest. The owner or another qualified driver can get the car back earlier only if statutory release rules are met.

New assessments for serious crimes

If convicted of arson, you pay a $500 assessment per count to the Fire Prevention Fund. If convicted of child pornography, you pay $500 per count, with part going to the State Crime Laboratory Fund when State Police assisted or made the arrest. For drug offenses (including meth), the court charges at least the full street value seized per conviction. That money is split 12.5% to the Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, 37.5% to the county, and 50% to law enforcement.

New court fees for some convictions

If lab drug analysis was used in your drug case, you pay $100 per conviction. If DNA analysis was used, you pay $250 per conviction. If DUI analysis was used, you pay $150 per sentenced violation. In Kane or Will County, the county may add up to $30 per qualifying case. For violating an order of protection, you pay $200 per conviction to the county fund and $25 per violation to the state fund. For petty or business offenses, you pay $4 per conviction (split between two county funds); for conservation or traffic offenses, you pay $2 per conviction to the State’s Attorney fund. For speeding in a construction zone, you pay $250 per conviction. If you get supervision on a Vehicle Code offense, you pay $0.50 unless the court waives it. For listed family or household offenses, you pay $200 per conviction, split with the Sexual Assault Services Fund when the offense is sexual assault.

More Chicago Park District borrowing

The Park District can issue bonds without a voter referendum up to 1% of total assessed value, excluding working cash bonds. It may levy a direct annual property tax to pay principal and interest, and certain bonds require a tax without a rate limit while they are outstanding. The District is authorized to issue $84 million for aquariums and museums and up to $40 million for a working cash fund. The law also includes a past $128 million museum bond authorization that only applied to bonds sold before January 1, 2004.

Extra borrowing for fast‑growing districts

A district may borrow more to buy sites or build and equip space when enrollment rises by at least 35% or by 200 students. It needs state concurrence and voter approval, and total debt (new plus existing) cannot exceed 15% of the district’s taxable property value. Districts tied to passenger rail improvements can issue up to $5.5 million in exempt bonds when the board projects at least 7% growth in each of the next two years, with proceeds used for needed improvements. Prior users of that rail rule (before July 22, 2004) may access a separate authority up to 25% of equalized assessed value with voter approval.

Quicker dismissal after repeat poor ratings

After a district starts its evaluation system, a tenured teacher who finished a remediation plan and then gets another “unsatisfactory” rating within 36 months can be dismissed without more remediation. Districts must follow the normal dismissal rules. Past rollout dates set when evaluation systems had to be in place across districts.

Leases taxed like sales in 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, leases of tangible personal property are taxed like sales. The state tax is 6.25% of the selling price or fair market value. Some local RTA taxes also apply to leases entered into, renewed, or in effect on or after January 1, 2025. Certain lessors must file and pay electronically, and special rules apply to vehicles, boats, and aircraft.

Regional transit sales, fuel, parking taxes

In the Chicago region, the RTA may tax retail sales and services at set rates (Cook County up to 1.25% for some items and 1% for others; 0.75% in nearby counties). It can tax motor fuel sales up to 5% and tax fuel use, and it can tax off‑street paid parking. A $50 tax applies when insurers buy replacement cars for total‑loss claims. You must pay an RTA use tax before titling items bought outside the region (1% Cook; 0.75% others). The state collects, takes a 1.5% admin share, pays refunds, and sends the rest to the RTA and other named funds.

Tax on nonresidents working 30+ days

For tax years ending on or after December 31, 2020, if you work in Illinois more than 30 working days and the work is nonincidental, part of your pay is Illinois income. The Illinois share equals total pay × (Illinois working days ÷ total working days). Certain disaster‑response days do not count toward the 30 days.

More vehicles must pass state safety tests

Owners of listed vehicles must get a safety test and certificate before driving on Illinois highways. Heavy vehicles over 10,001 pounds, buses, tow trucks, salvage vehicles, limousines, and some others are covered. Interstate trucks must meet federal inspection standards in 49 CFR Appendix G. Many farm, municipal, and federal vehicles and some others are exempt.

Stricter rules to handle hazardous paint waste

Small‑quantity handlers of hazardous paint must keep containers closed and leakproof, follow fire codes, separate incompatible wastes, label containers, and train employees. You generally may not store it over one year unless you are holding it only to recover material. You must contain any release and manage it as hazardous waste. Ship only to approved handlers or facilities. If you self‑transport and the load is a DOT hazardous material, you must meet DOT packaging, marking, placarding, and shipping paper rules.

Inspections required for new commercial buildings

Beginning January 1, 2025, in areas without a local building code, you cannot occupy a new or substantially improved commercial building until a qualified inspector certifies it meets building, electrical, energy, accessibility, plumbing, and fire standards. “Substantially improved” means the work costs at least 50% of the building’s pre‑work market value. Inspectors must meet Board qualifications.

Higher penalties for overdue worker funds

If an employer willfully misses payments due to the Second Injury Fund or Rate Adjustment Fund, they must pay the overdue amount plus a penalty. The penalty is 20% of what is owed or $2,500, whichever is greater, for each year or part of a year. The Commission can waive penalties for good cause.

New 1.375% employer assessment each half-year

Employers must pay 1.375% of compensation payments made from January through June within 60 days after July 15, starting in 2024. They also must pay 1.375% of compensation payments made from July through December within 60 days after January 15, starting in 2025.

Annual audits for home care vendors

Vendors that provide personal assistants or home care aides under State contracts must complete an annual compliance audit. The audit must show they follow State financial reporting rules and how funds split between administration and employee wages and benefits. These audits are public records under the Freedom of Information Act.

Harsher penalties for contract fraud

If a person violates certain procurement fraud rules, the chief procurement officer must suspend them from State contracting for at least 3 years (5 years for a repeat). SDVOSB/VOSB certifications are revoked for at least 3 years. Suspensions apply to principals and related new businesses, and agencies must check a central list before awards. Contractors who lied to get the Illinois business preference face disciplinary action under procurement law.

New rules for big battery storage

Sites that store 5,000 kilograms or more of used batteries must register, keep weekly weight or volume records, and have a licensed automotive parts recycler as owner or operator. Existing sites must register by February 1, 2026 and every February 1 after that; new sites register before opening. By January 1, 2026, the Agency proposes safety rules on handling, fire prevention, emergency plans, and financial assurance, and the Board adopts them within one year.

Stricter phosphorus rules for lawn services

Applicators for hire may not apply phosphorus fertilizer to lawns unless a soil test within 36 months shows it is needed under University of Illinois standards. Keep fertilizer off hard surfaces unless swept back, keep a 3‑foot buffer with a deflector (15 feet without), and never apply on frozen or saturated ground. Farms, agricultural lands, golf courses, certain lawn repair products, and some manures are exempt.

Two extra days for utility locates

When ticket volumes or notification areas spike above historical averages, owners or locators may take up to 2 extra days to mark or clear non‑emergency tickets. This delay does not apply to large projects that gave at least 60 days’ notice. Only utility excavators performing utility work may face this added wait.

Leases taxed and new retailer rules

Starting Jan 1, 2025, leases of most tangible personal property are taxed like sales under retailer and service occupation taxes. Registered motor vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and semitrailers are excluded. Retailers with an Illinois place of business who ship from out of state are treated as selling in Illinois, and sales are sourced to the Illinois delivery or pickup location. For recurring leases the lessor delivers, each payment is sourced to the property’s main address provided by the renter. These changes expand tax collection and reporting for many lessors and in‑state retailers.

Online marketplaces must collect Illinois taxes

If your marketplace had $100,000 or more in Illinois sales or 200 or more transactions in the last 12 months, you are treated as the retailer. You must collect and remit state and local retailer taxes, tell sellers you assume the retailer duties, and you can be audited for those sales. You check these thresholds each quarter.

Harsher penalties for violating release rules

The Department of Corrections may punish people who break release rules. For unauthorized absences, the Department must provide sanctions that include prosecution for escape under Section 3‑6‑4.

More factors for longer sentences

Judges can consider more aggravating factors when deciding longer or harsher prison terms. Examples include causing serious harm, being paid, abusing public office, victim age or disability, bias, crimes at schools or places of worship, gang activity, using protective gear, trust over minors, large child‑pornography collections, and crimes on public transit.

Easier bonds for military‑grant or subsidence projects

Until June 30, 2030, if a federal Public Schools on Military Installations grant covers at least 75% of a building project, a qualifying district does not need a referendum. The district must hold at least two public hearings with at least 10 days’ website notice and meet student count, tier, and federal‑property location rules. Districts meeting mine‑subsidence criteria may also borrow up to $4.5 million to replace a school closed by subsidence, using bonds for replacement or expansion.

Higher and clearer insurance filing fees

The law sets or updates many insurance fees. Examples: $100,000 to file a plan of division or an insurance business transfer; annual regulation fees for insurers based on premiums or assets (tiers from $150 to $37,500 with a $250,000 cap per affiliate group); $50 per policy form (policy filing fees capped at $1,500; advisory organization caps at $2,500); $500 to license a reinsurance intermediary; and $1,000 to apply as a certified reinsurer. Invoices use prior‑year data and are due on receipt, no later than June 30. Late surcharges of $100 or more add a 10%‑per‑month penalty.

More local bonds may raise taxes

School boards can issue new bonds, including up to $150 million for Chicago and up to $20 million for other districts, and must levy property taxes to pay principal and interest. Counties or cities issuing bonds for medical facilities must also extend a yearly property tax to cover payments. Conservation districts can issue bonds to buy land, and a McHenry County district can issue bonds to develop land bought with referendum bonds, both without new voter referenda. These moves can increase local property tax bills.

Higher air permit fees for emitters

Large CAAPP sources pay $21.50 per ton of allowable emissions each year, capped at $294,000 per permit. Smaller sources allowed to emit under 100 tons per year pay $2,150 annually. Big fee bills of $100,000 or more must be paid in full on July 1 or split 50% on July 1 and 50% by January 1.

Tighter rules on related‑party deductions

Businesses must add back interest paid to persons outside their unitary group when computing Illinois income, unless exceptions apply. They must also add back certain intangible expenses paid to foreign or excluded related parties for the listed tax years, with reductions if related dividends were included and several exceptions. Taxpayers may show arm’s‑length terms, tax paid elsewhere, or agree to alternative apportionment with the Director.

Driver license relief and reinstatement fees

You pay a reinstatement fee to get your license back (examples: $100 for some suspensions, $250 for certain summary suspensions, $500 for revocations). Parts of these fees go to funds like the Drivers Education Fund and the Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Fund. The state also removes certain suspensions or cancellations issued before July 1, 2020 and removes those issued before July 1, 2021 for unpaid traffic fines, automated enforcement, or abandoned vehicle fees. Where required, you must provide a certified court order to qualify.

Five‑day impound rule with theft protections

Police can impound a vehicle for 5 days after certain citations. Owners can face towing and storage costs and no use of the car during that time. If you file a timely stolen‑vehicle report, you do not owe government fines, fees, or penalties from that tow. Towing firms must send certified notice within 2 business days, and no storage fees accrue if you reclaim the car and pay recovery and towing within 7 days of mailing.

ID options and REAL ID limits

If you do not have a Social Security number or DHS papers, the Secretary of State may accept your unexpired passport or a consular ID (or one shown within two years of expiration) to prove birth date and signature. To get a REAL ID‑compliant Illinois ID, you must show lawful status under federal rules (6 CFR 37.3). If you cannot, you are not eligible for a REAL ID‑compliant card.

Stricter rules on private towing

Private‑property tows without consent must follow tighter rules. Towed cars must be stored at a business open during business hours, and police must be notified within 30 minutes. Property posting and program notices are required before removals. Towing companies must file rate schedules and carry insurance. Paying or taking rebates between towing services and property owners is a Class A misdemeanor. Other violations can be Class C misdemeanors with $100–$500 fines.

Stronger towing and impound rules for drivers

Police may impound your car at least 24 hours on a second qualifying DUI and at least 48 hours on a third. You can authorize a qualified driver for earlier release. If a driver is cited for the covered offense and had a similar conviction in the last 12 months, police must impound the car after a crash tow. Police can tow abandoned cars after 2 hours on toll roads, 10 hours in urban areas, or 24 hours outside urban areas, and tow right away if the car is a hazard. Towing liens apply to the car and most items inside, but essentials like child seats, eyeglasses, medicine, IDs, and cash are protected.

Who is covered when an insurer fails

A "covered claim" is an unpaid claim when the company is insolvent and the loss or policy ties to Illinois by residency or location. Claims over policy limits, punitive damages, and affiliate claims are excluded. Claims are also excluded if the insured’s net worth is over $25,000,000, with limited exceptions. Unearned premium can be covered.

Dental pay boosts and teledentistry rules

Adult targeted dental services under Medicaid must be paid at least at the consent‑decree “New Rate” since July 1, 2018. Federally qualified health centers are paid their encounter rate when dental hygienists provide care under a dentist’s general supervision. Teledentistry is allowed for a “patient of record” with informed consent and the same standard of care, and dentists must give contact details and refer for in‑person care when needed.

Foster parent rights and duties updated

The law lists foster parent rights, including training, timely financial reimbursement, access to case information, notice and hearings, and due process in licensing actions. It also lists duties, like sharing information, keeping records, joining reviews and court, mandated reporting, and culturally responsive care and haircare. DCFS must also report to lawmakers by July 1, 2024 on expanding conservation of children’s benefits to all kids where DCFS is representative payee.

Foreclosure timelines and redemption rights

For homes, the right to redeem ends at the later of 7 months after service or 3 months after foreclosure judgment. For non‑residential property, it is the later of 6 months after service or 3 months after judgment. A court can shorten the period to 60 days if the property is worth less than 90% of what is owed and the lender waives a personal deficiency, or to 30 days if the property is abandoned. Owners must give written notice at least 15 days before redeeming, and lenders must certify expenses at least 3 days before or lose those expenses.

Pay special assessments over 20 years

A special assessment may be split into up to 20 equal yearly payments. Any odd dollars are added to the first payment so the rest are equal in $100 amounts. Payments charge interest no higher than the Bond Authorization Act rate. The contract date is the date the original assessment ordinance was adopted.

College savings seed accounts for kids

The State Treasurer runs the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program. Eligible children are automatically enrolled using birth, adoption, and tax data starting in 2023. Most kids get a $50 seed deposit. A parent or guardian must claim the seed by the child’s 10th birthday. To spend the money, the child must finish high school or be 18 and live in Illinois. Unclaimed by age 10 or unused by age 26 goes back to the program. Beginning July 1, 2024, the Department of Revenue shares adjusted gross income data for enrollment and reporting, and all shared data stays confidential.

Easier licensing for military families

Service members ordered to Illinois, and their spouses, can get a temporary portability license without living in Illinois. They must show official orders, a clean out‑of‑state license with at least two years of active practice, fingerprints if required, and pay the fee. The license lasts to the next renewal and can renew if orders continue. Holders must follow Illinois rules and can be suspended for failures or misstatements. Portability does not apply if you are disqualified by law, your license is under an interstate compact, or you seek a real estate appraiser license. You cannot practice after expiration without full licensure.

Leader on site at child care open/close

Through June 30, 2029, a qualified child care director or a qualified teacher with at least 2,880 hours at the current facility must be present for the first and last hour and at opening or closing. The Department must issue rules by January 1, 2025. This improves supervision at key times but may raise provider staffing costs.

Stronger checks before hiring school staff

Schools and contractors must review work history before hiring for jobs with direct contact with children. Applicants must list relevant employers, give written consent, and state if there were sexual‑misconduct allegations. Listed employers must respond within 20 days and share records when misconduct is reported. False statements can lead to discipline or no hire, and new contracts cannot hide substantiated misconduct information.

New sewer locate and lateral marking rules

Sewer owners must mark locations when a dig goes deeper than 7 feet, uses directional boring, involves pressurized force mains, or is near shallow sewers. If a sewer was not required to be marked and damage occurs, the excavator is not liable if they promptly notify JULIE and the owner. Starting January 1, 2026, new nonconductive service laterals must be installed so they are locatable by electromagnetic or equally effective means. Small repairs to older laterals are exempt.

Business clean-air permits: options and rules

The law lets a source avoid CAAPP by getting a State operating permit with enforceable limits below major-source thresholds. The Agency can issue general permits, offer a permit shield on request, and must follow set timelines to decide applications (most within 18 months). CAAPP permits usually last 5 years, but municipal‑waste incinerators get 12‑year terms. Permits now require regular monitoring, semiannual reports, and 5 years of record retention. CAAPP fees go into a Clean Air Act Permit Fund to run the program.

Business credits: convert REV, no stacking

If a REV Illinois project loses REV status, it may still get credits under the Growing Economy Tax Credit Act if it meets that Act’s rules. Time already earned may count toward credit length, within legal limits. You cannot hold more than one agreement for the same address at the same time or overlap a REV agreement with an active Growing Economy agreement at the same address.

Dealer liability and discipline rules

When someone you permit drives a dealer vehicle, their insurer pays first if they carry at least $100,000/$300,000/$50,000; otherwise your insurer is primary. On test drives, your insurance is always primary. If a dealer license is surrendered or revoked for record or title failures, the licensee and agents cannot be on new dealer applications or work in key roles that handle titles or records. Principals must have no certain title, theft, or tax violations in the past 3 years, no year with 3+ consumer finance law violations, and no forcible felony within 10 years to qualify.

Licensing ends for two health fields

Beginning January 1, 2030, the state repeals the Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act and the Perfusionist Practice Act. Licensing and practice standards under those laws end on that date. This reduces regulatory duties for providers and changes oversight tied to patient protections.

Many licenses set to end 2029–2030

Several professional licensing laws are repealed on future dates. On January 1, 2029: Electrologist, Environmental Health Practitioner, Occupational Therapy, Crematory, Public Accounting, Private Security/Alarm/Locksmith (2004 Act), a section of the Plumbing License Law, Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and Surgical Assistant/Technologist title protection end. On December 31, 2029: Structural Pest Control ends. On January 1, 2030: Auction License, Genetic Counselor Licensing, Architecture Practice, and Certified Shorthand Reporters Acts end. The law does not state replacement rules.

New rules for cannabis dispensaries

Dispensaries face tighter limits and some flexibilities. No in‑house production, no out‑of‑state sourcing, and no exclusive supplier deals. No alcohol sales except tinctures in bottles 100 milliliters or smaller. No drive‑throughs, vending machines, or home deliveries by non‑agents. At least two systems must work (surveillance, point‑of‑sale, and state verification) to operate. No more than 40% of inventory can come from one grower or processor, counting affiliates that share a principal officer. A person or entity cannot hold interests in more than 10 dispensary licenses statewide. New sites generally must be 1,500 feet from an existing dispensary, with an exception for Social Equity applicants. Agents with valid IDs who are officers, directors, managers, or employees may perform all allowed agent activities at Early Approval secondary sites. Only conditional-award holders or renewals under set subsections can receive an Adult Use license.

Rules to get state help for tank cleanups

You qualify for Underground Storage Tank Fund payments only if the tank is registered, fees were paid, and you told the state of a confirmed release before you spent money. Costs already paid by insurance or another agreement do not qualify. Tanks installed after July 28, 1989 need a Fire Marshal certification. The Fire Marshal must issue a final eligibility and deductibility decision within 60 days. An inspector must be on‑site during tank removal. If they find a release, you must report it to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Reimbursements cannot exceed the minimum needed to meet the law.

Small cell siting limits and safety rules

Small wireless facilities are treated as permitted uses in rights‑of‑way and on commercial or industrial land. Authorities can require structural analyses, engineered drawings, model numbers, and safety and FCC compliance certificates. Height may be limited to 10 feet above the existing pole, or for new poles the higher of 10 feet above the tallest nearby pole within 300 feet or 45 feet. Local design and concealment rules and historic‑district measures apply but must allow waivers and not block the technology. Providers must avoid interference with public safety radios and fix problems at their own cost after written notice.

Tighter reporting for EDGE construction credits

Companies seeking New Construction EDGE credits must file yearly reports until construction ends. After work starts, they must report actual prior‑year results and new projections. To claim construction costs, they must provide a certified third‑party AUP or use the Department’s wage estimate. Records must be available in Illinois within 7 business days of notice.

Limits on denying pretrial release

A court can deny pretrial release only after the State files a verified petition and proves specific facts. The standard applies to certain felonies, listed forcible felonies, stalking, and violations of protection or no‑contact orders. Judges must find a real and present threat to safety to detain.

No mandate payback and stricter pensions

The State does not reimburse local entities for certain listed mandates. Counties must follow set pension funding rules: entry‑age cost method, 30‑year layered amortization with payments rising 2% a year, five‑year asset smoothing, and annual reporting by June 14.

Sportsbooks must share more betting data

The Board can require sports betting companies to share wager data in real time, down to the account level. Data can include amount, type, time, location or IP, result, and abnormal activity. When a sports governing body asks, companies may share anonymized or account data for integrity, following privacy and other laws.

Stronger plan networks and rate rules

The Department of Insurance can use emergency rules through January 1, 2026 to meet tougher federal network standards on provider numbers, distance, and wait times. It enforces mental health and substance use parity, audits plans, and publishes findings. Starting in 2025, it posts rate filings within 5 business days and opens 30 days for public comment; from 2026, it must decide within 60 days or filings are approved. For 2026 and later, Exchange plans must include a uniform CSR adjustment and use an induced-demand factor: (plan actuarial value)^2 ÷ (plan actuarial value + 1.24).

Tighter licensing rules for adoption agencies

Anyone who provides or facilitates adoption services must be licensed as a child welfare agency. The Department cannot issue or renew a license unless the agency has IRS 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt status and stays compliant. The law referenced a past grace period for older agencies to get that status.

Sanitary districts can fund sewer projects

Sanitary districts may build and run sewer systems and contract with industrial customers when needed for public health. They may issue revenue bonds that mature in up to 40 years, with interest limited by the Bond Authorization Act. Industrial contracts can require regular payments that cover district costs. These tools support system upgrades and may affect future rates or fees.

School construction bonds in many districts

In many districts, voters approved school construction bonds between 2020 and 2023, ranging from $2.6 million to $105 million. Each district must issue its bonds within five years of the vote, and bonds generally mature within 25 to 30 years (some are 27 years). The debt and any refundings do not count toward statutory debt limits. Money can be used only for the voter‑approved projects, like new buildings, repairs, safety, ADA work, and STEM spaces. Local property taxpayers may repay the bonds through levies.

Stronger local powers for water

A State Water Plan Task Force meets quarterly and publishes a plan at least every 10 years. Towns can join to build or buy waterworks, borrow short term, and issue revenue bonds maturing up to 50 years. Conservancy districts must run systems and set water rates that cover fixed and operating costs. With a petition from at least half the voters and owners, sanitary districts can build waterworks and fund them with revenue bonds or special assessments, with bonds up to 30 years.

Bond limits for regional and sports authorities

With the Governor’s written approval, the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority can issue up to $500 million in bonds backed by project revenues or loan repayments. Holders can enforce payment rights, and the State pledges not to impair contracts until the debt is paid. The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority faces separate caps of $40 million for Authority‑owned facilities and $40 million for facilities owned by other governments; certain paid or escrowed bonds are not counted.

New EMS suspension rules and appeals

EMS Medical Directors can suspend EMS workers or instructors who do not meet system rules, including immediate suspensions for imminent danger. The Department reviews suspension orders and can add suspension time to license actions in set cases. Before non‑immediate suspensions, a local board hearing must be offered, and people can appeal to the State EMS Disciplinary Review Board. Immediate suspensions have tight timelines: 24‑hour notifications and rapid Department review. Resource Hospitals must record hearings and keep transcripts, and people can have representation.

Tougher Medicaid oversight and review rules

Vendors newly enrolling in Medicaid face a one-year conditional period with extra checks like background checks, fingerprinting, site visits, audits, prepayment reviews, and possible payment caps. The Department can require level-of-care and stay criteria but cannot require prior authorization or concurrent review where the law forbids it. The Department can access state and federal data, including earnings, tax, licensure, and death records, to verify eligibility and payments. The Department on Aging verifies employment for Community Care Program integrity when a provider asks.

Updated rules for assisted living homes

Assisted living homes must house at least three unrelated adults, and at least 80% of residents must be age 55 or older. They must provide three meals daily, housekeeping, laundry, 24‑hour security, an emergency response system, and help with daily activities as needed. The law defines key roles like certified medication aide and infection preventionist and lists which facilities are not treated as assisted living. These added services improve resident protections but may raise operator duties and costs.

Statewide study of property taxes

The state will study property taxes for at least the last 10 tax years, including appeals, exemptions, and Cook County classification. The final report is due July 1, 2026, and will be public. The section is repealed December 31, 2026.

Voter checks and limits on district debt

Conservation districts face a hard debt cap of 0.575% of taxable value. A district fully in a county under 750,000 people and next to a county over 2,000,000 can borrow up to 1.725% if voters approve the extra amount. Except for a McHenry County carve‑out, voters must also approve bonds to develop property. Bonds must be in series (first due within 5 years, last within 25) and be backed by an annual tax levy with proceeds kept in a separate fund. When short on cash, a district may issue tax‑anticipation warrants under state warrant rules.

Wind and solar siting rules

Counties set siting rules but cannot be stricter than state law. They must hold a public hearing within 60 days of an application and decide within 30 days after the hearing. Owners must sign an agricultural impact mitigation agreement and file a farmland drainage plan; with siting approval and a filed plan, they can cross drainage systems without separate district approvals. Wind projects must meet setbacks (for example, 2.1× blade‑tip height from nonparticipating homes) and limit shadow flicker to 30 hours yearly. Solar projects face defined setbacks and height limits, and counties can require pollinator‑friendly ground cover and a vegetation plan.

Four-year turnaround and state help for schools

Targeted and Comprehensive schools enter a four‑year improvement cycle. If they miss exit goals, they face stronger steps, including Intensive Support, nonrecognition, and even district dissolution with territory reassigned. The State Board also identifies lower‑performing districts for help, works on improvement plans, and gives unions 5‑day notice when schools are marked Comprehensive or Intensive.

How school EAV counts in state funding

For areas with special homestead exemptions, the state adds back the extra homestead amounts and the added exemptions for owners with household income at or below $30,000 to the EAV used for funding. If property is in a TIF area and costs are unpaid, the EAV used ignores TIF growth and uses the smaller of current or initial EAV. For tax abatements, the state lowers EAV by dividing abated taxes by a set rate (3.00% K‑12; 2.30% K‑8; 1.05% 9‑12). For hybrid districts, the state uses the lower of the adjusted elementary EAV or high school EAV. These rules change how local capacity is measured for state aid.

New one-campus limit for big-city charters

Starting July 1, 2025, any newly approved charter school in a city with over 500,000 people can operate only one campus. Charter schools that existed or were approved on or before April 16, 2003 are not affected.

Performance-based funding for colleges

The Board of Higher Education ties budget recommendations to performance metrics, starting in Fiscal Year 2013. The Board and the Community College Board adopt the metrics by rule. They must consult schools and consider at‑risk students and different missions. The focus is on completion and related outcomes.

School bonds won’t count toward debt caps

For bonds under Section 19‑3 that voters authorize on or after November 5, 2024, the debt does not count toward statutory debt limits. These bonds (and any refundings) must mature within 30 years. Districts may be able to finance more projects, which can affect local property tax plans.

School building bonds for districts

Many school districts get authority to issue bonds for construction, repairs, or refinancing, often exempt from legal debt limits. Examples include up to $150 million for North Shore SD 112, up to $50 million for Ridgeland SD 122, and up to $17.5 million for Wolf Branch SD 113 (mine‑subsidence repairs). Some authorizations required past voter approval and set issuance windows and maturities (often 25–30 years). Waltham CCSD 185 can use TIF pledges for up to $9.5 million. Districts must tell the State Board of Education before new debt would push them over 75% of their legal limit.

State labor law overrides local rules

This Act and any union contracts under it control over conflicting local laws. The State, not home‑rule units, sets these rules for public employers and labor organizations.

State safety rules tied to OSHA

As of June 10, 2022, Sections 1–6 of this Act are inoperative. If certain federal OSHA standards are repealed or revoked, the Director of Labor must adopt a rule to review and reinstate these sections. When that rule is adopted, the sections become operative again.

Stronger charter school rules in 2025

Starting July 1, 2025, each charter school must be a nonprofit public school organized under Illinois law. Charters must follow the State Board’s annual list of non‑curricular health and safety rules, posted by September 1. Each charter must get an outside audit every year and send the audit and IRS Form 990 to its authorizer and the State Board by December 1. Charters may contract with districts, colleges, or others for facilities and services; districts can charge reasonable rent, but a converted school does not have to pay rent for space deemed available. Public entities must provide contracted services at cost.

Workers’ comp special funds rules

The Rate Adjustment Fund pays its own collection and audit costs. When that Fund lacks cash, the Comptroller and Treasurer can transfer up to $19 million from named state funds and must repay within 270 days with interest. The State Treasurer is joined in certain loss‑of‑use injury claims, and the Second Injury Fund pays the Treasurer’s reasonable litigation costs.

Air permits: stricter rules, one pause

Facilities must follow all Clean Air Act Permit Program (CAAPP) permit terms. U.S. EPA and citizens can enforce most permit terms. If federal action removes EPA greenhouse gas authority, new CAAPP permits stop adding greenhouse gas terms while that federal action is in effect. Existing permits can be changed to remove those greenhouse gas terms.

Carbon storage assurance and incinerator permits

If EPA approves a carbon storage closure plan under 40 CFR 146.93, the operator may use the EPA financial assurance mechanism to meet State requirements if it meets Section 59.10. CAAPP permits for certain municipal waste incinerators now run 12 years, with Agency reviews at least every 5 years and permit revisions allowed for noncompliance.

New small wireless siting rules

Local governments cannot ban or charge for small wireless collocation except as the law allows, through January 1, 2030. At the same time, owners must consent before providers place equipment on private property or certain public and utility lands outside the right‑of‑way.

SO2 variance may require Illinois coal

When the Board grants an alternative sulfur dioxide limit or variance to a coal‑burning source, it may require use of Illinois coal. This applies only if the right quality coal is available and competitively priced. The Board must consider pollution control costs and the impact on the Illinois coal industry.

Limits on utility cost recovery and pay

In yearly rate updates, utilities cannot recover actual costs above 105% of the approved revenue requirement, excluding certain volatile items like storms, interest rate shifts, and taxes. The Commission can allow more only by changing the multi‑year plan. Utilities may recover incentive pay tied to safety, outages, service, efficiency, environment, or affordability goals, but not pay tied to net income or an affiliate’s earnings per share.

More local borrowing tools for projects

Counties may issue revenue bonds for water, sewage, and waste projects, with maturities up to 40 years and not backed by taxes. Small municipalities can buy or lease property with installment contracts up to 20 years, within debt limits. Issuers may sell bonds with fixed or variable rates, but below‑par sales must stay under the legal net‑rate cap. Counties can advance working cash to the general fund but must repay it when taxes or fees arrive and by the end of the next fiscal year.

Sports facility authorities can sell bonds

The Illinois and Downstate Sports Facilities Authorities can issue revenue bonds, including variable‑rate, with maturities up to 40 years. Bonds are paid only from Authority revenues and are not State obligations. The Authorities may pledge Sports Facilities Fund money and some taxes to secure the debt. Some bonds are sold by public, advertised bids. The Authorities must set rents and fees to cover maintenance and debt.

Stricter local borrowing and debt math rules

Local revenue notes must mature within 12 months, have interest under state caps, win a two‑thirds board vote, and be sold to the highest responsible bidder after public notice. Counties issuing general obligation bonds must set all terms by resolution, keep maturities within 30 years, and stay under interest caps. Interest on certain leases and installment bonds is counted under detailed rules, including a 12% fallback rate and counting deep‑discounts as interest. Interest on older warrants is capped by date, and post‑1981 warrants must follow the Bond Authorization Act rate.

Hiring plans and apprenticeships for REV projects

REV applicants must include a hiring plan to recruit and hire full‑time workers at the project site. Plans can include college partnerships, internships, and registered apprenticeships, and applicants may claim apprenticeship education expense credits. Applicants must file workforce diversity reports each year by April 15. Facilities moving to EV manufacturing that expect job cuts must submit retraining and assistance plans.

Cannabis equity commission and license limits

The state runs a Cannabis Equity Commission to track minority participation and recommend policy changes to improve equity. The Department must deny any application that would exceed the 10‑license ownership cap. If a conditional award would break the cap, the winner must abandon one license, which is then offered to the next qualified applicant in the region.

Faster, flexible air permits with safeguards

Sources can make non‑Title I changes without a permit revision if they stay within allowed emissions and give 7‑day written notice. Emissions trading at a source is allowed where the plan permits it, with required notices. Administrative amendments and minor mods can take effect on filing, but minor mods may not get a full permit shield. Significant changes follow public and EPA review, with a 9‑month decision deadline. Permits can be reopened for new federal rules, acid rain requirements, or to fix material mistakes. One permit can cover similar operations at multiple temporary sites if you notify 10 days before each move. If EPA is late on a toxics standard, the state can set equivalent limits by permit. Acid rain allowance changes do not require a permit revision.

REV projects must pay above county wages

Full‑time jobs created under a REV agreement must meet a pay floor. For agreements before April 19, 2022, total compensation must be at least 120% of the county’s average full‑time wage. For agreements on or after that date, it must be at least 120% of the county occupational average wage set by the Department.

Workers’ comp surcharge up; some exempt

Starting July 1, 2024, insurers pay a 1.092% annual surcharge on direct written premium for workers’ comp. Self‑insured employers that paid the Section 4d fee do not owe this surcharge. Expect insurers to reflect this cost in pricing, while qualified self‑insurers avoid it.

New add-backs and apportionment for businesses

Businesses must add back certain deductions to Illinois income, including insurance premiums paid to excluded group members, the Section 218(a) credit amount, and the federal Section 199 deduction (for years ending on or after December 31, 2017). A federally regulated exchange may elect a special Illinois apportionment method with defined Illinois‑source receipts. The election may raise or lower the exchange’s Illinois share.

New rules to source Illinois business income

Illinois updates how businesses assign income to the state. Services count where received. Broadcasting uses the Illinois audience. Transportation uses miles or receipts rules by carrier. Licensing of patents, copyrights, and trademarks counts where used in Illinois. Lottery, casino, and sports wagering receipts are Illinois receipts. Financial organizations use a receipts factor with special rules for loans, leases, cards, services, and some investments.

New split of tourism tax money

Beginning Jul 1, 2024, half of monthly net tax revenue goes to the Build Illinois Fund. From the other half, $5 million per year and any Advance Amount go first to the Illinois Sports Facilities Fund. The rest is split monthly: 56% to Tourism Promotion, 23% to Local Tourism, 14% to Chicago Travel Industry Promotion, and 7% to International Tourism. Advance Amounts are treated as repayable to the General Revenue Fund.

Easier adoptions and medical surrogates

You can file for adoption in Illinois after six continuous months of living here. Armed forces members can file after 90 days of being domiciled here. A close friend can act as a health care surrogate if they sign an affidavit that shows special care, willingness to help, and knowledge of the patient’s life and beliefs.

More exceptions to teen driving curfew

The under‑18 curfew does not apply when a minor is with a parent, on a parent‑directed errand without detour, traveling between states, going to or from work without detour, in an emergency, going to or from supervised school, religious, or recreational events without detour, exercising First Amendment rights, or if married or emancipated.

More protections for public safety workers

Probation officers may carry firearms while on duty or commuting for assigned duties, if the chief judge consents and they complete required training. Workers and groups running community emergency services get civil‑liability protections like those in the 911 system law.

Alcohol in DOC housing and care homes

Alcohol delivery and dispensing is allowed in State housing assigned to Department of Corrections employees. County long‑term care facilities may serve alcohol to residents if the operator approves, a licensed physician gives written approval, and public health rules are followed.

Choose non-binary on state IDs

When Illinois rolls out a new digital ID system, applicants can choose male, female, or non‑binary on the form. The chosen designation appears on the issued ID.

Clear paperwork for student health plans

Student health, dental, and vision issuers must use an individual application or enrollment form. They must give each insured student a certificate approved by the Insurance Director. Student health coverage stays under individual insurance standards, not short‑term plan rules.

Clearer notice to replace a guardian

When a guardian leaves the role, the court must appoint a successor or end the case. For a temporary guardian, notice of the hearing is at least 3 days. For a limited or full guardian, notice is at least 14 days. Notice is by mail or in person, and a court can waive notice for good cause. These rules apply beginning January 1, 2025.

Distinct licenses for under‑21 drivers

Licenses for people under 21 have a different look. They also show the date you turn 18 and the date you turn 21 to help with age checks.

Free disability ID and youth IDs

Illinois gives a free Person with a Disability ID card that can serve as disability proof under state law. Applicants must be Illinois residents and submit required documents. IDs for people under 21 look different and show the dates the person turns 18 and 21.

Free Senior Citizen discount card

Illinois residents age 60 or older can get a Senior Citizen discount card for free. Apply at senior centers, nutrition sites, or Area Agencies on Aging. Sign the card before you use it.

Health privacy and honest pregnancy center ads

Health Information Exchanges must let you opt out of further sharing of your record. Your opt‑out does not block disclosures that the law requires, like public health reporting. The law also bans deceptive practices by limited‑services pregnancy centers. Lying or hiding facts about abortion or emergency contraception counts as consumer fraud.

Mobile ID privacy and $6 cap

Mobile IDs must follow AAMVA standards and can keep only the data you consent to share. Showing a mobile ID is not consent to search your phone, and the app cannot force you to hand over your device. The app installation fee is capped at $6. Police must return your device after checking your ID.

State IDs for people leaving custody

If you are released from prison, jail, or DHS custody, you can get a 90‑day limited ID with a completed verification form. You can later get a standard ID by showing a certified birth certificate and your Social Security number if you have one and proof of residence for DHS releases. DHS may bring eligible people to get IDs shortly before release.

Veteran ID labels and free poster

Illinois IDs and driver’s licenses can show a "veteran" label for people discharged under honorable conditions. A Gold Star Family designation can appear on IDs or licenses with the required proof. The Secretary of State may waive the Gold Star ID fee; if charged, it goes to the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. Beginning January 1, 2025, the state provides a free poster listing veterans’ benefits, tax breaks, the veteran driver’s license, survivor protections, and agency contacts.

Work address allowed on licenses

Certain DCFS staff, judicial officers, and peace officers may list a work address on their driver’s license instead of a home address. The Secretary of State sets the rules for how to do this.

Access to safe refurbished medical equipment

Medicaid recipients or MCO enrollees may get refurbished durable medical equipment when it is available, cheaper than new, safe for at least three years, and cleaned per FDA guidance. You must have a prescription or certificate, and you can still choose new equipment. The Department will set rules for buying, repairing, and replacing DME and orthotics, and all DME providers must get accredited within 15 months after the rule takes effect.

Clear enrollment for blanket health plans

If you pay premiums under a blanket policy for major medical, excepted benefits, or short‑term coverage, the insurer must use an individual application or enrollment form. The insurer must also give each covered person a certificate approved by the Director. This improves notice and documentation for enrollees.

Clear HIV test consent for HIEs

If the person giving consent for an HIV test is in a Health Information Exchange, the consent must explain that results will be visible through the HIE. It must also explain the right to opt out. This improves notice and patient choice.

Dietitians can order clinical nutrition

Licensed dietitian nutritionists can order patient diets, including tube or IV nutrition, if they have the required credentials. They must notify the patient’s physician and keep records like other medical orders. This can speed nutrition care in hospitals and similar settings.

Easier Medigap after Medicaid loss

If you had State medical assistance during the COVID‑19 emergency and then lost it, you get at least 63 days to buy Medigap without denial, price discrimination, or preexisting condition limits. You must have Medicare Part B and show proof of the end date. Also, from June 16, 2023, insurers must offer Medigap to qualifying applicants regardless of age or any Part B late‑enrollment penalty.

Free menstrual products in prisons

All state prisons must give tampons and sanitary pads for free to people who menstruate. The products are available as needed, so people do not have to buy them.

Health info options on your license

Your driver’s license has a space on the back to sign an organ and tissue gift until the donor registry is in place. The Secretary of State tells applicants about it, may offer witnesses, and may give a brochure. There is also space for a sticker showing you carry an Emergency Medical Information Card, and a space to list your blood type and Rh factor.

HIV PrEP drugs and care covered

Once federal approval is in place, Medicaid covers FDA‑approved PrEP drugs recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service or CDC and related services. Covered services include screening, STI treatment, monitoring, lab tests, and counseling for people at high risk of HIV.

Inhaler costs capped at $25 a month

For policies renewed on or after January 1, 2026, your cost for a covered prescription inhaler is capped at $25 per 30‑day supply. Plans cannot deny refills when your prescriber says it is medically appropriate. No deductible applies unless needed to keep an HSA‑eligible plan. Plans can charge less than $25.

Medication aides in supportive living allowed

With federal approval, certified medication aides can give medicines in supportive living facilities. The Department may write rules to put this into practice. This can help residents get medicines on time.

Protections for long‑term care complaints

No one may block or punish residents or staff for contacting the Long‑Term Care Ombudsman. Violations are a business offense with fines up to $501. The Ombudsman notifies prosecutors about violations.

State workplaces can stock naloxone

State agencies can keep opioid overdose medicine (like naloxone) at work. Agencies must train employees on how to use it. If a state employee gives naloxone as the law allows, they are protected from civil lawsuits.

Veterinary telemedicine and therapies allowed

Telemedicine and certain complementary therapies, like veterinary acupuncture and manual therapy, are part of veterinary practice in Illinois. Licensed veterinarians can offer these services to animal owners. This clarification is in effect through January 1, 2029.

Visiting professor permit for physicians

Physicians with faculty appointments at Illinois medical, osteopathic, or chiropractic schools can get a visiting professor permit if they keep their home license in good standing. The permit lasts up to two years or until the appointment ends. Renewals may require continuing education, fees, and a competency exam under Department rules.

No permit fees for disabled veterans’ home fixes

Starting January 1, 2025, a disabled veteran or the veteran’s caregiver does not pay building permit fees for home work needed for the disability. You must show proof of veteran status and attest the work is required. Cities and counties decide what proof they accept, and they cannot charge these fees.

$50 college savings seed for new babies

The State Treasurer deposits $50 for each eligible child born or adopted after December 31, 2022. The Treasurer can raise the amount by rule. Deposits use state funds or gifts and grants. Deposits can be reduced or skipped if money is not available.

Age certificate for 16- to 20-year-olds

Beginning January 1, 2025, anyone ages 16 to 20 can get a certificate of age from a school issuing officer. You must show the same proof used for employment certificates. This can help with jobs and other age checks.

Colleges cover refugee transcript fees

Beginning January 1, 2025, public colleges must pay or reimburse transcript evaluation fees they require during admission for refugees who entered the U.S. from Iraq or Afghanistan. This lowers out‑of‑pocket costs during the application process.

CPR training help for schools

If money is approved, the State Board offers matching grants that pay half of a district’s CPR or first‑aid training costs. Districts must cover the other half, and awards are first‑come, first‑served. Within 30 days after school starts, districts must give staff information on the Heimlich maneuver, hands‑only CPR, and AED use, following national standards.

Fair test access for counselors

Counselor licensure exams must allow reasonable language help when no test exists in the applicant’s main language. All exams must follow federal disability laws. This accommodation rule ends January 1, 2028.

Fairer rules for teacher jobs and reviews

A school district cannot use where a teacher lives when deciding hiring, pay, transfer, promotion, or retention. Tenured teachers rated excellent or proficient may be evaluated less often, with at least one informal observation in the next two school years and at least one evaluation in the next three, under district plans.

Full-time court reporters can waive training

Certified shorthand reporters must complete continuing education to renew, but full‑time court reporters under the Court Reporters Act can get a waiver if they provide evidence the Department finds satisfactory. This waiver option is available through January 1, 2030.

Higher pay for state emergency leaders

For terms starting January 16, 2023, the state emergency management Director earns at least $180,000 a year. The Assistant Director earns at least $156,600. Each gets a cost‑of‑living raise every July 1. Pay is higher if the Governor sets a larger amount.

Journalism scholarships tied to Illinois service

No sooner than the 2025–2026 year and subject to funding, the state offers tuition‑and‑fee scholarships for journalism students. Recipients must work at a local Illinois news organization for at least two years within two years after finishing. Preference may go to those serving underserved areas.

Make-up work for Guard and Reserve

Public colleges must let National Guard members and reservists submit classwork and finish assignments missed for drills or other military duties. Policies must cover missed classwork and course requirements from service.

Military health pros get license portability

The Division does not deny a portability license to a service member or spouse who is a health care professional when another state’s discipline was only for services that are legal in Illinois and meet Illinois standards. The Division can still review the person’s conduct and history.

More school counseling access for students

Public school counseling can be given by school counselors or by educators with a counseling endorsement. Districts may set counselors to spend at least 80% of their time with students. In‑school suspension programs can focus on conflict resolution and be run by a school social worker or licensed mental health professional. Districts may staff counselors to the recommended 250:1 student‑to‑counselor ratio.

More support for college savings

The state sends at least $2.5 million each July 15, starting in 2023, to run the Illinois Higher Education Savings Program. Families with income below the Illinois median can get a one‑time extra $50 deposit, if funded. The Treasurer can raise that amount by rule and add matching offers with partners.

No legacy or donor admissions

Public colleges and universities cannot use legacy status or family ties to donors when deciding admissions. Applicants are judged without those non‑merit factors.

Paid youth conservation jobs pilot

The Department runs a pilot program for Illinois citizens ages 15–25, subject to funding. It funds conservation education, job training, and paid internships through local governments and nonprofits. Interns are paid at least the state minimum wage. The pilot ends June 30, 2029 unless continued.

Paid, documented training for police officers

Employers must provide required officer training at no cost and pay officers for all training time. Trainers must report completions to the Board within 30 days, give officers a copy, and keep records for at least 7 years; the Board updates records. Starting January 1, 2025, officers must complete training on accessing medical info stored in cell phones. The Board must also define what counts as part‑time employment by rule.

Parents can opt out of classes

Parents or guardians can send a written objection to opt their child out of AIDS or family‑life instruction and CPR/AED training. Schools cannot suspend or expel a child for refusing to take those classes based on a parent’s written objection.

Pay for school staff on snow days

Beginning January 1, 2025, if a K‑12 or community college campus closes under an official winter weather emergency and you would have reported for work, you are paid your regular daily pay and benefits for that day. This does not apply if the day is rescheduled and you will be paid when you work the rescheduled day.

Protections for clinical social workers' licenses

The Department cannot discipline a licensed clinical social worker just for helping with a health service that is legal in Illinois. It also cannot act only because another state disciplined the person for that same activity or only due to an immigration violation. Discipline is still allowed if the conduct would be professional misconduct under Illinois law.

Retiring teachers can skip final evaluation

If you are in your last year before retirement, you may be allowed to skip that year’s evaluation and keep your last rating. You cannot skip if your last rating was “needs improvement” or “unsatisfactory.” A district can still evaluate you with at least 14 days’ notice and a reason.

Scholarships to grow early childhood teachers

Beginning June 5, 2024, the state can fund scholarships for early childhood educator students, subject to appropriation. Preference goes to current workers and may go to those with need or prior‑year applicants. Recipients must agree to continue or return to early childhood teaching or direct services in Illinois after finishing.

Simpler work permits for minors

Beginning January 1, 2025, a minor’s work certificate application must be signed by a parent or guardian and filed by the minor, unless the school allows remote filing. It must list the job and exact hours, proof of age, a school form, and a fitness statement or recent school physical. Schools must set issuance sites, keep records, and provide physical exams at no cost. Foreign birth records or other reliable proof of age are accepted, and homeless youth cannot be denied for lack of a birth certificate or address. Certificates last one year. Officials notify the school, employer, parent, and the Department. The Department of Labor can suspend a certificate in an emergency; a hearing is held within 21 days, and the minor cannot work until reinstated.

Work permits prove age for minors

Starting January 1, 2025, an employment certificate for a minor counts as proof of age in job‑related cases. It works for acts after the certificate is issued and until it is revoked. This reduces disputes about a minor’s age at work.

Workers' comp death benefits by need

Death compensation is split based on how much each person depended on the worker at the time of the accident. The Workers’ Compensation Commission can order payment to a parent or grandparent for a child’s support and can change that order later.

Lower grocery tax, then none

For groceries meant to be eaten off‑premises, the state tax was 0% from Jul 1, 2022 to Jun 30, 2023 and is 1% through Dec 31, 2025. Starting Jan 1, 2026, those groceries are exempt. Alcohol, soft drinks, candy, adult‑use‑cannabis‑infused food, and ready‑to‑eat food are excluded.

Tax-free buys from senior nonprofits

Starting January 1, 2025, items you buy from a qualifying nonprofit that serves people 65 or older are exempt from use tax. The seller must be a not‑for‑profit service enterprise for seniors, and the item cannot have been purchased by the nonprofit itself.

Higher outpatient pay for rural hospitals

Critical Access Hospitals get a uniform percentage increase to their outpatient standardized amounts for services on or after July 1, 2018. The law intends these increases to apply retroactively to those dates.

Employer disclosure rule ends January 1, 2030

An employer disclosure requirement in Section 2‑108 is repealed on January 1, 2030. Covered employers stop filing that report on that date unless the law changes again.

Faster, clearer UST cleanup payments

If the Underground Storage Tank Fund runs short, the Agency sets a payment priority list by the date it gets a complete request and sends monthly updates. It pays when money is available and keeps your original priority date if an appeal raises the amount. A complete application must include a licensed engineer or geologist certification, approved budget details, the State Fire Marshal’s eligibility and deductible decision, proof you do not exceed limits, your federal tax ID and legal status, and a project labor agreement certification if required.

Fewer training rules for after‑school programs

Out‑of‑school time programs that get State or federal money must follow only the staff training and qualification rules set by the funder. This replaces overlapping rules and may lower compliance costs for providers.

Help for small businesses to meet air rules

The State creates a Small Business Stationary Source Technical and Environmental Compliance Assistance Program. If you have 100 or fewer employees, are a small business concern, are not a major source, and emit under the listed tons‑per‑year limits, you can get technical help. Illinois EPA must adopt and submit plans to U.S. EPA. The law also creates a Small Business Ombudsman and a State Compliance Advisory Panel with small business owners to oversee the program.

Leased car tickets shift to drivers

Lessors are not liable for automated traffic camera tickets during a lease if they cooperate. The authority must ask for the lessee’s name within 120 days of the violation. The lessor then has 60 days to provide the lessee’s name and address so the ticket can be issued to the driver.

No county permits for battery fences

Starting January 1, 2025, counties cannot require permits for battery‑charged fences on nonresidential property if the site is fully surrounded by a nonelectric fence at least 5 feet tall and the fence meets international energizer standards. The battery fence may not exceed 10 feet or be more than 2 feet taller than the outer fence.

Who counts as a local news outlet

To qualify as a local news organization, you must publish original public‑interest content with paid staff and have at least one 30‑hour employee covering Illinois who lives within 50 miles. Print and digital outlets must meet audience and frequency tests. You must disclose owners or board members and stay under limits on political ad revenue. Qualified outlets can access program benefits under the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

Hotel and short‑term rental tax rules

The law defines re‑renters, hosting platforms, and short‑term rentals to clarify who must collect and pay tax. Small operators with average monthly tax of $200 or less can file quarterly; $50 or less can file yearly, if authorized by the Department. Operators may keep a discount equal to 2.1% of tax remitted or $25 per year, whichever is greater, for recordkeeping costs.

Tax breaks for farm gear and leases

Beginning January 1, 2025, lessee use counts for tax exemptions. Sales and leases of farm chemicals and farm machinery used mainly for production agriculture are tax‑exempt. Precision tools and computers are covered, and electric power generation equipment is included starting January 1, 2024. Buyers must certify primary agricultural use.

Counties can fund rides to court

Counties may use transportation‑designated funds to pay for rides to problem‑solving courts, like drug, mental health, veterans, and juvenile drug courts. Counties may partner with other local governments to provide these rides.

DCFS rules due by 2024

DCFS must adopt rules to carry out these provisions by January 1, 2024. This makes duties clear and enforceable across the agency.

Fracking reports posted; water-reuse safe harbor

The Department posts confirmed pollution or water‑loss cases from high‑volume fracking on its website, searchable by county. If you have a Section 39(b) permit to reuse wastewater for irrigation and you follow it, you are treated as meeting the law’s water‑pollution rule.

Fund for State Police operations

The State Police Operations Assistance Fund holds fee revenue, grants, donations, and appropriations. The money pays for police escorts and commercial vehicle enforcement. Spending requires a legislative appropriation. Investment income stays in the fund, and it is not subject to chargebacks.

Justice training on autism, mental health

Starting January 1, 2025, the state creates or approves autism‑informed police training, ready by January 1, 2027. Judges who run veterans and mental health courts must have training on criminal law, behavioral health, ethics, and related topics.

Legal protection for care ombudsmen

Long‑term care ombudsmen and their representatives have legal immunity for good‑faith official acts. If they are sued for actions tied to those duties, the Attorney General provides legal representation under the State Employee Indemnification Act.

More reporting on prison complaints

The Department of Corrections must track topics from each visitor or public contact, like health care, visits, transfers, work, mail, and education. The data goes to the Planning and Research Division, and summaries must include resolutions or recommendations. Each year, DOC must report activity to the Governor and lawmakers and post it online within 48 hours, with personal details redacted and protected from FOIA. Each facility must post a sign in the waiting area naming a contact person and how to submit complaints or suggestions.

Museum districts get updated powers

Museum districts can own or lease property, accept gifts and grants, hire staff, and charge reasonable fees. They may lease land up to 50 years and buildings up to 20 years, police district property, and give grants to nonprofit history groups. Work on historic properties must follow state guidelines.

New Historic Preservation Board

The state creates a nine‑member Historic Preservation Board. At least five Governor appointees represent historically excluded and marginalized people. The Board can list and delist state historic sites by rule with the Director’s written approval. Starting in 2025, the Department sends an annual June 30 report to lawmakers with all sites and designations.

Prisons must provide a visitor contact

Each prison must have a point of contact for visitors and the public. This person reviews complaints and suggestions, works with the right divisions, and helps resolve problems quickly.

Privacy for restorative justice talks

What you say or do during, before, or after a restorative justice meeting is generally private. It is not evidence and not open to discovery. Only the protected person can waive their own privilege. The privilege does not apply if needed to prevent death, great bodily harm, a crime, or to meet a legal duty. If a court orders a report, it is limited to the fact of the meeting, an opinion on success, and whether more meetings are planned. This applies to practices convened on or after July 15, 2021.

Shelby County can run rescue squad

Starting January 1, 2025, Shelby County may form and fund a volunteer rescue squad. It can help find missing people, support firefighting, and extricate people from unsafe places. The county may provide benefits if volunteers are injured, become ill, or die in the line of duty.

State’s Attorneys can seek expungement

A county State’s Attorney may file to vacate and expunge convictions in the public interest. These motions are filed in the circuit court that handled the original case.

Stronger conflict rules for authorities

Regional and state development authorities must avoid conflicts, disclose outside income and business ties, and recuse when needed. Some leaders face ownership limits (often 7.5% or 10%), annual public contract approvals, and yearly re‑appointments. Contracts that violate key ownership or disclosure rules are void. These rules cover multiple authorities across Illinois.

Stronger DOC warrant and notice rules

A DOC‑certified order with the Department seal works like a warrant, allowing named officers to arrest and return a violator. At least 3 days before work release, DOC must give the receiving county’s State’s Attorney and Sheriff the person’s identifying information and notify the original sentencing county. For people housed outside the penitentiary, DOC must provide identifying information and send electronic notice as soon as reasonably practicable.

Vehicle reciprocity deals and parts rules

The Secretary of State can make reciprocity and fleet apportionment deals with other places and issue reciprocity permits. The office must consider the public interest and what Illinois drivers receive. The law also defines a ‘detached catalytic converter’ as one removed from a vehicle.

What local bike plans must include

Starting January 1, 2025, any city or county bike plan must include key parts. The plan must estimate current bike commuters and show maps of land use and bikeways. It must cover bike parking, end‑of‑trip needs, bus and train links, safety education, public input, and project costs and priorities.

Better language help in state services

State agencies must give meaningful language access. Help must be accurate, timely, effective, and free for people with limited English. The law defines interpretation, translation, and vital documents.

Clearer rules on digital replicas

The law updates what counts as an AI “digital replica.” A digital replica is an electronic copy of a real person fixed in a recording when the person did not actually perform. Starting January 1, 2025, it also clarifies who can enforce these rights, including the person, authorized reps, written transferees, and certain music contract holders.

Safer pipeline and digging practices

The state funds CO2 pipeline and sequestration training for first responders when money is appropriated, including $5,000 per year for the Fire Service Institute. Utility owners can have a representative on‑site during digs near their lines. If work stops more than a day, the excavator must recontact at least one day before restarting. If the excavator refuses, the owner can verify the line location by open‑cut under set steps.

Stronger antitrust subpoena powers

The Attorney General can investigate possible antitrust violations before filing a case. The AG can subpoena witnesses, demand records, and require sworn written answers. This strengthens enforcement against anti‑competitive behavior.

Grants to hospitals for safety upgrades

Subject to appropriation, IEMA may award capital grants up to $300,000 and non‑capital grants up to $100,000 to hospitals outside cities over 1,000,000 people. Projects include disaster readiness, patient safety, and confidentiality. Hospitals must provide at least 50% of project costs. Preference goes to hospitals serving many Medicaid patients that do not get DSH payments.

State can lease dark fiber networks

The state may lease dark fiber for up to 20 years to connect the Governor’s offices, state agencies, and anchor institutions. Leases must mainly serve those public users and follow procurement rules like public solicitations and vendor disclosures.

Breast cancer lottery board added

A 10‑member board advises on the Carolyn Adams Ticket For The Cure lottery and grants for breast cancer research and services. It files a report each year by December 31. Members are unpaid but can get travel costs. The board ends June 30, 2027.

Family and youth mental health planning

The state creates a Family Recovery Plan Implementation Task Force inside the Department of Human Services. It includes state and community leaders and ends January 1, 2027. The Children’s Mental Health Partnership also runs a community needs check with local networks to find gaps in youth behavioral health services.

Medicaid pays for new newborn tests

Medicaid reimburses hospitals for the metachromatic leukodystrophy newborn screen at no less than the public health fee once federally approved. For tests added on or after August 9, 2024, payment at no less than the public health fee begins when both federal approval and funding are in place.

More transparency for Medicaid health plans

The state posts each Medicaid plan’s results online every quarter. Reports show claim speed and accuracy, prior authorizations, appeals, credentialing, and customer service. A provider complaint portal and hospital payment reviews are also public. Plans must report medical loss ratios each year.

State protocols for Duchenne care

Subject to funding, the Department of Public Health develops and publishes clinical protocols and best practices for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The state distributes them to doctors, providers, and affected families and posts a report on its actions. Protocols include current, peer‑reviewed information.

Stronger help for long‑term care residents

The state creates a Long Term Care Ombudsman Fund to support resident advocacy. Regional ombudsmen can form expert volunteer teams from at least seven listed fields to advise on complex abuse and neglect cases. The protection‑and‑advocacy agency can access records for people with developmental disabilities on a complaint when there is no private guardian or the State is guardian, with notice and limits on redisclosure.

Annual data on college-in-prison programs

By September 1 each year, the Department of Corrections publishes a public report on education in prisons, including enrollment, demographics, waitlists, credits, grievances, and spending. Colleges that teach for-credit programs in prisons must send student‑level data to state boards. Personal identifiers are removed before publication.

Chicago boards for student equity

Chicago’s school board now has two advisory bodies. One supports non‑citizen students and families (effective June 1, 2022). The other is a standing committee focused on Black student achievement (effective March 18, 2024). They advise on services, privacy, communications, and plans, and report progress to the public.

Community colleges post enrollment each year

Beginning August 9, 2024, each community college reports enrollment data by October 1 every year. Reports include start‑of‑year headcounts, full‑time counts, online versus in‑person counts, and a five‑year rolling average. The State Board posts the data online for the public.

Early Childhood Access advisory committee

State higher‑education and human‑services agencies convene an Early Childhood Access Consortium advisory committee. Members include employers, providers, educators, unions, advocates, and agency staff. The committee meets at least twice a year in public sessions. Members are unpaid but can be reimbursed for necessary expenses; initial terms after June 5, 2024 are set by lottery.

Faster paths for part‑time police

By March 1, 2024, the Board sets uniform reciprocity rules for officers trained elsewhere. Applicants must finish Illinois law courses, firearms training, and pass an exam before a waiver is final. A probationary part‑time officer may work while finishing up to six months of training if directly supervised and not used to replace a full‑time officer. When an officer leaves, their certification goes inactive; an employer can seek reactivation, and the Board reviews within 30 days and may require extra training. Agencies can ask to waive training for inactive officers; the Board gives a decision or timeline within 7 days.

Global Scholar certification for graduates

The state creates an optional Global Scholar certification for high school graduates who meet set coursework, service, collaboration, and capstone standards. The State Board provides a way to show it on diplomas and transcripts, and schools keep records. Students do not pay a fee. Starting in 2026–2027, students at schools without the program can earn it remotely.

How state school funds are paid

The State Superintendent calculates each district’s adequacy target and reports funding amounts each year. Evidence‑Based Funding is paid in 22 equal payments from August through June, on the same schedule for all districts. Tiers are set by percent of adequacy: Tier 2 is under 0.90, Tier 3 is 0.90 to under 1.0, and Tier 4 is 1.0 or more; Tier 1 is below the Tier 1 target ratio. No EBF dollars are distributed inside a district without its school board’s approval. A review panel studies EBF and makes recommendations to state leaders.

Indoor air quality guides for schools

The State Board compiles ventilation and indoor air quality resources with public health and other experts. It posts the guides on its website and does outreach within 30 days after compiling them. The Board can update the resources as needed.

Mental health support push for first responders

A Task Force tells agencies to guarantee access to mental health and wellness services for first responders. It also recommends specialized training, outreach, and public service campaigns, and promotes confidentiality and leave protections. These are recommendations, not guaranteed services.

More preschool funds for ages 0–3

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2018, at least 25% of any increase over last year’s Preschool Education, Parental Training, and Prevention Initiative funding must go to children ages 0–3. Any funds above the Fiscal Year 2017 level must add to, not replace, other funding sources.

More school staff by student counts

Districts get one school site staff job per 225 K–5 or middle students and one per 200 high school students. Extra staff is funded based on need: for low‑income students, 1 intervention and 1 support staff per 125, plus 1 extended‑day and 1 summer teacher per 120. For English learners, the same ratios apply and districts also get 1 core teacher per 100 EL students.

Parents on charter school boards

Beginning July 1, 2025, every charter school must have at least one parent or guardian of a current student on its governing board. The parent can be chosen by election, appointment, or by the school’s parent group.

Peoria schools get debt-limit relief with grants

For Peoria School District 150, leases made between January 1, 2007 and July 1, 2011 with a public building commission are not counted as district debt if the State Board of Education or the Capital Development Board awards grants. The amount excluded cannot be more than the grants received.

Plan to connect at-risk women to services

The Task Force must design a plan so DCEO can partner with agencies, companies, and groups to help at‑risk women and their families. Help includes housing, education, job training, financial literacy, parenting support, material aid, and referrals. It also calls for expanding Redeploy Illinois into Cook County.

Plans to grow creative and convention jobs

A Creative Economy Task Force studies the industry and sends a plan to lawmakers by July 1, 2026; the section ends January 1, 2027 and is subject to funding. A McCormick Place Advisory Board meets quarterly to advise on improvements, training, and expanding opportunities for minorities and women. The Authority must also run an affirmative action program with goals, timetables, enforcement, and an annual plan due before September 1.

Property tax data for school funding

Each year, the Department of Revenue sends the State Superintendent school‑district property values and tax rates by September 30. County clerks also certify homestead exemption totals, including added exemptions for households with income at or below $30,000. For districts in more than one county, the State uses the county with most of the district’s EAV for limiting and purpose rates. These rules give the State better data to calculate school funding.

Public college executive contract limits

For public university executive contracts after January 1, 2017, severance is capped at one year of salary and benefits. Fixed-term deals cannot exceed four years and cannot auto-renew. Boards must act on contracts and performance-based bonuses in open meetings with prior public notice; performance details must be posted at least 48 hours before approval. Severance or buyouts can be escrowed if job-related criminal charges are pending. Community college contracts after September 22, 2015 follow similar caps and open-meeting notice rules, including posting the full contract.

School bonds need voter approval and notice

For bonds issued after January 1, 2018 under certain sections, a school district cannot rely on a debt‑limit exception unless it follows the Bond Issue Notification Act and voters approve the bonds by referendum.

School governance and board oversight updates

The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board has five Governor‑appointed members (no more than three from one party), each with at least five years of educational labor experience; the chair earns $50,000 and other members $45,000 unless set higher by a review board. The Board must keep minimum attorney and investigator staffing and publish annual case‑metrics reports. Every voting school board member must finish at least four hours of first‑year training on law, finance, duties, trauma‑informed practices, and student outcomes, and districts must post who completed it. In Class II county school units, trustees are appointed (not elected) after April 4, 2023; boards must appoint within 60 days after August 9, 2024 for terms up to two years unless reappointed, and the old term‑of‑office section is inoperative on August 9, 2024. Eligible districts may withdraw from township trustees and appoint their own treasurer, with all district books, records, funds, and assets transferred. During a Governor‑declared public health disaster that stops in‑person school, teacher remediation timelines pause; plans over 45 days resume when school restarts, and plans under 45 days restart.

Schools may add weekly relaxation time

Beginning January 1, 2025, districts may give students at least 20 minutes per week of relaxation activities during the school day. Activities can include yoga, meditation, mindful movement, walking, or quiet time. Schools may partner with community groups and can place activities in PE or advisory classes. This is allowed but not required.

Shifting base funds to active programs

Glenwood Academy has a guaranteed base funding minimum of $952,014 each year. Programs with zero enrollment do not keep base minimum money the next year; those dollars move to active school units. If a specially funded unit cannot qualify for part of its base funds, that money is reassigned by the State Superintendent using prior‑year student counts. A district leaving a special‑education cooperative gets its share of the base minimum in the withdrawal agreement. Qualified distressed units can add District Intervention Money to their base minimum with state review and legislative approval (deemed approved after 40 days).

Task force to boost women in tech

The state creates a task force to increase women’s roles in technology. Members serve without pay and meet at least quarterly. The section is repealed on January 1, 2030.

WIU may run educational TV station

Western Illinois University is authorized to build and operate an educational TV station near Macomb, with a translator near Moline. The Board must get FCC permits and licenses. The Board may apply for federal funds to help develop the station.

Workplace Readiness Week in high school

Starting July 1, 2024, high schools can hold a yearly Workplace Readiness Week. Students learn about worker rights, safety, wage and hour laws, unemployment insurance, paid leave, and union organizing. Schools also introduce State‑approved apprenticeships. For grades 11 and 12, the information is part of the regular program or special events.

New fund to modernize licensing systems

The state created the Professions Licensure Fund to pay for licensing software and IT systems. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can use the money, if appropriated, to improve license applications, renewals, and administration.

Simpler disposal rules for hazardous paint

Hazardous paint and paint‑related waste are now treated as universal waste. The Agency must propose rules within 60 days after January 1, 2025, and the Board adopts them within 180 days. This typically makes handling and paperwork simpler for waste handlers.

Supplier diversity reports now public

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion publishes supplier diversity reports that agencies collect. It may hold yearly hearings with agencies on compliance. The Commission does not enforce filings by individual companies.

Workshops to connect diverse suppliers

The Commission can host public, industry‑focused workshops to link diverse suppliers with procurement program managers. Workshops can review supplier diversity reports and help match vendors to opportunities.

Task force on large industrial zoning

A state Task Force will study how big industrial projects affect zoning and annexation across jurisdictions. It must report findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025. Members serve without pay, and the section ends June 1, 2026.

New driving limits near O'Hare, young drivers

You may not stop on the highway shoulder within a half mile of O’Hare’s east entrance or the I‑90/I‑294 intersection, except for breakdowns, yielding to emergency vehicles, police direction, or if the vehicle was stolen. If you committed a qualifying offense within six months before turning 18 and were convicted, the under‑18 curfew still applies after you turn 18. The curfew lasts until you go six months with no new qualifying violation and conviction.

New special plates with $25–$35 fees

The state offers new special license plates. You pay $25 to get or renew a DHS volunteerism plate. The Horsemen’s Council and K9s for Veterans plates cost $25 to issue or renew, with most of the renewal fee going to their funds. The IAM Guide Dogs plate costs $35 first and $25 to renew. The Local Lodge 701 plate costs $35 first and $30 to renew. Money goes to named funds that support those causes.

Expungement fees and limited record access

Illinois State Police may charge a fee equal to the cost to process an expungement or sealing order. The clerk deposits $10 of the filing fee into the Clerk Operation and Administrative Fund and sends the State Police share to the State Police Services Fund. If a record was already sealed under this Section, the expungement fee is waived. Courts and clerks may open sealed records only to show legal financial obligations, and must re‑impound them after collection.

New $40 fee to serve Director

If you cause service of process on the Director as attorney for service, you must pay $40 each time. The fee is due when the service happens.

New cancer plate fees and grants

The state offers three cancer awareness special plates. Each plate costs $25 to get and $25 each year to renew. On first purchase, $10 goes to the plate’s cancer fund and $15 to the Secretary of State plate fund. On renewal, $23 goes to the cancer fund and $2 to the Secretary of State fund. Money supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago, Illinois CancerCare Foundation, and the Cancer Center at Illinois.

Fees for Aging Department trainings

The Department on Aging may charge reasonable fees for its conferences and trainings. Fees must be set by rule using normal rulemaking steps.

Chaperone rule for charged therapists

If a massage therapist is charged with certain serious crimes, the Department orders them to see patients only with a licensed chaperone. The order issues within five business days of notice. The therapist must file a compliance plan in five business days. Not following the order can lead to temporary suspension. If not convicted, the order is vacated and removed.

Licenses blocked for unpaid taxes or support

The Department refuses, suspends, or does not renew a license if you fail to file tax returns or to pay tax, penalties, or interest owed to the Department of Revenue. It also takes action if you fail to pay court‑ordered child support, based on a court order or referral. Your license resumes only after you resolve what you owe.

New cultural competency hour for clinicians

For renewals on or after January 1, 2025, health care professionals with continuing education requirements must take at least one hour in cultural competency. That hour counts toward required CE credits. The Department may set rules.

$250 yearly license for sportsbook employees

If you work for a master sports wagering licensee, you must hold an occupational license. The license costs $250 each year. Licenses under the Illinois Gambling Act at the same facility count as equivalent.

1% tax on medicines and supplies

The law charges a 1% tax at checkout on covered medical items. It applies to prescription and nonprescription drugs, some cancer‑treatment devices and parts, vehicle disability modifications, and insulin and diabetic supplies. To figure the tax, multiply the price by 1%.

New specialty plates and small fees

You can buy a Health Care Workers Benefit plate for $25. On first issue, $10 goes to the Health Care Workers Benefit Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State fund; renewal is $25 with $23 to the Benefit Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State fund. You can also buy an IBEW Thank a Line Worker decal for $15 to start and $2 to renew. Those amounts go to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

Small property tax for college repairs

A community college board may add a separate property tax up to 0.05% of equalized assessed value to fund needed repairs, safety, or energy projects. The board must adopt a public resolution and get a certified architect or engineer estimate. This levy is outside the college’s general levy.

Warning signs required on electric fences

Beginning January 1, 2025, battery‑charged fences that are exempt from county permits must post signs reading "WARNING: ELECTRIC FENCE" at least every 30 feet.

Annual diversity report for cannabis

Each licensed cannabis business must file a diversity report by January 1 every year, or when asked. The Oversight Officer provides the form. Not responding can lead to discipline from State agencies.

Cottage food: register, label, inspections

Cottage food operators must register each year with the local health department; the annual fee can be up to $50. Packaged products must have clear labels with your operation name and number, ingredients, date, allergen info, and a warning that the food was made in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department. Show the same warning at the point of sale, including online. Health officials can inspect after complaints, illness reports, or imminent hazards, may charge a reasonable inspection fee, and can order you to stop selling or revoke registration until you comply.

Green certification and reports for REV projects

REV applicants must, within 24 months after a project starts operating, certify the project is carbon neutral or holds an approved green building or energy certification (like LEED, ENERGY STAR, or ISO 50001). If asked with 7 business days’ notice, REV taxpayers doing construction must make their annual construction report available in Illinois for inspection and copying during reasonable hours.

Higher state filing fees for companies

It costs $2,000 to file to form or certify a domestic company (fraternal benefit societies pay $500). Most amendments to articles or declarations cost $200, and filing bylaws or bylaw changes costs $50. A domestic merger or consolidation filing costs $2,000; a foreign or alien company merger filing costs $600. Some entity types, like fraternal societies and farm mutuals, are excluded from certain fees.

Limits on dementia care site expansion

If you apply to expand a supportive living dementia site at a location not approved by January 1, 2024, you may add only one non‑dementia unit per dementia unit. The site must also meet distance limits that vary by county.

New $260 fee for overweight trucks

For each covered overweight or truck load conviction, the court clerk charges a $260 assessment. Of each $260, $168 goes to county funds and $92 goes to state funds.

New record rules for used car dealers

Used car dealers must keep a color copy or scan of a customer’s driver’s license or State ID for 30 days when making a new key outside a sale or repossession. Breaking this rule is a petty offense and, by itself, cannot suspend a license. Dealers who sell salvage or junk-title cars at auction must send a sale register to the Secretary of State within 10 days with the VIN, year, make, model, seller and buyer info, and price.

New sourcing and labeling rules for dispensaries

Dispensaries must print the legal dispensary name on product packaging. They must buy cannabis and seeds only from Illinois‑registered suppliers. They must also inspect and count every product received before sale. These steps add compliance and staffing costs.

Signs required on electric security fences

Beginning January 1, 2025, battery‑charged fences that qualify for the municipal permit exemption must post “WARNING: ELECTRIC FENCE.” Place the signs at least every 30 feet along the fence. This applies only to fences that meet the exemption’s siting and energizer rules.

More local support for Move Over enforcement

Money from Move Over tickets written by local officers goes to the county or city Transportation Safety Highway Hire‑back Fund. Local governments can use it to hire off‑duty officers, buy equipment, and make driver‑education materials. Courts can also order community service for Move Over violators.

Some juvenile records kept longer

Juvenile records sent in through the statewide student tip system are kept for five years before expungement. Police may keep parts of a juvenile record needed for a pending felony or an internal probe until that process ends. The law also updates what counts as temporary custody and shelter care for minors.

Up to $1,000 for emergency response

If your DUI, snowmobile, or boating offense causes an emergency response, you may owe up to $1,000. If reckless driving or speeding 26+ mph over the limit causes a response, you may also owe up to $1,000. For certain drug offenses that cause a drug‑related emergency response, the assessment is $1,000. If more than one agency responded, they split the money equally.

Districts lose funds if schools unrecognized

A district that does not keep a recognized school loses Evidence-Based Funding for that year. If only some attendance centers are unrecognized, the payment is cut in proportion to those centers. A district that was recognized when a legal claim formed still receives aid for that claim even if recognition later ends.

Employers must follow inmate release rules

DOC sets rules for work and day release and gives written copies to the person and their employer or responsible person. Employers must agree to follow the rules, report any violations, and tell DOC when the person leaves the job or program.

Past school bond approvals

The law recognizes earlier bond approvals for three districts. Belle Valley SD 119 could issue up to $47.5 million by March 31, 2014. Mascoutah CUD 19 could issue up to $55 million by December 31, 2011. West Washington CUSD 10 could issue up to $32.2 million by March 31, 2014. Bonds mature in 25–30 years and were for voter‑approved projects. Debt under these rules does not count against normal limits and can affect local property taxes over time.

Driver license fees and some waivers

The law sets license and permit fees: $30 for a 4‑year license, $60 for an 8‑year license, $5 for ages 18–20, $20 for an instruction permit, $8 for a restricted driving permit, and $5 for duplicates or corrections. Some commercial CDL fees total $60. A driver’s record copy costs $20. If your license was stolen and you show a police report, the duplicate fee is waived. If you are age 60+ and your license is lost or stolen, the duplicate fee is also waived. The Secretary of State can require the same name and home address across your ID, license, and permit records.

Extra screening for some foster applicants

Applicants marked as having ‘quality of care’ concerns must first file a short preliminary application listing prior placements that were removed. The Department verifies the information and may deny, approve, or conditionally approve. If approved, the Department can still require the full application, and these applicants are presumed unsuitable unless the Department makes an exception. The Department must adopt rules to carry out these changes by January 1, 2025.

New Child Abuse Council license plate

You can buy a Child Abuse Council of the Quad Cities special plate for $25. On first purchase, $10 goes to the Council’s fund and $15 to the Secretary of State plate fund. Each renewal is $25, with $23 to the Council fund and $2 to the Secretary of State plate fund. The fund pays grants to benefit the Council.

Lake County jurors can donate fees

In Lake County, jurors may choose to donate their juror fees to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center. The county sets the rules and reports each year on participation and use of funds. This pilot ends January 1, 2026.

Mobile IDs and optional rush ID fee

If you have a physical Illinois ID, you can get a mobile ID on your device that matches your official record and meets national standards. You keep your phone in your hand during checks. You can also ask for expedited ID service for an extra fee up to $75. If the office cannot process rush requests that day, your expedited fee is refunded.

New charity and community plates

Illinois offers new specialty plates that fund community causes. Autism Awareness, Experimental Aircraft Association, Tick Research, Future Farmers of America, IBEW, and Sons of the American Legion plates cost $25 to issue and $25 to renew. On issue, $10 goes to the named fund and $15 to the Secretary of State fund; on renewal, $23 goes to the named fund and $2 to the Secretary of State fund. The 100 Club of Illinois plate costs $45 to issue ($30 to the 100 Club fund; $15 to the Secretary of State fund) and $27 to renew ($25/$2 split). The USTA/Midwest Youth Tennis plate costs $40 to issue ($25/$15 split) and $40 to renew ($38/$2 split). Buying a plate is optional, and the money supports the listed programs.

Rules for consumer legal funding

Starting January 1, 2025, the law updates key terms in consumer legal funding, like charges, funded amount, funding date, legal claim, and resolution amount. These definitions set how deals are written and how fees and amounts are counted.

Special plates and Monarch habitat plate

Illinois can issue Universal special plates through approved groups, with fees sent to the funds named by law. A Roadside Monarch Habitat plate costs $25 to issue and $25 each year to renew. The first $25 sends $10 to the Habitat Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State plate fund; renewals send $23 to the Habitat Fund and $2 to the plate fund. Habitat money funds roadside monarch and pollinator projects.

State ID fees and waivers

Standard Illinois ID fees are $20 for an original or renewal, $10 for a corrected card, and $20 for a duplicate. Many people pay no fee, including those age 65+, veterans’ home residents, some homeless applicants, certain youth in care, and people getting an ID at release from custody. A portion of fees issued on or after January 1, 2005 goes to the General Revenue Fund.

Veteran ID checks and lower vehicle fees

When you apply for an ID, the State asks if you are a veteran and verifies documents like a DD‑214. If status cannot be verified, the veteran label (or ID) is canceled unless you prove it. Low‑speed electric scooters on highways do not need registration or a title. Starting January 1, 2025, a two‑year antique plate cannot cost more than $13 (no more than $6 per year).

Veterans plates and spouse transfer

Illinois adds and updates military plates and rules. Folds of Honor costs $25 to issue ($10 to the Folds fund; $15 to the Secretary of State fund) and $25 to renew ($23/$2 split). Navy Club costs $5 to issue and $18 to renew, with all money to the Navy Club Fund. Sons of the American Legion costs $25 to issue ($10/$15 split) and $25 to renew ($23/$2 split). The Illinois Veterans' Homes plate costs $26 to issue and $26 to renew, all to the Veterans' Homes Fund. United States Submarine Veterans plates are available to qualified submariners. Beginning January 1, 2025, Air Force Combat Action Medal plates are available to medal recipients. A surviving spouse may keep a deceased service member’s special plate if they live in Illinois and transfer the registration within 180 days.

Where special plate fees go

You can buy Universal special license plates. The law creates many named state funds and sends parts of your plate fee into them. Money in each fund is paid as grants to the group named in law.

New developmental disabilities license plate

You can buy a Developmental Disabilities Awareness plate for $25. On first purchase, $10 goes to the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State fund. Each $25 renewal sends $23 to the disabilities fund and $2 to the Secretary of State fund. The disabilities fund provides grants to help pay guardianship legal fees through the Department of Human Services.

Shorter deadline to contest death transfers

To challenge a transfer‑on‑death property transfer, you must file within the earlier of 2 years after the owner’s death or 6 months after letters of office are issued. A buyer or lender who gets the property before a lis pendens or renunciation notice is recorded takes the property free of those contests.

Small owner rentals get new exemption

Starting January 1, 2025, if you own and live in a building with four or fewer units, you may consider a person’s sexual orientation in rental decisions. This applies only to owner‑occupied buildings with four or fewer units. It expands discretion for small owner‑landlords but narrows protections for some renters in those buildings.

Clear timelines for teacher evaluations

Non‑tenured teachers are evaluated at least once each school year. Tenured teachers rated "needs improvement" or "unsatisfactory" are evaluated again the next school year. Within 30 school days after a "needs improvement" rating, a professional development plan is created; after an "unsatisfactory" rating, a remediation plan starts within 30 school days. Remediation uses a consulting teacher with 5+ years’ experience and a recent “excellent” rating and includes midpoint and final evaluations with written feedback within 10 school days. For an "unsatisfactory" rating, remediation runs about 90 school days unless a union contract sets a shorter period; a final evaluation issues within 10 days after remediation ends.

Public worker pension pay rules change

For pensions, Tier 1 uses your highest 48 straight months or four top academic years of pay. Tier 2 uses your highest 96 months within the last 120 months or eight top academic years. Severance, retirement pay, and most unused sick‑leave payouts do not count. Year‑to‑year raises over 20% can be excluded from pensionable earnings. Starting September 1, 2024, that 20% rule also applies to employees who worked half‑time or less for three or more years.

Stronger protections for working minors

Minors must have a valid, school‑issued employment certificate before working. Employers must keep records on site, ensure a supervisor age 21 or older is present, and give a 30‑minute break at least every five hours. Employers must keep certificates during the job and three years after, post required notices, and report certain injuries. These rules improve safety and add employer compliance steps.

Leases for conservancy recreation facilities

Conservancy districts can get and run facilities like marinas, lodges, and campgrounds. They may lease operations for up to 20 years and lease land for up to 50 years, with an option to extend up to another 50 years. If the district runs revenue‑producing facilities, it must set rates that at least cover fixed, maintenance, and operating costs.

Fair rounding of home care hours

Home care providers must follow federal rules for rounding hours worked (29 CFR 785.48(b)). This improves pay accuracy for employees and requires payroll compliance by employers. Compliance has been required since May 1, 2013.

Clearer dig-safe rules for contractors

The law tightens and clarifies utility locate rules. You may carefully dig without the owner on site if they waive presence or cannot meet your schedule. For water work, owners must mark submerged lines within 15 days or by a date you both set. Owners with no lines in the dig area must notify you by the dig start date; before January 1, 2026, calls, emails, faxes, voicemails, postings, or markings count. Owners satisfy notice if they use the positive response system and make the extra contact attempts before January 1, 2026. Standard color codes for marks now apply statewide. If you agree to change a dig start time, the owner must record the details and keep the record with JULIE for five years after the notice expires.

Cottage food limits and uniform rules

Cottage food sellers cannot offer high‑risk foods like meat, poultry, fish, most dairy or eggs, low‑acid canned foods, sprouts, wild mushrooms, or most cut tomato, melon, or leafy greens unless the law lists an exception. Local governments cannot set cottage food rules that conflict with the state’s rules. This keeps rules more uniform across the state.

EV program definitions tightened

Only vehicles powered solely by electricity now count as electric vehicles. Hybrids, e‑bikes, and extended‑range EVs are excluded. The law also updates who counts as an EV component parts manufacturer for REV Act agreements entered on or after December 21, 2022.

Insurance producers: longer license, more training

Insurance producers get a two‑year license term unless denied; this rule sunsets January 1, 2027. Before each renewal, you must finish 24 hours of approved study, including 3 hours of ethics in a classroom or webinar. If your license lapses, you can get it reissued within 12 months without an exam, but you must pay a penalty equal to double the unpaid renewal fee.

Stricter steps for waste franchises

In towns under 1,000,000 people that never gave a non‑residential waste franchise, the town must give written notice to licensed haulers, collect and post 6‑month reports, hold two public hearings with 30 days’ notice, allow at least 30 days to bid, and wait at least 15 months before service can start. Haulers must report service and recycling data. Franchise fees can only fund the franchise program.

New schedules for employer withholding

Employers file Illinois withholding returns each quarter by the last day of the next month. If you withheld more than $12,000 in the year ending June 30, you must pay semi‑weekly and, since 2011, by electronic funds transfer. The Department may let very small employers that withheld $1,000 or less last year file one annual return due January 31.

Alcohol allowed at certain state sites

State parks with lodging or full restaurants, and certain historic and museum sites, may sell alcohol. Sales by concessionaires run from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. Sites need written consent and dram shop insurance and cannot disrupt normal State work. River conservancy recreation buildings may sell alcohol under local rules, but local rules cannot ban Sunday or Holiday sales. The Springfield Administration Building, State Armory, Willard Ice Building, State Library, State Museum sites, and the Bilandic Building (after child care hours) can host sales with the same written‑consent and insurance rules.

Chicago Park District bond rules updated

Chicago Park District bonds must mature within 20 years, or within 30 years if issued after July 24, 2003. When checking the 0.5% assessed‑value bond limit, outstanding bonds under Section 20a are excluded. This allows more borrowing under the test while keeping maturity caps.

Clearer ballots and petition rules

Ballots now say “No Candidate” when no one files and no write‑in is declared. Candidates who changed their name in the last 3 years must list former names, with exceptions for adoption, marriage, dissolution, and gender identity. Elections must use printed or written ballots in the form the law sets. Judges follow set steps when accepting and handling your ballots. Petitions for public questions must use uniform sheets, include full addresses, have a sworn adult U.S. citizen circulator, and follow tight filing and cancel windows.

Concealed‑carry program for State Police

The Illinois State Police run a concealed‑carry reciprocity program for qualified active and retired State Police officers. It follows federal laws 18 U.S.C. 926B and 926C and is administered by the Division of the Academy and Training.

Funding and limits for juvenile expungement

Automatic juvenile expungements are paid for only if the General Assembly appropriates money. The Illinois State Police and its staff are not liable if records are not cleared because they cannot be verified, and ISP does not have to clear records it does not have.

One sunset rule removed

The law deletes Section 4.35 from the Regulatory Sunset Act. Programs and agencies no longer follow that section’s rules.

Stricter timelines for ICC violations

The Illinois Commerce Commission has a firm 2‑year limit to start actions under Section 11. Starting January 1, 2025, anyone reporting an alleged violation must use the ICC form and file within 65 days after discovering it. The ICC must notify involved parties within 20 days after it gets a report. After opening an investigation, the ICC has 195 days to issue a notice of violation, or 325 days if there was utility damage, injury, death, or property damage. Starting July 1, 2025, the ICC posts a monthly list of all alleged‑violation reports it received, naming the submitter, alleged violator, project owner, date, and law sections.

Task force on county official pay

The state creates the County Official Compensation Task Force. Appointments were due by September 1, 2024. A status report is due February 1, 2025, and a full report May 1, 2025, or December 31, 2025 if appointments were late. The task force ends January 1, 2026.

Teams can seek wager type bans

A sports team, league, sports body, college, or master wagering licensee can ask the Board to ban a type of bet. The Board must grant the ban for good cause after consulting licensees. The Board answers before the event or as soon as possible if that is not feasible.

Teen driving curfew with exceptions

Drivers under 18 cannot drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Usual exceptions apply, like with a parent, for work, school events, emergencies, and similar. A 17‑year‑old licensed at least 12 months can drive during curfew when serving as an assigned Safe Rides driver. The program must be run by the Boy Scouts or another national public service group with liability insurance.

Temporary emergency rule powers for agencies

The Department of Natural Resources can use emergency rules to carry out Section 13 of the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. This emergency power ends January 1, 2026. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can use emergency rules to carry out Public Act 103‑568. That power ends August 4, 2025.

Tighter rules on local borrowing and taxes

The law limits how much certain local districts can borrow and for how long. A museum district’s total debt cannot exceed 1.5% of its equalized assessed value, and only 0.3% for historic site development. The Chicago Park District’s new bonded debt is capped at 2.3% of assessed value, and most Park District bonds need voter approval. County airport bonds outstanding are capped at 1% of county taxable value, and non‑tax airport revenue bonds must be repaid within 30 years. Working cash bond sales are limited to $40,000,000 a year, with maturities up to 20 years (30 years if issued after July 24, 2003), and transfers to the general fund in anticipation of taxes are capped at 90% of estimated taxes. District bond interest cannot exceed the Bond Authorization Act rate, and some taxes need 12 board votes to pass; one exception lets East Prairie School District 73 exclude up to $47,353,147 in voter‑approved bonds from debt limits and use up to 25‑year maturities.

New alcohol rules on public property

More public venues can serve alcohol if they get local approvals and carry required insurance. Stand‑alone bars on State property remain banned, except when part of lodges or some golf course restaurants. No one may give alcohol to prisoners, unless a doctor prescribes it for medical reasons.

Chicago Park District pension bonds

The Chicago Park District may issue up to $250 million in bonds for pension funding, with no more than $75 million in any year. Interest on unspent bond proceeds goes to the district’s general corporate fund, and may be moved to the museum bond fund. Taxes for working cash bonds go into a bond and interest sinking fund, which can be invested in U.S. or Illinois bonds that mature before payments are due. The treasurer may buy back or call bonds by sealed tender, and later tax extensions may be reduced by accrued interest after the required filing.

Greenview school bonds from 2020 vote

Greenview CUSD 200 may issue up to $3,500,000 in bonds approved by voters on March 17, 2020. Bonds must be issued within five years of the vote and mature within 25 years. Money must fund the voter‑approved K‑12 construction or expansion. This debt does not count against statutory debt limits, and local property taxes may repay the bonds.

More borrowing options for local districts

Local districts can issue revenue bonds for facilities, with maturities up to 40 years and interest capped by state law. Conservancy boards may combine facilities, pledge revenues across them, and borrow secured by property within interest caps. Drainage systems can use revenue bonds up to 20 years. Sanitary districts can refinance debt without a voter referendum. They may issue short‑term corporate notes up to 85% of that year’s corporate tax levy, maturing within two years, and must levy a direct annual tax to repay them. Districts can also use tax anticipation warrants when cash is short.

DCFS Section 5.15 ends in 2026

Section 5.15 of the Children and Family Services Act is repealed on July 1, 2026. On that date, the text of that section is removed. The law does not set replacement rules.

Medicaid sets outpatient pay method

Medicaid uses 3M’s EAPG Version 3.7 weights for outpatient payments. The state sets service‑specific standardized amounts, adjusts the labor share by the 2013 Medicare outpatient wage index, and posts rates at least 10 days before they start. Once federally approved, certain services billed as non‑institutional are moved into the hospital EAPG system within 60 days.

New Medicaid billing rules for providers

Medicaid sets tighter claim timelines and simpler billing. Most claims must arrive within 180 days; late claims are not paid. Long‑term care admission documents must be sent through MEDI or REV within 120 days. Nursing homes and ID/DD facilities can send monthly bills. Volunteer dentists may serve patients at enrolled nonprofit clinics without enrolling themselves if federal approval is granted. Entities enrolling in Medicaid must disclose ownership and financial interests.

No county value guarantees for wind/solar

Counties cannot force wind or solar project owners to guarantee nearby property values or pay into a devaluation escrow. This rule has been in effect since January 27, 2023.

Quick‑take eminent domain for listed parcels

Elmhurst can use quick‑take to acquire a named North York Road parcel for road work from July 19, 2024 for two years. That section repeals July 19, 2027. The law also lets the state quick‑take certain listed parcels in McHenry County for the stated public project starting August 9, 2024, through August 9, 2027. These powers apply only to the specific parcels listed.

Block grants: automatic pay and reporting

Eligible districts get block grant payments without filing applications. Districts must report spending, service levels, and admin costs by program as required. Boards may classify funds within the fiscal year by resolution, but not above each program’s entitlement, and must file the resolution with the State Superintendent.

Deadlines for part-time police training

Part‑time law enforcement hires must earn a Board certificate. If hired on or after March 14, 2002, they generally have 18 months to finish the part‑time course unless a waiver is approved. Agencies must verify out‑of‑state training before seeking reciprocity. Missing deadlines without a waiver can cost the position.

How to end township school offices

Township treasurer and trustee of schools offices can end only if every affected school board gives notice in the same 30 days, each adopts the same resolution, and voters in each district approve on the same ballot. Extra rules apply in smaller townships with a unit district.

More mental-health input and staff training

School boards must invite a local mental health professional to suspension or expulsion meetings when mental illness may be a cause. Districts must make ongoing training available on discipline law, trauma, supports, and classroom management for staff, board members, and school resource officers. School counselors must complete required training. These steps add expertise and support but also add training duties for staff.

New rules for charter boards and enrollment

Charter board members must complete training: 4 hours in the first year and 2 hours each year after. Starting July 1, 2025, charters may limit enrollment by age or grade. Also starting July 1, 2025, a State Board‑authorized charter becomes its own local education agency.

School help tied to possible fund cuts

The State Board of Education gives help to schools in improvement status. Schools must make reasonable efforts to carry out an approved plan. If they do not, the Board may cut State funds for that school, attendance center, or program.

Short-term permits for visiting doctors

Illinois issues a temporary visiting physician permit without an exam for invited doctors. It lasts up to 180 days, and total active days cannot exceed 180 in any 365-day period. Out-of-state residents in approved programs can get a visiting resident permit for up to 180 days under Illinois supervision. Visiting rotations in Illinois are capped at 90 days total, and the clinic or program must file a notice with the Department.

Some districts skip building referendums

Until July 1, 2025, certain districts that meet the law’s criteria can buy or build school buildings without a referendum if at least 50% of the cost uses listed federal funds. Cahokia CUSD 187 can lease school buildings without a referendum in 2023–2025 if paid from existing balances. Bloomington SD 87 can do projects in 2022–2025 from existing balances without a referendum. Boards must hold at least two public hearings and post 10‑day notice online before acting.

State review of big campus projects

State universities must submit non‑instructional projects over $2 million to the Board of Higher Education for approval. The Board checks if a project fits the statewide higher‑education plan. If a majority finds it inconsistent, the project cannot be built.

Union Ridge and Bethel school bonds

Union Ridge SD 86 may issue up to $35,000,000 in bonds if voters approve on or after Mar 19, 2024. Bethel SD 82 may issue up to $3,975,000 with voter approval. Bonds must be issued within 5 years and mature within 25 years, and money can fund only voter‑approved projects. These debts are excluded from statutory debt limits. Local taxes may repay the bonds.

Stricter oversight of state contracts

Vendors that miss Business Enterprise Act utilization goals cannot renew unless the agency finds good‑faith efforts and the chief procurement officer concurs. The waiver must be posted within 5 business days. Contractors must file certified monthly M/WBE compliance reports; the Authority files quarterly reports to lawmakers. Most state contracts are capped at 10 years, but public colleges can go up to 30 years when tied to bond financing, and third parties can lease state communications infrastructure up to 20 years. Any extension or renewal over $249,999 must be filed with two review bodies; either can object within 14 days, with annual reporting due by August 1.

Cannabis fees go to state fund

All fees collected under the cited cannabis section are deposited into the Cannabis Regulation Fund unless the law says otherwise. This sets where the state keeps that fee money.

Insurer exams: company pays, some relief

When the Department examines a company, the company pays the exam expenses. Bills must be itemized, and IT costs are billed to the Technology Management Revolving Fund. The Director may defer, waive, or reduce surcharges and penalties if paying would immediately threaten solvency. The Governor may transfer up to 2% of these receipts to the Insurance Financial Regulation Fund. Exam reports cannot claim violations against insurers or plan sponsors who were not included and given a chance for a hearing.

Tighter rules on local borrowing

Port districts must price bonds to keep interest costs within legal limits. Museum districts cannot exceed debt equal to 0.25% of taxable property value. Starting July 1, 2024, when a law names certain bond acts, it also refers to the General Obligation Bond Act.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bill Cunningham
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Ann M. Williams
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 193 • No: 0

House vote • 5/31/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 117 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Executive Committee;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Do Pass State Government;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0417
8/15/2025Senate
Effective Date August 15, 2025
8/15/2025Senate
Governor Approved
8/15/2025Senate
Sent to the Governor
6/27/2025Senate
Passed Both Houses
5/31/2025Senate
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 117-000-000
5/31/2025House
Alternate Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Ann M. Williams
5/31/2025House
Third Reading/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 31, 2025
5/23/2025House
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2025House
Second Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2025House
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/30/2025House
Do Pass / Short Debate Executive Committee; 011-000-000
4/30/2025House
Assigned to Executive Committee
4/17/2025House
Referred to Rules Committee
4/11/2025House
First Reading
4/11/2025House
Chief House Sponsor Rep. Robyn Gabel
4/11/2025House
Arrived in House
4/9/2025House
Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
4/9/2025Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
4/9/2025Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
4/4/2025Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025
3/20/2025Senate
Second Reading
3/20/2025Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 20, 2025
3/19/2025Senate
Do Pass State Government; 009-000-000
3/19/2025Senate
Assigned to State Government
3/4/2025Senate

Bill Text

Engrossed
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Enrolled
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Introduced
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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

High Impact

Free filings and notices to clear records

Record clearing for trafficking victims

Water protections near fracking sites

Kidney transplants for eligible noncitizens

Protecting foster youths’ benefits and savings

Stronger health protections for municipal workers

Stronger mental health and addiction coverage

Stronger mental health and addiction coverage

Stronger pregnancy and postpartum coverage

Disability pay for injured public employees

More paths and aid to teach

Stronger death benefits for families

Bigger child tax refunds for families

Groceries tax-free starting 2026

No sales tax on unclaimed items

State tax break for loan repayment

State tax break for medical debt

Tax credit for music jobs and projects

Tax-free purchases for active-duty members

Lower taxes on farm, factory, aircraft gear

More contracts for M/WBE businesses

Credit for small employers keeping workers

EDGE credit can reduce withholding

MICRO projects can cut withholding taxes

No tax on meals in care facilities

No tax on Medicare-paid home meals

Nonprofit theater payroll tax credit

Quantum campuses get big tax incentives

REV projects get tax breaks and credits

Small Business Job Creation withholding credit

Tax break for some software and leases

Tax credit for paid organ donor leave

First-time weapon offense diversion program

Hospital transformation funding and oversight

More funds to underfunded school districts

More funding for transit and bridges

More money for roads, bridges, EV rebates

Big incentives for EV and clean manufacturing

Long-term tax breaks for data and quantum sites

City convention hall purchases tax-exempt

Limits on county sales and use taxes

Stronger discipline for surgical techs/assistants

Tighter long-term care costs and rules

Tougher license penalties for misconduct

Lower death benefits for overseas dependents

Past voter‑approved bonds in select districts

Tougher school discipline for guns and threats

State sales tax is 6.25%

Tax rule for nonresident pro athletes

Higher costs to be a used dealer

Large fees for early dispensary licenses

No cannabis sales with conditional license

Tougher standards for cannabis growers

Vendor tax discount now capped

Stricter clean‑air major source thresholds

Faster record clearing and second‑chance probation

Illinois Gives credit with donor addback rule

Real estate licensing ends in 2030

Engineering and surveying licenses end in 2030

More clean energy and chip incentives

New rules for adult-use dispensaries

Underground tank claims: faster pay, set caps

Stronger Move Over and yield rules

Modern Medicaid hospital payment rules

How districts’ local capacity is set

How new state school funds split

Four-year electric rates with oversight

Big chip incentives with wage and recycling rules

Medium Impact

Automatic clearing of many juvenile records

Clearing past minor cannabis records

Safer, more humane jail rules

Easier cosigner release on private loans

Lower towing charges and plate fees

Medical cannabis patients get priority access