Bills & Legislation

EPA-STORMWATER-PLASTIC PELLET

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Agency shall develop and begin implementation of requirements for a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan or other similar best management practice requirements, to be included in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued to facilities regulated under certain federal regulations. Provides that these requirements apply to the control of plastic pellets or other preproduction plastic materials, in stormwater runoff from these facilities.

GINSENG HARVESTING-FORFEITURE

Amends the Ginseng Harvesting Act. Makes changes to definitions. Adds prohibitions against attempted violations in provisions concerning a harvest license and in provisions concerning trespass to harvest ginseng. Requires a person with a harvest license, grower's license, or dealer license to immediately produce the license when requested to do so by an officer or authorized employee of the Department of Natural Resources or any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or any other peace officer. Provides that the Department may suspend a person who violates the Act or commits other specified violations from engaging in any activity requiring a license under the Act for a period of time according to rules adopted by the Department (rather than not to exceed 5 years following the revocation). Provides that any device or equipment, including vehicles and conveyances, used or operated in violation of the Act or rules adopted under the Act or attempted to be used in violation of the Act or rules adopted under the Act is subject to seizure and confiscation by the Department. Lists procedures for seizure, notice, court adjudication, and sale of property. Provides for return of lost property to its rightful owner. Directs that proceeds of sales shall be deposited into the Wildlife and Fish Fund. Requires reporting under the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act and makes conforming changes in that Act.

JOB APPLICATION-DRIVER LICENSE

Amends the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act. Provides that, unless driving is an essential job function or is related to a legitimate business purpose for a position, an employer or employment agency shall not: (1) refuse to hire, segregate, or act with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, selection for training or apprenticeship, discharge, discipline, tenure or terms, or privileges or conditions of employment on the basis of an applicant or employee not possessing a driver's license; or (2) include a statement in a posting for a job opening for the position that an applicant must have a valid driver's license. Defines "driver's license". Effective January 1, 2027.

EDUC-FOREIGN LANG ALTERNATIVE

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade beginning with the 2028-2029 school year must successfully complete either 2 years of foreign language courses or at least 2 years of career-focused coursework that has been authorized by the State Board of Education as meeting the requirements for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (rather than requiring the successful completion of 2 years of foreign language courses). Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Provides that a public university may not require State public high school graduates, as a condition of acceptance, to have completed any years of foreign language courses unless the university permits, as an alternative to completion of a foreign language course, attainment of a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Effective immediately.

Willie Preston

DHS-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Removes references to the Department of Human Services' Division of Mental Health and Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery in various Acts, including, but not limited to, the Substance Use Disorder Act, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the County Jail Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and other acts to reference the Department of Human Services' Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (rather than by the Division of Mental Health). Makes other conforming changes. Repeals the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center Task Force Act, the Advisory Council on Early Identification and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions Act, and the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Illinois Act. Repeals a provision in the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency. Repeals a provision in the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act requiring the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health to initially implement the Act as a 2-year pilot program. Repeals provisions in the Health Inpatient Facility Access Act requiring the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a strategic plan on improving access to inpatient psychiatric beds.

David Koehler

IDFPR-VARIOUS LICENSES

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Cemetery Oversight Act, the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act, the Detection of Deception Examiners Act, the Home Inspector License Act, the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002, the Registered Interior Designers Act, and the Landscape Architecture Registration Act to January 1, 2032 (rather than January 1, 2027). Amends the Auction License Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning necessity of license; expiration, renewal, and restoration; nonresident auctioneer reciprocity; and illegal discrimination. Repeals provisions concerning actions for compensation. Amends the Registered Interior Designers Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the Board of Registered Interior Design Professionals; application requirements for registration; expiration, renewal, and restoration; and appropriations, investments, and audits. Amends the Landscape Architecture Registration Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the reproducible seal; the Registered Landscape Architecture Registration Board; disposition of funds; violations and civil penalties; and grounds for discipline. Amends the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning insurance and the segregation of accounts; renewals, restoration, and persons in military service; illegal discrimination; and appointment of a hearing officer. Amends the Detection of Deception Examiners Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning applications for original licenses; investigations; and applicants who are Examiners. Amends the Home Inspector License Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the necessity of licensure; renewal; endorsement; and illegal discrimination. Amends the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002. Makes changes in provisions concerning necessity of a license; illegal discrimination; and investigations, notice, and hearings. Amends the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning disciplinary actions. Repeals provisions concerning bonds of registrants. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

EPA-WASTE DISCHARGE PERMIT

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that all National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits authorizing a discharge from a facility designated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a major facility, shall, at a minimum, require for publicly owned treatment works, periodic sampling of influent, effluent, and biosolids for all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for which there are accredited wastewater analytical methods and, for all other facilities, periodic effluent sampling for all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for which there are accredited wastewater analytical methods. Provides that the Agency shall require any NPDES permit application for a discharge of wastewater that has potential to contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to fully characterize the discharge through sample results for all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for which there are accredited wastewater analytical methods. Provides that the Agency shall not issue any permit under specified provisions for the land application of a sludge or biosolids unless the application includes sample results for the sludge or biosolids for all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for which there are accredited wastewater analytical methods. Provides that any permit issued under specified provisions for the land application of a sludge or biosolids shall require, at minimum, periodic sampling of the sludge or biosolids for all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for which there are accredited wastewater analytical methods.

Laura Fine

DOM VIOLENCE ORDER-VIOLATION

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that a person commits the crime of violation of an order of protection under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 if the person, in violation of an order to surrender the person's firearms and firearm parts, knowingly transfers a firearm or firearm parts to the respondent or otherwise allows the respondent access to a firearm or firearm parts. Provides that, if the law enforcement agency seeks to correct or negate the warrant for the seizure of the respondent's firearms and firearm parts, it shall take reasonable steps to notify the petitioner before appearing before the court. Makes technical changes.

Celina Villanueva

CONDO-CI COLLECTION POLICIES

Amends the Common Interest Community Association Act and the Condominium Property Act. Requires an association under both Acts to adopt policies and procedures concerning the collection of unpaid assessments. Prohibits an association or a holder or assignee of the association's debt from taking legal action to collect common expenses unless the association has adopted a written policy governing the collection policy for unpaid assessments. Specifies what the policy, at a minimum, must contain.

Adriane Johnson

ILLINOIS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Changes the name of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to the Illinois School for the Blind. Makes conforming changes to the Personnel Code, the School Code, the School Safety Drill Act, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, and the MRSA Prevention, Control, and Reporting Act.

Doris Turner

SCH CD-RELIGIOUS HAIRSTYLES

Amends the School Code. Provides that when registering or seeking recognition status with the State Board of Education, a nonpublic elementary or secondary school shall include assurances that the school will not prohibit religious hairstyles, hair-related religious practices, or facial hair worn in accordance with a student's or employee's sincerely held religious beliefs, observance, or practice. Provides that a school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a school board or local school council may not include or apply to religious hairstyles, hair-related religious practices, or facial hair worn in accordance with a student's sincerely held religious beliefs, observance, or practice. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Mike Simmons

INSURANCE-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that, for any law implementing the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Department of Insurance may adopt rules that include incorporations by reference of federal rules and regulations without identifying the incorporated matter by date and without including a statement that the incorporation does not include later amendments. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes changes concerning the assignment or transfer of property and casualty policies; formatting requirements for the insurance company supplier diversity report; and insurance coverage for dependent parents. Provides that the Director of Insurance shall maintain as confidential any records or information received from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or other state, federal, and international regulatory agencies (instead of insurance regulatory officials of other states) that are confidential in that other jurisdiction. Provides that the Department may waive registration and course certification fees if the pre-licensing or continuing education course is provided by a government entity free of charge. Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. In applicability provisions, removes language concerning exemptions for short-term, limited-duration health insurance coverage with a network plan. Repeals the Health Care Purchasing Group Act. Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

CD CORR-SENTENCE CREDIT

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the rules and regulations of the Department of Corrections shall also provide that sentence credit may be provided to an inmate who was held in pretrial detention prior to his or her current commitment to the Department of Corrections and successfully completed a substance abuse program (rather than a full-time, 60-day or longer substance abuse program), county jail or detention facility work assignments, or parenting program, or re-entry planning facilitated (rather than provided) by the county department of corrections, county jail, or other provider. Provides that the rules and regulations shall also provide that sentence credit may be provided to a committed person who participated in supervised community work or activities in accordance with the Code prior to his or her commitment to the Department of Corrections.

Laura Ellman

CHILD SUPPORT CHANGES

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides for a child support calculation for shared physical care in which each parent exercises 110 or more overnights per year with the child or 110 or more overnight equivalents as determined by a court as a deviation from guidelines or upon agreement by the parties. Provides that overnight equivalents are calculated by using a method other than overnights if the parent has significant parenting time periods on separate days in which the child is in the parent's physical care and under the direct care of that parent but does not stay overnight. Provides that if parents have shared physical care of a child, the basic child support obligation is multiplied by 1.5 to calculate the combined shared care child support obligation; the court shall determine each parent's portion of the shared care child support obligation based on the parent's percentage share of combined adjusted net income; the shared care child support obligation is then computed for each parent by multiplying that parent's portion of the shared care support obligation by the percentage of time the child spends with the other parent and determining any adjustment for shared physical custody that is less than 146 overnights or overnight equivalents. Provides that the respective shared care child support obligations are then offset with the parent owing more paying the difference in child support. Creates a statutory table to calculate the child support if a parent has physical shared custody for less than 146 overnights or overnight equivalents per year. Provides that the shared care child support obligation after adjustment may not be greater than the amount that would have been ordered under the basic support guidelines in any event. Provides that a parent incarcerated for more than 180 days is presumed to be unable to pay any amount of child support, and this presumption may be rebutted by evidence establishing the ability to pay child support during incarceration. Provides a rebuttable presumption that a minimum child support obligation of $40 per month, per child, will be entered for an obligor who has actual or imputed gross income at or less than 100% of the most recent United States Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of one person.

Mattie Hunter

ADOPTION-CONFIDENTIAL INTERMED

Amends the Adoption Act. Provides that the surviving adult children, adult grandchildren, or surviving spouse of a deceased adopted or surrendered person born in Illinois before January 1, 1946, may petition the court for the appointment of a confidential intermediary for purposes of obtaining all records of the court relating to the adoption that constitute the adoption file. Provides that if such a petition is filed, the court may appoint a confidential intermediary under the Act and release the adoption file.

Sara Feigenholtz

WHOLESALE DRUG DISTRIBUTORS

Amends the Wholesale Drug Distribution Licensing Act. Defines "virtual wholesale distributor". Provides that every virtual wholesale distributor that engages in virtual drug distribution of prescription drugs shall be licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that a virtual wholesale distributor shall only contract with entities licensed under the Act to take physical possession of prescription drugs if the prescription drugs are being shipped into the State. Sets forth requirements for applicants for a virtual wholesale distributor license. Provides that a virtual wholesale distributor shall ensure that any licensed entity providing distribution services to the virtual wholesale distributor complies with certain requirements. Provides that a virtual wholesale distributor shall not operate out of a location that is a residence or personal dwelling. Makes conforming changes in provisions concerning definitions; unlicensed practice; the expiration of a license; rules and regulations; inspection powers of a pharmacy investigator; restrictions on transactions; wholesaler licensing complaints; violations of the Act; temporary suspension of a license; home rule preemption; and drugs in storage. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

INS-SEIZURE DETECTION DEVICE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual plan of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 shall provide coverage for medically prescribed seizure detection devices. Requires all covered seizure detection devices to be approved for use by individuals, and for the choice of device to be made based upon the individual's circumstances and medical needs in consultation with the individual's medical provider. Sets forth provisions prohibiting prior authorization and cost-sharing, as specified. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under the provisions of those Acts. Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

VEH CD-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Removes language authorizing the Secretary of State from suspending or revoking the driving privileges of any person who has committed a violation related to the operation of a vehicle or streetcar on the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle that resulted in the death of another. Provides that a fee may be imposed for the operation or use of a motor vehicle in the commission of or in the attempt to commit an offense related to domestic battery or the violation of an order of protection. Exempts an official State vehicle and the State employee who is the operator of that vehicle is exempt from any local enforcement action. Allows the Illinois State Police to collect administrative fees from tows. Provides that the driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign is required for safety to stop, the driver shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. Provides that a person commits aggravated operating a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped on one wheel when he or she violates provisions of the Code related to special speed limits while passing schools and special speed limits while traveling through a highway construction or maintenance speed zone. Provides that a motorcycle may exhibit a white light emitted by a high intensity discharge lamp or a light of yellow or amber tint. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

VEH CD-PLATES-ENGINEERS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates for International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 license plates. Provides that an applicant for the special plate shall be charged a $30 fee for original issuance. Creates the Sweeney Classic Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

Mike Porfirio

WILDLIFE CD-WILDLIFE RIFLE

Amends the Wildlife Code. Defines "wildlife rifle" as a rifle that can hold up to 3 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to take deer except (i) with a shotgun, handgun, centerfire wildlife rifle (rather than single shot centerfire rifle), or muzzleloading rifle, or (ii) as provided by administrative rule, with a bow and arrow, during the open season, with certain requirements. Limits legal rifles to centerfire wildlife rifles (rather than centerfire rifles that are single shot). Prohibits deer hunting while being in possession of or in close proximity to a magazine that is capable of making a rifle hold more than 3 rounds in the magazine and chamber combined (rather than making a rifle not a single shot).

Patrick J. Joyce

RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCESS PLANS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that, to assist and support the Illinois Commerce Commission in the development of renewable energy access plan updates, the Commission may retain the services of technical and policy experts with relevant expertise and experience. Provides that the procurement is exempt from the requirements of the Illinois Procurement Code. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Bill Cunningham

WILL DEPOSITORY-CIRCUIT CLERK

Amends the Clerks of Court Act. Authorizes a circuit court clerk of any county to develop and maintain a will depository. Provides a procedure for the clerk to accept for safekeeping a testamentary instrument executed in compliance with the Probate Act of 1975, including a will, codicil, trust, or trust and one or more trust amendments. Allows a depositor to deposit a will with the clerk if the depositor certifies in writing that the depositor is unable to locate the testator after a diligent search. Creates a procedure for the clerk to follow in accepting, keeping, and returning these documents. Allows the clerk to charge a fee of $25 for each will deposited, and the clerk may not collect a separate fee for additional documents concurrently deposited in relation to a single testator or for a single joint will prepared for a husband and wife.

Bill Cunningham

DHS-GAMBLING DISORDERS

Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Expands the Act to include counseling, referral, and other supportive services for persons with gambling disorders. Requires the Department of Human Services to collaborate with the State Board of Education in the development of instructional resources for substance use or gambling disorder prevention and awareness that may be used by school districts. Permits the Department to cooperate with institutions of higher education in the development of programs on substance use and gambling disorders. Requires the Department to establish a toll-free hotline and website that provides crisis counseling and referral services for families experiencing difficulty related to a gambling disorder. Requires the Department to promote public awareness regarding the impact of gambling disorders on individuals, families, and communities. Makes other changes.

Julie A. Morrison

RECORDS-PRETRIAL SERVICES

Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that, with the approval of the Illinois State Police, pretrial services agencies may furnish fingerprints, charges, and descriptions to the Illinois State Police in the same manner as agencies making arrests. Amends the Pretrial Services Act. Provides that pretrial services agencies shall collaborate with the policing bodies of this State, the clerks of the circuit court, the sheriffs, and the State's Attorneys to assist in maintaining complete and accurate criminal records of the Illinois State Police.

Michael W. Halpin

INS-GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning the payment of nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers, makes changes to defined term, removes jurisdictional provisions, and provides that, for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned and operated by (instead of subject to) a unit of local government, a rate shall be paid that is equal to the rate established or approved by the governing body of the unit of local government providing the ground ambulance service. Establishes a rate of pay for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers that are not owned and operated by (instead of subject to the jurisdiction of) a unit of local government. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Replaces provisions concerning coverage for emergency transportation by ambulance with provisions concerning coverage for ground ambulance service.

Ram Villivalam

LAW ENFORCEMENT-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Provides that the Division of Patrol shall enforce the motor carrier safety provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code and serve as the lead State agency for administering the commercial vehicle safety plan of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Adds human trafficking, sexual assault, and sexual abuse in-service training requirements for Illinois State Police officers. Provides that the Division of Statewide 9-1-1 shall cooperate with federal and State authorities that are engaged in aeronautics and that request to use the Illinois State Police's radio network system. Provides that the State Police shall maintain a statewide statistical police contact recordkeeping system (rather than develop a separate statewide statistical police recordkeeping system) for the study of juvenile delinquency. Provides that, with the permission (rather than written permission) of a child's parent or guardian, the Illinois State police may collect (rather than retain) the fingerprints or DNA (rather than only the fingerprint record) of the child. Specifies that the fingerprints or DNA may be retained by the child's parent or guardian and later used for specified purposes. Amends the Intergovernmental Drug Laws Enforcement Act. Provides that a Metropolitan Enforcement Group may enforce crimes concerning terrorism and threats to public officials and human service providers. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. In provisions concerning criminal prosecutions for violations of the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act and criminal prosecutions for reckless homicide, or driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug, or combination of both, or in any civil action held under a statutory summary suspension or revocation hearing, deletes provisions requiring specified information to be attached to laboratory report from the Illinois State Police, Division of Forensic Services. Amends the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act. In provisions requiring the chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency to report the use of a drone to the State's Attorney under specified circumstances, adds language allowing the report to be made by the chief executive officer's designee. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Meg Loughran Cappel

GENETIC INFO PRIVACY-BIOMARKER

Amends the Genetic Information Privacy Act. Provides that the use of genetic testing, biomarker testing, or both (rather than only genetic testing), and the information derived from testing is confidential and privileged and may be released only to the individual tested and persons specifically authorized in writing by the individual tested to receive the information. Provides that an insurer may not seek information derived from genetic or biomarker testing (rather than only genetic testing) for use in connection with a policy of accident or health insurance (unless the individual voluntarily submits the results and the results are favorable to the individual), for nontherapeutic purposes, or for underwriting purposes. In provisions concerning the use of testing information by employers, provides that an employer may release genetic testing or biomarker testing information (rather than only genetic testing information) under specified circumstances. Limits an employer's use of genetic information, genetic testing, biomarkers, and biomarker testing (rather than only genetic information and genetic testing). In provisions concerning testing, provides that no person may disclose or be compelled to disclose the identity of any person upon whom a genetic test or biomarker test (rather than only genetic test) is performed or the results of a genetic test or biomarker test (rather than only genetic test) in a manner that permits identification of the subject of the test, except to the persons specified in the Act. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Defines "biomarker" and "biomarker testing". Makes other and conforming changes.

Bill Cunningham

SCH CD-UNDESIGNATED GLUCAGON

Amends the School Code. Allows a school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school to authorize a school nurse or trained personnel to: (1) provide undesignated ready-to-use glucagon to authorized personnel to administer ready-to-use glucagon to a student that meets the student's prescription on file; (2) administer undesignated ready-to-use glucagon that meets the prescription on file to any student who has a plan that authorizes the use of ready-to-use glucagon; and (3) administer undesignated ready-to-use glucagon to any person that the school nurse or trained personnel believes in good faith is having a severe hypoglycemia emergency. Makes conforming changes regarding liability, where and when the undesignated ready-to-use glucagon may be administered, supply maintenance, notification of administration to the student's parent or guardian or emergency contact, training, and reports of administration to the State Board of Education, General Assembly, and Department of Public Health.

Julie A. Morrison

HIGHER ED-REVERSE TRANSFER

Amends the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Provides that the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board shall develop a policy to foster the reverse transfer of credit for any student who has accumulated at least 30 (rather than 15) hours of academic credit at a community college and a sufficient number of hours of academic credit at a State university in the prescribed courses necessary to meet a community college's requirements to be awarded an associate degree. Provides that each State university shall automatically notify any transfer student accepted to the State university with at least 30 hours of academic credit at a community college of the option for the reverse transfer of credit within the student's first term of enrollment. Provides that a community college shall provide notification to a student wishing to reverse transfer earned academic credit with instructions on application for conferral of an associate degree. Provides that a community college or State university may not charge an application, transfer evaluation, or graduation fee or any other fee associated with conferral of an associate degree through reverse transfer. Provides that a community college shall include each student awarded an associate degree through reverse transfer within its student information system. Effective immediately.

Mary Edly-Allen

HUMAN RIGHTS-DISPARTE IMPACT

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that in the Articles governing employment, financial credit, and public accommodations it is a civil rights violation to use criteria or methods including practices, policies, and groups of practices or policies that has the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination prohibited under the Act. Changes the definition of "unlawful discrimination" to mean discrimination against a person, whether by purpose or effect, because of his or her actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, or unfavorable discharge from military service as those terms are defined in the Act.

Adriane Johnson

COURT OF CLAIMS-AWARDS

Amends the Court of Claims Act. Provides that the Court of Claims has exclusive jurisdiction to hear all claims against the State for time unjustly served in State prisons, in county jails, in county juvenile detention facilities, or in Illinois Youth Centers, on parole or probation, or registered as a sex offender if the person was unjustly convicted or adjudicated a delinquent and received a pardon from the Governor on the ground of innocence of the crime for which the person was convicted or adjudicated a delinquent or the person received a certificate of innocence. Removes language providing the amount of the award the court may give for a successful claim. Provides instead that the court shall make an award of $50,000 per year during which the person was wrongfully incarcerated and $25,000 for each year during which the person was wrongfully on parole or probation or required to register as a sex offender. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act apply to claims pending or filed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Allows any person who is convicted or adjudicated a delinquent and then serves any part of a sentence of incarceration in a State prison, in a county jail, in a county juvenile detention facility, or in a Illinois Youth Center, on parole or probation, or registered as a sex offender (rather than convicted and subsequently imprisoned) for one or more felonies by the State that the person did not commit may file a petition for certificate of innocence. Requires the court to make an award of reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and expenses after awarding a certificate of innocence. Provides that any person seeking a certificate of innocence based on the dismissal of a juvenile delinquency petition or an acquittal that occurred before the effective date of the amendatory Act shall file a petition within 4 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, and any person seeking a certificate of innocence based on the dismissal of a juvenile delinquency petition or an acquittal that occurred on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall file a petition within 2 years after the dismissal or acquittal. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-ADMIN WITHDRAW-TRUANCY

Amends the School Code. Provides that a truant minor may not be administratively withdrawn (rather than expelled) for nonattendance unless he or she has accrued 15 consecutive days of absences without valid cause and the student cannot be located by the school district or the school district has located the student but cannot, after exhausting all available supportive services, compel the student to return to school. Requires a school district to make at least 3 documented attempts to notify the parent or guardian of its intent to administratively withdraw a student prior to withdrawing the student. Effective immediately.

Christopher Belt

INS CD-BIOMARKER TESTING

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning biomarker testing: makes changes to defined terms; requires applicable health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations to update and make publicly available medical policies and coverage guidelines within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act; provides that, if a health insurer or nonprofit health service plan denies a claim for coverage of testing that is supported by any specified evidence, the insurer or nonprofit health service plan shall provide to the requesting entity specific written justification explaining in detail why the claim for coverage was denied as it pertains to the individual for whom the test was ordered; sets forth provisions concerning utilization review and prior authorization; provides that the Department of Insurance may conduct periodic audits and reviews to ensure entity compliance; and makes other changes.

Julie A. Morrison

INS-FAIR PLAN ASSOCIATION

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Changes the title of the Urban Property Insurance Article to the Availability of Property Insurance Article. Provides for regulation of an association, commonly referred to as the Illinois FAIR Plan Association, of all admitted insurers engaged in writing in the State, on a direct basis, basic property insurance or any basic property insurance component in multi-peril policies, including, without limitation, excess and surplus insurers, but not including farm mutual companies. Replaces all references in the Article to Industry Placement Facility or Facility with Association and all references to Inspection Bureau with Inspector. Sets forth provisions concerning participation in and management of the Association. Makes changes to provisions concerning application procedures; authorized operations for issuing policies; approval of rates; the right to appeal; reporting requirements; making of assessments; and powers of the Director of Insurance. Provides that an insurer shall, for purposes of ratemaking submissions, include its proportionate share of the Association's deficit or surplus in underwriting results with the method of recognition determined from time to time by the Association's governing committee and the Director. Repeals provisions concerning the Industry Placement Program; premium financing; applications for coverage of risks by the Industry Placement Facility; the Illinois Insurance Development Fund; reimbursement of the Secretary through the Fund; insolvency of companies; and a task force that reviews policy forms and endorsements issued by the Industry Placement Facility. Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

KIDNEY TREATMENT DELEGATE ACT

Creates the Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of the Nurse Practice Act or any rule of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to the contrary, delegation, including, but not limited to, delegation of the performance of central venous catheter procedures in a kidney disease treatment center, shall only be allowed if the individual receiving delegation is a licensed practical nurse who has obtained the proper training, education, and experience or a certified dialysis technician who currently holds, or is in the process of acquiring, the necessary experience to apply for and obtain certification as a certified clinical hemodialysis technician by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission or a Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology. Sets forth additional provisions concerning delegation of duties in a kidney disease treatment center. Provides that the Department is authorized to adopt rules for the administration and enforcement of the Act, and the rules may define standards and criteria for the necessary training, education, and experience for licensed practical nurses to obtain before receiving delegation under the Act. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that a violation of the Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act is grounds for disciplinary action. Effective immediately.

Bill Cunningham

PEN CD-TRS-SERVICE CREDIT

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning the contribution required to establish service credit for certain service as a teacher or administrator employed by a private school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, changes the amount of the interest payment required to establish that service credit from interest at the actuarially assumed rate to regular interest.

Steve McClure

SCH CD-REMOVE/DISMISS TEACHERS

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. In a provision requiring a school board, before setting a hearing on charges stemming from causes that are considered remediable, to give a teacher reasonable warning, in writing, stating specifically the causes that, if not removed, may result in charges, allows a teacher to grieve the issuance of such warning pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement to determine whether the board had just cause in issuing the warning. Requires the written warning to narrowly specify the nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied. Provides that under no circumstances may the written warning remain effective for longer than 4 years from the date of the issuance of the written warning. Requires the school district to use reasonable efforts to remove the written warning from the teacher's personnel file after the 4 years have elapsed or sooner if agreed to through the exclusive bargaining representative, with an exception. Effective immediately.

Meg Loughran Cappel

REGULATION-TECH

Amends the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Special Care Disclosure Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Meg Loughran Cappel

MUNI CD-PARKWAYS/BUSINESS DIST

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality may, by a two thirds-vote of its corporate authorities, transfer money among Business District Tax Allocation Funds of business districts if the business districts are under the control of the municipality and the transferred money is used for the purposes of paying business district project costs as defined in the Act. Further provides that all such transfers shall be documented and reported annually to the municipal corporate authorities. Requires documentation of the transfers to be made available to the public. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality may regulate the use and maintenance of parkways and may require the owner, lessee, and occupant of any property abutting a parkway to be responsible for maintenance of the parkway, including, but not limited to, cleanup and disposal of refuse, waste, and garbage in the parkway; watering and fertilizing plants, trees, and grasses in the parkway; and the routine care of the lawn of the parkway, including, but not limited to, watering, weeding, and mowing of the lawn of the parkway.

Patrick J. Joyce

UNAUTHORIZE VIDEO-PHOTO-COURT

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Modifies the offense of unauthorized video recording and live video transmission to also include unauthorized photographing. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly make a video record or transmit live video of or photograph another person in a courtroom or any location inside of a State courthouse without that person's consent or judicial authorization. Provides that a violation is a Class 4 felony or a Class 3 felony if the victim is a person who is a victim or witness in a criminal case and is present in court in his or her capacity as a victim or witness. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to place or cause to be placed a device that makes a video record or transmits live video or photographs another person in a courtroom or any location inside of a State courthouse without that person's consent or judicial authorization. Provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor. Defines "courthouse".

Laura M. Murphy

DHS-COMMUNITY DAY SERVICES

Amends the Community Services Act. Adds community day services to the list of service categories covered under the Act. Defines "community day services" to mean a Home and Community-Based Waiver day program that is certified by the Department of Human Services and provides assistance with gaining, maintaining, or improving skills and functioning to individuals with developmental disabilities. Makes conforming changes to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act.

Doris Turner

INS-EYE MEDICATION COVERAGE

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage for eye medication under the provisions of those Acts pursuant to the Topical Eye Medication Prescription Act.

Laura Fine

ROADS-BLUE REFLECTIVE MARKERS

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Allows a unit of local government to place a blue reflective pavement marker on any highway, street, or road to mark the location of a fire hydrant or water supply. Prohibits a unit of local government from placing a blue reflective pavement marker on a State highway unless it first obtains an encroachment permit from the Department of Transportation.

Erica Harriss

SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.

Cristina Castro

FATALITY REVIEW ACT

Amends the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act. Changes the Statewide Committee quorum from 7 voting members to a simple majority of voting members. Requires that Statewide Committee's annual report is due no later than September 1 instead of March 1 of each year. Requires that the biennial report is due no later than June 1 instead of April 1 of each odd year.

Celina Villanueva

EASEMENT BY DNR-KNOX COUNTY

Authorizes the Director of Department of Natural Resources to convey a nonexclusive easement in Knox County to Nancy J. and Robert D. Moore, co-trustees of the Dean Moore Family Trust. Effective immediately.

Michael W. Halpin

PARAPROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Allows the State Superintendent of Education to issue a short-term approval for a paraprofessional educator to an individual who does not meet the requirements necessary for issuance of an Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement. Provides that the short-term approval authorizes an individual to serve as a paraprofessional educator in a school district, including a charter school, or a State-operated program, with the short-term approval expiring on June 30 immediately following the third full fiscal year after the approval was issued without renewal. Provides that upon expiration of the short-term approval, the State Superintendent of Education shall issue an Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement to the individual if the individual meets specified requirements.

Meg Loughran Cappel

DEPUTY SHERIFF-APPOINTMENT AGE

Amends the Cook County Sheriff's Merit Board Division of the Counties Code. Provides that all deputy sheriffs shall be not less than 19 years of age at the time of their appointment (rather than 21 years of age or 20 years of age and have successfully completed 2 years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university). Increases the probationary period for deputy sheriff appointees to 15 months (rather than 12 months).

Bill Cunningham

DNR-HEALTHY FORESTS GRANTS

Amends the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act. Provides that all grants issued under the Act shall be cost-share grants. Provides that the cost-share approved by the Department of Natural Resources may include in-kind contributions of the applicant. Provides that grants issued under the Act may be used as matching funds for federal grant awards whose purpose is in line with the Act.

Rachel Ventura

SCH CD-TRAINING-SERVICE ANIMAL

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning in-service training programs for teachers, administrators, and school support personnel, provides that the training regarding health conditions of students shall include the proper handling of service animals in the school setting and the instruction on the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, as it pertains to the school environment, shall include the proper handling of service animals, the rights of students who use service animals, and appropriate interactions with service animals.

Doris Turner