Bills & Legislation

PARENTAGE ACT-SCOPE

Amends the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015. Provides that the court shall apply Illinois law, including the rules on choice of law, to adjudicate the parent-child relationship, and that such applicable law may (rather than does not) depend on the place of birth of the child or the past or present residence of the child. Effective immediately.

Don Harmon

ENERGY-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 that provides coverage for: habilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental; rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering; or habilitative services and rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental, and shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering. Sets forth requirements and limitations for the 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 under those provisions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective January 1, 2027.

Willie Preston

SOLAR ENERGY-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. In provisions concerning colocation of photovoltaic community renewable generation projects, changes references from "community renewable generation project" to "photovoltaic community renewable generation project" and "community solar projects" to "photovoltaic community renewable generation projects". Requires a project labor agreement for the new construction of certain facilities related to community-driven community solar projects. In a provision applying prevailing wage requirements to facilities for which a renewable energy credit delivery contract is signed, removes an exception for multi-family residential buildings with aggregate geothermal system tonnage, including colocated projects, of no more than 29 tons. Amends the Energy Transition Act. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall jointly develop activities to support the recruitment of eligible candidates to the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program. Provides that the activities shall include coordinating on sharing with community-based providers the contact information of persons preparing to be released into the community, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, if the person preparing to be released consents to the person's contact information being shared. Makes other changes.

Steve Stadelman

CHARTER SCH-CONTRACT TRANSFER

Amends the Charter Schools Article of the School Code. Provides that on July 1, 2027, any charter school authorized by the State Board of Education and located outside of the geographical area of a district located in a city of over 500,000 inhabitants shall have its authorization transferred to the local board or boards for each district from which the charter school draws enrollment. Provides that all authorizer powers, duties, contracts, and pending business of the State Board as the school's authorizer must be transferred to the local board or boards. Provides that all charter contract terms shall remain in full force and effect unless amended by mutual agreement of the parties, except that the term of the contract shall be 7 years starting July 1, 2027. Provides that if a State-authorized charter school that is subject to transfer is authorized to enroll students from more than one district, the boards of all districts from which the charter school draws enrollment must establish a joint charter management team that consists of at minimum one administrator from each district. Provides that the joint charter management team must develop and execute a charter oversight plan that is submitted to the State Board as part of the charter certification process. Provides that final decisions of a local school board to deny, revoke, or not renew a charter are subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law. Removes language providing that: the State Board of Education may reverse a local board's decision to revoke or not renew a charter if the State Board finds that the charter school or charter school proposal (i) is in compliance with the Article and (ii) is in the best interests of the students it is designed to serve; the State Board may condition the granting of an appeal on the acceptance by the charter school of funding in an amount less than that requested in the proposal submitted to the local school board; and the State Board must appoint and utilize a hearing officer for any appeals. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Cristina Castro

FINANCIAL REG-FEES-INVESTIGATE

Amends the Currency Exchange Act. Removes provisions requiring the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation to investigate a currency exchange business at least once in each year and to review and report on the cost of operation of the Currency Exchange Section. Establishes fee-setting provisions for the administration of the Act. Amends the Sales Finance Agency Act, the Consumer Installment Loan Act, and the Safety Deposit License Act. Makes changes to the authority of the Secretary and the Director of the Division of Financial Institutions to examine and investigate a business to determine if it is in compliance with those Acts. Establishes fee-setting provisions for the administration of those Acts. Amends the Debt Management Service Act, the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act, and the Payday Loan Reform Act. Establishes fee-setting provisions for the administration of those Acts. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Mark L. Walker

CHILD CARE-TERMINOLOGY

Amends various Acts by replacing the terms "day care", "daycare", and "day-care", in relation to the care of a child, with the term "child care". Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Makes changes in provisions concerning the definitions of "day care center", "part day child care facility", and "day care agency"; the prohibition of unlicensed practice; criminal background investigations; and advertisements. Repeals provisions concerning an exemption from licensure for day care homes and group day care homes serving children of military personnel and a child from a foreign state or country. Effective July 1, 2026.

Julie A. Morrison

UTILITIES-VARIOUS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning virtual power plant programs, provides that, in setting the values of upfront payment and performance payment compensation under the provisions, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall set values for eligible systems that include energy storage that are, taking into account the time value of money, not less than: (A) for an eligible system that did not receive and agrees not to apply for a rebate for its storage component under specified provisions, $250 per kilowatt-hour nameplate capacity paid on the date the system is placed in service; or (B) for an eligible system that received a rebate for its storage component under specified provisions, $0 per kilowatt-hour. In provisions concerning distributed generation and storage rebates, provides that, until the later of December 31, 2029 or the threshold date (rather than until December 31, 2029), the value of specified rebates shall be $300 per kilowatt of nameplate generating capacity, measured as nominal DC power output, of the distributed generation. Amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning setback distances for commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities, specifies that the ability of a county to require a reasonable setback distance between fencing and public rights-of-way if the requirement is not specific to commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities and does not preclude the development of commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities or the ability of commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities to comply with the requirements set forth in the provisions shall not exceed 50 feet between fencing and public rights-of-way. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that a "community renewable generation project" means an electric generating facility that, among other things, is limited in nameplate capacity to less than or equal to 5,000 kilowatts (rather than 10,000 kilowatts). Makes other changes.

Steve Stadelman

STROKE CARE MODERNIZATION

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Replaces references to Primary Stroke Centers with Stroke Centers. Provides that a hospital that no longer meets nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for Stroke Centers, loses its Stroke Center certification, or has any change to its designation level shall notify the Department of Public Health and the Regional EMS Advisory Committee within 5 business days. Requires the Department to consult with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee for the adoption or deletion of approved stroke designation levels. Provides that the approved stroke designation levels shall coincide with the stroke designation levels recognized by Department-approved certifying bodies. Requires the Department to establish reporting requirements for designated Stroke Centers to capture information using new or existing electronic reporting tools for statewide data collection and certification purposes. Removes provisions concerning previous Stroke Center designations. Makes other changes.

Chris Balkema

IDFPR-VARIOUS LICENSES

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, the Boxing and Full-contact Martial Arts Act, the Massage Therapy Practice Act, the Medical Practice Act of 1987, and the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act to January 1, 2032 (rather than January 1, 2027). Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning written collaborative agreements; temporary authorization of practice by persons licensed in other jurisdictions; and disciplinary action. Amends the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions and restrictions and limitations. Amends the Massage Therapy Practice Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning licensure requirements and grounds for discipline. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Makes changes in provisions concerning certain permits; disciplinary action; and physician delegation of authority. Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Makes changes in provisions concerning permitted activities and grounds for disciplinary action. Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning exempt activities. Amends the Boxing and Full-contact Martial Arts Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the authorization to conduct contests; professional or amateur contests; and medical suspension. Amends the Sex Offender Evaluation and Treatment Provider Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning qualifications for licensure and the appointment of a hearing officer. Repeals provisions concerning a roster of names maintained by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Makes changes in provisions concerning the requisites for ownership or operation of salons and shops. Amends the Electrologist Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions. Amends the Professional Service Corporation Act. Makes changes in the definition of "related professional services". Amends the Professional Limited Liability Company Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the nature of business. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

INC TX-CONFIDENTIAL-IDOL

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the Director of Revenue may exchange information with the Department of Labor for the purpose of administering and enforcing Acts within the Department of Labor's statutory authority.

Celina Villanueva

MENTAL HEALTH-COURT ORDERS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that whenever psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy is refused under a specified provision at least once that day, the psychiatrist or advanced practice psychiatric nurse (instead of the physician) shall determine and state in writing the reasons why the recipient did not meet the criteria for the administration of medication or electroconvulsive therapy and whether the recipient meets the standard for administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy under a provision concerning the administration of psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy upon application to a court. Provides that a petition requesting that the court authorize treatment with psychotropic medication shall specify the full names of the medications and anticipated range of dosage that comprise such treatment. Provides that no administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy without the informed consent of the recipient may be authorized unless at least one psychiatrist or advanced practice psychiatric nurse who has examined the recipient testifies in person at the hearing. Makes other changes to definitions and provisions concerning administration of psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy upon application to a court.

Laura Fine

SHEFFIELD WASTE FUND

Amends the Radioactive Waste Storage Act. Provides that interest earned by the investment or deposit of moneys accumulated in the fund pursuant to the settlement agreement in the matter of the State of Illinois, et al. v. Teledyne, Inc., shall be deposited into the Radioactive Waste Site Perpetual Care Fund for the continued maintenance of the Sheffield Low-Level Radioactive Waste Site and the surrounding buffer zone. Effective immediately.

Christopher Belt

SALES FINANCE AGENCY-VARIOUS

Amends the Sales Finance Agency Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that applicants for a license shall apply in a form prescribed by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. Prohibits any person, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity engaged in a business regulated by the Act from operating the business under a name other than the real names of the entity and individuals conducting the business. Grants the Secretary authority to issue a license upon completion of the specified filing and investigatory requirements. Sets forth further licensing requirements. Provides that all moneys received by the Secretary under the Act in conjunction with the provisions relating to sales finance agencies shall be paid into the Financial Institution Fund. Prohibits a sales finance agency from aiding or seeking to aid any person in the violation of the Retail Installment Sales Act or the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act. Grants additional investigatory, disciplinary, and examination authority to the Secretary. Establishes rulemaking provisions. Grants the Department authority to adopt rules to provide for review within the Department of the Secretary's decisions affecting the rights of persons or entities under the Act. Allows the Secretary to request a circuit court to assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 (rather than $1,000) for violations of the Act. Repeals various provisions of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Laura Ellman

FEDERAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that information reported to the Illinois State Police under the Act is confidential and shall not be released unless expressly permitted by State or federal law. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall conduct a criminal history background check on an applicant if a qualified entity submits (1) a request to the Illinois State Police to perform a State and national background check on the applicant in a form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police that includes a statement containing the name, address, and date of birth appearing on a valid identification card or document issued by the State to the applicant; (2) a waiver on a form approved by the Illinois State Police that is signed by the applicant allowing the release of the State and national criminal history record information to the qualified entity; (3) the applicant's fingerprints in an electronic format that complies with the form and manner for requesting and furnishing criminal history record information prescribed by the Illinois State Police; and (4) any fee prescribed by the Illinois State Police. Provides that, upon positive identification, the Illinois State Police shall provide the qualified entity with records of the applicant's conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is a felony or any crime directly related to providing care, treatment, education, training, instruction, supervision, or recreation to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Provides that any information received by a qualified entity under the provisions shall be used solely for internal purposes in determining the suitability of an applicant. Provides that a background check conducted under the provisions does not constitute compliance with any background check required by law. Provides that, if the Illinois State Police determines that the Illinois records provided to a qualified entity were inaccurate, then the Illinois State Police shall provide updated records to the qualified entity and the applicant. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Linda Holmes

IEMA-OHS-ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES

Amends the Nuclear Safety Law of 2004. Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security has the right to enter on public and private property in order to take environmental samples in response to a disaster that causes radioactive contamination. Effective immediately.

Mike Porfirio

EPA-FEDERAL BACKSTOP

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In provisions concerning the regulation of air pollution, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, and landfills, provides that the Illinois Pollution Control Board shall not adopt any standards that are less stringent than those existing in Board regulations. Provides that various provisions of the Act shall not be construed to limit the right of a person to submit to the Board, or for the Board to adopt, regulations more stringent than the regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Laura Ellman

CONT SUB-PMP-SCHEDULE II&IV

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that each prescriber or the prescriber's designee shall document an attempt to access patient information in the Prescription Monitoring Program to assess patient access to controlled substances when providing a (rather than an initial) prescription for Schedule II and IV controlled substances (rather than narcotics such as opioids), except for prescriptions for oncology treatment or palliative care, or a 7-day or less supply provided by a hospital emergency department when treating an acute, traumatic medical condition.

Julie A. Morrison

HIGHER ED-PREVENT SEX VIOLENCE

Amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. Makes changes concerning definitions. Requires a higher education institution's comprehensive policy to include sexual harassment. Provides that a confidential advisor is separate from a complaint advisor, unless a complainant chooses to have the confidential advisor also serve as the complaint advisor. Makes changes to the complaint resolution procedure, including the timeline of the complaint resolution procedure, protective measures and accommodations, the distribution of evidence that includes a private or intentionally digitally altered sexual image, the direct questioning of either party, support persons for survivors and respondents, and the notice of appeal. Provides that violations of the Act are actionable in civil court. Sets forth the relief a prevailing survivor is entitled to. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure to make changes concerning confidential advisors. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2027.

Graciela Guzmán

VEH CD-PLATES-REGISTRATION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the design and color of registration plates shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary of State. Provides that plates for veterans with disabilities who have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act shall pay a specified fee (instead of $24). Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or revoke a certificate or the special plates issued to tow truck or wrecker operator upon determining that the person is not lawfully entitled thereto or has made or knowingly permitted any illegal use of the plates or has committed fraud in the registration of vehicles or failed to give notices of transfers. Prohibits a vehicle from being registered in the name of a person who is not an owner or lessee of that vehicle. Requires a vehicle owner seeking to register a vehicle in the State to register that vehicle to a State address. Provides that it is a violation for a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit a license plate or digital license plate. Provides that if no assignable title is available when auctioning a vehicle, the auctioneer or dealer must apply for Illinois title for the purpose of assigning title. Provides that the renewal fee for licenses and permits issued to 18, 19, and 20 year olds is $5. Provides that the Secretary shall issue a meter-exempt decal or device to the parent of a person with a disability who is under 18 years of age and incapable of driving or the legal guardian of a person with a disability incapable of driving. Makes other changes.

Ram Villivalam

RN LICENSE TEMP SUSPENSION

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that, in order to protect the public and ensure safe and adequate health care services, if the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation finds that any person licensed or authorized to practice under the Act was not properly credentialed pursuant to the standards required at the time of application, the Department may temporarily suspend the person's license or authorization to practice without prior hearing until the Department receives satisfactory evidence of the licensee's overall qualifications. Provides that the Department shall notify the licensee of the temporary suspension at the licensee's address of record or email address of record. Provides that the licensee may request that the Board review the validity of the license within 30 days after the service of the notice and shall submit written evidence in support of the licensee's qualifications with the request for review. Provides that the licensee may seek an extension of time to provide such evidence, during which the suspension shall remain in effect. Provides that the Board, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, shall review the request and any written evidence provided by the licensee and make a final recommendation regarding the licensee's qualifications to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department. Provides that, based upon the Board's final recommendation, the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation may issue an order withdrawing the license due to the licensee's lack of qualifications or lift the suspension of the license by stipulating terms and conditions of practice. Provides that withdrawal of the license alone shall not constitute discipline or be a bar to licensure if the licensee makes a subsequent reapplication that meets the qualifications under the Act. Provides that disciplinary proceedings may also be initiated pursuant to the Board's recommendation or Department findings and shall be conducted in the same manner as other disciplinary proceedings under the Act. Sets forth rulemaking authority for the Department.

Don Harmon

PEN CD-ACCEL BENEFIT PAYMENT

Amends the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, Chicago Firefighter, Chicago Municipal, Cook County, Cook County Forest Preserve, Chicago Laborers, and Chicago Park District Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment in lieu of any pension benefit under which an eligible person may elect to receive an amount determined by the Fund to be equal to 60% of the present value of his or her pension benefits in lieu of receiving any pension benefit. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment for a reduction in annual retirement annuity and survivor's annuity increases, as applicable, under which a Tier 1 member may elect to receive an accelerated pension benefit payment equal to 70% of the difference of the present value of the automatic annual increases to a Tier 1 member's retirement annuity and survivor's annuity using the formula applicable to the Tier 1 member and the present value of the automatic annual increases to the Tier 1 member's retirement annuity using a specified formula and survivor's annuity using a specified formula. Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Requires municipalities and counties with more than 3,000,000 inhabitants to establish an accelerated pension benefit program to implement the accelerated pension benefit payments. Provides that the county or municipality shall remit to the pension funds a contribution, which may be a contribution of zero dollars, that shall constitute the total funding for accelerated pension benefit payments for that fiscal year. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Robert F. Martwick

RUUPA OVERPAYMENTS

Amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Includes within the definition of "property" any overpayment made by any person to a government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, including, but not limited to, a payment for any tax, license, or fee that was made in excess of the amount ultimately required of the payor. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act is a restatement and clarification of existing law. Effective immediately.

Robert F. Martwick

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRACTICE

Amends the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a physician assistant may prescribe, dispense, order, administer, and procure drugs and medical devices without delegation of authority by a physician. Provides that a physician assistant may practice without a written collaborative agreement. Provides that a physician assistant who files with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation a notarized attestation of completion of at least 250 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 or equivalent continuing medical education or training and at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience in the specific field in which the physician assistant intends to practice after first attaining national certification shall not require a written collaborative agreement to practice. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; physician assistant title; collaboration requirements; written collaborative agreements, prescriptive authority, and physician assistants in hospitals, hospital affiliates, or ambulatory surgical treatment centers; inactive status; limitations; and grounds for disciplinary action. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to make corresponding changes.

Javier L. Cervantes

WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION

Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985. Deletes a provision which specifies that no commissioner who is a member of the governing board or an officer or employee of the county or any unit of local government within the county may receive any compensation for serving as a commissioner on the county water commission. Allows a county water commission to use alternate project delivery methods, establish goals or requirements for the procurement of goods and services and for construction contracts, and accept assignment of municipal waterworks system contracts or other public improvement contracts. Gives commissions the authority to enter into design-build contracts and use a design-build delivery system. Includes requirements pertaining to the design-build delivery system. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county water commission may construct water transmission and distribution lines within a radius of 50 miles (rather than 25 miles) outside the corporate limits of member municipalities for the purpose of furnishing water to any additional entities that contract with the commission for a supply of water.

Laura Ellman

SCH CD-CHARTER SCHOOL-CLOSURE

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that upon approval of a charter renewal by an authorizer, the charter operator shall execute the renewal agreement no later than 90 days after the date of the authorizer's final renewal approval. Provides that a charter school that is deemed nonrenewed is ineligible to receive any payments from a school district. Provides that a charter operator that fails to execute a renewal agreement within a specified period may not continue to operate the charter school beyond the expiration of the existing charter term and is subject to closure procedures. Requires every charter operator to maintain closure security. Provides that failure to maintain closure security is a basis for the authorizer to withhold a portion of per-pupil payments until compliance is achieved and for consideration in denying a charter renewal or revoking the charter or ineligibility to operate additional charter campuses. Provides that if the closure security is insufficient to cover the costs of a closure event, the authorizer or the State Board of Education may bring a civil action against the charter operator to recover the unpaid amounts and seek to impose a lien on any property owned by the charter operator to secure recovery. Provides that if an authorizer determines that a charter school is in financial distress, the authorizer may require the charter operator to submit a financial remediation plan within 30 days. Provides that if the authorizer determines that the charter school has failed to implement an approved remediation plan or the financial distress presents an immediate risk to students, employees, or public funds, the authorizer may initiate financial intervention by appointing an independent fiscal manager approved by the authorizer and the State Board. Allows the fiscal manager to exercise authority limited to financial matters. Provides that financial intervention is temporary and may not exceed 180 days, except that the authorizer may extend the intervention once for good cause. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Celina Villanueva

OSFM-CONTINUING EDUCATION

Amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act. Provides that the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall prepare a report evaluating the effectiveness and industry impacts of the continuing education requirements established under the Act. Requires the report to include recommendations for statutory or rule changes and to be delivered to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. Effective immediately.

Michael E. Hastings

LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person who is less than 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers if the operator is 18 years of age or older.

Ram Villivalam

PROTECTIVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Creates the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act. Provides that all individual in the State have the right to wear protective medical equipment in any place of public accommodation where they have a lawful right to be without obligation to disclose health status or any other protected information, and no person, entity, or authority shall deny, restrict, or infringe upon this right. Provides that operators and public officials shall not discriminate against or penalize medical device wearers for exercising their right to wear protective medical equipment. Provides that discrimination under the Act includes, but is not limited to: denial of service; eviction from premises; any form of harassment to remove or refrain from wearing such equipment for any amount of time; specified actions taken by employers; and provision of unequal goods, services, facilities, advantages, or accommodations. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection against retaliation, the exceptions for security requirements, operational safety, age and identity restricted products, and financial institution customer identification, and an undue hardship exemption. Effective immediately.

Graciela Guzmán

SCH CD-AG ED PROGRAM REPORT

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to, on or before January 1, 2027, submit a report to the General Assembly regarding the status and availability of agricultural education programs in the State. Effective immediately.

Doris Turner

EPA-REPEAL ENVIR LAB CERT COMM

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In provisions regarding environmental laboratory certification assessment, repeals provisions establishing the Environmental Laboratory Certification Committee and deletes references to the Committee.

Graciela Guzmán

WORKER PROTECTION UNIT

Amends the Attorney General Act. Provides that, prior to initiating an action, the Attorney General shall conduct an investigation and, in addition to other powers, may: (1) issue subpoenas for documents; (2) require written answers under oath to written interrogatories; (3) inspect the premises of an employer and inspect and make copies of employment-related records kept at the premises; and (4) conduct interviews with workers at an employer's premises during normal business or working hours. Sets forth additional provisions concerning investigations; interviews; subpoenas; obstruction; and search warrants.

Omar Aquino

MEDICAID-SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides medical assistance coverage for sickle cell disease (rather than sickle cell anemia).

Mattie Hunter

PLUG-IN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "plug-in solar energy system". Provides that an electricity provider shall not require an eligible customer who uses, or intends to install and use, a plug-in solar energy system to do certain actions. Provides that an eligible customer may, but shall not be required to, conform the eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system to the interconnection requirements under provisions concerning net metering and any rules adopted pursuant to those provisions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system that does not interconnect to the electrical system in a manner that is consistent with the applicable rules adopted by the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not be eligible for net electricity metering. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system shall not qualify for any distributed generation rebate. Provides that an electricity provider shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused by an eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system. Provides that homeowners' associations, common interest community associations, and condominium unit owners' associations shall not adopt or enforce any covenant, bylaw, regulation, or other rule that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less. Provides that landlords shall not adopt or enforce any lease or contract that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less.

Rachel Ventura

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HLTH ACT

Amends the Children's Mental Health Act. In provisions concerning the Children's Mental Health Partnership, makes changes to the Partnership's list of duties to include (i) reviewing or facilitating needs assessments (rather than conducting research assessments) to better understand the challenges and gaps of programs, services, and policies related to children's mental health; (ii) monitoring policy development related to children's mental health in Illinois at the local, State, and federal level; and (iii) regularly reviewing aggregate and de-identified data on the need for children's behavioral health services in Illinois that is collected by the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation (BEACON) portal to ensure that system transformation can continue to be driven by data. Provides that the Partnership's membership shall include public members who reflect a diversity of sexual orientation; and that all Partnership members shall serve without compensation and with no entitlement to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Removes a provision permitting the Partnership to convene study groups. Expands the membership of the adjunct council to include up to 10 youth aged 16 to 25 (rather than up to 6 youth aged 14 to 25) and up to 4 (rather than a minimum of 4) representatives of 4 different community-based organizations that focus on youth mental health. Makes other changes.

Sara Feigenholtz

MINE SUBSIDENCE INSURANCE FUND

Amends the Mine Subsidence Insurance Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that the moneys in the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund shall be derived primarily from premiums for mine subsidence insurance ceded by insurers to the Fund pursuant to the Article and from investment income. In establishing mine subsidence insurance premium rates, provides that the Fund shall give due consideration to factors reasonably considered by an insurer when setting premium rates and to the fact that the Fund does not receive taxpayer funding or have the ability to issue assessments to the insurance industry to support its long-term financial viability. Changes terms related to the appointment of directors in provisions concerning management of the Fund and establishes 3-year staggered terms for the directors. Provides that all directors shall be independent and owe a duty of care and duty of loyalty to the Fund. In provisions concerning mine subsidence coverage, provides that the loss covered shall be the loss in excess of any applicable deductible or retention in the policy, subject to the limit of insurance for mine subsidence damage stated in the policy. For all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, provides that there shall be no deductible or retention applicable to mine subsidence damage. For all policies issued or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, provides that the maximum amount of reinsured loss per residence, per commercial building, and per living unit shall be the amounts established by the Fund and approved by the Director. Provides that the residential and living unit coverage provided under the Article may also cover specified costs of debris removal, moving and storage of contents, and repair or replacement of landscaping. Makes changes in provisions concerning division of the Fund; exemptions; rights of insurers to refuse to provide mine subsidence coverage; arbitration; reinsurance agreements; distribution of premiums; reporting requirements; right of recourse and setoffs; subrogation; and powers of the Director of Insurance.

Christopher Belt

VEH CD-MIRRORS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a public transit agency to use an electronic rearview monitoring system on commercial motor vehicles owned by the agency as an alternative to the mirror requirements of the Code and the Code of Federal Regulations so long as an exemption to the Code of Federal Regulations granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration remains in effect.

David Koehler

ELECTRONIC MONITORING

Amends the Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act. Includes an establishment under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act in the definition of "facility". Makes a conforming change in a the definition of "resident's representative".

Kimberly A. Lightford

STATE PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

Amends the Deposit of State Moneys Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may invest or reinvest any State money in private placement fixed income securities that are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission if specified conditions are satisfied. Effective immediately.

Ram Villivalam

HOME REPAIR-SOLICITATION

Amends the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Provides that a contractor offering home repair or remodeling services shall not propose to contract or solicit a contract for home repair or remodeling services: (1) while a loss-producing occurrence is continuing at the premises; (2) while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the damaged premises; or (3) between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Provides that a contractor shall not, in person, propose to contract or solicit a contract with a consumer for home repair or remodeling services for a minimum of 72 hours after a disaster proclamation, unless the proposal to contract or the solicitation to contract is initiated by a consumer.

Michael E. Hastings

LOC GOV-VEHICLE IMPACT DEVICES

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that counties and municipalities shall, by ordinance or resolution, require the installation and maintenance of vehicle impact protection devices to be placed in front of residential care facilities, buildings in areas zoned as business and manufacturing districts, any buildings where storefront windows are within 2 feet of the ground, any outdoor dining area, and any day care center outdoor play areas if the building, outdoor dining area, or day care center outdoor play area has adjacent parking spaces that are perpendicular or angled toward the building or area, drive aisles that are perpendicular to the building or area, or both. Provides that the required vehicle impact protection devices must be designed to withstand a minimum impact resistance level of 5,000 pounds at 30 miles per hour, must measure a minimum height of 3 feet, and must be spaced 48 inches from inside edge to inside edge of the device. Limits the materials used to manufacture vehicle impact protection devices. Prohibits vehicle impact protection devices that restrict building access and do not meet the requirements of the Illinois Accessibility Code and all other applicable State and federal laws. Clarifies that these provisions do not apply to voluntarily installed vehicle impact protection devices that are not required by the amendatory Act. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Defines terms.

Linda Holmes

EARLY LEARNING COUNCIL

Amends the Illinois Early Learning Council Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the purpose of the Illinois Early Learning Council. Provides that the Secretary of Early Childhood or the Secretary's designee shall serve as co-chairperson of the Council. Provides that the governor shall appoint to the Council parents and caregivers of children 5 years of age or under. Provides that the Department of Early Childhood shall provide staffing and administrative support to the Council. Sets forth provisions concerning conflicts of interest. Amends the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Act. Provides that specified members of the advisory committee to the Early Childhood Access Consortium shall be appointed by the Department of Early Childhood.

Lakesia Collins

SCH-SUSPEND/EXPEL-SEX ASSAULT

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning a school board's suspension or expulsion of pupils, provides that a student who is determined to have initiated sexual activity with another individual without that individual's consent, a sexual assault, or an attempted sexual assault at a school, a school-sponsored activity or event, or an activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year. Provides that (i) a student initiates sexual activity with another individual without that individual's consent if the student uses force or a threat of force to make the other individual perform a nonconsensual sexual act; (ii) a student initiates a sexual assault if the student commits an act of sexual penetration and uses force or a threat of force; and (iii) a student initiates an attempted sexual assault if, with the intent to commit a sexual assault, the student commits an act that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of a sexual assault. Allows the expulsion requirement to be modified by the superintendent of the school district and the superintendent's determination to be modified by the school board on a case-by-case basis. Provides that the expulsion shall be construed in a manner consistent with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and a student who is subject to expulsion may be eligible for a transfer to an alternative school program. Effective immediately.

Steve McClure

NORTH SHORE WATER CONNECTIONS

Amends the North Shore Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that the president of the board of trustees of a sanitary district created under the Act shall not receive more than $21,750 (rather than $18,000) per year, and each other member of the board of trustees of a sanitary district created under the Act shall not receive more than $18,750 (rather than $15,000) per year. Provides that an ordinance adopted by the board of trustees may provide for a fine for each offense of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 or the amount provided in the Environmental Protection Act for the offense, whichever is greater (rather than a fine for each offense of not less than $100 or more than $1,000). Provides that the board of trustees of a sanitary district may order a party responsible for discharging effluent, gaseous wastes, sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes into a sewerage system in violation of an ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted by the board of trustees to pay court reporter costs and hearing officer fees in an amount not to exceed the actual costs of the reporter costs and hearing officer fees (rather than an amount not to exceed $3,000). Provides that a private or governmental entity may not connect or remain connected to a sanitary district sewer system unless written authorization to connect has been obtained from the sanitary district. Provides that, at the time or before incurring any indebtedness, the board of trustees of a sanitary district shall provide for the collection of revenue (rather than a direct annual tax) sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal thereof as the same shall fall due, and at least within 40 (rather than 20) years from the time of contracting the same. Provides that the owner of territory eligible to annexed into a sanitary district may petition the board of trustees of the sanitary district to annex the territory. In provisions concerning the procedures for assessing civil penalties, provides that electronically recorded testimony may be transcribed into written form if there is an appeal of any decision after a hearing. Makes other changes.

Julie A. Morrison

VEH CD-PLATE REASSIGNMENT

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may reassign his or her registration plate to another person. Provides that, if a person who has a registration plate in his or her name seeks to reassign the registration plate to another person (rather than his or her spouse or child), the Secretary of State shall waive any transfer fee or vanity or personalized registration plate fee.

Paul Faraci

INS-DENTAL COVERAGE REIMBURSE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits an insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act from requiring a dental care provider to only accept payment from a credit card or electronic funds transfer, in addition to the existing prohibition on incurred fees to access and obtain payment or reimbursement for services provided. Provides that any insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance may initiate or change payment methodology to a dental care provider using electronic funds transfer payments, including virtual credit card payments, if the specified conditions are met. Sets forth provisions concerning claim payment methodologies and fees for transmitting payments. Provides that the specified dental coverage reimbursement provisions shall not be waived by contract. Effective January 1, 2027.

Julie A. Morrison

HEALING THROUGH HISTORY ACT

Creates the Healing Through History Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide prospective adoptive families, no less than 30 days prior to adoption finalization, with a complete, unredacted copy of the child's full case record, including, but not limited to: (i) all placement histories and foster home records; (ii) all caseworker notes and observations; (iii) all educational, psychological, and behavioral reports; (iv) all therapy or counseling notes, subject to certain federal requirements; and (v) all medical records in full, including historical records. Provides that former foster youth aged 18 or older are entitled to receive the same information and records at no cost in both physical and digital form. Contains provisions concerning ongoing record access post-adoption or post-emancipation; the development of Department protocols and infrastructure necessary to collect, preserve, and transmit full child records; exemption and confidentiality protections; federal disclosure requirements; and other matters. Effective January 1, 2026.

Darby A. Hills

PRIVATE DETECTIVE BOARD MEMBER

Amends the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. Provides that the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Board shall consist of 12 (rather than 13) members. Removes the requirement that one member of the Board be a licensed private detective or licensed private security contractor who provides canine odor detection services. Provides that a majority of appointed Board members constitutes a quorum.

Seth Lewis

DIGITAL PURCHASE DISCLOSURES

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for a seller of a digital good to offer for sale or advertise a digital good to a consumer using the terms "buy" or "purchase" or any other term that a reasonable person would understand to confer an unrestricted ownership interest in that digital good unless specified disclosures are made by the seller. Sets forth exemptions to the provision.

Steve Stadelman

CTY/MUNI CD-BUILDING INSPECTOR

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, building inspectors who perform inspections or examinations under either Code must (i) hold specified credentials from the International Code Council; (ii) be credentialed through an equivalent nationally or state-recognized building certification or apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor in the area the building inspector is inspecting or examining; or (iii) be licensed under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 (now, beginning January 1, 2027, the inspector must hold certification from the International Code Council in the area in which the inspector is inspecting or examining). Provides that building inspectors may have a grace period of 18 months from the date of hire or January 1, 2027, whichever is later, to acquire the required certification or credentials (now, inspectors have a grace period of one year from the date of hire to acquire the required certifications). Provides that an individual performing plumbing inspections shall be licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law and shall be exempt from the requirements of the provisions.

Christopher Belt

MID-ILLINOIS MEDICAL DISTRICT

Amends the Mid-Illinois Medical District Act. Expands the boundaries of the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Makes changes to the powers of the Mid-Illinois Medical District Commission. Requires the Commission to hold a regular meeting on the second Thursday of February in even-numbered years for the election of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer from among its members and to hold meetings annually for the adoption of a budget and for other business purposes (rather than holding annual meetings for all purposes). Provides that the Commission may not acquire property between 11th Street on the east, Madison Street on the north, Walnut Street on the west, and South Grand Avenue on the south by exercising the right of eminent domain under the Eminent Domain Act. Authorizes the Commission to construct or cause to be constructed, among other things, housing, educational buildings, and research facilities. Requires the Commission's master plans to be delivered to (rather than approved by) the advisory council and the Springfield city council.

Doris Turner