Bills & Legislation

CD CORR-OPIOID USE DISORDERS

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall create and implement, on January 1, 2027, a pilot program to establish the effectiveness of long-acting injectable medications for opioid use disorders for persons committed to its custody who suffer from opioid use disorders. Provides that the pilot program shall require long-acting injectable medications for opioid use disorders to be used in at least one Department of Corrections facility. Provides that the Director may expand the pilot program to include an additional facility or facilities as he or she deems appropriate. Provides that a minimum of 4,000 administrations of long-acting injectable medications for opioid use disorders shall be included in the pilot program. Provides that the Department shall develop a plan to facilitate access to continued treatment for opioid use disorders in the community following the release of a person participating in the pilot program, including, but not limited to, a referral to a harm reduction provider. Provides that the Department must report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the program by January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

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.

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.

Lilian Jiménez

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.

DD FACILITY-ASSET MGMT COMPANY

Amends the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act, the MC/DD Act, the ID/DD Community Care Act, the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act, and the Child Care Act of 1969. Requires the State agencies responsible for licensing facilities under those Acts to adopt, by December 31, 2026, rules requiring a facility to disclose upon initial application for licensure and on a quarterly basis thereafter, whether the facility, its subsidiaries, affiliates, parent companies, or contractual service providers are owned, managed, or contained within a fund owned or managed by an asset management company; and if so, to make certain disclosures about the asset management company's assets, the facility's debt, and other matters. Requires the State agencies to also adopt rules requiring such a facility to provide written notice of transactions and copies of agreements which would (i) sell or otherwise dispose of a material amount of the facility's assets or (ii) transfer control, responsibility, or governance of a material amount of the facility's assets or operations. Prohibits facilities owned or managed by an asset management company from engaging in certain transactions or actions that would result in the facility issuing debt-funded dividends or perform any other similar action causing the facility to become financially distressed. Provides that a violation of these requirements and prohibitions constitutes an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Requires the State agencies to publish disclosures, written notices, and copies of agreements submitted by facilities on the agencies' public websites. Imposes similar requirements and prohibitions on adult day service providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities under the Illinois Act on the Aging and providers of adult developmental training services under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Effective immediately.

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.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING-SIGNS

Amends the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act. Requires that the Department of Transportation post a notice as required under the Act in all public restrooms of each roadside rest area.

STATE GOVT-STATE SANDWICH

Amends the State Designations Act. Provides that the Italian beef sandwich is designated as the official State sandwich of the State of Illinois.

CRIM CD-ELDER ABUSE

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a caregiver also commits criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person or person with a disability when he or she knowingly: (1) performs acts that create the substantial likelihood that the person's life will be endangered, health will be injured, or pre-existing physical or mental condition will deteriorate; or (2) fails to perform acts that he or she knows or reasonably should know are necessary to maintain or preserve the life or health of the person and that failure creates a substantial likelihood that the person's life will be endangered, health will be injured, or pre-existing physical or mental condition will deteriorate. Provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor. Defines "voluntarily assumed the responsibilities for care". Changes the definition of "caregiver". In the statute concerning financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability, defines "undue influence".

REPEAL-LOAN DEFAULT ACT

Repeals the Educational Loan Default Act. Effective immediately.

NE IL WATER GOVERNANCE REPORT

Amends the Regional Planning Act. Creates the Northeastern Illinois Water Governance Advisory Committee within the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Describes membership of the Committee. Provides that, no later than May 31, 2027, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Northeastern Illinois Water Governance Advisory Committee shall develop and submit a report of legislative recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the sufficiency, management, and governance of water in Northeastern Illinois. Provides that the report shall include (1) the projected water use needs in the region through 2075, including any projected growth in water demand owing to residential, industrial, agricultural, or commercial development; (2) the adequacy of currently available water sources and infrastructure to meet projected water use needs in the region; (3) the risks to water security in the region, including any risks from climate change, groundwater depletion, biological or technological interference, increased drawdown from water intensive manufacturing, infrastructure failure within community water supplies, infrastructure failure across water supplies, and other risks as deemed appropriate; (4) existing data that the State collects related to water withdrawal, transmission, and use, including where the data is kept and how it is used and shared by agencies; (5) potential future government or management structures that would better ensure affordable water access for the region's water users, including possible structures to regionalize water service in the region; (6) recommendations on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of at least 2 intergovernmental or governmental structures to improve water quality, long-term security, and affordability in the region; and (7) recommendations on how State agencies and departments can improve data collection, planning, and regulation of water in the region. Provides that appointments to the Northeastern Illinois Water Governance Advisory Committee shall be made within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Dissolves the Northeastern Illinois Water Governance Advisory Committee on July 1, 2027.

MEDICAL PRACTICE-FEE SPLITTING

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. In provisions concerning an exception to the prohibition on fee splitting for billing, administrative preparation, or collection services, requires any charges for multiple in-network services during the same appointment, including, but not limited to, an office visit that was added to a physical exam, to be disclosed to the patient during the appointment.

ASSIST LIVING-MANDATED REPORT

Amends the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act. Includes any facility licensed under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act in the definition of "long term care facility". Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Removes a supportive living facility from the definition of "domestic living situation".

HOME SERVICES REFERRAL

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Provides that an assisted living establishment or a shared housing establishment shall only make referrals to its residents for home services providers that are licensed under the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act. Establishes penalties for violating the referral requirement. Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act, and the Life Care Facilities Act to require that the Department of Public Health to distribute to each establishment or facility a one-page, 8.5 by 11 inch public safety announcement flyer in at least 12-point type and that the each establishment or facility post the flyer in a prominent location for all visitors to see. Effective January 1, 2027.

JUV CT&PROBATE-GUARDIANSHIP

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 concerning abused, neglected, and dependent minors. Provides that when the minor is placed in the custody of a suitable relative or other person as legal custodian or guardian or placed in subsidized guardianship of a suitable relative or other person as legal guardian, custody or guardianship continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 18 years. Provides that when a minor is placed in the guardianship of a probation officer, committed to an agency for care or placement, or committed to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and service, custody or guardianship granted continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 21 years. Makes other changes. Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that if the minor is a youth in care under the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 when the petition for the appointment of a guardian of a minor is filed, the court's determinations and findings shall be made consistent with the court review provisions of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that any motion to modify or vacate the appointment of a guardian of a minor who was a youth in care immediately preceding the filing of a petition for the appointment of a minor guardian shall be filed and reviewed pursuant to the supplemental provisions to reinstate wardship of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that if custody and guardianship is to be restored to a parent or guardian who was a respondent in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 case, the court's determinations and findings shall be made consistent with the court review provisions of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Defines "youth in care". Effective immediately.

MENTAL HLTH BD-MEMBER REMOVAL

Amends the Community Mental Health Act. In provisions permitting the removal of a community mental health board member, provides that prior to removal, the member must have an opportunity to be heard by the full membership of the governing body. Provides that after given notice and an opportunity to be heard, the member may be removed upon a 2/3 majority vote of the entire governing body of the appointing authority at a public meeting.

Suzanne M. Ness

JUV CT-COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that either the court or the State's Attorney, or both, (rather than the State's Attorney) or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, may establish community mediation programs designed to provide citizen participation in addressing juvenile delinquency. Provides that prior to entering a sentence, the court shall require the parties involved to consider participation in a restorative practice, such as a conference or circle as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, to identify and repair harm to the extent possible, address trauma, reduce the likelihood of further harm, and strengthen community ties by focusing on the needs and obligations of all parties involved through a participatory process. Provides that participation in the process shall be voluntary by all parties, and any resulting agreement shall contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations. Provides that the agreement shall be recommended to the court as an alternative to sentencing.

NEUROLOGIST-AUTISM-PAMPHLET

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a pediatric neurologist or any other physician who diagnoses autism in a child must provide to the child's family, at a follow-up appointment, a pamphlet listing autism-specific support services in the area.

DHS-OIG INVESTIGATIONS

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In the definition of "material obstruction of an investigation", defines the term to mean the intentional failure to timely report an allegation to the hotline or the interference (rather than purposeful interference) with an investigation of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation. Provides that such material obstruction may include, but is not limited to, delaying or withholding reports of allegations to the hotline for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation; the withholding or altering of documentation or recorded evidence when reporting an allegation to the hotline or during an investigation; influencing, threatening, or impeding a victim's, complainant's, or required reporter's report of an allegation to the hotline or witness testimony during an investigation; or presenting untruthful information to the hotline or during an investigatory interview. Provides that any employee who fails to cooperate with an Office of the Inspector General investigation may also result in a finding of material obstruction of an investigation. Expands the list of employee conduct during an investigation that is in violation of the Act, including the failure to timely report an incident of abuse or material obstruction of an investigation committed by another employee. Makes changes to the definition of "presenting untruthful information".

FINANCIALLY EXPLOITED ADULT

Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. In provisions concerning financial exploitation of an eligible adult, provides that a court may grant a temporary injunction ex parte, pending a full hearing, and may grant such relief as the court deems proper if the court makes certain findings, including, but not limited to, that an immediate and present danger of exploitation of the eligible adult exists, there is a likelihood of irreparable harm and nonavailability of an adequate remedy at law, there is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits, and the threatened injury to the eligible adult outweighs possible harm to the respondent. Sets forth the types of injunctive relief a court might grant, including, but not limited to, freezing the eligible adult's assets or lines of credit, awarding the eligible adult temporary exclusive use and possession of his or her dwelling, if shared with the respondent, and providing directives to law enforcement. Contains provisions on the scope and effect of an ex parte temporary injunction and the grounds for its denial. Sets forth factors a court will consider to determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an eligible adult is or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of financial exploitation; notice of petition and injunction; final hearings on a petition; final cost judgments against a respondent; the transmittal of petitions, financial affidavits, hearing notices to the county sheriff or law enforcement agency; court certification of all orders issued, changed, continued, extended, or vacated subsequent to the original petition, notice of hearing, or temporary injunction; the enforcement of injunction violations through a civil or criminal contempt proceeding; judgment damages against a petitioner; modification or dissolution of injunction; substitute service for unascertainable respondent whose identity cannot be ascertained or whose identity is unknown; and other matters.

FREEDOM TO WORK-HEALTH CARE

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Provides that any covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit entered into after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall not be enforceable with respect to individuals employed by health care facilities as health care professionals in the State regardless of whether an individual is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Effective immediately.

Laura Faver Dias

PEN CD-CTPF-RECORD RETENTION

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires charter schools and contract schools to retain all payroll records and contribution information for a minimum of 5 years after the payroll records and contribution information are created. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-SPEC ED TRANSITION PLAN

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, by January 1, 2027, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program, shall establish an efficient process by which information about the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is disseminated through the State Board to students, parents and guardians, transition planning and services coordinators at school districts, special education joint agreements, and other relevant educational agencies. Effective immediately.

DHS-DEMENTIA TRAINING

Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Requires direct service workers employed by the Department of Human Services, or an agency contracted with the Department, to provide services under the Home Services Program to complete at least 2 hours of dementia training at the start of their employment and annually thereafter. Requires the training to cover subjects concerning Alzheimer's disease and dementia, safety risks, and communication and behavior. Requires the Department to provide contractors with dementia training curriculum on the required subjects. Provides that any other laws or rules that impose more rigorous dementia training for direct service workers under the Home Services Program shall apply. Exempts from the training requirements direct service workers who provide proof that they obtained equivalent dementia training in compliance with another law or rule. For personal assistants covered by a collective bargaining agreement, requires the Department to establish, in consultation with the joint training committee created under the collective bargaining agreement, different parameters and specific topics for curriculum covering dementia training.

ACCEPTANCE OF CASH PAYMENTS

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that a State agency shall accept cash when offered as payment for any transaction totaling $500 or less. Prohibits a State agency from charging a higher price or adding any additional fee if a transaction conducted in cash. Amends the Local Governmental Acceptance of Credit Cards Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Local Governmental Acceptance of Credit Cards and Cash Act. Provides that a unit of local government shall accept cash when offered as payment for any transaction totaling $500 or less. Prohibits a unit of local government from charging a higher price or adding any additional fee if a transaction conducted in cash. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that any person engaged in the business of selling or offering to sell goods or services at retail to the public with an individual accepting in-person payments at a physical location shall not: (1) refuse to accept cash as a form of payment for sales of less than $500 made at the physical location; (2) post a sign on the premises stating that cash payment is not accepted; or (3) charge a higher price to customers paying with cash compared to the price charged to customers not paying with cash. Sets forth exceptions to the provision. Provides that a violation of the provision is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

MARRIAGE LICENSE VIDEO APPEAR

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Requires each county clerk to establish a process within 6 months or sooner after the effective date of the amendatory Act that allows a party or parties to participate in a video conferencing application in which a party may be seen and heard by the county clerk in real time if a party cannot travel or has difficulty traveling because of a disability, physical impairment, or health condition that impedes the mobility of a party to appear in person. Provides for such a party, at the sole discretion of the county clerk, the county clerk or designee may go to a party's location to complete the application. Requires that a request to the county clerk to complete the application in-person at a party's location must be supported by a written note or certification from a medical professional or licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, LPN, CNA, or hospice professional stating the accommodation is necessary to prevent a hardship as provided in the Act.

NURSING HOME-MENTAL ILLNESS

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Replaces provisions concerning serious mental illness rescreening. Provides that all persons admitted to a nursing home facility with a diagnosis of serious mental illness shall receive a follow-up visit within 60 days after admission and shall receive a resident review by the Department of Human Services or its designee promptly after a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall ensure there are no conflicts of interest for pre-admission screeners.

SCH CD-REG SUP INSTITUT-TRAUMA

Amends the Regional Superintendent of Schools Article of the School Code. With respect to the requirement that institutes provide instruction on trauma-informed practices and include the definitions of trauma, trauma-responsive learning environments, and whole child before the first student attendance day of each school year, makes changes to the definitions of "trauma" and "trauma-responsive learning environments". Defines "trauma-informed practices" to include awareness of populations for whom trauma may be ongoing, relational, and developmentally expressed over time. Effective immediately.

CONSUMER IDENTITY VERIFICATION

Creates the Identity Verification for Consumer Services Act. Requires an entity that provides specified services to use identity verification to verify a person's identity before initiating or modifying an agreement to provide the service. Provides that an entity that provides a specified service that becomes aware of an attempted or confirmed identity theft through its compliance with the Act shall report the attempted or confirmed identity theft to the Attorney General. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Limits home rule. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.

DCFS-MINIMUM AGE-PERPETRATOR

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", changes the list of persons who may be considered a perpetrator of abuse to include a child's parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person 14 years of age or older who is either responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or resides in the same home as the child. Provides that, if the Department of Children and Family Services does not accept an abuse or neglect report for investigation on the sole basis that the alleged perpetrator is another person in the household under the age of 14, then the Department shall consider if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the alleged maltreatment is the result of blatant disregard on the part of an adult or agency who is an eligible perpetrator. Provides that, if so, the Department shall accept a report alleging abuse or neglect identifying the adult or agency as the alleged perpetrator. Permits the Department to also consider whether a child welfare service referral would be appropriate.

POSSESSION DISPUTES-PETS

Creates the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. Provides that in a possession dispute involving a companion animal, a court may consider the well-being of the companion animal regardless of the marital status of the parties. "Companion animal" means a domesticated dog or cat that resides in a household. Authorizes the court to issue temporary possession or caregiving orders, including limited visitation, if necessary to reduce stress or disruption to the companion animal. Provides that for companion animals 10 years of age or older, courts may give additional consideration to factors including continuity of environment, emotional stability, stress minimization, and maintenance of established routines. Provides that a court may, if appropriate, order mediation between the parties to resolve issues related to companion animal possession.

POWER OF ATTY-PROPERTY

Amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. Deletes two reasons for which it is deemed reasonable cause for a third party to refuse to honor a power of attorney for property: (i) the refusal by the agent to provide a copy of the original document that is certified to be valid by an attorney, a court order, or governmental entity; and (ii) the refusal of the principal's attorney to provide a certificate that the power of attorney is valid.

CRIM CD-CONVERTIBLE PISTOLS

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Responsible Gun Manufacturing Act. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of weapons when the person knowingly manufactures, sells, or offers to sell, purchases, receives, manufactures, imports, or transfers a convertible pistol. Establishes penalties. Provides exemptions. Provides that a machine gun also includes any convertible pistol equipped with a switch. Defines "convertible pistol", "switch", and "common household tool". Contains a severability provision.

Justin Slaughter

EMS SYSTEMS-VARIOUS

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Defines "digital license", "Just Culture Matrix", and "physical license". Provides that the Department of Public Health, by rule, shall publish a Just Culture Matrix, and it shall recommend that each EMS System include the Just Culture Matrix in its Program Plan for evaluating and responding to errors or failures to perform emergency and nonemergency medical services in accordance with the defined scope of practice of the EMS personnel. Provides that the Just Culture Matrix shall be a framework for fairly and consistently applying EMS System participation suspensions. Sets forth provisions concerning membership of the local System review board. Provides that the local System review board shall only have the authority to affirm, reduce, or rescind the EMS Medical Director's suspension order. Provides that the function of the State Emergency Medical Services Disciplinary Review Board is to review and affirm, reduce, or rescind disciplinary orders (instead of review and affirm, reverse, or modify). Makes conforming changes. Provides that the Department shall issue to EMS personnel a physical license, and all EMS personnel shall have access to a digital license. Requires a licensee to possess a copy of a physical license or a digital license.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISABILITY

Amends the Public Employee Disability Act. Provides that, whenever an eligible employee suffers any injury or illness in the line of duty (rather than suffers any injury in the line of duty) which causes that employee to be unable to perform the employee's duties, the employee shall continue to be paid by the employing public entity on the same gross pay basis, inclusive of all pensionable salary, as the employee was paid before the injury (rather than paid by the employing public entity on the same basis as he was paid before the injury), with no deduction from and with continued accrual of any sick leave credits (rather than with no deduction from his sick leave credits) and specified other compensation, with other requirements. Makes technical changes.

PROCUREMENT-STATE LABS

Amends Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that, after exhausting the list of master contracts and cooperative agreements, procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Illinois State Police, or the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to operate State laboratories are exempt from the Code.

EPA-MEDICAL WASTE SHIPPING

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that no person shall cause or allow the delivery or transfer of any potentially infectious medical waste for transport unless, among other things, the potentially infectious medical waste is accompanied by completed shipping papers that meet the requirements of federal hazardous materials transportation regulations (rather than a potentially infectious medical waste manifest from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) if required under the Act for transport of that waste. Provides that, except in specified circumstances, no person shall transport potentially infectious medical waste, unless the transporter carries completed shipping papers for the waste that meet the requirements of the federal hazardous materials transportation regulations (rather than a manifest from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency). Provides that the potentially infectious medical waste transportation fees are 5 cents (rather than 3 cents) per pound of potentially infectious medical waste. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

MWRD-HIRING

Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that, among other things, notice of the duration of eligible lists of examinations of each position in the classified service shall be given by the Director of Human Resources by publication for 2 weeks preceding the examination in a daily newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the sanitary district is situated, and the notice shall be posted by the Director in a conspicuous place in the Director's office for 2 weeks before the examination. Provides that, if fewer than 5 candidates are in the A, B, and C categories combined, then the Director may delay certification to fill a vacancy and hold an examination to provide a sufficient number of candidates on an updated eligible list. Provides that, among other apprentices, apprentices in a sanitary district's apprenticeship program for plant operations or laboratory operations shall not be included in the classified civil service. Provides that graduates of a sanitary district apprenticeship program shall be given additional points on examinations for civil service journeymen positions in entry-level positions in plant operations or laboratory operations classifications, in addition to the trades, at the sanitary district. Provides that, if an eligible list for the civil service journeyman trades or entry-level plant operations or laboratory operations classification already exists at the time a district apprentice completes the district program, then a special administration of the examination may be scheduled by the Director. Makes other and conforming changes.

CD CORR-END OF LIFE CARE

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Creates the End-of-life Care Peer Support Program. Provides that the program is available to terminally ill persons committed to the Department of Corrections. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Department of Corrections in partnership with certain health care providers. Provides that individual patients may accept or decline care or participation in the program. Provides that individual patients shall define the scope of peer support, including the option to opt out of certain aspects of support. Provides that patient care plans shall be developed with the individual patient, the patient's peer support attendants, and the interdisciplinary team. Provides that participating patients shall be subject to the least restrictive security measures possible, with access to comfort items such as blankets, memorabilia, music, and books. Provides that participating patients shall have the following rights: (1) the right to dignity, privacy, respect, and culturally competent care; (2) the right to request peer support services; (3) the right to refuse services; and (4) the right to request family visitation. Provides that all participants in the program, including patients and peer support attendants, shall have access to grief counseling and mental health care services as needed. Provides that the program shall be funded through: (1) the Individual Benefit Fund; (2) direct appropriations from the General Revenue Fund; and (3) federal appropriations if applicable.

HIGH SPEED RAIL COMM REPEAL

Amends the High Speed Rail Commission Act. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2030 (rather than January 1, 2027). Effective immediately.

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.

SCH CD-LATINE STUDIES

Amends the School Code. Requires every public elementary and high school to include in its curriculum the study of the contributions made by Latin Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. Provides that the regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the requirement during the regional superintendent's annual compliance visit and make recommendations for improvement. Provides that the failure by a school district or school to comply with the requirement shall result in a written warning for the first offense, and if the school district or school continues to fail to comply with the requirements, the school district or school shall face disciplinary action at the discretion of the regional superintendent. Requires the State Superintendent of Education to prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials and professional development opportunities that may be used as guidelines for the development of a Latin American unit of study. Effective August 1, 2026.

INS-MOTOR VEHICLE GLASS ACT

Creates the Motor Vehicle Glass Repair Act. Provides that an insured under a property and casualty insurance policy shall not, either prior to or after a claimed or covered loss, assign, delegate or otherwise transfer, in whole or in part, to any other person the insured's: (1) duties under the policy; or (2) rights or benefits under the policy. Provides that any contract violating the delegation prohibition shall be void and unenforceable. Sets forth provisions concerning a motor vehicle glass shop's notice requirements to an insured; motor vehicle glass repair claims and practices; prohibited acts; and an insured's right to choose a motor vehicle glass repair shop. Establishes a presumption that a motor vehicle glass repair shop is acting knowingly in violation of provisions concerning prohibited acts if the motor vehicle glass repair shop engages in a regular and consistent pattern of the prohibited activity. Requires the Department of Insurance to adopt rules necessary to administer and implement the Act, including rules to enforce compliance with the Act.

SCH CD-INTERFUND TRANSFERS

Amends the School Code. Extends the time period during which a school district other than the Chicago school district may transfer moneys from specified funds for any purpose from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2029. Effective immediately.

PHA-NO WORK REQUIREMENTS

Amends the Housing Authorities Act. Provides that, unless otherwise required by federal law or regulation, a housing authority shall not establish or implement any rules, policies, or procedures that impose time limits or work requirements as a condition of initial or continued eligibility for any rent subsidy or assistance provided to qualifying tenants of the housing authority or to qualifying individuals through any rent subsidy or other housing assistance program administered by the housing authority. Permits a housing authority to establish, implement, or encourage an applicant or recipient of a rent subsidy or assistance to participate in a voluntary employment or job training program if the program: (1) does not impact the applicant's or recipient's initial or continued eligibility for the rent subsidy or assistance; and (2) has one of the specified goals for program participants, including, but not limited to, (i) increasing personal income, (ii) homeownership, or (iii) expanding employment options.

VEH CD-GRADUATED LICENSES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if a graduated driver's license holder who is under the age of 18 is convicted of violating State law while operating a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle who is under the age of 20, unless any additional passenger or passengers are siblings, step-siblings, children, or stepchildren of the driver, and that results in bodily harm, permanent disability, or death to another, the graduated license shall be suspended for 6 months. Effective immediately.

MILITARY PLATES-SECOND SET

Amends the Special Plates Article of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person eligible to receive certain military special plates is entitled to receive, upon application to the Secretary of State, a second set of the special plates under the same terms and conditions as the first set of special plates. Effective immediately.

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTM INTERVIEW

Amends the Sexual Assault Incident Procedure Act. Provides that a law enforcement officer shall inform a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse of the right to request that any interview or statement be conducted in the presence of a law enforcement officer of a particular sex or gender, if one is reasonably available. Provides that if a law enforcement officer of the requested sex or gender is not reasonably available, the interview or statement shall proceed without unnecessary delay.

SCH CD-SCH PSYCHOLOGIST-DEGREE

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that "school psychologist" means a psychologist who, along with other qualifications, has graduated with a specialist degree, an equivalent degree with the completion of a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, or a higher degree in school psychology (rather than a master's degree or higher degree in psychology or educational psychology) from an institution of higher learning and has had at least 1,200 clock hours of supervised experience (rather than one school year of full-time supervised experience) in the delivery of school psychological services. Makes changes to provide that school psychological services provided by qualified specialists who hold a Professional Educator License endorsed for school psychology may include, but are not limited to: (1) providing assessments; (2) creating and implementing prevention and intervention services that support student learning; (3) providing mental and behavioral health services; (4) acting as liaisons between public schools and community agencies; (5) evaluating program effectiveness; (6) providing crisis prevention, response, and intervention within the school setting; (7) providing consultation and collaboration; (8) supervising school psychologist interns enrolled in school psychology programs; (9) screening school enrollments to identify children who should be referred for individual study; and (10) developing any other necessary programs and services. Provides that a school psychologist may not provide school psychological services outside of his or her employment to any student in any school district that employs the school psychologist. Makes other changes.

DOM VIOLENCE-ORD PROT

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Changes the definitions of "harassment" to include, among other actions, doxing, electronic tracking, and nonconsensual creation, dissemination, or threatening the dissemination of electronically generated or digitally altered content pertaining to the petitioner. Requires a county (not just counties with more than 250,000 in population) to provide remote access to a hearing on a protective order to include relevant witnesses besides the petitioner and respondent. Creates additional remedies for the court to grant in a domestic violence order of protection. Requires that any motion to extend a plenary order must be filed on or before the expiration date, and the plenary order remains in effect after filing until its original expiration date or until the motion is presented or heard, whichever is later. Requires a plenary order to be extended if the court finds that since entry of the plenary order there has been no material change in the relevant circumstances as required by law, and an extension of a plenary order may be granted for any fixed period of time or indefinitely until the plenary order is vacated or modified. Provides that if the motion to extend the plenary order is uncontested, petitioner's motion or affidavit stating that there has been no material change in relevant circumstances since entry of the order and stating the reason for the requested extension is sufficient for the court to extend the plenary order for any length of time, including indefinitely. Provides that the court may grant a contested request for an extension of the plenary order for more than 2 years for good cause. Provides that a violation of the original order or a subsequent incident of abuse is not required to grant the extension or determine the length of the extension, and compliance with the original order does not negate the basis or length of the extension. Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Makes conforming changes.

Maurice A. West, II