Bills & Legislation

ILLEGAL RECORDING-MINORS

Creates the Civil Remedies for Nonconsensual Recording of Children Act. Creates a civil action for a child or the parent or legal guardian on behalf of a child if a person (1) makes a video record or transmits a live video of the child without the consent of the child's parent or guardian in a restroom, tanning bed, tanning salon, locker room, changing room, or hotel residence; or (2) makes a video record or transmits a live video of a child without the consent of the child's parent or guardian in a residence in which the child does not reside. Provides for exceptions. Provides that a child who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant violated the Act against the child is considered obviously and materially harmful to the child and is per se harmful and traumatic. Authorizes a prevailing plaintiff to recover: (1) the greater of: (A) economic and noneconomic damages proximately caused by the defendant's violation of the Act, including but not limited to damages for emotional distress whether or not accompanied by other damages; or (B) statutory damages, not to exceed $10,000, against each defendant found liable under the Act; (2) punitive damages; and (3) reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Provides that an action under the Act may not be brought no later than 2 years from the date the cause of action was discovered or should have been discovered with the exercise of reasonable diligence. Tolls the statute of limitation until the child becomes emancipated or attains the age of majority. Provides that if a State agency or unit of local government is required by law or ordinance to inspect a restroom, tanning bed, tanning salon, locker room, changing room, or hotel residence, the State agency or unit of local government must also inspect for hidden cameras. Provides that if a hidden camera is discovered, the owner or operator of the inspected location must post a public notice advising of the camera and the area it films. Provides that the notice must be in English and any other language that is spoken by a significant number of local residents in that area. Provides that the Act applies to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act.

TWP CD QUORUM

Amends the Township Code. Provides that 3 members of the township board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Provides that the affirmative vote of 3 members of the township board is necessary to adopt any motion, resolution, or ordinance, unless a greater number is otherwise required by State law.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Amends the Statute on Statutes and other various Acts. Changes all occurrences of "disabled person" to "person with a disability", changes all occurrences of "a person who is handicapped" to "a person who has a disability", changes all occurrences of "physically or mentally handicapped" to "having a physical or intellectual disability", and changes all occurrences of "visually handicapped" to "visually impaired". Replaces an outdated reference to the "Disabled Person Identification Card" with "the Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card". Amends the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Changes "Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled program" to "Aid to the Aged, Blind or Persons with Disabilities program". Makes corresponding references in various Acts. Effective immediately.

FIRE DISTRICTS-FUND TRANSFER

Amends the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that the board of trustees of a fire protection district may, by majority vote of the board of trustees, adopt a resolution to transfer moneys from the fire protection district's ambulance service fund to another fund controlled by the fire protection district if (1) the fire protection district has not approved another transfer from the fire protection district's ambulance service fund under the provisions in the same year; (2) the moneys remaining in the fire protection district's ambulance service fund after the transfer are sufficient to pay for the remaining obligations and costs payable from the district's ambulance service fund in the current and subsequent fiscal years; and (3) the transfer does not impair the fire protection district's finances or public safety mission, including, but not limited to, emergency medical services, ambulance services, rescue services, fire suppression services, or any other public safety endeavor established by the fire protection district. Effective immediately.

CAMPGROUND LICENSING

Amends the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act. Changes the definition of "campground" so that the number of camping days increases to 10 or more (instead of 6 or more) during a calendar year.

INS-HEALTH/CORONARY SCAN

Amends the Accident and Health Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2028 shall cover a medically necessary coronary calcium scan and scoring every 36 months for individuals over the age of 40. Defines "coronary calcium scan and scoring". Makes conforming changes in 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 Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Effective January 1, 2027.

EMERGENCY-HEALTH CARE KIOSKS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital that operates an emergency department shall not use health care kiosks in the hospital's emergency department to assess or determine a patient's medical state, to determine the priority level of a patient's injuries or illness, or to otherwise triage patients. Provides that health care kiosks may be used for data entry of a patient's personal identifying information and billing information in place of paper forms. Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act to set forth conforming requirements for a University of Illinois Hospital emergency department. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amy Briel

SCH CD-HIGH SCH COURSE CREDIT

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that the school board of a school district that maintains any of grades 9 through 12 is authorized to adopt a policy under which a student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 who is enrolled in the unit school district or would be enrolled in the high school district upon completion of elementary school may enroll in a required high school course, provided that the course is offered by the high school that the student would attend and the student participates in the course where the student attends school as long as the course is taught by a teacher who holds a professional educator license and endorsed for the grade level and content area of the course (instead of just as long as the course is taught by a teacher who holds a professional educator license and endorsed for the grade level and content area of the course).

DCFS-NOTICE OF APPEAL PROCESS

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In a provision requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to provide specified persons with written notification of its final determination of an abuse or neglect report, requires such written notification to the alleged perpetrator to include a detailed list of all steps of the appeal process and a detailed checklist of what must be submitted for an appeal. Requires the Department to also send to the alleged perpetrator, parents, and personal or legal guardian of the alleged child victim, either electronically or by regular U.S. mail, a copy of all information in the case obtained by the Department during its investigation that is not otherwise prohibited from disclosure under State or federal law.

ALGORITHMIC PRICE TRANSPARENCY

Creates the Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act. Provides that any person or entity that sells or offers to sell goods or services through an online platform to consumers in this State shall provide a clear and conspicuous disclosure if the price displayed to a consumer is generated using surveillance pricing. Provides that a consumer may opt out of surveillance pricing and a covered entity shall provide the consumer with a non-personalized baseline price for the goods or services. Prohibits a covered entity from using specified personal information to generate algorithmic pricing. Provides that a violation of the Act is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective one year after becoming law.

SR CITIZEN INCOME ELIGIBILITY

Amends the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. Changes the income eligibility levels used to determine eligibility for reduced vehicle registration fees for seniors and persons with disabilities.

LOC GOV-CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS

Amends the Township Code, the Park District Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, and the Public Community College Act. Provides that if a township, park district, municipality, school district, or community college has been issued a credit card, then, each month, the governing authority of the township, park district, municipality, school district, or community college shall vote to verify the validity of an itemized statement of all purchases made using the credit card in the preceding month. Provides that the itemized statement must include all purchases made using the credit card in the preceding month and may not be redacted. Provides that the vote shall solely be for the approval of the itemized statement of all purchases made using the credit card and shall not include any other expense approval. Provides that, if a township, park district, municipality, school district, or community college has a website maintained by a full-time staff, then the township, park district, municipality, school district, or community college shall publish each itemized statement on its website.

Anthony DeLuca

ID/DD COMMUNITY CARE ADMIN

Amends the ID/DD Community Care Act. Changes the definition of administrator to a person who is charged with the general administration and supervision of a facility and who is at least 21 years of age and either is licensed under the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act; is a qualified intellectual disabilities professional; or has completed at least 4 semesters of study at an institution of higher education and has at least 2 years of management experience or at least 2 years of experience in a position of progressive responsibility in health care, housing with services, or adult day care; in providing similar services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; or in behavioral health (rather than a person who is charged with the general administration and supervision of a facility and licensed, if required, under the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act). Provides that, as a condition of licensure under the Act, the administrator of a facility must participate in at least 20 hours of training every 2 years to assist the administrator in better meeting the needs of the residents of the facility and managing the operation of the facility. Makes conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2027.

EDUC-HOMELESS CHILD-PREVENTION

Amends the Education for Homeless Children Act. Allows a school district to provide for an extended motel stay for a child who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Effective immediately.

SEARCH WARR-ELECTRONIC-RETURN

Amends the Search and Seizure Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that telecommunications carriers shall return all electronic instruments, articles, or things within 36 hours if the search warrant was issued pursuant to an investigation of a forcible felony.

SCH CD-ACCOMODATIONS-TIMELINE

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that within 14 school days after receiving a written request for a federal Section 504 plan from a child's parent or guardian, a school district shall determine whether the clinical information provided by the parent or guardian is sufficient to support the need for a Section 504 plan, whether further evaluation is warranted to make that determination, or whether there is no basis for an evaluation or plan based on available information. Provides that if the district decides not to confer eligibility based on existing information or to conduct an evaluation, the district shall provide written notice to the parent or guardian explaining the rationale for the decision. Provides that if the district agrees to an evaluation, a meeting with the parent or guardian shall be held no later than 14 school days after receiving the written request. Requires the district to convene a team that shall identify the assessments necessary to complete the evaluation. Provides that for a student with documentation from a licensed health care provider indicating the need for an individualized health care plan to address a likely medical threat to the student's health or safety, the school's Section 504 plan team shall meet with the parent or guardian to consider creation of an interim Section 504 plan consistent with the health care provider's recommendations within 5 school days after receipt of the documentation, and if the Section 504 plan team agrees with the health care provider's recommendation, implementation of the requisite accommodations shall commence no later than 5 school days after the planning meeting. Effective immediately.

CIVIL PROCEDURE-NAME CHANGE

Amends the Name Change Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that for a petition for name change by a person who is required to register under Sex Offender Registration Act, the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, or the Arsonist Registration Act and not yet pardoned, if the petition alleges that it is sought because of marriage, religious beliefs, status as a victim of trafficking or gender-related identity, the court may grant or deny the petition after making a determination based on certain factors. Provides that any denial of a name change to these individuals must be in writing demonstrating the reasons for the denial. Provides that a person who has been convicted as an adult of a felony offense and whose sentence has not been completed, terminated, or discharged is not permitted to file a petition for a name change unless pardoned for the offense. Provides that the State's Attorney may file an objection to the petition within 30 days of being served if the petitioner has been convicted of and not been pardoned or has a pending case for any of the these enumerated charges: identity theft, aggravated identity theft, felony or misdemeanor criminal sexual abuse if the victim of the offense at the time of its commission is under 18 years of age, felony or misdemeanor sexual exploitation of a child, felony or misdemeanor indecent solicitation of a child, or felony or misdemeanor indecent solicitation of an adult. Provides the same opportunity to object if the petitioner has any pending charge that would require compliance, if convicted, with the Sex Offender Registration Act, the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, or the Arsonist Registry Act. Provides those objections must be in writing, filed with the circuit court clerk, served upon the petitioner, and state with specificity the basis of the objection, including, but not limited to, any evidence of specific intent for requesting the name change and any specific and detailed facts demonstrating that any potential risk to another individual or group would outweigh any potential harm or negative impact to the individual making the request for the name change. Makes other changes.

CONSUMER RIGHT TO RETURN

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for a retail establishment to not accept the return of a product by a consumer or only offer store credit to the consumer in exchange for the return of a product if the consumer purchased the product at that retail establishment and the product is unopened and unused.

SCH CD-DEACTIVATE SCH-CONTRACT

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Provides that the length of a contract between a deactivating school district that is seeking to send its students to more than one district and the receiving district shall be for 4 (rather than 2) school years, but the districts may renew the contract for a length of time that is mutually agreed upon by the districts (rather than for additional one-year or 2-year periods).

FUNDS AND MANDATES-VARIOUS

Amends the State Salary and Annuity Withholding Act, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Technology Advancement and Development Act, the Women's Business Ownership Act of 2015, the State Finance Act, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Franchise Tax and License Fee Amnesty Act of 2007, the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act, the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to remove provisions concerning specified funds. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code to remove definitions and make other changes. Amends the State Finance Act to repeal specified funds on January 1, 2026. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to repeal provisions concerning certain special registration plates on January 1, 2026. Amends the State Employee Housing Act, the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department of Public Health Act, the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the School Code, the Higher Education Veterans Service Act, the Older Adult Services Act, the Fish and Aquatic Life Code, and the Wildlife Code to make other changes. Repeals the Farm Fresh Schools Program Act, the Emergency Budget Implementation Act of Fiscal Year 2010, the Institution for Tuberculosis Research Act, and the Problem Pregnancy Health Services and Care Act. Effective immediately.

William "Will" Davis

CONNECT 700 PROGRAM

Amends the Personnel Code. Requires the Director of Central Management Services to consult with the Department of Employment Security, the Department of Human Services, and other disability experts for the purpose of establishing, reviewing, and modifying the qualifying procedures under the Code for applicants whose disabilities are of such a significant nature that the applicants are unable to demonstrate their abilities in the ordinary selection process. Provides that all permanent executive branch classified positions are eligible for a 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience, and all permanent classified job postings must provide information regarding the on-the-job demonstration overview and certification process. Provides that the Director of Central Management Services is responsible for the administration and oversight of the 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience, including the establishment of policies and procedures, data collection and reporting requirements, and compliance. Provides that the Director of Central Management Services shall design and implement a training curriculum for the 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience. Provides that all executive leaders, managers, supervisors, human resources professionals, affirmative action officers, and ADA coordinators must receive annual training on the program. Provides that the Director of Central Management Services shall develop, administer, and make public a formal grievance process for individuals in the 700-hour on-the-job demonstration experience. Effective immediately.

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION NETWORK

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the Pathways for Community Integration Network program is established in the Department of Human Services. Provides that the program shall create a network of community integration providers to foster pathways to safety, well-being, and economic security. Permits the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement the program.

PESTICIDES-OPERATOR REGULATION

Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Replaces the definition of the term "licensed operator" with definitions of the terms "licensed large-scale operator" and "licensed small-scale operator". Provides that the Director of Agriculture shall issue separate certification tests for licensed large-scale operators and licensed small-scale operators based on the rules and regulations prescribed for each by the Department of Agriculture. Makes conforming changes in the Act.

INS CD-AUTOMOBILE THEFT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any policy of automobile insurance that carries comprehensive coverage may not exclude theft coverage for lack of evidence of forcible entry or for the insured leaving the vehicle unlocked or leaving a key or key fob in the vehicle. Provides that nothing in the provisions prohibits a company from investigating and denying a claim due to fraudulent acts. Effective January 1, 2026.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY REFERRALS

Amends the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Requires a licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant who intends to provide services for individuals, groups, and populations concerning occupational therapy needs without a referral to do so within the licensee's scope of practice. Provides that a referral is not required for the purpose of providing consultations, habilitation services, screenings, education, wellness services, preventions services, environmental assessments, and work-related ergonomic services. Provides that, except for occupational therapy services within the licensee's scope of practice at the time of evaluation and services provided pursuant to provisions concerning when referrals are not required, an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record, if the patient meets certain criteria. Provides that an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record if the patient does not demonstrate measurable or function improvement after 10 visits (rather than after 10 visits or 15 business days, whichever occurs first).

FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS-FEE

Amends the Sprayed Fire-Resistant Material Applicator Act. Specifies that no fee established under the Act shall exceed $25. Effective July 1, 2025.

PROPERTY TAX-VARIOUS

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene, is a holiday to be observed throughout the State and to be known as the Lunar New Year. Provides that, when the Lunar New Year falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday shall be held and considered the holiday. Amends the Election Code, the Illinois Procurement Code, the School Code, and the Promissory Note and Bank Holiday Act to include the Lunar New Year as a holiday.

INS-CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that specified notices of cancellation of insurance must be mailed at least 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation to the named insured if the effective date of cancellation is within the first 60 days of coverage. Provides that, after the coverage has been effective for 61 days or more, all notices must be mailed at least 60 days prior to the effective date of cancellation. Makes conforming changes. Creates the Climate Risk Disclosure Article. Provides that the Article applies to all companies licensed in Illinois under Classes 2 and 3 that write $100,000,000 or more annually in premiums. Allows the monetary threshold to be altered by rule. Requires all insurers subject to the Article to, upon direction from the Department of Insurance, participate in National Association of Insurance Commissioners issued climate surveys and Department issued climate surveys.

EPA-WATER SUPPLIES

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Specifies that the Act shall not apply to non-community water supplies, except for purposes of: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency's implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act; (2) the Pollution Control Board's adoption of rules that expressly pertain to non-community water supplies or all public water supplies; or (3) any provisions of the Act or rules adopted by the Board under the Act that are referenced in, or applicable to, non-community water supplies under the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act and rules adopted by the Department of Public Health under that Act. Amends the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act. Authorizes the imposition of administrative and civil penalties. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-RAILROAD SAFETY

Amends the School Code. Requires each school district to include in its handbook for grades kindergarten through 12 railroad safety messaging. Allows a school to opt-out of the messaging requirement if the school district votes that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary.

FUEL GAS DETECTOR ACT

Creates the Fuel Gas Detector and Alarm Act. Requires the installation of a fuel gas detector and alarm in certain buildings. Sets forth fuel gas detector and alarm standards and requirements for residential rental units. Details fuel gas detector and alarm requirements in the event of a sale or exchange of a building. Provides for a civil penalty, set by local ordinance. Limits liability. Requires noninterference with fuel gas detectors and alarms. Effective January 1, 2026.

OPEN LANDS-GRANTS TO GOVTS

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is located within a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Specifies that a project that is located within a distressed community, regardless of whether the project is located within a distressed location, is eligible for assistance up to 90% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is not located in a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 75% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the making of grants under the Act for projects that are located in distressed locations and distressed communities. Sets limits on the appropriated amounts that may be used for grants to distressed communities and distressed locations. Repeals a provision that required the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report. Repeals provisions that define terms. Adds other definitions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Natural Resources.

PHYSICAL THERAPY ACT-SUNSET

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to change the repeal date of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Changes references from "Director" to "Secretary". Makes changes in provisions concerning legislative intent; definitions; physical therapy services; dry needling; licensure requirements; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act; duties and functions of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board; qualifications for licensure; license applications; examinations; restoration of expired licenses; inactive licenses; fees and returned checks; disciplinary actions; violations; investigations and hearings; confidentiality; and temporary suspension of a license. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record. Makes other changes. Provides that the provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Bob Morgan

VITAMIN PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE

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, shall provide coverage for medically necessary prescribed vitamins. Amends the State Employee Group Insurance Act of 1971, 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.

INS-GENETIC TESTING & SCREEN

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that a group policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2026 shall provide coverage for evidence-based cancer imaging for individuals with an increased risk of cancer as recommended by the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines. Provides that this coverage shall be provided without cost-sharing, and the requirements of the Act shall not apply to the extent that providing coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account.

THERMAL ENERGY NETWORKS

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Acts. Sets forth a statement of legislative findings and intent. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "thermal energy" and "thermal energy network". Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to initiate a proceeding within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act to support the development of pilot thermal energy networks. Provides that within 10 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, every gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility serving over 100,000 customers shall file with the Commission a petition seeking Commission-approval of at least one and no more than 3 proposed pilot thermal energy network projects. Requires every gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility constructing or operating a Commission-approved pilot thermal energy network project to report to the Commission, on a quarterly basis and until completion of the pilot thermal energy network project, the status of each pilot thermal energy network project. Requires every gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility constructing or operating a Commission-approved pilot thermal energy network project to demonstrate that it has entered into a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization that is actively engaged in representing its employees. Requires the Commission to adopt specified rules within 4 years after the completion of the construction of all thermal energy network projects. Provides that a gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility required to develop a pilot thermal energy network project shall be permitted to recover all reasonable and prudently incurred costs associated with the development, construction, and operation of one or more pilot thermal energy network projects through general rates or through rates set in a Multi-Year Rate Plan. Effective immediately.

Ann M. Williams

IDEC-INTEGRATED DATA SYSTEM

Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. Requires the Department of Early Childhood to establish an Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS) to make equity driven, inclusive, and data-informed decisions that create a simpler, better, and fairer system for all Illinois children and families. Provides that the Department shall develop public analytic portals and query tools for parents and communities to access aggregated integrated data from the ECIDS system to the extent permitted by State and federal confidentiality requirements.

Joyce Mason

CASE REVIEW-HOMICIDE VICTIMS

Creates the Homicide Victims' Families' Rights Act. Provides for the review of the case file of open unresolved murders. Defines "open unresolved murder" as any criminal activity in which death occurred more than 3 years prior to the date of the application for review of the case file under the Act, for which all probative investigative leads have been exhausted, and for which no likely perpetrator has been identified. Provides that the person or persons performing the review shall not have previously investigated the murder. Provides that only one case review shall be undertaken at any one time with respect to the same murder victim. Provides that each law enforcement agency shall develop a written application to be used for persons to request a case file review. Provides that the applicable agency shall conduct a full reinvestigation of the murder if the review of the case file concludes that a full reinvestigation of the murder would result in probative investigative leads. Provides for the compilation and publication of specified information and statistics regarding open unresolved murders by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Provides that each law enforcement agency shall employ or designate a minimum number of family liaison officers proportionate to the average number of homicides in the agency's jurisdiction within the previous 5 years of the date of employment with the maximum ratio of 40 homicides per each family liaison officer employed or designated. Each agency may establish a lower ratio for hiring or designating of family liaison officers. Establishes the duties and training for family liaison officers. Amends the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act to make conforming changes.

COMMUNITY FORESTRY ASSISTANCE

Amends the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act. Provides that requests for grant assistance shall include, but not be limited to, those activities that will implement or enhance: (1) current Illinois Forest Action Plans objectives; (2) local Forestry Program management objectives as determined by an urban and community forestry management plan; (3) build tree canopy capacity in underserved and disadvantaged areas of communities or counties; or (4) improve urban and community forest canopy in Illinois communities and counties. Makes changes in provisions duties of the Department of Natural Resources; the concerning grants. amounts. Defines terms.

Maura Hirschauer

UTIL-2050 HEAT DECARBONIZATION

Amends the Energy Transition Act. Adds electrification industries to clean energy jobs. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a gas utility may cease providing service if the Illinois Commerce Commission determines that adequate substitute service is available at a reasonable cost to support the existing end uses of the affected utility customers. Provides for cost-effective energy efficiency measures for natural gas utilities that supersede existing provisions concerning natural gas energy efficiency programs and take effect beginning January 1, 2025. Provides that gas main and gas service extension policies shall be based on the principle that the full incremental cost associated with new development and growth shall be borne by the customers that cause those incremental costs. Provides that, no later than 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Commission shall initiate a docketed rulemaking reviewing each gas public utility tariff that provides for gas main and gas service extensions without additional charge to new customers in excess of the default extensions as specified in administrative rule. Adds the Clean Building Heating Law Article to the Act, with provisions concerning emissions standards for heating in buildings, as well as related and other provisions. Adds the 2050 Heat Decarbonization Standard Article to the Act, with provisions concerning options for compliance, measures for customer emission reduction, customer emission reductions, tradable clean heat credits, banking of emission reductions, equity in emission reductions, enforcement, the 2050 Heat Decarbonization Pathways Study, gas infrastructure planning, a study on gas utility financial incentive reform, and reporting requirements. Adds the Statewide Navigator Program Law Article to the Act, with provisions concerning creation of a statewide navigator program, as well as related and other provisions. Effective immediately.

MISLEADING PRACTICES PENALTY

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. In provisions concerning the penalty for misleading practices and names, changes the civil penalty that may be imposed to the maximum amount otherwise permitted under specified provisions, $100,000 for each violation (rather than $10,000 for each violation). Provides that the remedies provided in those provisions are in addition to, not to the exclusion of, any other remedies available under the law. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Margaret Croke

COLLECTION AGENCY ACT

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Removes the Collection Agency Act from the list of Acts being repealed under the Act. Amends the Collection Agency Act. Makes changes concerning defined terms; exempt persons and entities under the Act; unlicensed practice; disciplinary actions; communication; informal conferences; penalties; investigations; the record of hearing; oaths; findings and recommendations; hearings; orders; and returned payments. Provides that the fee rate a collection agency can charge may be modified by rule to not less than 25% of the amount of child support actually collected by the collection agency but not greater than 35%. Repeals provisions concerning the Collection Agency Licensing and Disciplinary Board and provisions concerning when a person acts as a collection agency. Makes other changes.

Harry Benton

PROCUREMENT-DATA RESIDENCY

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that any contract that provides for the storage of any State data shall include a requirement that the State data must be processed, stored, and disposed of within the territory of the United States. Provides that, for any contract that provides for the storage of State data, the Chief Procurement Officer shall allocate to any qualified bidder an earned credit of: (1) 2% of the contract base bid for ensuring that all State data that is included in the contract is stored within the State of Illinois; and (2) an additional 4% of the contract base bid for ensuring that all such State data is stored within an opportunity zone. Contains provisions concerning data centers.

HUMAN RIGHTS-CRITERIA-METHODS

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides, in the Articles governing employment, financial, and public accommodation discrimination, that the use of criteria or methods that have the effect of causing certain discrimination-related civil rights violations is unlawful, unless (i) the use of such criteria or methods is necessary to achieve a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest or (ii) the substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest cannot be served by another practice that has a less discriminatory effect.

Will Guzzardi

WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Wetlands Protection Act. Provides that no person may discharge dredged or fill material into a State jurisdictional wetland except with a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Exempts certain activities from the requirements of the Act. Sets forth procedures for individual permit applications and other related procedural requirements. Provides that the Department shall not issue an individual permit unless the Environmental Protection Agency certifies to the Department that there will not be a violation of State water quality standards. Provides that the Department may issue an after-the-fact permit in certain emergency circumstances. Sets forth financial assurance requirements. Authorizes the Department to adopt general permits under the Act. Provides that any person who intends to conduct a regulated activity may do so in accordance with a general permit issued by the Department, which pre-authorizes a category of activities with minimal adverse effects. Provides procedures and requirements regarding preconstruction notifications. Provides that certain entities may establish and operate a mitigation bank or in lieu fee program. Describes procedures and requirements for mitigation banks. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Provides that the Department shall prepare certain reports and studies. Provides for the review of final decisions of the Department. Provides for investigations by the Department and enforcement by a State's Attorney or the Attorney General. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day of violation, with interest after judgment, and with certain costs, fees, and expenses, payable to the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that any person may file a complaint with the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning a violation of the Act, a rule adopted under the Act, a condition of a permit issued under the Act, or an order of the Pollution Control Board issued under the Act. Provides for county and special district stormwater program authorities to control or regulate activities in any wetlands within their jurisdiction. Establishes the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that a permit review fee for all permit applications is to be set by the Department by rule. Makes corresponding changes to the State Finance Act. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Anna Moeller

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW&ALIGNMENT

Creates the Illinois Curriculum Overview and Alignment Act. Requires, beginning January 1, 2026, the State Board of Education to conduct a comprehensive review of all mandated units of study every 5 years. Sets forth what the review shall include. Provides that the review process shall incorporate feedback from educators and administrators, parents and guardians, students, via surveys or focus groups, and subject matter experts and community organizations. Requires the State Board of Education to publish a public report summarizing findings and recommendations from the curriculum overview. Provides that following each curriculum overview, the State Board of Education shall: (1) develop an action plan to address identified gaps or areas for improvement; (2) provide professional development for educators on updates or changes; and (3) monitor the implementation of curriculum updates and assess their impact on student outcomes. Requires the General Assembly to appropriate funds necessary for the State Board of Education to carry out the requirements of the Act. Effective immediately.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFETY

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Protocol Act. Provides that a developer shall produce, implement, follow, and conspicuously publish a safety and security protocol that includes specified information. Provides that, no less than every 90 days, a developer shall produce and conspicuously publish a risk assessment report that includes specified information. Provides that, at least once every calendar year, a developer shall retain a reputable third-party auditor to produce a report assessing whether the developer has complied with its safety and security protocol. Sets forth provisions on the redaction of sensitive information and whistleblower protections. Provides for civil penalties for violations on the Act.

Daniel Didech

LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Amends the Illinois Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Act. Defines "water treatment residuals". Deletes provisions regarding generator and broker registration. Adds new provisions regarding generator and broker registration requiring registration with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security within 60 days after the commencement of generating or taking possession of low-level radioactive waste. Provides an exemption for a generator that stores waste containing or composed of radioactive material with a physical half-life of less than 120 days. Provides an exemption for a generator of water treatment residuals. Makes technical changes.

ILLINOIS CLIMATE WORKS PROGRAM

Amends the Energy Transition Act. Provides that the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program shall recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship training relevant to clean energy apprenticeships in the construction and building trades and that the Program shall meet certain requirements regarding applicant placements (rather than requiring each Climate Works Hub that receives funding from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund to perform certain actions).

DFPR-CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. In provisions concerning applicants with criminal convictions, requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to consider various factors when considering whether a prior conviction is directly related to the ability of an applicant to safely perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the position (instead of whether a prior conviction will impair the ability of the applicant to engage in the practice). Removes the requirement that a person who is licensed or registered to engage in any of the professions licensed or registered by the Department be of good moral character. Prohibits the Department from using a vague term in its consideration of a criminal record and decision regarding whether a criminal record is disqualifying for licensure, certification, or registration, including, but not limited to, "good moral character", "moral turpitude", or "character and fitness". Makes other changes. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that no application shall be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Provides that when determining the qualifications for a license, the Department shall include practice that is supervised by a licensee while a person is incarcerated.