Bills & Legislation

CIV PRO-GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Creates the Gender-Based Violence Article in the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that the Article applies to any motion to dispose of a claim that is based on, relates to, or is in response to the moving party's reporting gender-based violence. Provides that if a court finds that the civil action is based on the moving party reporting gender-based violence, it shall grant a motion to dismiss the claim unless it finds that the responding party has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the moving party's reporting gender-based violence was done with knowledge that the report was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. Provides that absent any additional corroborating evidence, specified pieces of evidence may not, on its own or in combination with each other, be used to establish that the moving party's reporting of gender-based violence was done with knowledge that the report was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. Sets forth motion and procedure standards for a motion filed under the Article. Establishes awards for attorney's fees and costs, injunctive relief, and damages. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Protect Survivors Reporting Act. Effective immediately.

Mary Beth CantyDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-CONSTRUCTION

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the chief procurement officer having jurisdiction over construction-related services for the Department of Central Management Services also has jurisdiction over construction procurements for the Department of Central Management Services. Amends the Design-Build Procurement Act. Extends the repeal of the Act until January 1, 2030 (currently, January 1, 2027). Effective immediately.

Yolonda MorrisDemocrat

PERMANENT PUNISHMENT REVIEW

Creates the Permanent Punishment Review Task Force Act. Establishes the Permanent Punishment Review Task Force. Provides for the Task Force's appointment and membership. Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority may collaborate with the co-chairing organization to help provide this support. Provides that the duties of the Task Force include: (1) researching and analyzing the statutory permanent punishments under Illinois law; (2) identifying factors and data relevant to determining whether a permanent punishment should be modified or eliminated based on available scholarship; (3) identifying or developing models, or both, for periodic, systematic review of Illinois's permanent punishment laws; (4) analyzing such models, including potential funding requirements, and proposing recommendations to the General Assembly; and (5) issuing a report, on or before January 1, 2028, setting forth those recommendations and summarizing the research and findings of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force may meet in person or virtually, and shall issue a written report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before January 1, 2028, after which the Task Force is dissolved. Repeals the Act on July 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

Michael CrawfordDemocrat

SCH CD-CHARTER SCH-ADMIN FEES

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Allows the State Board of Education to withhold from each charter school it authorizes up to an additional 3% of the revenue provided to the school as an administrative fee for the purpose of conducting administrative duties related to the administration of the charter school contract, oversight, or authorizing services. Provides that for a charter school authorized by a school board, any amount of agreed funding withheld by the school board as an administrative fee for the purpose of conducting administrative duties related to the administration of the charter school contract, oversight, or authorizing services may not exceed 3% of agreed funding and the amount withheld may not result in the charter school receiving less than the required minimum funding level. Sets forth allowable uses for the administrative fee. Provides that any portion of the administrative fee that is not expended on allowable uses during the fiscal year shall be returned to the charter school. Requires the school board to provide an annual public accounting to the charter school and to the State Board detailing the amount collected as an administrative fee, the allowable uses funded from the fee, and the amount returned from any unexpended fee funds.

Angelica Guerrero-CuellarDemocrat

MUNI CD-DETENTION FACILITIES

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a detention center facility may not be located, constructed, or operated within 1,500 feet of the property boundaries of any school, day care center, day care home, cemetery, public park, forest preserve, public housing, private residence, or place of religious worship, regardless of address. Defines "detention center facility" and "federal immigration authority". Effective immediately.

Emanuel "Chris" WelchDemocrat

NON-PROFIT INVESTMENT POOL

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may establish and administer a non-profit investment pool and an electronic payment processing program to supplement and enhance investment opportunities and secure electronic payment options otherwise available to not-for-profit corporations in the State. Provides that the Treasurer may receive funds paid into the pool for the purpose of holding and investing those funds. Provides for surety bonds payable to not-for-profit corporations who participate in the pool. Provides that the Treasurer shall adopt rules for the efficient administration of the pool.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

LONG TERM CARE-NOTICE

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the MC/DD Act, and the ID/DD Community Care Act. Provides that notice of closure of an establishment or facility licensed under those Acts shall be given to the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

Anna MoellerDemocrat

CIVIL RIGHTS-DISABILITY

Amends the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003. Prohibits an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, as defined by the Environmental Barriers Act, from being excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination solely by reason of the individual's disability under any of the following: (i) any program or activity operating inside Illinois and receiving federal financial assistance; (ii) any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance that passes through or is administered by State, county, or local government; (iii) any activity regulated by the State that receives federal financial assistance; or (iv) any program or activity receiving State, county, or local government financial assistance. Provides that a State agency that has an existing mechanism for enforcing federal Section 504 rights under the federal Rehabilitation Act may also enforce provisions of the Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enforce the provisions of this Act in any appropriate circuit court if the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern of discrimination prohibited by this Act. Provides that disability discrimination under the Act includes violations of the substantive rights provided in the federal regulations adopted under the federal Rehabilitation Act. Provides that these rights constitute a minimum set of rights that may not be reduced. Requires the Secretary of State to maintain a copy of the regulations in a manner that is easily available to the public such as on a website in a searchable format. Makes the Act severable.

Kevin John OlickalDemocrat

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATHOGENS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Defines "pathogens of epidemiological concern". Provides that each hospital shall develop and implement comprehensive interventions to prevent and control pathogens of epidemiological concern (instead of multidrug-resistant organisms) that take into consideration guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, or the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society for the management of multidrug-resistant organisms in health care settings. Within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, requires each hospital to adopt a policy for preventing and controlling the transmission of pathogens of epidemiological concern. Establishes reporting requirements for hospitals with patients carrying pathogens of epidemiological concern. Repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act.

Nicolle GrasseDemocrat

DENTAL LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. In provisions concerning the qualifications of applicants for dental licenses and dental hygienist licenses, provides that each applicant shall present satisfactory evidence that the applicant has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and has successfully completed an examination conducted by the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS) or the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). Provides that an applicant who has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination or the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, respectively, and who has, prior to January 1, 2026, successfully completed an examination conducted by the States Resources for Testing and Assessments, Inc. (SRTA) (formerly, Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), or the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB) shall be eligible to apply for licensure. In provisions concerning examinations for dental licensure, provides that both theoretical and psychomotor (rather than practical) examinations shall be of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice dentistry. In provisions concerning expanded function dental assistants, provides that a dental assistant may perform certain services if the dental assistant has completed the training requirements for the service or services. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

Bob MorganDemocrat

HUMAN CONTROL OF AI ACT

Creates the Meaningful Human Control of Artificial Intelligence Act. Provides that a public employer, including a contractor or subcontractor of the public employer, shall not use or apply, or authorize any procurement, purchase, or acquisition of any service or system using or relying on any automated decision-making system, directly or indirectly, without meaningful and continuing human review when performing specified functions. Provides that an employer seeking to use or apply an automated decision-making system shall conduct an initial impact assessment and an additional impact assessments at least once every 2 years and prior to any material changes to the automated decision-making system. Sets forth provisions concerning anti-retaliation; enforcement by the Department of Labor; and private rights of action.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

HIGHER ED-PREVENT SEX VIOLENCE

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

Mary Beth CantyDemocrat

DENTAL HYGIENIST-ANESTHESIA

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Provides that "community health center" means a migrant health center, community health center, health care program for the homeless or for residents of public housing supported under the federal Public Health Service Act, or FQHC, including an FQHC Look-Alike, as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that operates at least one federally designated primary health care delivery site in Illinois. Provides that "physician" means a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to practice medicine in all of its branches and does not include a chiropractic physician. In provisions concerning acts constituting the practice of dental hygiene, provides that a public health dental hygienist may not administer local anesthesia except as provided in the amendatory provisions. Provides that a dental hygienist practicing in a community health center may administer local anesthetics upon the successful completion of a training program approved by the Department and under the general supervision of a dentist as long as the community health center: (i) has adopted written policies and procedures establishing supervision by a dentist or physician at the time the local anesthetics are administered, and (ii) ensures that a dentist or physician is physically present in the clinic at the time the local anesthetics are administered.

Lisa DavisDemocrat

REAL ESTATE-VARIOUS

Amends the State Finance Act. In provisions concerning vouchers, provides that the signature requirement for construction contracts procured by the Department of Transportation shall apply to contracts, contract renewals, and orders against a master contract in the amount of $750,000 or more in a fiscal year and to any contract amendment or change to an existing contract that increases the value of the contract to or by $750,000 or more in a fiscal year. Amends the Public Contract Fraud Act. In provisions concerning spending money without obtaining title to land, provides that the Department of Transportation may proceed with bidding or awarding a contract or any construction activities once it has complied with specified federal requirements. Amends the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002. Makes changes in provisions concerning: waiver valuations; endorsement; grounds for disciplinary action; citations; discrimination; investigation, notice, and hearing; and meetings of the Real Estate Appraisal Administration and Disciplinary Board. Amends the Illinois Highway Code. In provisions allowing the Department of Transportation to acquire an interest in land, rights, or other property for specified road construction purposes, specifies that the property may be public or private property. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

FUTURE OF WORK ACT OF 2026

Creates the Future of Work Act of 2026. Creates the Future of Work Task Force. Describes the duties and responsibilities of the Task Force. Provides for the membership and meetings of the Task Force. Provides that members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall provide administrative support to the Task Force. Requires the Task Force to submit a final report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than August 31, 2028, and every 5 years thereafter. Effective immediately.

Dan UgasteRepublican

CRIM CD-GAMBLING LOSS-FANTASY

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the provision of the Code that provides that a person who by illegal gambling loses $50 or more to another person may sue for and recover the money or other thing of value, so lost and paid or delivered, in a civil action against the winner thereof, with costs, in the circuit court, applies only to a natural person with residency in the State of Illinois. Provides that losses as a result of participation in any fantasy contests against a fantasy contest operator, including single-player fantasy contests, are not recoverable under the provision. Effective immediately.

Kevin John OlickalDemocrat

EPA-FORMER WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that no person shall use, or cause or allow the use of, any site on which a former waste disposal operation is located in a manner that is inconsistent with the closure of the waste disposal operation. Lists prohibited uses.

Nabeela SyedDemocrat

CIV PRO-TENANTS IN COMMON

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Establishes a process for a tenant in common or tenants in common who have inherited real property under the intestate provisions of the Probate Act of 1975 to obtain legal title to that property. Provides that the petitioner or petitioners must have been in actual possession for 7 years and have paid all taxes on the property during those 7 years. Requires that the petitioner or petitioners must file a signed declaration with the recorder of deeds at least 2 years before an action under the new provisions may be commenced stating intent to acquire title using the process under the new provisions, send notice to any other person or persons with an ownership interest in the property, and publish a notice of the action in a newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction where the property is located. Permits persons with ownership to oppose the petition. Makes other changes.

Jennifer Gong-GershowitzDemocrat

ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SITING

Creates the Electric Transmission Colocation and Siting Priority Act. Defines terms. Requires that, in the siting of new electric transmission facilities, available corridors be used in the following order of priority: (1) existing public utility corridors; (2) State highway corridors; and (3) new corridors. Provides that a public utility or transmission developer may construct, place, or maintain a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way or along a highway if (i) the public utility or transmission developer submits a colocation request for the high-voltage transmission line to the Secretary of Transportation and (ii) the Secretary reviews and approves the colocation request. Provides that the Secretary may deny a colocation request if the Secretary determines that the construction, placement, or maintenance of a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way or along a highway would endanger public safety or would interfere with the proper function of the highway. Provides that a public utility or transmission developer may submit a written request to the Department of Transportation for an evaluation of certain corridors for possible locations for a high-voltage transmission line. Provides that, within 30 days after receipt of a written request, the Secretary shall assign a project coordinator to the request. Provides that a project coordinator, upon assignment to a request, shall begin the evaluation in coordination with the applicable public utility or transmission developer. Requires a public utility or transmission developer to develop a constructability report in consultation with the Department and requires the public utility or transmission developer and the Department to follow the terms and conditions of the constructability report during the planning and approval process for the siting of a high-voltage transmission line. Sets forth requirements for the content of the constructability report. Provides that, if the Department requires that a high-voltage transmission line on a public right-of-way be relocated by a specific date, the Department shall give the applicable public utility or transmission developer notice of the required relocation no less than 10 years before the date of the required relocation. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

Dave VellaDemocrat

DEBT MANAGEMENT LICENSE & FEES

Amends the Debt Management Service Act. Provides that every applicant for a license to engage in the debt management service business in the State shall submit to the Secretary, at the time of the application for a license, a bond to be approved by the Secretary in which the applicant shall be the obligor, in the sum of $50,000 (rather than $25,000) or the specified amount. In provisions concerning fees or penalties that may be charged by a debt management service provider, permits the charging of additional fees at the completion of the initial counseling services, which shall not exceed: (A) 15% of the amount disbursed monthly to creditors or $75, whichever is less, if there are fewer than 6 creditors enrolled in the debt management plan; or (B) 15% of the amount disbursed monthly to creditors or $100, whichever is less, if there are 6 or more creditors enrolled in the debt management plan.

Daniel DidechDemocrat

INC TX-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the tax credit for affordable housing donations applies permanently. Effective immediately.

Martha DeuterDemocrat

WARDS-MEDICAL RECORDS

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Creates an authorization and form for the release of an incapacitated person's health care records. Provides that an incapacitated person's health care records must be released upon written request of the guardian of the incapacitated person or by an agent appointed by the incapacitated person under a power of attorney for health care. Provides that, if no guardian or agent exists and the incapacitated person did not specifically object to disclosure of the incapacitated person's records in writing, then an incapacitated person's health care records must be released upon the written request of a person in one of these categories: (1) the incapacitated person's spouse; or (2) if there is no spouse, any one or more of the following: (i) an adult child of the incapacitated person, (ii) a parent of the incapacitated person, or (iii) an adult sibling of the incapacitated person. Provides that the named authorized relative upon request for records of a incapacitated person, shall provide the facility or practitioner with a statement of a treating health care provider that the person is incapacitated. Effective immediately.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS-REPORT

Amends the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act. Provides that the annual report to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Student Loan Ombudsman shall include the total number and dollar amount (instead of the volume) of private education loans made annually by a private educational lender, the total number and dollar amount (instead of the volume) of private education loans made annually at institutions of higher education, the total number and dollar amount of private education loans made annually with a cosigner, and the default rate for the private education loans reported by the private educational lender pursuant to specified provisions for the previous reporting period. Effective immediately.

Margaret CrokeDemocrat

VEH CD-LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BIKE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a State entity to prohibit the use of low-speed electric bicycles or a specific class of low-speed electric bicycles on any bicycle path the State entity has jurisdiction over.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

CREDIT UNIONS-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Provides that the business office for a credit union's registered agent may, but is not required to, be (instead of shall be) the same as the principal place of business of the credit union. In provisions concerning meetings of directors, sets forth provisions concerning the preparation and approval of meeting minutes. Adds provisions concerning disclosure and due diligence requirements for credit unions when providing digital asset services or contracting with a covered person or digital asset service provider and provisions concerning sales of debt cancellation services and products by a credit union to its members. In provisions concerning the investment of funds not used in loans, provides that the funds may be invested in commercial mortgage related securities and collateralized mortgage obligations to aid in the credit union's management of its assets, liabilities, and liquidity. Effective immediately.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

DHS-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SURCHARGE

Creates the Preventing Crisis Cost Shifting to Medicaid Act. Provides that the General Assembly finds that (i) behavioral health crisis services, including crisis call centers, mobile crisis response, and crisis stabilization and receiving services, function as essential public health infrastructure and must be available statewide without regard to insurance status; and (ii) commercial health insurance policies issued or administered in the State generally do not provide comprehensive coverage for the full continuum of behavioral health crisis services, resulting in the cost of such services being disproportionately borne by Medicaid, local governments, and taxpayers. Requires specified entities (surcharge payors) that are authorized to issue or administer a policy or contract of accident and health insurance or a health maintenance organization contract in the State to pay a behavioral health crisis assessment to the Department of Human Services for deposit into the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund. Exempts Medicaid managed care organizations from paying the behavioral health crisis assessment. Permits the Department to update the total behavioral health crisis assessment amount as necessary to ensure the continued availability, quality, or geographic equity of the statewide behavioral health crisis system. Requires the Department to establish an appropriate mechanism for enforcing a surcharge payor's liability, which may include accrued interest on unpaid liabilities at a rate not to exceed 18% per annum and late fees or penalties at a rate not to exceed 5% per month. Provides that the enforcement mechanism may also include notification to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to offset payments on the surcharge payor's claims. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall not direct the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to offset claims payments unless the surcharge payor has maintained an outstanding liability to the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund for a period longer than 45 days and has received proper notice of pending enforcement.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

SMART START GRANTS-HEAD START

Amends the Smart Start Illinois Act. Expands eligibility under the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Maura HirschauerDemocrat

SCH-CD-LICENSE-EARLY CHILDHOOD

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that a National Board certification-early childhood generalist endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who holds a valid Early Childhood Generalist certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Provides that the endorsement holder is deemed qualified and authorized to provide instruction in early childhood education programs and is deemed to meet or exceed all early childhood instructional competency requirements established by the State Board for pre-kindergarten instruction.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

DIAPER LABELING ACT

Creates the Diaper Labeling Act. Provides that, no later than 12 months after the effective date of the Act, each package or box containing diapers sold in the State shall contain a plain and conspicuous printed list of all ingredients in order of predominance that shall either be printed on the package or box or affixed to the package or box. Provides for a civil penalty of 1% of a violator's total annual in-State sales of diapers not to exceed $1,000 per package or box. Defines "ingredient" and "diaper".

Justin CochranDemocrat

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.

Will GuzzardiDemocrat

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.

William "Will" DavisDemocrat

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 JiménezDemocrat

DHS-DSP PILOT PROGRAM

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Delays the implementation date for the direct support professional credential pilot program to State Fiscal Year 2028 (rather than 2025). Effective immediately.

Mary GillDemocrat

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.

Rick RyanDemocrat

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.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

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. NessDemocrat

DHS-ABLE PROGRAM INFO MATERIAL

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Required the Department of Human Services to provide informational materials about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program to: persons who are placed in a facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act, the MC/DD Act, or the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013; persons with disabilities who receive services funded by or administered in conjunction with the Department, including, but not limited to, home and community based services, home-based support services, PUNS services, home care services, and services at a Center for Independent Living. Provides that the informational materials shall be provided when a person first enrolls for such services and as part of any annual process required for the person to maintain eligibility for such services. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials in an electronic format to the Department and distribute the materials to eligible persons.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

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.

Sue SchererDemocrat

TREASURER-PRESENTMENT WARRANTY

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may bring a claim against a warrantor of a draft for breach of a presentment warranty to recover State funds in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that a claim brought by the State Treasurer is not subject to the limitations provided for in those provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that the amendatory changes are declaratory of existing law. Effective immediately.

Michael J. KellyDemocrat

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 DiasDemocrat

PEN CD-CTPF-TRUSTEE ELECTION

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning trustees elected by contributors who are not administrators, provides that candidacy petitions shall be filed with the recording secretary of the Fund on or before October 1st of the election year (instead of on or after September 15 of each year and not later than October 1st of that year). Effective immediately.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat

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.

Lisa DavisDemocrat

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.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

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.

Nicolle GrasseDemocrat

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.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

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.

Barbara HernandezDemocrat

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.

Barbara HernandezDemocrat

RUUPA OVERPAYMENTS

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

Diane Blair-SherlockDemocrat

LOW-INCOME UTILITY RATES

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning nondiscrimination, provides that the Commission is authorized to approve a low-income discount rate for residential electric and natural gas customers that applies to the entirety of a qualifying customer's bill, including, but not limited to, a qualifying customer's delivery service charges and energy supply charges. Provides that an electric or natural gas utility may fund low-income discount rates through a surcharge on customers' electric and natural gas bills. Provides that the changes to the Act apply retroactively on and after January 1, 2023. Amends the Energy Assistance Act. In provisions concerning eligibility under the Act, provides that, in setting the annual eligibility level for the use of State funds from the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall consider the amount of available funding and may not set a limit higher than 300% of the federal nonfarm poverty level. In provisions concerning the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, provides that the yearly administrative expenses of the Fund may not exceed 15% (rather than 13%) of the amount collected during that year, except when unspent funds from the Fund are reallocated from a previous year. Provides that any unspent balance of the 15% administrative allowance may be utilized for administrative expenses in the year they are reallocated. Provides that, of the 15% administrative allowance, no less than 9% (rather than 8%) shall be provided to Local Administrative Agencies for administrative expenses. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, the Base Energy Assistance Charge shall be $0.80 per month for each utility that is required by the Illinois Commerce Commission to implement a low-income discount rate and shall be $0.40 per month for each utility that is not required to implement a low-income discount rate and that contributes to the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund. Makes other changes.

Laura Faver DiasDemocrat

HOSPITAL COLLECTION LIENS

Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act. In provisions concerning hospitals and their agents pursuing collection actions, provides that, for any legal action initiated against a patient for unpaid medical debt, a hospital may not file for or be granted a lien upon that patient's primary residence or on any other real property owned by the patient. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amy BrielDemocrat