Bills & Legislation

MARRIAGE ACT-CHILD SUPPORT

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Defines "child" for purposes of child support to include any child under age 18 and any child over the age of 18 who has not attained age 19 and is still attending high school (instead of any child under age 18 and any child age 19 or younger who is still attending high school.) Effective immediately.

Michael E. Hastings

SCH CD-EMPLOYEE EVALUATIONS

Amends the School Code. In a provision regarding an optional alternative evaluative dismissal process for teacher evaluations, removes the definition of and references to "student growth components". Makes the following changes in the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article: Removes the definitions of and references to "implementation date", "Race to the Top Grant", and "School Improvement Grant". Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, each school district may incorporate the use of data and indicators on student growth as a factor in rating teaching performance into its evaluation plan for all teachers in contractual continued service and teachers not in contractual continued service (now, a school district is required to incorporate student growth data and indicators as a significant factor). Makes other changes concerning student growth. Changes the components of an evaluation plan for a teacher's performance. Makes changes concerning a principal's or assistant principal's evaluation. With respect to the types of rules the State Board of Education may adopt, removes the inclusion of rules that (i) define the term "significant" factor" for purposes of including consideration of student growth in performance ratings and (ii) establish a model evaluation plan for use by school districts in which student growth shall comprise 50% of the performance rating. Allows a school district (rather than only a school district with 500,000 or more inhabitants) to use an annual State assessment as a measure of student growth for purposes of teacher or principal evaluations. Removes and changes outdated provisions. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2025.

Kimberly A. Lightford

COURT REVIEW-PERMANENCY HEARNG

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Makes technical changes in a provision that states if the minor is in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, pursuant to an order entered under the Delinquent Minors Article of the Act, the court shall conduct permanency hearings as set out in the court review provisions of the Abused, Neglected, or Dependent Minors Article of the Act.

Julie A. Morrison

SNAP BENEFITS-VETERANS

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval if required, a household that includes one or more veterans or members of the armed forces shall be considered categorically eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits if the gross income of such a household is at or below 200% of the nonfarm income poverty guidelines.

Julie A. Morrison

VETS-TINY HOMES-EV EXEMPTION

Amends the Electric Vehicle Charging Act. Exempts any tiny home for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and in need of secure, long-term affordable housing, if that tiny home is constructed by a specified nonprofit organization that exclusively funds and administers tiny homes for veterans. Provides that every county and municipality that has the power to issue building permits and otherwise control the construction of buildings shall require by ordinance that an applicant seeking a building permit to construct tiny homes for at-risk veterans must include with the permit application a completed and signed affidavit stating that all buildings constructed under the permit are designated for the exclusive use of qualifying veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and in need of secure, long-term affordable housing. Prohibits a county or municipality, including a home rule unit, from adopting any building code or ordinance that requires EV-capable parking spaces for tiny homes constructed for the purpose of providing affordable housing for at-risk veterans under the provisions. Effective immediately.

Sally J. Turner

CLIMATE RISK & STRENGTHEN HOME

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Strengthen Illinois Homes Fund. On or before July 1, 2028, and depending on availability of funds, provides that the Department of Insurance shall identify areas of need to administer a pilot grant program known as the Strengthen Illinois Homes Program. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in conjunction with the Department of Insurance, to develop a standard application and grant award rubric for the eligible program grantees. Establishes program requirements for contractors. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Establishes notice requirements for companies providing flood coverage. Creates the Climate Risk Disclosure Article, which may be referred to as the Climate Risk Disclosure Law. Requires all companies, corporations, and organizations subject to the Article to, upon direction from the Department, participate in climate surveys issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Creates the Strengthen Illinois Homes Article, which may be referred to as the Strengthen Illinois Homes Act. Provides that, for homeowners insurance policies, an insurer shall provide an actuarially justified premium discount or insurance rate reduction to a specified owner. Provides that the Director of Insurance may adopt rules that establish standard discount amounts, targets, or benchmarks for the coverage of insurable property meeting the specified mitigation program standards. Provides that an insurer writing homeowners insurance policies that provide coverage of an insurable property that is a nonfortified insurable property shall offer an optional rider, endorsement, or supplemental policy provision that provides the insured a right to receive claim payments for the cost to upgrade an insurable property to mitigation program standards for a specified claim. Makes other changes. Amends the Dental Service Plan Act, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Limited Health Service Organization Act to establish conforming requirements.

Julie A. Morrison

EPA-LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACE

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that an owner or operator of a community water supply may, by an additional method approved by the State, give written notice of the existence of lead service lines that are connected to buildings. Provides that an owner or operator of a community water supply that performs at least 4,000 lead service line replacements per year or exceeds a statutorily prescribed lead service line replacement rate is exempt from a provision that prohibits partial lead service line replacements. Provides that, in a municipality with a population of more than 1,000,000 inhabitants, the owner of a private property upon which there is located a renter-occupied building, a building that is used as a day care, or a multi-dwelling building must allow the community water supply access to replace the lead service line on the private side of the property.

Ram Villivalam

NURSING HOME SURVEYOR REPORT

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Replaces reporting requirement provisions for the Department of Public Health concerning nurse surveyors. Provides that, in addition to the listed information, the Department's annual report on all survey activity from the preceding fiscal year shall include: (i) the total number of authorized nursing home surveyor positions within the Department, (ii) the total number of filled and vacant nursing home surveyor positions, (iii) the average length of tenure for nursing home surveyors employed by the Department at the time the report is created, and (iv) any additional information the Department deems relevant regarding nursing home surveyor recruitment, retention, or workload.

Graciela Guzmán

VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION

Amends the Department of Public Health Act. Provides that the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council created by Public Act 103-8 is continued within the Department of Public Health, with modifications to its duties and composition. Amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing provisions regarding the Council.

Mike Porfirio

INS-PAST DUE PREMIUMS

Amends the Illinois Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Defines "grandfathered health plan". Provides that, except for grandfathered health plans, a health insurance issuer in the individual, small group, or large group market shall not deny coverage to an individual or employer due to the individual's or employer's failure to pay premiums owed under a prior policy, certificate, or contract of insurance. Specifies that nothing in the provisions concerning past-due premiums prohibits a health insurance issuer from pursuing the collection of past-due premiums from an individual or employer by any other means permitted by law. Effective immediately.

Laura Ellman

DEPT MILITARY AFF-JEEP PGRAM

Amends the Military Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Military Affairs has the authority to make grants from the Military Affairs Trust Fund for the purpose of incentivizing recruitment into the Illinois National Guard. Provides that the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) is established for the purpose of increasing recruitment through peer-to-peer referrals, fostering esprit de corps, and promoting cross-component cooperation between the Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard. Permits the Department to provide grants under the JEEP program to current members of the Illinois National Guard who are not assigned as recruiters, are in good standing, and serve as JEEP lead generators by supporting or facilitating the enlistment or accession of soldiers or airmen into the Illinois National Guard. Requires the State Treasurer to accept and deposit into the Military Affairs Trust Fund all gifts, grants, transfers, appropriations, and other funds from any lawful public or private source that are designated for deposit into the Fund. Requires the Department to establish eligibility criteria, grant conditions, and administrative requirements for the JEEP program by rule.

Mike Porfirio

SERVICEMEMBERS-SERVE ACT

Creates the Servicemember Education Rights Veneration Act. Requires institutions of higher education (institution) to accommodate service member student's academic military leave and grant prompt readmission when the service member student has not exceeded a cumulative academic military leave period beyond 5 years, provides advance notice of academic military leave to the institution, and provides notice of intent to return to the institution. Requires the institution to readmit a service member student on academic military leave into the next class, classes, or academic year division following the receipt of the notice of intent to return in accordance with the terms of the accommodation. Contains provisions on exemptions to readmission and related reporting requirements on service member students; investigations by the Attorney General's appointed ISERRA Advocate on whether a readmission exemption exists; and other matters. Requires service member students to provide advance notice of pending military service and prohibits institutions from imposing conditions for academic military leave not otherwise imposed under the Act. Contains provisions on military accommodation; academic obligations of service member students; reimbursement for school expenses; academic withdrawal due to military service; rejection of accommodation and the institution's burden of proof; a 5-year military service limitation; records documentation; advance notice requirements on service member students; notice of intent to return; anti-discrimination protections; academic leave for the spouses of servicemembers; Attorney General enforcement authority; remedies; rulemaking authority; and other matters.

Mike Porfirio

REGULATORY SUNSET-RADIATION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Radiation Protection Act of 1990 from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2037. Effective immediately.

Mike Porfirio

BUY-NOW-PAY-LATER ACT

Creates the Buy-Now-Pay-Later Loan Regulation Act. Provides that it is unlawful for a person to act as a buy-now-pay-later lender unless the person registers with the Division of Financial Institutions of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sets forth requirements for registration; duties and powers of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation; and administrative procedures. Provides that a buy-now-pay-lender shall provide specified disclosures to recipients. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes 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.

Michael E. Hastings

MEDICARE/MEDICAID DUAL ELIGIBL

Amends the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) Nursing Home Residents' Managed Care Rights Law of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Article applies to a fully integrated dual eligible special needs plan and any managed care plan for persons who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Adds to the definition of "Demonstration Project", a fully integrated dual eligible special needs plan and any managed care plan for persons who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide each managed care organization with the quarterly facility-specific nursing component (instead of RUG-IV nursing component) per diem along with any add-ons for enhanced care services, support component per diem, and capital component per diem effective for each nursing home under contract with the managed care organization. Effective immediately.

Omar Aquino

HIGHER ED-CREDIT HOUR REPORT

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall compile and make available to the public a report that contains the following information for all institutions of higher learning: (1) the number of credit hours taught by full-time faculty, organized by institution, tenure status, degree, and certificate program; and (2) the number of credit hours taught by part-time faculty, organized by institution, degree, and certificate program.

Mary Edly-Allen

BIRTH CONTROL-MINORS CONSENT

Amends the Birth Control Services to Minors Act. Provides that any minor may give effective consent for contraceptive services or supplies and the consent of no other person is required. Provides that for such purposes, a minor is deemed to have the same legal capacity to act and has the same powers and obligations as a person of legal age.

Graciela Guzmán

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.

Don Harmon

UTILITIES-INTERCONNECTIONS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Sets forth procedures for the processing of interconnection requests from applicants for distributed renewable generation projects on public school land. Provides that, for all net metering credits or other credits owed to a customer who has elected to install a distributed renewable generation project on public school land, all credits intended for the benefit of the consumer must be credited by the public utility or retail energy supplier within 90 days after the public utility or retail energy supplier determines that the criteria for the credit have been met. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall adopt revisions to its standards for the interconnection of eligible renewable generating equipment and net metering credit rules to conform with the requirements of the provisions of the amendatory Act. In provisions concerning customer self-generation of electricity, provides that, for distributed renewable generation projects on public school land, any fees for interconnection applications charged by the electric cooperative or municipal system must be substantially similar to the fees charged by public utilities for the interconnection of the same or similar projects and must not exceed 150% of the cost of the base interconnection fees of the other public utilities. Effective immediately.

Bill Cunningham

INS-DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 that provides coverage for durable medical equipment that is authorized or prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches shall provide the same level of coverage for durable medical equipment that is authorized or prescribed by a different health care practitioner who lawfully prescribes or orders home medical equipment and services or uses home medical equipment and services to treat the health care practitioner's patients. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to establish the same requirement under the provisions of those Acts. Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

INS GUARANTY-JURISDICTION

Amends the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that certain provisions concerning the purpose of the Article and the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund's power to contract with the Office of Special Deputy Receiver are inoperative 5 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act (instead of 5 years after the effective date of Public Act 102-396). Provides that venue in a suit against the Fund arising under the Article shall be in Cook County, and the Fund shall not be required to give any appeal bond in an appeal that relates to a cause of action under the Article. Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

VIDEO STREAMING AD VOLUME

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "video programming" and "video streaming service". Provides that, on and after July 1, 2027, a video streaming service that serves consumers residing in the State shall not transmit the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the advertisements accompany, consistent with the regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act (Public Law 111-311) for television broadcast stations, cable operators, and other video programming distributors. Provides that the amendatory provisions do not create a private right of action.

Kimberly A. Lightford

PRACTICE OF PHARMACY

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that "practice of pharmacy" includes the monitoring of medication recalls, including notifying patients of applicable medication recalls at the point of sale.

Doris Turner

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.

David Koehler

TRANSPARENCY IN DOWNCODING ACT

Creates the Transparency in Downcoding Act. Provides that the Act applies to certain policies of health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act, except for employee or employer self-insured health benefit plans under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and health care provided pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act or the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from using an automated process, system, or tool to downcode a claim; from downcoding a claim based solely on the reported diagnosis codes; and from using downcoding practices in a targeted or discriminatory manner against physicians who routinely treat patients with complex or chronic conditions. Requires downcoding decisions to be made by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in any United States jurisdiction and of the same or similar specialty as a physician who typically manages the medical condition or disease. Sets forth provisions concerning notification requirements for downcoded claims; the appeal process for downcoded claims; enforcement by the Department of Insurance; and penalties. Provides that any pattern or practice of discriminatory downcoding identified by the Director of Insurance or another regulatory authority shall be subject to enforcement actions, including fines, restitution, or suspension of the health insurance issuer's license in this State. Effective immediately.

David Koehler

FINANCE-AGRICULTURAL BORROWER

Amends the Illinois Finance Authority Act. Provides that the maximum amount of notes or bonds that may be issued by the Illinois Finance Authority for any one agricultural real estate borrower may be increased by a higher amount than currently allowed if a higher amount is permitted by statute or regulation. In provisions concerning agricultural assistance loans, removes provisions providing that no proceeds from any bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority shall be loaned for the purchase of new depreciable agricultural property to any natural person who has a net worth in excess of $500,000. Effective immediately.

Celina Villanueva

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.

Adriane Johnson

CLIMATE DISPLACEMENT-REPORT

Amends the Climate Displacement Task Force Act. Changes the dates on which various reports created by the Climate Displacement Task Force are to be submitted to the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

Graciela Guzmán

SCH CD-TEACHER EVALUATION-AI

Amends the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article of the School Code. Prohibits an evaluator from using an artificial intelligence tool to assign a numerical score or qualitative rating for any component of a teacher's evaluation or any evaluation task that requires professional judgment. However, allows an artificial intelligence tool to be used to support the evaluator in administrative tasks.

Christopher Belt

STATE PARKS-SCOTT BENNETT

Amends the State Parks Designation Act. Provides that the railroad trestle bridge that is part of the Kickapoo Rail Trail and that is located at the Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County shall be known as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. Further provides that, subject to appropriation, appropriate plaques may be erected by the Department of Natural Resources in recognition of the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge.

Paul Faraci

INS CD-STUTTERING 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, 2028 that provides coverage for: habilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental; rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering; or both habilitative services and rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental, and shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering. Sets forth requirements and limitations for the coverage. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under the provisions of those Acts. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective January 1, 2028.

Willie Preston

HEALTH CARE VIOLENCE PREVENT

Amends the Health Care Violence Prevention Act. Makes changes to defined terms. In provisions concerning workplace safety, provides that a health care worker may not be discouraged from contacting law enforcement or the Department of Public Health regarding workplace violence and a health care provider may not hold a policy that limits such contact. Adds additional requirements to the workplace violence prevention program, including reporting requirements and identifying the need for additional security and alarms, adequate exit routes, monitoring systems, barrier protections, lighting, entry procedures, and systems to identify and flag persons who have previously committed violent acts in the health care provider space. Sets forth provisions concerning violent incident investigations and recordkeeping and reporting requirements for health care providers regarding violent incidents. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with the Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from public disclosure workplace violence records maintained by health care providers as required under a specified provision of the Health Care Violence Prevention Act.

Julie A. Morrison

LOCAL GOV DEBT-IROQUOIS CTY

Amends the Local Government Debt Reform Act. Provides that, in the case of bonds authorized to be issued under the School Code and approved by voters of Iroquois County Community Unit School District Number 9 in an April 2021 referendum, the bond approval, once obtained, remains for 10 years after the date of the referendum. Effective immediately.

Chris Balkema

ROOFING LICENSING SUNSET

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions. Adds provisions concerning an applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record. Makes changes in provisions concerning the application for a license; examinations; duties and responsibilities of a qualifying party; qualifying party termination; commercial vehicles; contracts; expiration and renewal; applicant convictions; licensure requirements; grounds for disciplinary action; subpoenas; final administrative decisions; criminal penalties; unlicensed practice; the Roofing Advisory Board; and the surrender of a license. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

DCEO-ZONING TASK FORCE

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Removes the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the member representing the Office of the Governor from the Task Force on Interjurisdictional Industrial Zoning Impacts. Provides that the Task Force on Interjurisdictional Industrial Zoning Impacts shall include 2 members who are zoning and land use attorneys. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than February 1, 2028 (currently, December 31, 2025). Effective immediately.

Julie A. Morrison

$APPROPRIATIONS-VARIOUS

Appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the Court of Claims for its FY 26 ordinary and contingent expenses.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

DNR-VARIOUS

Amends the Wildlife Code. In prohibitions against fraud in connection with any license, permit, or tag, deletes provisions that the Department of Natural Resources shall suspend the privileges of any person found guilty of violating these prohibitions for a period of not less than one year. In provisions regarding the Apprentice Hunter License Program, deletes provisions requiring the Apprentice Hunter License to be a nonrenewable license. In provisions regarding a certificate of competency, deletes provisions allowing a person born on or after January 1, 1980, to be exempt from requirements for a certificate of competency if the person has a hunting license issued in another State. In provisions regarding penalties, deletes provisions requiring the Department to suspend for a period of not less than one year the privileges of any person found guilty of violating specific provisions in the Act. Deletes provisions limiting some suspensions to 5 years. Requires the Department to suspend the privileges of a person for a violation of certain provisions in the Act for a period of one year. Makes technical and other changes. Amends the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act. In provisions regarding snowmobile inspections, provides that an officer may (rather than must) issue a summons. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Makes changes in provisions concerning jurisdiction and expungement.

Rachel Ventura

ENERGY EFFICIENCY-EXT REPEAL

Amends the Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Coal Resources Development Law of 1997. Extends the repeal of the Act until December 31, 2030. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

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.

Mark L. Walker

SILURIFORMES FISH REGULATION

Amends the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. Provides that "amenable" includes edible portions of carcass, bird, or siluriformes fish (rather than edible portions of carcass or bird). Provides that all siluriformes, carcasses, or products entering any official establishment intended for wholesale distribution shall be inspected, handled, stored, prepared, packaged, marked, and labeled as required by provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations. Effective immediately.

Javier L. Cervantes

OIL AND GAS ACT-SURETY BONDS

Amends the Illinois Oil and Gas Act. Removes cash as an item that an applicant for a permit may provide in lieu of a surety bond required for plugging obligations and the removal of liquid oil field waste from an on-site collection point. Makes changes in provisions concerning the Department of Natural Resources's ability to make rules and conduct hearings for certain purposes. Makes conforming changes.

Erica Harriss

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.

Omar Aquino

OPIOIDS-VETERINARIAN PRESCRIPT

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a prescriber shall not be required to issue prescriptions for a substance classified in Schedule II, III, IV, or V electronically if the prescription is issued by a licensed veterinarian within 7 (rather than 2) years after November 17, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 103-563).

Michael E. Hastings

HUMAN RIGHTS-IDHR CONFERENCE

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Makes it discretionary rather than mandatory that the Department of Human Rights conduct a fact-finding conference. Provides that the amendatory applies to charges pending or filed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Adriane Johnson

DENTAL PRACTICE ACT

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Illinois Dental Practice Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Adds a definition for "email address of record". Provides that all applicants and licensees shall provide a valid address and email address to the Department upon application for licensure or renewal of a license and inform the Department of any change in the applicant or licensee's address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change. Adds Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to provisions concerning information that an applicant must include in an application to the Department. Adds concealment in the application for a license under the Act to causes that allow the Department to take action on a license. Provides that the Department may subpoena the dental records of individual patients of dentists and dental hygienists under the Act, upon a determination that reasonable cause exists, without patient consent. Removes provision that states that exhibits in a judicial review proceeding shall be certified without cost. Adds a definition of "agent of a dentist" to provisions concerning third-party financing for dental services. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that the changes to the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

GEOLOGY ACT SUNSET EXTENSION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Professional Geologist Licensing Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record; the inclusions of the applicant's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on an application; and placing a license on inactive status. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions; restrictions and limitations; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists; applications for original license; examinations; qualifications for licensure; endorsement; expiration and renewal of license; returned checks and fines; disciplinary actions; injunctive actions; investigations; findings and recommendations by the Board; rehearings; appointments of hearing officers; surrender of license; violations; and confidentiality. Makes other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Christopher Belt

RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTICE ACT

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Respiratory Care Practice Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Respiratory Care Practice Act. Adds provisions concerning address of record and email address of record. Removes the requirement that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation maintain a roster of the names and addresses of all licenses and all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. Changes the membership of the Respiratory Care Board to 5 persons of which 3 members shall be currently engaged in the practice of respiratory care and one member who is a hospital administrator (rather than 7 persons of which 4 members shall be currently engaged in the practice of respiratory care and two members who are hospital administrators). Provides that a majority of the Board members (rather than 4) shall constitute a quorum. Provides that an applicant shall include the applicant's Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in an application to the Department (rather than only the applicant's Social Security Number). Provides that the Department shall provide a certified shorthand reporter to take down the testimony and preserve the record of all proceedings at a formal hearing (rather than the Department preserving the record). Provides that provisions concerning the repeal date of the Act are effective immediately. Makes other changes.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

BCENT SUNSET EXTENSION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Defines "email address of record", "licensed continuing education sponsor", "licensed school", and "public member". Makes changes in provisions concerning the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act; an applicant's address of record; licensure requirements for each profession; unlicensed practice; abnormal skin growth education; display of a license; teacher education; examination of applicants for each profession; the practices that constitute cosmetology; inactive status of a license; the practices that constitute esthetics; investigations by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; requisites for ownership or operation of a school under the Act; the periodic review of schools for each profession; enrollment agreements; school rules and refunds; grounds for disciplinary action; exceptions for public schools; licensure renewal; requisites for ownership or operation of cosmetology, esthetics, hair braiding, and nail technology salons and barber shops; powers and duties of the Department; the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Board; applications; the issuance of a license; fees; refusal, suspension, and revocation of licenses; practice without a license or after suspension or revocation thereof; hearings; record of proceedings; citations; and certifications of record. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that the provisions concerning the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

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.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

MOBILE MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS

Amends the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Modifies legislative findings. Provides that appropriate mobile response services must, among other things, subject to the care decisions of the individual receiving care, coordinate transportation for any individual experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency to the least restrictive setting feasible (rather than provide transportation for any individual experiencing a mental or behavioral health emergency). Provides that adequate mobile mental health relief provider training includes, among other things, training in recognizing and working with people with neurodivergent and developmental disability diagnoses and in the techniques available to help stabilize and connect them to further services and training in the involuntary commitment process, in identification of situations that meet the standards for involuntary commitment, and in cultural competencies and social biases to guard against any group being disproportionately subjected to the involuntary commitment process or the use of the process not warranted under the legal standard for involuntary commitment. Provides that mobile mental health relief providers may only participate in the involuntary commitment process to the extent permitted under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Requires the system for gathering information developed by the Statewide Advisory Committee to determine the number of instances of mobile mental health relief providers initiating petitions for involuntary commitment. Provides that the exemption from civil liability for emergency care provided in the Good Samaritan Act applies to anyone providing care under the Act. Provides that each 9-1-1 public safety answering point and emergency service dispatched through a 9-1-1 public safety answering point must begin coordinating its activities with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Division of Mental Health once all 3 of the following conditions are met, but not later than July 1, 2027 (rather than July 1, 2025). Adds definitions and modifies existing definitions. Effective immediately.

Robert Peters