Bills & Legislation

TREE TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE

Amends the Forest Products Transportation Act. Changes the title of the Act to the Tree Transportation Act. Defines terms. Provides that no person may haul or transport any tree (instead of forest product) on the highways of the State without proof of ownership as required by the Department of Natural Resources by administrative rule (instead of the written consent of the timber grower or subsequent seller). Provides that any person hauling or transporting a tree or trees (instead of 2 or more trees and forest products), on any highway in this State shall be required to show proof of ownership as defined in the Act. Provides that the information required for proof of ownership shall be set by the Department by administrative rule, including information required for a person that is transporting or hauling a tree or trees that the person owns. Provides that the Department or any law enforcement agency may inspect any vehicle or conveyance hauling or transporting a tree or trees on any road or highway in the State to determine if the transportation of the tree or trees complies with the Act. Provides that, if an officer of the Department or law enforcement agency discovers any violation of the Act, he or she may issue a summons to the person operating the vehicle that is hauling or transporting the tree or trees that requires that the person appears before the circuit court for the county within which the offense was committed. Sets forth criteria for a violation of the amendatory provisions. Changes the level of misdemeanor that resisting or obstructing any officer, employee, or agent of the Department in the discharge of his or her duties under the provisions of the Act from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor. Makes conforming changes. Repeals provisions concerning the definition of certain terms. Makes conforming changes in the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act.

Laura M. Murphy

EXPLOSIVES & CONSUMER FIREWORK

Amends the Illinois Explosives Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that no person shall acquire, possess, use, transfer, or dispose of explosive materials unless the person has obtained a valid Illinois Individual Explosives License issued by the Department of Natural Resources, except as provided in the Act. In provisions concerning qualifications for licensure, provides that no person shall qualify to hold a license who is an unlawful user of or addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance or has been adjudicated a person with a mental disability as defined in the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act or the person's FOID card is suspended or revoked. Provides that upon receipt of a second revocation of an explosives license, the person shall no longer be eligible to apply for an Illinois individual explosive license. Provides that any bulk storage or holding of consumer fireworks in quantities of 1,001 pounds or greater that is not in compliance with the Pyrotechnic Use Act or the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act must be stored in a Department certified Type 1, Type 2, or Type 4 magazine and must meet the distancing requirements for low explosives in applicable law. Provides that no consumer firework cake, designed for consumer use, shall exceed 500 grams in total explosive chemical composition. Provides that any person transporting explosive materials in the State shall comply with the placard requirements, as required by federal administrative rule. Makes other changes.

Doris Turner

MEDICAID-MATERNAL HLTH-DOULAS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires hospitals and birthing centers to adopt and maintain written policies and procedures authorizing a patient enrolled in the medical assistance program to select an Illinois Medicaid certified and enrolled doula of the patient's choice to accompany the patient within the facility's premises for the purposes of providing support before, during, and after labor and childbirth, and during the patient's entire postpartum stay. Provides that the doula shall be considered part of the patient's care team and shall not be counted as a support person or against any guest quota. Requires hospitals and birthing centers to provide a written copy of their policies and procedures to maternity patients, the facilities' maternity health care providers, and any other person at the patient's request. Requires publication of the written policies on each facility's website. Contains provisions concerning hospital and birthing center liaisons and doulas certification acknowledgment requirements. Permits the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Public Health to establish standing recommendations to meet Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements and ensure access to preventive services, including Medicaid-covered maternal and reproductive health supports and services.

Omar Aquino

ONLINE AUCTION AND ESTATE SALE

Amends the Auction License Act. Adds definitions for "estate sale", "estate sale service", and "online auction". Provides that "Internet auction listing service" does not include an online auction. Adds an online auction, an estate sale, and providing an estate service to events that are unlawful for any person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity to conduct in the State of Illinois without a licensed issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Adds online auctions and estate sales with certain conditions to exemptions to the license requirement. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to apply to a sale conducted by an individual of his or her own property if such an individual is not engaged in the business of selling such property or if the individual did not acquire such goods for resale. Provides that nothing in provisions regarding the license requirement shall be construed to apply to any person as a receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, guardian, administrator, or executor or any such person acting under order of any court, nor shall the provisions regarding the license requirement apply to a trustee acting under a trust agreement, deed of trust, or will, or sales at auction conducted by or under the direction of any public authority or pursuant to any judicial order or decree. Effective January 1, 2026.

Michael W. Halpin

FARMLAND TRANSITION

Creates the Farmland Transition Commission Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall establish a Farmland Transition Commission to examine current barriers individuals ages 21 through 40 face when trying to purchase or access farmland, review current incentives and policies to encourage the transfer of farmland to current or prospective farmers between the ages of 21 through 40, and to make recommendations on possible incentives or policies to assist these individuals in purchasing or accessing farmland. Specifies membership of the Commission. Provides that Commission members shall serve without compensation. Provides that the Commission shall meet at least on a quarterly basis. Provides that the Commission shall file a report annually with the Governor and the General Assembly on or before January 1 of each year on its recommendations for possible incentives to assist young farmers between the ages of 21 and 40 in acquiring access to farmland in the State. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall provide administrative and other support to the Commission as needed. Provides that the Commission is dissolved and this provision is repealed on December 31, 2031.

Sally J. Turner

FIRST 2025 GENERAL REVISORY

Creates the First 2025 General Revisory Act. Combines multiple versions of Sections amended by more than one Public Act. Renumbers Sections of various Acts to eliminate duplication. Corrects obsolete cross-references and technical errors. Makes stylistic changes. Effective immediately.

Bill Cunningham

FIRE SPRINKLER SERVICE PENALTY

Amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act. Provides that any person, entity, or business that offers fire sprinkler contractor services under the Act without being licensed or exempt under the Act shall pay a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $50,000 (rather than $10,000) for each offense. Provides that, if any person, entity, or business commits a second offense within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $10,000 which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. Provides that, if any person, entity, or business commits more than 2 offenses within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $25,000 which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. Provides that any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds himself or herself out to practice as a fire sprinkler inspector without being licensed or exempt under the Act shall pay a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 (rather than $10,000) for each offense. Provides that, if any person commits a second offense within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $10,000 which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. Provides that, if any person commits more than 2 offenses within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $25,000 which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. Effective immediately.

Michael E. Hastings

RIVERS/LAKES/STREAMS-FUND

Amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Provides that penalty fees collected for violating the Act and application fees for permits shall be deposited into the Water Resources Fund (rather than the State Boating Act Fund).

Laura Ellman

MISLEADING PRACTICES PENALTY

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

Laura Ellman

VIRTUAL CURRENCY CONSUM PROT

Creates the Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act. Provides that specified information reported to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation by virtual currency kiosk shall be confidential, except as otherwise provided in the Act. Establishes warning and general terms and conditions disclosure requirements for a virtual currency kiosk operator opening an account for a new customer and prior to entering into an initial transaction for, on behalf of, or with the customer. Requires a receipt to be provided to each customer following a transaction. Requires all virtual currency kiosk operators to have live customer service, as specified; create anti-fraud, enhanced due diligence, and federal and State law compliance policies; designate a compliance officer and a consumer protection officer; and use blockchain analytics software to assist in the prevention of sending purchased virtual currency from a virtual currency kiosk operator to a digital wallet known to be affiliated with fraudulent activity at the time of a transaction; and report the location of each virtual currency kiosk located within this State within 45 days after the end of the calendar quarter. Requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to receive a money transmitter license. Sets forth supervision duties for the Department and the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Laura Ellman

HUMAN TRAFFICKING-VICTIMS

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall maintain a human trafficking unit to coordinate services, initiate prevention efforts, and provide access to resources for case-management staff to serve youth in care who have been determined to be victims of human trafficking or assessed to be at high risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking, as well as ensure a prompt response by the Department to recover youth in care in the custody of law enforcement. Provides that the Department shall incorporate services for all child trafficking victims into the community-based services provided by the Department. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall develop a strategic plan, in consultation with advocates and survivors, to establish a statewide system of identification and response to survivors of human trafficking and recommended levels of funding for phase-in of comprehensive victim-centered, trauma-informed statewide services for victims of human trafficking, including adults and children, and to sex and labor trafficking victims and require victim-centered, trauma-informed human trafficking training for caseworkers, treatment providers, investigators, foster parents, and residential home personnel. Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall develop a strategic plan to improve victim-centered, trauma-informed law enforcement response to victims of human trafficking across the State. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall work with the Illinois State Police, local law enforcement, victim-centered, trauma-informed human trafficking service providers, and survivor leaders to develop, curriculum standards for training on victim-centered, trauma-informed detection, investigation, and response to human trafficking victims certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Amends various other Acts concerning various agencies responsibilities of addressing human trafficking. Effective January 1, 2026.

Julie A. Morrison

PRIVACY IN THE WORKPLACE

Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employer enrolled in an Employment Eligibility Verification System, including the E-Verify program, shall not impose work authorization verification or re-verification requirements greater than those required by the Employment Eligibility Verification System. Provides that, if an employer receives notification from any federal agency or other outside third party not responsible for the enforcement of immigration law of a discrepancy as it relates to an employee's individual taxpayer identification number or other identifying documents, guarantees specified rights and protections to the employee. Makes changes in provisions concerning the administration and enforcement of the Act by the Department of Labor. Sets forth provisions concerning action for civil penalties brought by an interested party; private right of action; penalties; and review under the Administrative Review Law.

Javier L. Cervantes

GOVT DISCLOSURE-EMINENT DOMAIN

Amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. Authorizes an authorized representative to sign the disclosure required under the Act before any contract relating to the ownership or use of real property is entered into by the State or a unit of local government disclosing the interest of an owner or beneficiary in the real property. Authorizes disclosure by providing a copy of a proxy statement or other official corporate document filed with the federal Securities Exchange Commission or similar federal regulatory body within the previous calendar year disclosing the overall ownership of the limited liability company, corporation, or general partnership. Removes the requirement for additional disclosure for contracts for the ownership or use of real property for highway purposes by the Department of Transportation for any entity that is wholly or partially owned by another entity. Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Allows a party authorized to take property to file a complaint in circuit court if the owner is unable or unwilling to provide documentation required by the acquiring party to obtain sufficient title to the property, consummate the transaction, or comply with all legal requirements for the transaction. Eliminates the requirement that the Illinois Department of Transportation obtain Illinois Commerce Commission approval before bringing an action to acquire property needed for highway projects owned by utilities and railroads. Allows notice to property owners to be sent by entities other than the United States Postal Service if a company provides the same function as certified mail with return receipt. Effective immediately.

Ram Villivalam

EPA-WATER SUPPLIES

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

Karina Villa

DPH-FERTILITY OPT-WMN OVER 25

Amends the Department of Public Health Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall provide the following information for physicians to distribute to women over the age of 25 years, or women interested about fertility options on blood tests to predict their ovarian reserve: (1) an overview on what is ovarian reserve; (2) an overview on different types of ovarian reserve testing; (3) a list of healthcare centers or hospitals that are available to women for testing; and (4) information on potential results and what resources are available post-testing.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

SELF-STORAGE LIEN SALE NOTICE

Amends the Self-Service Storage Facility Act. Requires that the notice to the occupant in an enforcement of lien action must include the website information where the online bidding of the lien sale may take place, if applicable.

Robert F. Martwick

MICROMOBILITY FIRE SAFETY

Creates the Micromobility Fire Safety Act. Provides that all micromobility devices and traction batteries for micromobility devices manufactured, distributed, sold, or offered for lease or rent in the State shall meet specified safety standards.

Ram Villivalam

PHYSICAL THERAPY TELEHEALTH

Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that initial physical therapy evaluations without a referral or an established diagnosis may be performed by a licensed physical therapist via telehealth when the physical therapist determines that an in-person examination is not required based on the physical therapist's clinical judgment and the applicable standard of care (rather than cannot be performed via telehealth unless necessary to address a documented hardship). Provides that a physical therapist or a licensed physical therapy assistant may require the patient to undergo an in-person visit instead of providing telehealth services (rather than the use of telehealth as a primary means of delivering physical therapy must be an exception and documentation must support the clinical justification). Provides that a physical therapist providing telehealth must have the capacity to provide or be able to facilitate a referral to in-person care within the State (rather than must only have the capacity to provide in-person care). Provides that the standard of care for a patient receiving physical therapy through telehealth is equal to the standard of care for in-person care.

Cristina Castro

COSMETOLOGY-HYDRODERMABRASION

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that the use of hydrodermabrasion devices such as the Hydrafacial machine, when done for cosmetic or beautifying purposes and not for the treatment of disease or of a muscular or nervous disorder, constitutes the practice of cosmetology and the practice of esthetics. Effective immediately.

Cristina Castro

WAGE PAYMENT-COLLECTION

Amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Makes changes to administrative fees paid to the Department of Labor. Makes changes in provisions concerning the collection of unpaid wages, penalties, damages, fines, and fees. Effective immediately.

Michael W. Halpin

PERS CD-VA APPOINTMENTS

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that certain provisions related to probationary separation, term appointments, and veterans hospital visits are subject to Jurisdiction B. Changes references to "veterans hospital visits" to references to "veterans medical appointments". Provides that an employee who is also a veteran shall be permitted 4 days per year to receive medical care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at any type of health care provider or health care facility (rather than permitted 4 days per year to visit a veterans hospital or clinic), for examination or treatment (rather than for examination) of a military service-connected condition (rather than service-connected disability).

Mike Porfirio

DNR-BOAT REGISTRATION/SAFETY

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Prohibits a person from falsifying information on any application to the Department of Natural Resources that is required to be provided to the Department by the Act. Provides that the navigation lights shall, at minimum, have an intensity so as to be visible at the minimum ranges as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorboat without a whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of 2 seconds or more duration and having an audible distance as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (rather than being audible for at least one-half mile). Prohibits a motorboat operator from operating a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch if the switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Prohibits a person from operating a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. Provides that a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels and proceeding downbound with a following current (rather than downstream) shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall imitate the maneuvering signals as required by law. Changes the ages at which a person may operate a motorboat based on the speed of the motorboat. Prohibits certain marijuana use within certain areas of a watercraft while upon waters in the State. Requires the Department to outline the application process for passenger-for-hire licenses or rental boat licenses by administrative rule. Makes other changes.

Julie A. Morrison

DHS-2-1-1 SERVICE

Amends the 2-1-1 Service Act. Makes changes to a provision concerning the designation of a lead entity to administer the statewide 2-1-1 system. Requires the lead entity to have: (1) demonstrated expertise in providing access to health and human services; and (5) a demonstrated track record of securing diversified funding sources in order to support sustainable operation of 2-1-1. Requires the lead entity to establish standards consistent with prevailing national standards established for providing information about and referrals to human services agencies to 2-1-1 callers. Requires the lead entity to provide annual reports to the Department of Human Services on the 2-1-1 system, including information on call volume and interactions, caller demographics, reasons for contact, service referral gaps, and other matters. Makes changes to the definitions of "approved 2-1-1 service provider", "2-1-1 service area", and "Human services". Removes the definitions for "pay telephone", "private branch exchange", and "recognized 2-1-1 service provider". Amends the Human Services 2-1-1 Collaboration Board Act. Provides that the Act is repealed on July 1, 2025. Effective immediately.

Adriane Johnson

ST POLICE-HAZMAT-MOTOR CARRIER

Amends the Illinois Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and the Illinois Motor Carrier Safety Law of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Illinois State Police (rather than the Department of Transportation) shall administer and enforce the Illinois Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and the Illinois Motor Carrier Safety Law of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes related changes. Sets forth provisions concerning personnel and material transfers and requires transferred personnel to receive a background check and any additional screening requirements established by the Department. Makes conforming changes to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulation Act. Effective July 1, 2025.

Mike Porfirio

VEH CD-BICYCLES-EXEMPTIONS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person operating a bicycle on the roadways of this State shall not be prohibited from side-by-side riding, riding contraflow on one-way streets, and rolling through stop signs at clear intersections.

Ram Villivalam

SCH CD-TUITION FOR ORPHANS

Amends the School Code. Provides that the depreciation allowance included under the amount of the tuition for a child from a home for orphans, dependent, abandoned, or maladjusted children shall exclude depreciation of assets paid from federal or donated funds.

Adriane Johnson

SCH SAFE DRILL-RULES

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Requires the State Board of Education and the Office of the Fire Marshal to develop clear and definitive guidelines to school districts, private schools, and first responders as to how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans. Requires the State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to cooperate to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the amendatory Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to implement the provisions of the amendatory Act for a period not to exceed 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Requires the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards outlining what steps or consideration shall be included within the school district's threat assessment procedure. Makes a corresponding change in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Michael E. Hastings

CYCLE RIDER SAFETY-VARIOUS

Amends the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act. Removes motor driven cycle and moped from the definition of "cycle". Defines "Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Provider" and "Provider" as a for-profit or nonprofit business, community agency, community organization, community college, or State university that is capable of providing courses. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall put out notices to the public seeking Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Providers to provide courses in the State, and that such courses shall be open to all residents of the State who hold a currently valid driver's license and who have reached their 16th birthday before the first day of the course to be held. Allows providers to charge a nominal registration fee set by the Department. Provides that responses from potential providers shall include the location where classes are to be held at, the number of students they intend to train, whether they would be providing motorcycles or using motorcycles owned by the Department, and the cost for courses provided on a per student basis. Provides that contracts shall be awarded by the Department to providers based on training needs and cost effectiveness of each bid or proposal. Provides that a provider shall only be paid grant funds under one of the following conditions: a course was held; expenses submitted related to the maintenance of department owned equipment; or submitting other non-personnel expenses. Provides that a provider awarded a contract with grant funding shall: submit proof that each instructor employed by the provider meets the qualifications to teach the curriculum for the courses; have at least one employee on staff certified to do quality assurance or quality control visits where instructors are evaluated per curriculum standards on teaching; perform at least one quality assurance or quality control visit on each instructor employed during the year and submit the results of those visits to the Department; maintain appropriate liability insurance to cover training activities; submit requests for payment in a timely manner; and adhere to additional program rules and regulations. Prohibits a provider awarded a contract with grant funding from adopting any policy, requirement, or expectation regarding employee's manner of dress outside of the employee's scheduled work hours. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Seth Lewis

ONLINE MARKET-ILLEGAL GOODS

Amends the Illinois Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act. Provides that an online marketplace shall verify and certify that each consumer product advertised on its platform by a high-volume third-party seller was produced, procured, purchased, or acquired in a lawful manner. Provides that an online marketplace shall identify, on its Internet website or application, the high-volume third-party sellers that are certified as operating in a legal and ethical manner and develop a means of making the certification. Provides that an online marketplace shall alert local, regional, or State law enforcement agencies if it suspects that a person or entity is selling or attempting to sell stolen goods to a resident of the State. Provides that an online marketplace shall prevent a person or entity from utilizing its platform or other services if it suspects that a person or entity is selling stolen goods. Provides that, if the Attorney General has reason to believe that any person has violated the Act, the Attorney General may bring an action against the person for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per violation and reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Laura Fine

DNR-BOAT SAFETY INSTRUCTORS

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Provides that the course of instruction for persons certified to teach boating safety shall be not less than 10 hours in length (rather than 8 hours in length).

Julie A. Morrison

IBHE-DATA DASHBOARD REPORT

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that, by January 15, 2027 and January 15 of each subsequent school year, the Board of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, shall prepare and release a State Data Dashboard Report and Data Dashboard Report for each public institution of higher education and each private college and university in the State. Lists the data required to be collected by the report. Requires the Board to publish the report on a publicly available website. Allows the Board to adopt rules to administer the provisions.

Celina Villanueva

VEHICLE CD-SAFETY TOWING

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that any personal property belonging to the vehicle owner in a vehicle subject to a lien shall be subject to that lien, except for the specified items, which may be claimed by immediate family members at the authorization of the vehicle owner. Establishes registration requirements for commercial vehicle safety relocators and tasks the Illinois Commerce Commission with oversight duties and the imposition of penalties. Provides that commercial vehicle safety relocators must follow specified business address requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning liens against personal property in a towed vehicle, making false statements and the power of the Commission to deny an application or revoke registration from a commercial vehicle safety relocator, and the relocation and redemption of vehicles. Makes changes regarding liability for violations of specified provisions of the Code. Requires a commercial vehicle safety relocator to designate a registered agent within the State. Adds provisions concerning vehicle impoundment, failure to satisfy fines or penalties assessed by the Commission, and suspension of tow truck registrations. Makes other changes.

Celina Villanueva

POLICE RECORDS & SHERIFF BOARD

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that no law enforcement agency shall make an offer of employment for the position of probationary police officer, probationary part-time police officer, full-time law enforcement officer, or part-time law enforcement officer without requiring the execution of a signed release from the applicant, directing any and all entities that previously employed the individual to produce or make available for inspection all employment records, including background investigation materials collected in connection with making an offer of employment, duty-related physical and psychological fitness-for-duty examinations, work performance records, criminal, civil, or administrative investigations of conduct, arrests, convictions, findings of guilt, pleas of guilty, or pleas of nolo contendere. Provides that, with specified exceptions, all records shall be produced without any redaction and no nondisclosure, separation, or settlement agreement shall prevent the production of these records. Provides that the provisions do not apply to the extent that they would impair an existing collective bargaining agreement. Sets forth provisions concerning: (i) the procedures for requesting employment records; (ii) the deadlines for providing the records; (iii) the penalties for failing to produce the records in accordance with the provisions; and (iv) an example of an acceptable release form. Requires the receipt of a written release for an entity to have immunity for the release of information. Makes other changes to immunity-related provisions. Amends the Sheriff's Merit System Law of the Counties Code. Provides that the county board of any county having a population of at least 75,000 must adopt and implement, by ordinance, the merit system provided by the Sheriff's Merit System Law. Provides that the county board of any county having a population of less than 75,000 (rather than 1,000,000) which does not have a merit board or merit commission for sheriff's personnel may adopt and implement, by ordinance, the merit system provided by the Sheriff's Merit System Law. Makes other and conforming changes.

Doris Turner

TRANSFER REFORM-VARIOUS

Amends Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Defines "transfer articulation agreement". Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Provides that a State university shall (rather than the General Assembly encourages State universities) to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits toward a baccalaureate degree. Provides that a State university shall enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the community college district to provide a seamless pathway for transfer. Provides that if, within 180 calendar days of the community college's initial request to enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the State university, the community college and State university do not reach agreement on the transfer articulation agreement, then the community college and State university shall jointly implement the provisions of the Model Transfer Articulation Agreement. Provides that a Model Transfer Articulation Agreement shall be developed through a Transfer Articulation Committee by December 31, 2025. Requires each community college and State university to publish the institution's process and timeline for reviewing and making decisions regarding transfer credit requests on the institution's website. Removes language regarding the Board of Higher Education's reviews and reports. Provides instead that, by May 1, 2026, and May 1 of each subsequent year, each State university shall report to the Board of Higher Education specified information. Effective immediately.

Cristina Castro

WORKERS RIGHTS AND SAFETY

Creates the Illinois Workers' Rights and Worker Safety Act. Provides that, except as authorized by State law enacted after January 19, 2025, a State agency may not amend or revise its rules relating to the protection of workers' rights or worker safety in a manner less stringent than specified federal laws. Provides that a State agency may establish workers' rights and worker safety standards that are more stringent than those provided in federal law as the federal law existed on January 19, 2025. Provides that, to the extent a federal law existing on January 19, 2025 is more stringent than a State agency's corresponding standards or rules in its protection of workers' rights or worker safety, or to the extent that there are no State agency standards or rules in place corresponding with a federal law, a State agency shall, as a minimum standard, continue to observe and enforce those workers' rights and worker safety standards provided in federal law as the federal law existed on January 19, 2025. Provides for reporting requirements. Repeals the Act on January 20, 2029.

Robert Peters

SCH CD-GIFTED & TALENTED

Amends the School Code. Removes language providing that a local program for the education of gifted and talented children may be approved for funding by the State Board of Education if funds for that purpose are available and if the local program submits an application for funds that includes a comprehensive plan. Removes language providing that the State Board of Education staff person in charge of educational programs for gifted and talented children shall be responsible for developing an approval process for educational programs for gifted and talented children. With respect to the evidence-based funding provisions, provides that in the adequacy target calculation, each organizational unit shall receive $40 per kindergarten through grade 12 for advanced academic programs (rather than for gifted investments). Makes related changes.

Mary Edly-Allen

BLOOMINGTON-TREATED WASTEWATER

Amends the Sanitary District Act of 1917. Provides that the board of trustees of the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District may enter into an agreement to sell, convey, or disburse treated wastewater to a private entity located within 50 miles of the District's boundaries. Provides that the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District may accept wastewater for treatment from a private entity located within 50 miles of the district's boundaries. Provides that the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District may acquire and accept, by gift, grant, purchase, or otherwise fee simple interest or any lesser interest as may be desired in real property necessary to carry out its powers under the provisions. Effective immediately.

David Koehler

CREDIT UNIONS-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Authorizes a credit union to furnish information to any person on a list submitted and periodically updated by a member who is an elderly person or person with a disability or to specified other persons, if there is suspicion by the credit union that the member has been or may become a victim of financial exploitation. Provides that the board of directors of a credit union with a composite rating of either 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System known as the CAMELS supervisory rating system and a management rating under such composite rating of either 1 or 2 may meet not less than 4 (instead of 6) times annually. Provides that the supervisory committee of a credit union with assets of less than $10,000,000 may, at its option, engage (instead of a credit union with assets of $5,000,000 or more, but less than $10,000,000 shall engage) a licensed certified public accountant or licensed certified public accounting firm to perform specified auditing and other services. Permits the merger of credit unions, without meeting certain voting and notice requirements, where supervisory concerns exist and upon agreement of the boards of directors of the merging and continuing credit unions, as confirmed by a majority vote of the directors present at a meeting of each board at which a quorum is present. Makes other changes.

David Koehler

TRANSPORTATION-VARIOUS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall develop and implement a life-cycle costs analysis for each new construction, reconstruction, or replacement road project, except for State rehabilitation and preservation projects, under its jurisdiction for which the total pavement costs exceed $500,000. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the employee of the Aeronautics Division of the Department of Transportation who is a member of the advisory committee that determines which homes contain windows or doors that cause offensive odors and thus are eligible for replacement shall only cast a vote when breaking a tie. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that every crash report required to be made in writing must be electronically submitted to the Administrator using an electronic format approved by the Administrator (rather than made on an approved form or in an approved electronic format provided by the Administrator). Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately, except that the changes made to the Illinois Vehicle Code are effective January 1, 2027.

Mike Porfirio

QUICK-TAKE-KANE COUNTY

Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that quick-take proceedings may be used for a period of one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act by the Kane County Division of Transportation for the purpose of intersection realignment and separation improvement.. Effective immediately.

Donald P. DeWitte

PROP TX-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a county opting out of the special assessment programs to reduce the assessed value of certain residential real property shall not disqualify or shorten the maximum eligibility periods for any property approved to receive a reduced valuation prior to the county opting out. Requires that the special assessment programs be available to all qualifying residential real property regardless of whether or not the property has or is currently receiving any other public financing or subsidies or subject to any regulatory agreements with any public entity, or both. If an owner is approved for the reduced valuation prior to December 31, 2037 and the provisions are not subsequently extended, this shall not disqualify or shorten the maximum eligibility periods for any property approved to receive a reduced valuation. Provides that, if the chief county assessment officer has not created application forms, the chief county assessment officer shall make publicly available and accept applications forms that shall be available to local governments from the Illinois Department of Revenue. If a county Internet website exists, the application materials, as well as any other program requirements used by the county (such as application deadlines, fees, and other procedures required by the application) must be published on that website, otherwise it must be available to the public upon request at the office of the chief county assessment officer. On an annual basis, requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to calculate and make available on its website the minimum per square foot expenditure requirements to be applicable statewide to be eligible for the reduced valuation, which shall include the historical annual expenditure requirements starting with calendar year 2021. Changes reference to improvements to existing residential real property to substantially rehabilitated residential real property. Makes other changes.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

SCH CD-ASL IMPLEMENTATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that, no Later than July 1, 2026, the State Board of Education shall create educational materials that shall be posted publicly on its website and distributed to all school districts in the State that serve any grades kindergarten through 8 on the implementation of American Sign Language instruction into a school's curriculum. Includes a list of educational materials. Allows the State Board to receive assistance from outside organizations, State agencies, or individuals with expertise in American Sign Language that the State Board deems appropriate to assist with the creation of the education materials.

Doris Turner

HIGHER ED-MISCONDUCT SURVEY

Amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. Requires each higher education institution to biennially (rather than annually) conduct a sexual misconduct climate survey of all students at the institution. Adds the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board, members appointed by the Board of Higher Education, and members appointed by the Illinois Community College Board to the Task Force on Campus Sexual Misconduct Climate Surveys. Removes some members of the Task Force who were appointed by the Governor. Requires the Task Force to meet to recommend updates and revisions to the base survey (rather than to review the results of the survey and to implement updates and improvements). Removes the civil fine imposed upon an institution that violates the provisions or fails to carry out the provisions. Makes other changes.

Mary Edly-Allen

SCH CD-EDUCATOR LICENSURE-MISC

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes.

Meg Loughran Cappel

SANITARY FOOD PREPARATION

Amends the Sanitary Food Preparation Act. Provides that, if a food distribution facility is engaged in the collection, storage, packaging, or distribution of food to consumers, then that facility is subject to all provisions of the Act and rules adopted under the Act. Provides that the registered sanitarian of a county health department of where a food distribution facility is located shall have the power to enforce and observe the rules and orders of the Department of Public Health and the provisions of this Section. Defines "food distribution facility".

Linda Holmes

PERSONNEL-NO BACH DEGREE REQ

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that a State agency shall not require as a condition of eligibility for hire to a position in State employment that an applicant have a baccalaureate degree. Provides that the provisions shall not apply the knowledge, skills, or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained, as determined by the appointing authority, through a course of study in pursuit of, and culminating in the award of, a baccalaureate degree or advanced degree. Effective immediately.

Steve Stadelman

DPH-AMNIOTIC FLUID EMBOLISM

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Defines "amniotic fluid embolism". Provides that the Department of Public Health shall undertake a public educational campaign to bring broad public awareness to communities across this State on amniotic fluid embolism, risk factors, and the importance of early recognition and appropriate management. Provides that the Department shall develop and make available information to physicians and other health care professionals regarding early detection and management of amniotic fluid embolism. Provides that the Department shall publish information about amniotic fluid embolism on the Department's Internet website. Effective immediately.

Neil Anderson

ISP TRAINING/ACADEMY DIVISION

Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Reorganizes and expands the training overseen by the Division of the Academy and Training. Provides that functions of the Division of Forensic Services include issuing reports for certain drug tests, overseeing training in entering medical and dental information into certain databases, and providing information to local law enforcement agencies about best practices for handling death scene investigations. Requires the Illinois State Police to make a report containing the number of juvenile records that the Illinois State Police received in that quarter (rather than requiring the Illinois State Police to submit the report to the General Assembly). Provides that the Illinois State Police may receive revenue and real and personal property from any legal source, grants, pass-through grants, donations, and lawful appropriations. Requires the Illinois State Police to establish a State Missing Persons Clearinghouse as a resource to promote an immediate and effective community response to missing children. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, the Governor shall designate the chair of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission for a 2-year term. Changes references to districts to troops in the Volunteer Firefighting Unit Use Act. Amends the Statewide Organized Gang Database Act. Defines "LEADS" as the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, which is a statewide communication and processing system that permits law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to have direct access to centralized data. Replaces references to "SWORD" with "LEADS". Makes conforming changes in the Illinois Police Training Act. Replaces "Division of Investigation" with "Division of Criminal Investigation" in the Intergovernmental Drug Laws Enforcement Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Julie A. Morrison

DHFS-SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Repeals provisions that require: (i) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to consult with stakeholders and General Assembly members for input on a plan to develop enhanced Medicaid rates for substance use disorder treatment and mental health treatment in underserved communities; and (ii) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services to collaborate to review coverage and billing requirements for substance use prevention and recovery and mental health services with the goal of identifying disparities and streamlining coverage and billing requirements to reduce the administrative burden for providers and medical assistance beneficiaries. Effective January 1, 2026.

Laura Fine

BANKING&PROBATE-FINANCE/NOTICE

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. In provisions concerning customer financial records and confidentiality, provides that the language does not prohibit the furnishing of financial information to the executor, executrix, administrator, or other lawful representative of the estate of a customer. Amends the Savings Bank Act and the Illinois Credit Union Act to make the same changes. Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Amends the Illinois Trust and Payable on Death Accounts Act. Provides that any holder of an account may elect a per stirpes distribution option to the descendants of a natural person beneficiary if the beneficiary predeceases the last surviving holder of the account. Makes other changes. Amends the Financial Institutions Electronic Documents and Digital Signature Act. In provisions concerning electronic notices, provides that consent to electronic transactions given by the customer under the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act satisfies applicable consent requirements. Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that any person doing business or performing transactions on behalf of or at the direction of an executor or administrator with a will annexed is entitled to the presumption that the executor or administrator is lawfully authorized to conduct the business or perform the transaction as long as the person verifies that the letters testamentary or administration was issued by the court solely to the executor or administrator. Provides that if the letters testamentary or administration with the will annexed provide for co-executors or co-administrators, the person is entitled to the presumption only when the business or transaction is performed on behalf or at the direction of all listed executors or administrators in the letters. Provides that any person, corporation, or financial institution that conducts business or performs transactions on behalf of or at the direction of an executor or administrator with the will annexed is fully protected and released from liability if the person bases the presumption on the verification of the letters testamentary or administration with the will annexed.

Mark L. Walker