Bills & Legislation

$IDOT-STATE RAILWAY PROGRAM

Appropriates $575,000,000 to the Department of Transportation for expenses related to the Statewide Railway Program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Steve StadelmanDemocrat

MEDICAL LICENSE REVIEW

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall review an applicant's application for a license to practice medicine under the Act concurrently with the applicant's application for a controlled substances registration. Requires the Department to issue an applicant's license and controlled substances registration concurrently. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

FIREFIGHTER HEALTH & WELLNESS

Creates the Firefighter Health and Wellness Act. Provides that the Firefighter Health and Wellness Unit is created within the Department of Public Health to investigate the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and the rising incidence of cancer among firefighters in Illinois. Provides that the Unit shall conduct a comprehensive study, including baseline PFAS sampling for Illinois firefighters and the provision of cancer screenings. Provides that funding for the Unit shall be allocated from the Firefighter Health and Wellness Fund for the purpose of long-term research focused on understanding the higher rates of cancer within the Illinois firefighter community. Provides that the Unit shall collaborate with Illinois-based universities to develop testing parameters, establish guidelines for voluntary firefighter participation and screening, and identify the root causes contributing to the increased cancer risks faced by Illinois firefighters. Creates the Firefighter Health and Wellness Fund as a separate fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be appropriated by the General Assembly to the Firefighter Health and Wellness Unit for the purposes described in the provision. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

ELEC CD-ENFORCEMENT DUTIES

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall exercise the powers to impose campaign disclosure penalties; to hear and adjudicate alleged violations of registration requirements; to revoke or suspend the raffle licenses of political committees that violate the Raffles and Poker Runs Act; and to inform the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of credible alleged criminal violations.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

SCH CD-REGIONAL SUP VACANCY

Amends the Educational Service Regions Article of the School Code. Provides that when a vacancy occurs in the office of regional superintendent of schools and more than 28 months remain in that term and the vacancy occurs at least 130 days before the next general election, appointment to fill the vacancy shall be until the next general election (rather than if more than 28 months remain in that term, the appointment shall be until the next general election). Provides that if the vacancy occurs during the time provided for filing nomination papers for county offices for the primary in the next even-numbered year following commencement of the term of office in which the vacancy occurs, the time for filing nomination papers for the primary shall not be more than 120 (rather than 91) days nor less than 113 (rather than 85) days prior to the date of the primary.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TASK FORCE

Creates the Prescription Drug Purchasing Task Force Act. Creates a Prescription Drug Purchasing Task Force in the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to study the different ways that other states are using multi-state prescription drug purchasing pools to increase the State's negotiating power and lower prices for patients. Provides for duties of the Task Force. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that, on or before July 31, 2026, the Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and to the Governor. Provides that the Prescription Drug Purchasing Task Force is abolished and the Act is repealed on January 1, 2027.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

AFFORDABLE DRUG MANUFACTURING

Creates the Access to Prescription Drugs Act. Provides that any State agency may enter into partnerships to increase competition, lower prices, and address shortages in the market for generic prescription drugs; to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for public and private purchasers, taxpayers, and consumers; and to increase patient access to affordable drugs. Requires the partnerships to result in the production or distribution of generic prescription drugs with the intent that these drugs be made widely available to public and private purchasers, providers and suppliers, and pharmacies. Provides that the State agency shall comply with specified requirements when entering into partnerships or setting prices for generic prescription drugs. Requires a State agency that elects to enter into a partnership under the Act to submit separate reports to the General Assembly that (1) assess the feasibility of directly manufacturing generic prescription drugs and selling generic prescription drugs at a fair price; and (2) describe the status of all drugs targeted under the Act and analyze how the activities of the State agency may impact competition, access to targeted drugs, the costs of those drugs, and the costs of generic prescription drugs to public and private purchasers. Contains other provisions. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt certain information disclosed under Access to Prescription Drugs Act from inspection and copying under the Act. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2025.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

NURSE PRACTICE ACT MIDWIVES

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that a certified nurse midwife with full practice authority may enter into a written collaborative agreement with an advanced practice registered nurse. Provides that an advanced practice registered nurse certified as a nurse midwife may enter into a written collaborative agreement with an advanced practice registered nurse with full practice authority who is certified as a nurse midwife or a physician. Provides that, for an advanced practice registered nurse certified as a nurse midwife, the clinical experience shall be in collaboration with a certified nurse midwife with full practice authority. Makes conforming changes in provisions concerning written collaborative agreements, prescriptive authority under a written collaborative agreement, and full practice authority.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

SCH CD-TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILD

Amends the School Code. Provides that in the development of an individual education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a twice-exceptional child, if the child's ability or achievement indicates that the student would benefit from advanced academic programs, then those abilities or achievement levels shall be the primary focus of the child's IEP or Section 504 plan and be reflected in the individualized services, goals, and objectives for the child. Defines "twice-exceptional child". Effective immediately.

Laura FineDemocrat

HLTH CARE PROVIDER WORKFORCE

Amends the Underserved Health Care Provider Workforce Act. Changes the definition of "designated shortage area" to mean an area designated as a medically underserved area or a health professional shortage area (rather than a physician shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a critical health manpower shortage area). Changes the term "eligible medical student" to "eligible student", and includes in the definition of that term a person who is studying optometry in an optometry college or institution located in Illinois and that a person may agree to practice full-time in a designated shortage area as an optometrist or anesthesiologist one year for each year he or she is a scholarship recipient. Includes a rural health center, a federally qualified health center, a federally qualified health center look alike, and an optometric office in the definition of "medical facility". Includes an optometrist in the definition of "eligible health care provider". Includes an obstetrician or gynecologist in the definition of "primary care physician". Includes loan repayment recipients in a provision regarding scholarship recipients who fail to fulfill specified obligations, and provides that the amounts paid by these scholarship or loan repayment recipients shall be deposited into the fund where the payment originated from (rather than the Community Health Center Care Fund). Repeals a different provision defining "primary care physician". Effective January 1, 2026.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

CHILD CARE BACKGROUND CHECK

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that an entity that contracts with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Early Childhood, a child care facility, or a non-licensed service provider to provide a service that places the entity's employees in a child care facility shall require each employee who is placed or will be placed in such a facility to undergo a criminal background investigation. Provides that each entity shall submit an applicable employee's fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. Sets forth provisions concerning the processing of an employee's fingerprints and actions that the Illinois State Police shall take regarding the criminal background investigation. Provides that information concerning the convictions of an entity's employee who is placed or will be placed in a child care facility and who is investigated, including the source of the information and any conclusions or recommendations derived from the information, shall be provided, upon request, to such entity and the entity's employee prior to final action by the Department of Children and Family Services or the Department of Early Childhood under the agencies' respective authority on the application. Sets forth provisions concerning the transmission of information about an employee's criminal charges and the protection of confidential information. Provides that any employee of the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Early Childhood, the Illinois State Police, or a child care facility receiving confidential information who gives or causes to be given any confidential information concerning any criminal convictions of an applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider or an employee who is placed in a child care facility by a contracted entity, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless release of such information is authorized by the provisions concerning criminal background investigations.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

CONDO-BOARD NEGLIGENCE DAMAGES

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Requires that if there is negligence on the part of the board resulting in the loss of use of a unit by the unit owner, a portion of the reserves must be designated for use to assist the unit owner in covering expenses incurred as a result of the loss of use if the unit owner does not carry Category D loss-of-use insurance.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

SCH-NOTICE-READING DEFICIENCY

Amends the School Code. Provides that immediately upon the determination of a substantial deficiency in reading or the characteristics of dyslexia based upon (i) screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, or assessment data, (ii) statewide assessments, or (iii) teacher observations, the parent or legal guardian of a student in grades 1 through 3 who exhibits a substantial deficiency in reading must be notified in writing by the student's teacher of the following: (1) that the student has been identified as having a substantial deficiency in reading; (2) a description of the services that the school district currently is providing to the student; (3) a description of the proposed supplemental instructional services and supports that are designed to remediate the identified area of reading deficiency which the school district plans to provide the student; and (4) strategies for parents and guardians to use in helping the student to succeed in reading proficiency. Amends the State Mandates Act. Provides that no reimbursement by the State is required for the implementation of any mandate created by the amendatory Act.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

RECYCLABLE METAL PURCHASE

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that provisions prohibiting the sale of certain recyclable metal materials shall not apply if the seller produces written documentation reasonably demonstrating that the seller is the owner of the recyclable metal material or is authorized to sell the recyclable metal material on behalf of the owner. Provides that the recyclable metal dealer shall copy the documentation provided by the seller and maintain the copy of the documentation along with the purchase records. Provides that the sale of a detached catalytic converter may occur at the fixed business address of the seller or of the recyclable metal dealer (rather than at the fixed business address of the licensed recyclable metal dealer). Changes references from "licensed recyclable metal dealer" to "recyclable metal dealer".

Chris BalkemaRepublican

DETERRENT ACT

Creates the Illinois Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act. Requires an institution to file a disclosure report annually on July 1 when: (1) an institution received a gift from, or entered into a contract with, a foreign source, other than a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern, with a value of $50,000 or more, or an undetermined value; (2) an institution receives a gift from a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern of any dollar amount; (3) an institution enters into a contract with a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern after receiving a waiver for such contract; or (4) an institution is substantially controlled by a foreign source. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish and maintain a searchable, public database on the Board's website that: (1) contains all reports submitted; (2) includes any information provided in such reports; (3) is searchable and sortable by date filed, date of the gift received or contract entered into, by attributable country of the gift or contract, and by institution; (4) indicates whether a gift is from a foreign government or from a foreign source that is not a foreign government; and (5) indicates when a report does not contain the name or address of a foreign source. Prohibits an institution from entering into any contracts with foreign entities of concern or countries of concern. Provides that private institutions with endowments above $6,000,000,000 or with investments of concern above $250,000,000 shall report: (1) a list of the investments of concern; (2) the aggregate fair market value of all investments of concern; (3) the combined value of all investments of concern; and (4) the combined value of all capital gains from such sales of investments of concern. Sets forth how the Act may be enforced, including fines for violations.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

DCEO-SBIR/STTR GRANTS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants to match the funds received by a business through an SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal up to a maximum of $75,000 (currently, $50,000). Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants to match the funds received by a business through an SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal up to a maximum of $250,000. Provides that 50% of the total Phase II grant shall be remitted to the business upon submission by the business of the Phase II final report to the federal funding agency. Provides that a business may receive only one such grant per year. Provides that, over its lifetime, a business may receive a maximum of 2 such awards.

Adriane JohnsonDemocrat

EPA-WATER REVOLVING FUND

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that an eligible local government unit with a population that is greater than or equal to 150,000 is not eligible for the forgiveness of principal through the Water Pollution Control Loan Program, the Public Water Supply Loan Program, or the Loan Support Program.

Adriane JohnsonDemocrat

ILETS BOARD MEMBERS

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Adds 2 members to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board representing a statewide lodge representing law enforcement. Provides the procedures for appointing the 2 members the amendatory Act.

Doris TurnerDemocrat

RECREATION LAND USE LIABILITY

Amends the Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act. Provides that an owner of land who invites any person without charge to use the owner's property for recreational or conservation purposes does not assume liability for injuries under the Act unless there is a willful and wanton failure t guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity. Provides that the changes to the Act made by the amendatory Act apply only to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Li Arellano, Jr.Republican

FIRST RESPONDER MEDAL OF HONOR

Creates the First Responder Medal of Honor Act. Provides that the Governor may award the First Responder Medal of Honor to a first responder who displays conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of the first responder's life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an act of public service. Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security shall determine if a first responder is eligible for the First Responder Medal of Honor. Provides that a first responder's employer may recommend a first responder who has been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty for the First Responder Medal of Honor. Provides that a member of the General Assembly may recommend a first responder who resides, works, or dies in the line of duty in the member's district for the First Responder Medal of Honor.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

PEN CD-IMRF-MUNI CONTRIBUTION

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision requiring a participating municipality or participating instrumentality to pay an additional contribution to the Fund for certain earnings increases above 6% or 1.5 times the annual increase in the consumer price index-u, whichever is greater, provides that the payments must be concluded within 7 years (instead of 3 years) after receipt of the bill by the participating municipality or participating instrumentality. Effective immediately.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

MID-INCOME HOUSING GRANT PILOT

Creates the Illinois Middle-Income Housing Grant Pilot Act. Provides that subject to appropriation for this purpose, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (Authority) shall establish and administer a 3-year Illinois Middle-Income Housing Grant Pilot Program to facilitate housing development in targeted communities across the State of Illinois. Provides that eligible grant applicants shall include developers specifically in any community with an authorized River Edge Redevelopment Zone. Provides that any community within this designation is eligible to apply to support projects within such communities. Permits the Authority to enter into a subcontract agreement with developers with qualified residences. Provides that awards can be used for both redevelopment and new development projects; and that grant proposals may be submitted to the Authority directly to be used as a part of a development agreement with an eligible developer. Contains provisions on rules to implement the pilot program, grant award amounts, project costs limits, and other matters. Creates the Illinois Middle-Income Housing Grant Pilot Program Fund to consist of any moneys appropriated for the pilot program. Amends the State Finance Act by adding the Illinois Middle-Income Housing Grant Pilot Program Fund to the list of State funds.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

$IHDA-MID-INCOME HOUSING GRANT

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for the Illinois Middle-Income Housing Grant Pilot Program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

PROVENANCE DATA REQUIREMENTS

Creates the Provenance Data Requirements Act. Provides that a generative artificial intelligence tool provider shall apply provenance data, either directly or through the use of third-party technology, to wholly-generated synthetic content generated by the provider's generative artificial intelligence tool. Sets forth additional requirements on generative artificial intelligence tool providers, large online platforms, and manufacturers of capture devices. Defines terms.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

VEH CD-CRASH-ELEC COMM DEV

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that any person who drives or is in actual control of a motor vehicle upon the public highways of the State and who has been involved in a personal injury or fatal motor vehicle crash shall be deemed to have given consent to provide access to any electronic communication device that was in the motor vehicle and within that person's reach at the time of the accident for the purpose of determining whether the person was unlawfully using the device. Provides that a person requested to provide access to an electronic communication device shall be warned that a refusal to provide such access, or if the device's data shows a violation, may result in the suspension of such person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle, and if the person is also a CDL holder, he or she shall be warned that a refusal to provide access to an electronic communication device, or if the device's data shows a violation, may result in the disqualification of the person's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Provides that if the person refuses to provide access to the electronic communication device or provides such access and the device's data shows a violation, the law enforcement officer shall immediately submit a sworn report to the Secretary of State certifying that access to the electronic communication device was requested and the person refused or the device showed a violation. Provides that upon receipt of the sworn report of a law enforcement officer, the Secretary shall enter the suspension and disqualification to the individual's driving record and the suspension and disqualification shall be effective on the 46th day following the date notice of the suspension was given to the person. Allows a driver to contest the suspension of his or her driving privileges and disqualification of his or her CDL privileges by requesting an administrative hearing with the Secretary. Provides that in all cases involving a fatal motor vehicle crash where the person refuses to provide law enforcement with access to his or her electronic communication device or provides such access and the device's data shows a violation, the Secretary shall notify the local State's Attorney of the refusal or violation. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as Nancy's Law.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

CONSUMER FRAUD-CARD SURCHARGES

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for a person to impose a credit card or charge card surcharge on any transaction unless that person also accepts cash as a form of payment for all transactions under $1,000. Provides that nothing prohibits a person from offering a discount on a transaction to induce payment by cash, check, debit card, or similar means, rather than payment by charge card or credit card. Defines terms.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

PENCD-TRS-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the System shall offer a defined contribution benefit to active full-time and part-time contractual members of the System who are employed by an employer eligible to participate in the defined contribution benefit under applicable law (instead of offering a defined contribution benefit to active members of the System). Makes conforming changes. Provides that a member who is automatically enrolled shall have 3% of his or her pre-tax compensation (instead of pre-tax gross compensation for each compensation period) deferred into his or her deferred compensation account. Provides that a member shall be automatically enrolled in the defined contribution benefit beginning the first day of the pay period following the close of the notice period, or as soon as practicable, unless the employee elects otherwise within the notice period (instead of the member's 30th day of employment). Defines "notice period". Makes changes concerning withdrawal of contributions and forfeiture of employer matching contributions. Provides that active members eligible to participate in the defined contribution benefit do not include employees of a department as defined in the State Employees Article.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-TIER 2 SURVIVOR BENEFIT

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In provisions concerning Tier 2 benefits, provides that the initial survivor's or widow's benefit (instead of the initial benefit) shall be 66 2/3% of the earned annuity without a reduction due to age. Provides that a child's annuity of an otherwise eligible child shall be in the amount and using the formula prescribed under the applicable Article of the Code, and such formula shall be used for calculation of the child's annuity only. Provides that, if a benefit is paid to both a widow or survivor and a child or multiple children, the widow's portion shall be calculated in the amount of 66 2/3% and reduced by the pro rata portion of any child or children's portion as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Article of the Code that is applicable to the pension fund or retirement system that is providing the benefit using the method prescribed in the applicable Article of the Code. Adds child's annuities to provisions concerning automatic annual increases. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

REGULATORY SUNSET-STUDY

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that, in the calendar year 2 years before the agency or program is scheduled for termination, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget shall study the performance of each regulatory agency and program scheduled for termination under the Act. Provides that, in determining whether an agency or program should be recommended for termination, modification, or continuation, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget shall consider the extent to which the profession, occupation, business, industry, or trade that it licensed, supervised, exercised control over, issued rules regarding, or otherwise regulated is subject to regulation in other states or territories.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

FIREARM OFFENSE ENHANCED PENAL

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Rafael Wordlaw Act. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that "machine gun" includes any firearm that is modified or equipped with a forced reset trigger, including an auto-switch or binary switch. Provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of weapons when the person knowingly sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses or carries any firearm that is modified or equipped with a high-capacity magazine. Provides that aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon while carrying or possessing a weapon that has been modified or equipped with a forced reset trigger, including an auto-switch or binary switch, or high-capacity magazine, is a Class X felony. Provides that a person who knowingly sells, offers to sell, or transfers an unserialized unfinished frame or receiver or unserialized firearm is guilty of a Class 2 (rather than a Class 4) felony for a first violation and is guilty of a Class 1 (rather than a Class 2) felony for a second or subsequent violation. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Permits the court to sentence a defendant to an extended term sentence for specified firearms violations. Provides that if a firearm used to commit the offense was outfitted with parts designed or intended for use in converting any weapon into a machine gun or a high-capacity magazine, 5 consecutive years shall be added on to the 15, 20, or 25 years to life added to the sentence. Defines terms.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

PENSION CODE-VARIOUS

Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a member who is eligible to receive an alternative retirement annuity may elect to receive an estimated payment that shall commence no later than 30 days after the later of either the member's last day of employment or 30 days after the member files for the retirement benefit with the System. Provides that the estimated payment shall be the best estimate by the System of the total monthly amount due to the member based on the information that the System possesses at the time of the estimate. Provides that if the amount of the estimate is greater or less than the actual amount of the monthly annuity, the System shall pay or recover the difference within 6 months after the start of the monthly annuity. Excludes a benefit increase resulting from the amendatory Act from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

METRO & REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTH

Creates the Road Usage Charge Act. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to guide the development and evaluation of the road usage charge pilot program and to assess the potential for mileage-based revenue as an alternative to the current system of taxing highway use through motor fuel taxes. Sets forth the membership and duties of the committee. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and based on the recommendations of the Committee, to implement a statewide pilot program by January 1, 2026 to assess a user fee on owners of motor vehicles that is based on the number of miles traveled on public roadways in this State by those vehicles. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on and after February 1, 2026, the Chicago Transit Board shall have 8 members (currently 7 members). Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes by Directors required to issue bonds. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Annual Budget and 2-Year Financial Plan must show that the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from fares and charges for mass transportation provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards received in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 shall equal at least 25%, and in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 and every year thereafter at least 15%, of the aggregate cost of providing such public transportation in those fiscal years. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority shall be the sole agency responsible for the management and oversight of the fare collection systems used on all public transportation provided by the Service Boards. Makes changes to the membership of the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board. Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes required by the Directors of the Authority to approve decisions regarding the strategic plan, coordination of fares and service, appointment of officers and employees, paratransit services, powers of the Commuter Rail Board, labor, budget, taxes, distribution of revenues, issuing and pledging bonds and notes, budget review powers, the annual capital improvement plan, and rate protection contracts. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

ABUSIVE LITIGATION-WEBSITE

Creates the Stop Abusive Website Access Litigation Act. Authorizes the Attorney General, on behalf of a class of residents, that is subject to litigation that alleges any website access violation to file a civil action in a State court against the party, attorney, or law firm that initiated the litigation for a determination as to whether this is abusive litigation. Provides that in determining whether the litigation alleging a website access violation constitutes abusive litigation, the trier of fact shall consider the totality of the circumstances to determine if the primary purpose of the litigation that alleges a website access violation is obtaining a payment from a defendant because of the costs of defending the action in court. Creates criteria for the trier of act to determine if the litigation is abusive under the Act. Provides that if the trier of fact determines that the litigation qualifies as abusive litigation under the Act, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the defendant. Provides that the court may also award punitive damages not to exceed 3 times the amount of attorney's fees awarded by the court.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

$ISBE-MENTORING EDUCATORS

Appropriates $9,200,000 to the State Board of Education for the purpose of new principal mentoring and new educator mentoring and coaching. Effective July 1, 2025.

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

SCH CD-LICENSE TYPES-TESTING

Amends the Educator License Article of the School Code. Provides that if an assessment is determined to be non-uniform, a provisional in-state educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to a candidate who has completed an Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois institution of higher education and who has not successfully completed an applicable content area test but who meets certain requirements, which is valid for one full fiscal year after the date of issuance and may not be renewed. Provides that the process by which the State Board of Education evaluates content area tests to determine content validity, absence of bias, or scores required to pass shall be public information and is available on the website of the State Board. Requires the State Board to evaluate each content area test after it has been administered for at least 10 months, but not more than 12 months, and shall determine whether a content test is non-uniform. Provides that an assessment first introduced prior to January 1, 2017 shall be considered uniform, and an assessment introduced on or after January 1, 2017 that does not meet specified criteria shall be considered uniform. Provides that if the State Board finds that the content area test forms available as of January 1, 2025 are not uniform in the level of difficulty as compared to previous forms of those exams, any candidate for licensure who attempted any content area test in the form that was available as of January 1, 2025, and whose best scores in each subsection of the same content area exam, taken across multiple attempts on the same form of the exam, equal or exceed the passing score for that content area exam as of January 1, 2025, shall be determined to have passed that content area exam.

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

SCH SAFETY DRILL-MAPPING DATA

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Requires any entity that receives crisis response mapping data to provide copies of the data to appropriate local, county, State, and federal first responders for use in response to emergencies. Requires the State Board of Education to provide crisis response mapping data to eligible entities in the order in which such entities apply for it and until any appropriations made for the purposes of this Section are exhausted. Makes other changes.

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

VEH CD-WEIGHT LIMIT EXEMPTION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated by an engine fueled wholly or partially by an electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric fueling system may exceed the posted weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds.

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

STORMWATER DRAINAGE-URBAN AREA

Amends the Counties Code. Repeals language that made certain stormwater management provisions applicable to all counties containing an urbanized area, except those counties covered by other provisions of the Code concerning stormwater management, if the question of allowing the county board to establish a stormwater management planning council had been submitted to the electors of the county and approved by a majority of those voting on the question. Specifies that these stormwater management provisions of the Code apply in all counties containing an urbanized area, unless the counties are covered by other provisions of the Code concerning stormwater management.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

EMERGENCY CO-RESPONSE GRANTS

Creates the Emergency Co-Response Grant Act. Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority shall, subject to appropriation, make grants to law enforcement departments to establish or maintain a co-response unit. Defines terms, including "co-response unit" to mean a unit of a law enforcement department featuring a specially trained team focused on de-escalation that includes at least one law enforcement officer and at least one clinician or trained civilian directly dispatched to emergency calls in which a behavioral health crisis is likely to be involved. Establishes requirements for applications for grants and use of grant moneys from the Emergency Co-Response Grant Fund. Requires each law enforcement department receiving a grant under the Act to submit a report to the General Assembly, the Governor, and the Agency, which shall also be posted on each law enforcement department's website, after July 1, 2031 but before January 1, 2032 on the programmatic and fiscal savings associated with co-response units, key conclusions, populations served, the benefits conferred or realized, and resulting policy recommendations to provide guidance to the General Assembly, the Governor, and the Agency in fully implementing and scaling permanent units. Requires joint adoption of rules to implement the Act, including requirements for law enforcement department co-response units receiving grants under the Act. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2033. Amends the State Finance Act creating the Emergency Co-Response Grant Fund. Effective immediately.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON MAIL

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall permit every committed person to receive the original, physical copy of any mail addressed to the committed person that the committed person is entitled and allowed to receive. Provides that any exceptions to the requirements of this provision must be based on evidence that complying with the requirements of this provision present a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the correctional employees or committed persons in the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must include evidence of contraband being sent through the mail, data on the number of mail items containing contraband, test results of mail tested due to suspicion of mail containing drugs, data on where inside a correctional institution or facility contraband has been found, and the method of entry of contraband into the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the data and evidence must be made publicly available monthly on the Department's website but no later than 60 days after the use of the exception to the requirements. Provides that no committed person shall be denied, or have communications limited, with an outside support person, whether by phone, mail, video, or in person visitation, as a result of a change in the committed person's grade level or housing status or as a disciplinary sanction. Provides that committed persons may contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message free of charge. Defines "original, physical copy".

Willie PrestonDemocrat

CONSUMER & PREDATORY LOANS

Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act. In provisions concerning an charges permitted, provides that the annual percentage rate shall be calculated using the system for calculating the annual percentage rate under the federal Truth in Lending Act (rather than a military annual percentage rate). Provides that a licensee shall not charge, impose, or receive any penalty for the prepayment of a loan. Provides that, before disbursing loan proceeds to a borrower, a licensee shall offer the borrower a credit education program or seminar provided by the licensee or a third party provider. Sets forth criteria for credit education programs or seminars. Makes changes in provision concerning the disclosure of Terms of contract and maximum loan terms and amount. Amends the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. In provisions concerning an annual percentage rate cap, provides that the annual percentage rate shall be calculated using the system for calculating the annual percentage rate under the federal Truth in Lending Act (rather than a military annual percentage rate). Makes changes in provisions concerning the purpose and construction of the Act. Effective immediately.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

HOMOCIDE INVESTIGATOR TRAINING

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall conduct or approve a training program in death and homicide investigation for the training of Department of Corrections internal security investigators. Provides that only law enforcement officers and Department of Corrections internal security investigators (rather than just law enforcement officers) who successfully complete the training program may be assigned as lead investigators in death and homicide investigations. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall develop a process for waiver applications sent by the Department of Corrections for those investigators whose prior training and experience as homicide investigators may qualify them for a waiver.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

TWP MEETING-ADVISORY QUESTIONS

Amends the Township Code. In provisions regarding the ability of any group of registered voters to request an advisory question of public policy for consideration by the electors at the annual meeting, provides that the advisory question of public policy must be pertaining to the statutory duties of townships under the Annual Township Meeting Article of the Code.

Craig WilcoxRepublican

PUB AID-TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

Amends the Survivor Support And Trafficking Prevention Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Extends eligibility for cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes who are preparing to file an application for T Nonimmigrant status or other specified nonimmigrant status applications. Removes a provision conditioning such assistance on the availability of funding. Removes a provision excluding from cash assistance and SNAP eligibility foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes who are single adults without family members. Removes a provision excluding from SNAP eligibility foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes who reside in an institution or other setting that provides the majority of their daily meals. Effective immediately.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

PRIVACY CRIM JUSTICE DATA

Creates the Privacy of Criminal Justice Data Act. Provides that each contractor or business that stores, maintains, or purchases criminal justice data for and from a State agency or unit of local government shall certify in the contract, under penalty of perjury, that the contractor or business will not share that data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or for civil immigration enforcement purposes. Creates the Criminal Justice Information Sharing Act. Provides that every contract with the State or a unit of local government to store, maintain, or purchase criminal justice information of this State or a unit of local government shall contain a provision in which the contractor certifies that it shall not share the criminal justice information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or for civil immigration enforcement purposes. Defines terms.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

STATE DISABILITY OMBUDSPERSON

Creates the State Disability Ombudsperson Act. Creates the State Disability Ombudsperson within the Department of Human Rights. Provides that on or before July 1, 2026, the Ombudsperson shall offer training, outreach, and educational materials and may arrange for the offering of courses open to the public in disability services and training and related topics. Requires the Ombudsperson to provide a toll-free number available during business hours to provide information and resources under the Act. Requires the Ombudsperson to develop a process for receiving and reviewing complaints. Provides that if the Ombudsperson believes that a complaint has reasonable grounds to have been made, establish a procedure for referral to disability rights organizations, community-based services, and legal and courtroom advocacy if those services are requested or deemed adequate. Requires the Ombudsperson to submit an annual report to the General Assembly. Authorizes the Department of Human Rights to adopt rules to implement the Act. Makes other changes.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-NEW SALEM

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Code does not apply to procurements made in connection with Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site.

Steve McClureRepublican

PROP TX-30 YEAR HOMESTEAD

Amends the Property Tax Code. Establishes a homestead exemption for qualified homestead property that has been continuously owned, used, and occupied as the primary residence by the qualified taxpayer for at least 30 years any time prior to January 1 of the taxable year for which the exemption would apply. Requires taxpayers who have been granted an exemption to reapply on an annual basis. Provides that the assessor or chief county assessment officer may determine the eligibility of residential property to receive the homestead exemption by application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. Sets forth provisions concerning the review of exemptions granted under the provisions. Defines "qualified homestead property" and "qualified taxpayer". Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Neil AndersonRepublican

$IDOT-PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE

Appropriates $90,000,000 to the Department of Transportation for various passenger rail services. Effective July 1, 2025.

Terri BryantRepublican

HIGHER ED-EVALUATE INSTRUCTOR

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that if a student at a public institution of higher education is required to complete an instructor evaluation, the student shall evaluate the instructor's bias on whether the instructor displays any prejudiced or unfair treatment toward certain individuals or groups based on factors, including, but not limited to, race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or political ideology.

Chris BalkemaRepublican