Bills & Legislation

VETERANS COURT-PTSD-PROCEDURES

Amends the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. Provides that if a veteran with a service-connected disability is arrested for or charged with a criminal offense and there is prima facie evidence that the veteran was suffering from an episode of post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition during the commission of the offense, there is a rebuttable presumption that the veteran is eligible to participate in a veterans and servicemembers court program, and after the arrest or charge, the following procedures shall take place: (1) the veteran shall be evaluated and treated as soon as practicable by a qualified medical professional for post-traumatic stress disorder and any other mental health condition or disorder; and (2) the court shall order a screening and clinical needs assessment and risk assessment and a mental health and substance use disorder screening and assessment. Provides that if a veteran with a service-connected disability is charged for the first time with a criminal offense, including a felony, except certain offenses that would make him or her ineligible to participate in a veterans and servicemembers court program, and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition during the commission of the offense, then, upon successful completion of the terms and conditions of a court program, the court shall dismiss the original charges against the veteran or successfully terminate the veteran's sentence or otherwise discharge the veteran from any further proceedings against the participant in the original prosecution. Establishes certain procedures to be followed when a combat veteran who is a disabled veteran has an episode of post-traumatic syndrome disorder and needs assistance.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

VETERANS COURT-PTSD/SENTENCING

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that it is a mitigating factor in sentencing that the defendant is convicted of a felony and is a combat veteran who is a qualified service-disabled veteran who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Amends the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. Provides that if a combat veteran who is a resident of Illinois is a qualified service-disabled veteran and is believed to have committed an offense or is in need of assistance as a result of a suspected incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, a peace officer or an ambulance service shall transport the veteran to a Department of Veterans Affairs' hospital to be evaluated by a physician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist, or other medical professional that the hospital deems qualified to determine whether the veteran is a danger to himself, herself, herself, or others. Provides that if it is determined by the hospital staff who evaluated the veteran that the veteran is not a danger to himself or others, the person shall be released unless that person is subject to law enforcement agency custody for commission of an offense that requires pretrial detention under the Pretrial Release Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. If the veteran requires detention, the veteran shall be released to law enforcement agency custody. Provides that if a combat veteran who is a qualified service-disabled veteran is charged with a criminal offense, the case shall be tried by a veterans and servicemembers court located in the veteran's county of residence, or if the veteran's county of residence does not have a veterans and servicemembers court located in that county, the case shall be tried in a veterans and servicemembers court located in the nearest county of the veteran's residence.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Amends the Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Veteran Service Organizations Equal Act. Provides that a veteran service organization shall be considered to have veteran service organization status (rather than shall be considered state chartered) when the organization meets all of the requirements listed in the Act and the organization's application for veteran service organization status (rather than state charter status) has been approved by the Attorney General. Makes corresponding changes throughout the Act. Provides that the Attorney General shall grant veteran service organization status (rather than state charter status) to any organization that has demonstrated that all requirements for obtaining veteran service organization status have been met. Requires a veteran service organization to have annual expenditures that demonstrate that 20% (rather than a majority) of the organization's expenses reflect support for veterans in order to qualify for veteran service organization status. Requires an application for veteran service organization status to include a statement from the organization's Commander, President, or chief executive officer (rather than all officers of the organization) attesting that all requirements for a veteran service organization status have been met. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any person proving veteran or military benefits services to: (i) receive compensation for referring any individual to another person to advise or assist the individual with any veterans' benefits matter; (ii) guarantee, either directly or by implication, a successful outcome or that any individual is certain to receive specific veterans' benefits; (iii) utilize international call centers or data centers for processing veterans' personal information; and (iv) other matters.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

FOIA-JUDICIAL EXEMPTIONS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Includes the judicial body and its components in the definition of "public body". Defines "public records" when that term is associated with the judicial body and its components. Exempts from inspection and copying (i) records of the judicial body and its components that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders or judicial work product and (ii) records that are privileged or confidential under the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct or the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. Provides that a person whose request to inspect or copy a public record was denied or treated as a voluminous request by the judicial body and its components may not file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

ESTATE TAX-REPEAL

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Provides that no tax shall be imposed under the Act for persons dying on or after the effective date or for transfers made on or after the effective date. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

INC TX-STATE AND LOCAL DEDUCT

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for amounts that are disallowed as a deduction on the taxpayer's federal income tax return because of the $10,000 limitation under the federal Internal Revenue Code on deductions for certain State and local taxes. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

PROP TAX-PORTABLE BUILDING

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, except as provided with respect to mobile homes, a building or structure that is not affixed to or installed on a permanent foundation or connected to utilities for year-round occupancy is not considered real property. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

PROP TX-ABATEMENT-RESIDENTIAL

Amends the Property Tax Code. Allows for an abatement of taxes if the property is included in a new residential construction development that is located in a county with fewer than 300,000 inhabitants. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

MUNI-TIF-BLIGHTED HOMES

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that "redevelopment project costs" include the costs of demolishing buildings, site preparation, or site improvements of a dilapidated or vacant parcel zoned for residential use or costs of reconstruction, repair, remodeling, or new construction of a single-family residence on a dilapidated or vacant parcel zoned for residential use. Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a municipality, upon adoption of an ordinance or resolution by majority vote of its corporate authorities, may order the county clerk to abate, for 20 years, the portion of the taxes levied upon an improved parcel of real property that is attributable to the increase in the current equalized assessed valuation of the parcel over and above the equalized assessed valuation of the parcel immediately before the demolition of the dilapidated structure on the parcel. Provides that "improved parcel of real property" means a parcel where redevelopment project costs have been used by the municipality for the construction of a new single-family residence on a parcel zoned for residential use after demolition or removal of a dilapidated structure from that parcel. Provides that an abatement approved under the provisions shall be extended to all subsequent owners of the improved parcel of real property during the abatement period.

Chapin RoseRepublican

INC TX-ILLINOIS SOURCES

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that, when calculating the taxpayer's base income, the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income shall be modified to exclude (i) the portion of income or loss that is received from a trade or business conducted within and without Illinois and that is not derived from or connected with Illinois sources and (ii) the portion of income or loss that is received from a pass-through entity conducting business within and without Illinois and that is not derived from or connected with Illinois sources. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

JOB CREATION PILOT PROGRAM ACT

Creates the Job Creation Zone Pilot Program Act. Sets forth the boundaries of the job creation zone. Provides that applicants that pledge to hire at least 5 new employees at a designated location within the job creation zone are eligible for credits against their obligation to pay over withholding taxes under the Illinois Income Tax Act. Authorizes an applicant to request a credit award under the Act by making a formal written request or application with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Specifies that the amount of the credit may not exceed (i) 50% of the incremental income tax attributable to each new employee during the calendar year in which the new employee is hired and for the first 2 calendar years after the new employee is hired and (ii) 25% of the incremental income tax attributable to each new employee during the third and fourth calendar years after the new employee is hired. Grants the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity rulemaking powers to implement and enforce the Act. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

INC TAX-MANUFACTURING

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to 10% of the manufacturing capital expenditures incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year or, if the taxpayer is located in a rural or economically challenged area, 15% of those expenditures. Provides that the total amount of credits awarded under these provisions may not exceed $10,000,000 for any particular taxpayer in any taxable year, except that, if the capital investment is made in a rural or economically challenged area, then the maximum amount awarded for any particular taxpayer in any taxable year shall be $20,000,000. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

USE/OCC TX-FIREWORKS

Amends the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Provides that the provision prohibiting the sale and use of fireworks does not apply to D.O.T. Class C common fireworks. Provides that D.O.T. Class C common fireworks may only be purchased by individuals over the age of 18. Provides that fireworks may only be discharged by individuals over the age of 18. Repeals provisions concerning fireworks consumer display permits. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2026, each month the Department of Revenue shall pay into the Fire Prevention Fund 50% of the net revenue realized for the preceding month from the tax imposed on the selling price of D.O.T. Class C common fireworks. Effective immediately, except that provisions amending the Pyrotechnic Use Act take effect on January 1, 2026.

Chapin RoseRepublican

TIMBER BUYERS-HARVEST FEES

Amends the Timber Buyers Licensing Act. Removes language that requires a person buying timber from a timber grower to deduct from the payment to the timber grower an amount which equals 4% of the purchase price or 4% of the minimum fair market value and forward such amount to the Department of Natural Resources. Removes language that requires a timber grower who utilizes timber produced on land the timber grower owns or operates for sawing into lumber, processing, or resale to pay to the Department an amount equal to 4% of the minimum fair market value of the timber utilized during a period. Makes conforming changes.

Chapin RoseRepublican

IDOT ECON DEVELOP PROGRAM

Amends the Corporate Accountability for Tax Expenditures Act. Provides that if an applicant is seeking development assistance for a project that is a new office construction or office relocation that retains at least 100 jobs in the county in which the project is located or is being relocated to and the county has more than 25,000 residents but less than 50,000 residents, the applicant shall be eligible for development assistance under the Department of Transportation's Economic Development Program.

Chapin RoseRepublican

DFPR-LICENSURE FEE WAIVER

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, if the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation does not process an application for a license within 30 days after receiving the application, the Division shall waive the applicant's application fee or, if the applicant has already paid the application fee, the Division shall refund the applicant's application fee.

Chapin RoseRepublican

DRONE NO-FLY ZONE ACT

Creates the Civilian Enforced No-Fly Zone Act. Provides that an individual who owns or lawfully occupies private property in the State is authorized to disable or destroy an unmanned aerial vehicle that is operating over the individual's property at an altitude of less than 400 feet without the individual's permission. Provides immunity from civil or criminal liability unless an individual intentionally causes harm to persons or property in the process of disabling or destroying an unmanned aerial vehicle under the Act. "Unmanned aerial vehicle" means any aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. "Private property" means land or structures owned by individuals, including residential, agricultural, and commercial properties.

Chapin RoseRepublican

EPA-REASONABLE EFFORT

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides an exception for alleged violations which remain the subject of disagreement between the Agency and the person complained against following waiver pursuant to certain provisions or fulfillment of the requirements of certain provisions if the person so complained against has made a reasonable effort to remedy the violation, as determined by the Agency. Provides that any violation from January 1, 2023, until January 1, 2024, brought by the Office of the Attorney General shall be reviewed within 30 days of the effective date of the amendatory Act for compliance with the changes made by the amendatory Act if the violation occurred in a municipality with a population larger than 900, but smaller than 1,100. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

MUNI-PART-TIME POLICE OFFICERS

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that part-time police officers shall not be assigned to supervise or direct full-time police officers of a police department, except in municipalities having a population of less than 3,000 (rather than part-time police officers shall not be assigned under any circumstances to supervise or direct full-time police officers of a police department). Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

REC TRAILS-NATIONAL ROAD

Amends the Recreational Trails of Illinois Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may expend funds for the maintenance and restoration of the existing part of the National Road located in southeastern Illinois. Provides that the Department may make grants to contractors for the maintenance and restoration of the existing part of the National Road located in southeastern Illinois. Provides that the grants shall be made from State appropriations and to the extent permitted by federal law from federal funds for this purpose. Provides that moneys for this purpose may be received from local units of government or appropriate and allowable not-for-profit or private organizations.

Chapin RoseRepublican

MEDICAID-MENTAL HLTH-DRUG RPTS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision prohibiting prior authorization mandates and utilization management controls under the fee-for-service and managed care medical assistance programs for FDA-approved prescription drugs that treat mental illness, requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and managed care organizations to report quarterly on compliance with the specified prohibitions beginning with dates of service on and after July 1, 2025. Requires the Department to post on its website a report on fee-for-service prescriptions and the reports from each managed care organization. Sets forth the information that must be contained in the quarterly reports, including, but not limited to: (i) the number of denied prescriptions and estimated net cost to the State for those covered prescriptions summarized by each of the allowed categories specified in the Code; (ii) the number of denied prescriptions and estimated net cost to the State for those prescriptions summarized by each of the non-allowed categories specified in the Code; and (iii) the number of denied prescriptions and estimated gross cost to the State for those prescriptions summarized by any other reason not specified in the Code. Requires the Department to sanction those managed care organizations that do not file the required reports. Effective immediately.

Sara FeigenholtzDemocrat

AGING-ADULT DAY SERVICES RATES

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program, provides that subject to federal approval, within 30 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act, rates for adult day services shall be increased to $17.84 per hour and rates for each way transportation services for adult day services shall be increased to $13.44 per unit transportation.

Sara FeigenholtzDemocrat

FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act and other people of all immigration statuses the same medical coverage for family planning and family planning-related services and supplies as provided under Article V of the Code to eligible persons who are United States citizens. Requires lawful permanent residents and other people of all immigration statuses to meet all other eligibility qualifications under the HFS Family Planning Program in order to be eligible for family planning and family planning-related services and supplies under the amendatory Act. Prohibits the Department from requiring eligible lawful permanent residents or other people of all immigration statuses to complete a mandatory waiting period as a condition of receiving family planning and family planning-related services.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

MEDICAID-ASSETS EXEMPTION

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions listing the classes of persons eligible for medical assistance, provides that, to the extent permitted by federal law, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall by rule eliminate the consideration of assets when determining eligibility for any program of medical assistance. Requires the Department to seek federal authority to disregard all resources, including real and personal property, as authorized by the flexibilities provided under a specified federal law or other available authorities. Provides that if adjustment or elimination of the asset limit results in any disadvantage to receiving medical assistance in a community setting, the Department shall adopt rules rebalancing the programs so that, where medical assistance is available in a community setting, a medical assistance beneficiary has free choice between receiving those services in the community or in a long-term care facility. Makes conforming changes by: (i) removing a provision that requires the Department to establish, by rule, the amounts of assets to be disregarded in determining eligibility for medical assistance; (ii) removing a provision that permits the Department to establish resource standards for pregnant individuals applying for medical assistance that are more restrictive than those resource standards established under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; and (iii) removing a provision that permits the Department to allow non-exempt assets up to $25,000 during periods of medical assistance eligibility for employed persons with disabilities and employed persons with a medically improved disability.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

SCH CD-INSTRUCT-POLICE ENGAGE

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, requires a school district, if funds are available, to provide a minimum of 3 hours of instruction for students in any of grades 7 through 12 on (i) legal aspects explaining certain laws and penalties, (ii) responding to a police encounter, and (iii) the aftermath. Allows the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to school boards resource materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of the instruction. Effective immediately.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

CRIM CD-FIREARM OFFENSES

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 and the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that certain offenses for which the use of a firearm requires the court to add 15 years, 20 years, or 25 years or up to a term of natural life to the sentence, makes the additional sentences discretionary with the court. Deletes provisions that permit the court in those cases to impose a term of natural life imprisonment upon the defendant. Provides that the court may impose the additional sentences only if the defendant was personally armed with the firearm and was personally displaying the firearm. Provides that the penalty for aggravated criminal sexual assault in which the defendant personally discharged the firearm in the commission of the offense is a Class X felony for which up to 20 years may (rather than 20 years shall) be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court and up to 25 years may be added (rather than 25 years or up to a term of natural life imprisonment shall be added) to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court if the discharge proximately caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person; Provides that the penalty for home invasion is a Class X felony for which up to 20 years may (rather than 20 years shall) be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court if the defendant personally discharged a firearm during the commission of the offense.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

SCH CD-TEACHER EVALUATION PLAN

Amends the School Code. In a provision concerning teacher evaluation plans, provides that for teachers not in contractual continued service who participate in a new teacher induction and mentoring program established by the school district in which they are employed, non-evaluative mentor observation and feedback may be used in place of one evaluation observation.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

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

MUNI CD-LAW ENFORCEMENT

Amends the Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality shall reimburse law enforcement agencies for public safety services provided by the law enforcement agency if the law enforcement agency does not have jurisdiction over the municipality.

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

CAMPUS FREE SPEECH ACT

Creates the Campus Free Speech Act. Requires the governing board of each public university and community college to develop and adopt a policy on free expression; sets forth what the policy must contain. Requires the Board of Higher Education to create a Committee on Free Expression to issue an annual report. Requires public institutions of higher education to include in their freshman orientation programs a section describing to all students the policies and rules regarding free expression that are consistent with the Act. Contains provisions concerning rules, construction of the Act, and enforcement.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

SAFETY-TECH

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

SCH CD-EDUCATOR TESTING

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning educator testing, provides that the State Board of Education and the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board are required to approve more than one assessment, not from the same source, and each teacher preparation program in the State may use any evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness that aligns to current State teaching standards. Effective July 1, 2025.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

SURVEYING-SMALL CONTRACTS

Amends the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act. Provides that certain provisions concerning public notice, evaluations, and selection procedures do not apply to architectural, engineering, and land surveying contracts with an estimated basic professional services fee of less than $75,000 (currently, $25,000).

Cristina CastroDemocrat

INS CD-REBATE PAYMENT & ACCEPT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that nothing in provisions prohibiting the payment or acceptance of rebates shall prevent the offer or provision by insurers or producers, by or through employees, affiliates, or third-party representatives, of value-added products or services at no or reduced cost when such products or services are not specified in the policy of insurance, so long as the product or service relates to the insurance coverage and is primarily designed to satisfy specified criteria. Sets forth provisions concerning the requirements for insurers or producers offering non-cash gifts, items, or services or conducting raffles or drawings. Provides that an insurer, producer, or representative of an insurer or producer may not offer or provide insurance as an inducement to the purchase of another policy or otherwise use the words "free", "no cost", or words of similar import in an advertisement.

Dave SyversonRepublican

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE-TECH

Creates the Health Care Workforce Commission Act. Contains only a short title provision.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE

Creates the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create a program to award grants to Navigators for specified purposes, including wage reimbursements for employers that employ certain formerly incarcerated individuals. Contains provisions concerning requirements for wage reimbursements. Provides that "Navigator" means an entity that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs for formerly incarcerated participants and is certified by the Department as a Navigator. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to adopt emergency rules to implement the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities Act. Effective immediately.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

CANNABIS HOSPITALITY

Creates the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act. Provides that a county or municipality may issue licenses for temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues that will allow for the consumption of cannabis or cannabis-infused products and for the sale of cannabis paraphernalia at such temporary events or venues. Requires ordinances with specified requirements for such temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues before any licenses are issued. Limits home rule powers. Makes conforming changes in the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Effective immediately.

Kimberly A. LightfordDemocrat