Bills & Legislation

ALT RETAIL ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning the certification of alternative retail electric suppliers, provides that the alternative retail electric supplier shall publish notice of its application in the official State newspaper within 14 days (rather than 10 days) following the date of its filing. Provides that, no later than 60 days (rather than 45 days) after a complete application is properly filed with the Commission, and such notice is published, the Commission shall issue its order granting or denying the application. Provides that, in determining the level of technical, financial, and managerial resources and abilities which an applicant must demonstrate, the Commission shall consider the applicant's commitment of resources to the management of its sales and marketing staff through affirmative managerial policies, independent audits, technology, hands-on field monitoring, and training and, for applicants who have sales personnel or sales agents within the State, the applicant's managerial presence within the State. Provides that the Commission shall grant the application for a certificate of service authority if it finds, among other things, that the applicant will comply with all applicable federal, State, regional, and industry rules, policies, practices, procedures, and tariffs for the use, operation, and maintenance of the safety, integrity, and reliability, of the interconnected electric transmission system.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS-IMMUNITY

Creates the Immunity for Private Campgrounds Act. Provides that a private campground owner or an employee or officer of a private campground owner is not be liable for acts or omissions related to camping at a private campground if a person is injured or killed or property is damaged as a result of an inherent risk of camping with exceptions. Provides that "private campground" means any parcel or tract of land, including buildings and other structures, that is owned or operated by a private property owner where 5 or more campsites are made available for use as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. Provides that private campground also includes recreational vehicle parks. Exempts employer-employee relationships.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

PUBLIC AID-TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide coverage under the medical assistance program for intensive outpatient services delivered via telehealth when the services: (1) are otherwise covered when provided in person; (2) are medically necessary; (3) are delivered by a provider enrolled in the medical assistance program and acting within the scope of the provider's license, certification, or authorization under State law; and (4) comply with all applicable federal and State telehealth requirements. Provides that intensive outpatient services provided via telehealth shall be subject to the same coverage requirements, utilization management, and reimbursement methodologies as intensive outpatient services provided in person. Sets forth standards for telehealth delivery of intensive outpatient services. Provides that implementation of the provisions is subject to any required federal approval. Effective immediately.

Sara FeigenholtzDemocrat

LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person who is less than 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers if the operator is 18 years of age or older.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

DPH-LUNG CANCER STUDY

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Authorizes the Department of Public Health to conduct a study on lung cancer biomarkers, including, but not limited to, the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene. Provides that the study may focus on identifying genetic variations in lung cancer that are linked to increased risks, genetic variations that are linked to treatment resistance, and genetic variations that are linked to specific disease subtypes. Provides that the Department of Public Health may enter into contracts, grants, or other agreements for the purpose of completing the study. Provides for the repeal of these provisions on January 1, 2029.

Adriane JohnsonDemocrat

FACILITATE VOTING FOR ALL

Creates the Facilitating Voting By All Eligible Citizens Act. Provides that all eligible citizens shall cast a ballot in every general election. Provides that an eligible citizen who casts a blank ballot in a general election shall satisfy the requirement. Provides that no fine, fee, or penalty shall be assessed if an eligible citizen does not cast a ballot in a general election.

Adriane JohnsonDemocrat

DCEO-SMALL BUSINESS GRANT

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 shall establish the Small Business Stabilization Grant Program to provide grants to eligible small businesses experiencing financial hardship. Effective immediately.

Adriane JohnsonDemocrat

PROTECTIVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Creates the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act. Provides that all individual in the State have the right to wear protective medical equipment in any place of public accommodation where they have a lawful right to be without obligation to disclose health status or any other protected information, and no person, entity, or authority shall deny, restrict, or infringe upon this right. Provides that operators and public officials shall not discriminate against or penalize medical device wearers for exercising their right to wear protective medical equipment. Provides that discrimination under the Act includes, but is not limited to: denial of service; eviction from premises; any form of harassment to remove or refrain from wearing such equipment for any amount of time; specified actions taken by employers; and provision of unequal goods, services, facilities, advantages, or accommodations. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection against retaliation, the exceptions for security requirements, operational safety, age and identity restricted products, and financial institution customer identification, and an undue hardship exemption. Effective immediately.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

DIVEST PRIVATE PRISONS

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the Illinois Investment Policy Board to make its best efforts to identify all for-profit companies that contract to shelter incarcerated or detained persons and to include those companies in the list of restricted companies for purposes of investment distributed to each retirement system and the Illinois State Board of Investment. Provides that an exception to divestment requirements for investments that are equal to or less than 0.5% of the market value of all assets under management by the retirement does not apply to investments in for-profit companies that contract to shelter incarcerated or detained persons. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Public Funds Investment Act. Provides that a municipality with a population of 500,000 or more or a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more shall not invest public funds in an investment instrument issued by for-profit companies that contract to shelter incarcerated or detained persons. Requires such a municipality or county to instruct its investment advisors to sell, redeem, divest, or withdraw all holdings of a for-profit company that enters into a contract to shelter incarcerated or detained persons from the local government's assets under management in an orderly and fiduciarily responsible manner within 12 months after the company's most recent appearance on the list of restricted companies published by the Illinois Investment Policy Board. Effective immediately.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

COURTS-REMOTE ACCESS

Amends the Access to Justice Act. Creates the Remote Filing Task Force of 17 members. Creates an appointment process. Provides that the Task Force shall research and evaluate the existing ability of litigants to file court documents remotely across Illinois, including (1) identifying barriers for pro se litigants, people with a primary language other than English, people in crisis, people with disabilities, and people with low-literacy; (2) research and evaluate approaches to address any barriers identified by the Task Force to increase access and usability to remote filing for all Illinoisans; and (3) make recommendations to reduce barriers for litigants to remotely file court documents and improve access and usability of remote filing statewide. Requires that the Task Force submit a report containing its findings and any recommendations to the Supreme Court and the General Assembly by October 1, 2027. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved on October 2, 2027. Effective immediately.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

CRIM CD-AGG DOMESTIC BATTERY

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person who, in committing a domestic battery, other than by discharge of a firearm, knows the individual battered to be a person 60 years of age or older commits aggravated domestic battery.

Terri BryantRepublican

CRIM CD-DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Creates the offense of domestic assault. Provides that a person commits the offense when, without lawful authority, he or she knowingly engages in conduct that places any family or household member in reasonable apprehension of great bodily harm, or permanent disability or disfigurement. Provides that if the defendant is arrested for domestic assault, upon release of the defendant from custody pending trial, the court, at the preliminary examination, shall order that the defendant refrain from contact or communication with the victim of the domestic assault and refrain from entering or remaining at the victim's residence for a minimum of 72 consecutive hours. Provides that domestic assault is a Class A misdemeanor. Defines "family or household member".

Terri BryantRepublican

FOID-REVOCATION-SUSPENSION

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act to the contrary, on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois State Police may not revoke a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Provides that on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a Firearm Owner's Identification Card may only be revoked after a Firearm Owner's Identification Card hearing has been held in the circuit court of the county of residence of the person whose Firearm Owner's Identification Card is sought to be revoked. Provides that, if the State's Attorney of the county of residence of the person whose Firearm Owner's Identification Card is sought to be revoked has probable cause to believe that the person who has been issued a Firearm Owner's Identification Card is no longer eligible for the Card under the Act, the State's Attorney shall file a petition in the circuit court of the county of residence of the person whose Card is sought to be revoked. Provides that at the hearing, the person may present evidence in his or her favor seeking retention of his or her Firearm Owner's Identification Card and the Illinois State Police and State's Attorney may present evidence for revocation. Provides that the hearing shall be a civil proceeding and subject to due process, the Code of Civil Procedure, and the Illinois Rules of Evidence as adopted by the Supreme Court. Provides that the hearing shall be held within 45 days after the filing of the petition. Provides that if the circuit court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person is ineligible for retention of his or her Firearm Owner's Identification Card under the Act, the court shall order the Illinois State Police to immediately revoke the Card and the circuit clerk shall seize the Card and transmit the Card to the Illinois State Police. Establishes procedures for the Illinois State Police to suspend a Firearm Owner's Identification Card.

Terri BryantRepublican

COUNTIES CD-AUXILIARY DEPUTIES

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that, in matters a sheriff deems essential to preventing or assisting with disasters or events of civil disorder, the sheriff may authorize plain clothes to be worn by auxiliary deputies as long as the auxiliary deputies are carrying proper identification while performing this function. Provides that auxiliary deputies may only carry firearms while in the performance of their assigned duties (rather than while in uniform and in the performance of their assigned duties).

Terri BryantRepublican

ASSAULT WEAPONS - AFFIDAVIT

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that, should provisions regarding manufacture, possession, delivery, sale, and purchase of assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges be found to be unconstitutional by a court with all appeals exhausted or expired, the Illinois State Police shall immediately and permanently destroy or have destroyed each endorsement affidavit and all information collected from the endorsement affidavit in possession of the Illinois State Police and any law enforcement agency.

Terri BryantRepublican

REPEAL ILLINOIS TRUST ACT

Repeals the Illinois TRUST Act. Makes corresponding changes in the Illinois Identification Card Act, the School Code, the Public Higher Education Act, and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Effective immediately.

Terri BryantRepublican

CD CORR-DOC SCAN PRISONER MAIL

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall achieve 100% scanning capacity of all mail arriving at each correctional institution and facility not later than 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department shall utilize all means necessary to achieve synthetic drug interdiction in order to: (1) protect staff and committed persons from exposure to synthetic drugs and opioids introduced to correctional institutions and facilities through the mail; and (2) ensure that after a piece of mail is received at a correctional institution or facility, each committed person receives a digital copy of any mail that is addressed to the committed person. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules regarding the delivery of mail and mail scanning services necessary to achieve the scanning capacity described in this provision. Provides that beginning one year after the date on which the strategy is achieved and each year thereafter, the Director of Corrections shall submit to the Governor and General Assembly a report on the total quantity of detected synthetic drugs and opioids. Contains a findings provision.

Terri BryantRepublican

JUV CT&PROBATE-GUARDIANSHIP

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 concerning abused, neglected, and dependent minors. Provides that when the minor is placed in the custody of a suitable relative or other person as legal custodian or guardian or placed in subsidized guardianship of a suitable relative or other person as legal guardian, custody or guardianship continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 18 years. Provides that when a minor is placed in the guardianship of a probation officer, committed to an agency for care or placement, or committed to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and service, custody or guardianship granted continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 21 years. Makes other changes. Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that if the minor is a youth in care under the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 when the petition for the appointment of a guardian of a minor is filed, the court's determinations and findings shall be made consistent with the court review provisions of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that any motion to modify or vacate the appointment of a guardian of a minor who was a youth in care immediately preceding the filing of a petition for the appointment of a minor guardian shall be filed and reviewed pursuant to the supplemental provisions to reinstate wardship of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that if custody and guardianship is to be restored to a parent or guardian who was a respondent in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 case, the court's determinations and findings shall be made consistent with the court review provisions of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Defines "youth in care". Effective immediately.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

DIRECT RECORDING ELEC VOTING

Amends the Election Code. Provides that only voting machines or voting systems approved by the State Board of Elections, as allowed under this Code, may be used by an election authority. Repeals the Direct Recording Electronic Voting Systems Article. Makes conforming changes. Provides that a "voting machine", "voting system", or "electronic voting system" does not mean a direct recording electronic voting machine or system or a machine or system that uses a computer as the marking device to mark a ballot sheet. Effective January 1, 2027.

Neil AndersonRepublican

ELEC CD-CAMPAIGN FREE ZONES

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the campaign free zone at any polling place located within any forest preserve district or conservation district shall extend 100 horizontal feet from each entrance to the room used by voters to engage in voting and shall also extend 500 horizontal feet from each entrance to the room used by voters to engage in voting to the boundaries of the district.

Javier L. CervantesDemocrat

$CIL FUNDING

Appropriates $16,358,900 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services Bureau for grants to independent living centers. Effective July 1, 2026.

Javier L. CervantesDemocrat

NOT FOR PROFIT CORPS-FILINGS

Amends the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986. In provisions concerning the execution of forms, provides that a filing with the Secretary of State that reflects a change in the composition of the corporation's directors or officers or a change of the corporation's registered agent, from its most recent filing with the Secretary of State, shall be signed by at least 3 of the corporation's directors or officers. Sets forth additional requirements.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

VEH CD-ALPR-RECORD RETENTION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Changes the definition of "automated license plate reader" or " ALPR" to mean a camera or system of cameras using computer algorithms to convert images of license plates into automated computer-recognized searchable alphanumeric data (rather than an electronic device) that is mounted on a law enforcement vehicle or positioned in a stationary location and that is capable of recording data on or taking a photograph of a vehicle or its license plate and comparing the collected data and photographs to existing law enforcement databases for investigative purposes. Allows a law enforcement agency to retain ALPR system detection records for 5 years after the date of the creation of the records. Requires the detection records to be archived 90 days after the creation of the records unless the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial. Provides that any detection records that are older than 90 days shall only be accessed with the written approval of the law enforcement agency head. Prohibits all detection records archived after 90 days from being searchable by out-of-state agencies. Requires all detection records to be destroyed 5 years after the records were created unless the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial. Requires the Illinois State Police to retain ALPR detection records for a period that is consistent with the provisions of the Expressway Camera Act and the State Records Act.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

CONSUMERS-MEDICAL DEBT REPORTS

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. In provisions concerning medical debt, provides that it is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act for any person: (1) to use a medical debt listed on a consumer credit report as a negative or adverse factor when making a credit decision; or (2) to furnish information regarding a medical debt to a consumer reporting agency. Provides that a medical debt is void and unenforceable if a person to whom a medical debt is owed or an agent of that person knowingly furnishes information regarding the medical debt to a consumer reporting agency.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

$ISBE-HOMELESS STUDENTS

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the State Board of Education to award funding under the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program to be used to support programming for students at risk for or experiencing homelessness. Effective July 1, 2026.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFETY

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act. Provides that a frontier artificial intelligence model developer or large chatbot provider shall write, implement, comply with, and clearly and conspicuously publish on its website a public safety and child protection plan. Provides that the Attorney General shall establish a mechanism to be used by a large frontier developer, a large chatbot provider, or a member of the public to report a safety incident related to specified artificial intelligence models or chatbots. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection of whistleblowers; third party audits of large frontier developers; and civil penalties. Provides for rulemaking by the Attorney General. Effective January 1, 2027.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

COMPANION AI PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Companion Artificial Intelligence Protection Act. Provides that an operator of a companion artificial intelligence product shall not deploy or operate a companion artificial intelligence product that incorporates specified features. Provides for auditing and reporting requirements. Provides that an operator shall provide a clear notification during an interaction with a companion artificial intelligence product informing the user that the user is communicating with a companion artificial intelligence product. Requires the implementation of mandatory user safeguards, including a crisis intervention protocol. Sets forth provisions concerning liability and enforcement. Effective January 1, 2027.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

AI PROVENANCE DATA ACT

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Provenance Data Act. Provides that a covered artificial intelligence tool provider shall make available, at no cost to a person, a provenance label reading tool. Provides that a covered artificial intelligence tool provider shall include a provenance label in any image, video, or audio content instance created by its artificial intelligence. Sets forth requirements for large online platforms, capture device manufacturers, and third-party licensees and hosting platforms concerning provenance labels. Sets forth provisions concerning civil penalties. Effective January 1, 2027.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

ONLINE SAFETY ACT

Creates the Online Safety Act. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2027, an owner of a social media platform shall: (1) incorporate an online safety center into the social media platform that provides consumers with specified educational resources; and (2) establish a cyberbullying policy for the social media platform. Provides for restrictions on personal data processors that offers any online service, product, or feature to minors. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

DENTAL HYGIENIST-ANESTHESIA

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

Mattie HunterDemocrat

PUBLIC AID-EMV CHIP CARDS

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, to the extent permitted under federal law and regulations, the Department of Human Services shall, as soon as practical after the effective date of the amendatory Act but not later than March 1, 2027, implement an electronic benefits transfer system that uses industry-standard commercial electronic funds transfer technology, including, at a minimum, the use of cards with EMV chips.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

AGRICULTURE-DUST STORM STUDY

Amends the Sustainable Agriculture Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources shall conduct a joint study to evaluate the corrective actions that may be adopted within the agricultural sector to mitigate dust storm occurrences and the severity of dust storms. Provides that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources may consult with and seek assistance from similar state agencies in other states and federal agencies, to the extent that such coordination aids in furthering the purposes of this study. Requires the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security to evaluate and publish findings on the short-term and long-term threats of dust storms and the protocol that should be developed to protect the public from current and future threats posed by dust storms. Provides that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources shall publish the joint study on an agreed upon publicly available website and shall provide suitable copies to the Governor and the General Assembly by no later than December 1, 2027.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

RES SOLAR PERMITTING PLATFORM

Creates the Residential Automated Solar Permitting Platform Act. On or before July 1, 2027, municipalities and counties with a population of more than 10,000 residents must adopt a residential automated solar permitting platform. Requires that the municipality or county anticipate that the residential automated solar permitting platform will have the capability to process at least 75% of residential solar applications on existing construction submitted to authorities having jurisdiction in the State. "Residential automated solar permitting platform" means software or a combination of software that automates plan review, automatically produces code-compliant approvals, accepts online payments for permitting fees if permitting fees are levied, and instantly issues permits and permit revisions for residential photovoltaic systems upon online submission of permitting fee payments, if permitting fees are levied, and a code-compliant application. Provides that a person or entity whose rights have been violated under this Act by a municipality or county is entitled to collect: (1) in the case of unlawful retaliation, all legal or equitable relief as may be appropriate; and (2) attorney's fees and costs. Makes other changes.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

WILL DEPOSITORY-CIRCUIT CLERKS

Amends the Clerks of the Courts Act. Authorizes a circuit court clerk of any county to develop and maintain a will depository. Provides a procedure for the clerk to accept for safekeeping a testamentary instrument including a will, codicil, trust, or trust and one or more trust amendments of a living testator. Provides that the depositor must deposit the will with the clerk in the county in which the testator resided when the will was executed. A depositor may be the testator or an attorney who is in possession of the will with written authorization by the testator. Provides that the clerk is not required to determine if the clerk's county is the correct county for the filing. Creates a procedure for the clerk to follow in accepting, keeping, and returning these documents. Allows the clerk to charge a fee of $25 for each will deposited, and the clerk may not collect a separate fee for additional documents concurrently deposited in relation to a single testator or for a single joint will prepared for a husband and wife.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

VIDEO GAMING TERMINAL PAYOUTS

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that each licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, and licensed veterans establishment at which video gaming terminals are available shall have a payout device approved by the Board. Removes provisions requiring a player to turn in the player's ticket to the appropriate person at those establishments. Provides that no cash award for the maximum wager on any individual hand shall exceed the W-2G reporting requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (instead of $1,199). Requires credits to be awarded to players as authorized by the Act. Removes provisions prohibiting the cash award for the maximum wager on a jackpot from exceeding $10,000. Removes provisions concerning in-location bonus jackpot games.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

SHERIFF-PROCESS SERVICE-FEES

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a sheriff in a county of the third class may receive a fee of $200 for serving or attempting to serve, without aid, an order or judgment either for the possession of real estate in an action of ejectment or any other action or for restitution in an eviction action if service of the order or judgment was rescheduled by the party seeking enforcement. Authorizes the sheriff to tax the actual costs of service of these judgments and orders when aid is necessary. Allows imposition of this fee if the party seeking enforcement previously sought enforcement on the same order or judgment and canceled or failed to appear at the scheduled time for the enforcement of the order or judgment without providing the sheriff with notice of the need to reschedule or cancel enforcement at least 8 hours before to the scheduled enforcement.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

$IDOT-MODOC FERRY

Appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Transportation for expenses relating to the operations of the Ste. Genevieve – Modoc River Ferry. Effective July 1, 2026.

Terri BryantRepublican

SNAP RESPONSE WORKING GROUP

Amends the Commission to End Hunger Act. Creates the SNAP Response Working Group. Provides that the co-chairs of the Commission to End Hunger shall convene and appoint the co-chairs of the Working Group. Provides that the Working Group shall review and analyze federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), gather and analyze data regarding the potential impact of the federal changes to SNAP on Illinois residents, and gather relevant estimates and data about Illinois' SNAP payment error rate, including the monthly State-reported error rate. Requires the SNAP Response Working Group to make projections about the cost to the State to maintain SNAP in Illinois in federal Fiscal Year 2028. Directs the Working Group to submit a preliminary report to the General Assembly no later than January 1, 2027. Provides that the preliminary report shall outline the federal changes to SNAP and identify the number of State residents impacted by those changes. Further provides that the preliminary report shall include initial recommendations for State action to prevent or mitigate any harm to State residents caused by the federal changes and shall project the cost to maintain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Illinois in federal Fiscal Year 2028. Provides that, no later than April 1, 2027, the Working Group shall issue a full report to the General Assembly that includes an analysis on the impact of federal changes to SNAP on Illinois, final recommendations for State action to prevent or mitigate harm resulting from those changes, updated projections of the cost to maintain the program in federal Fiscal Year 2028, and any other cost projections relating to the Working Group's recommendations. Requires the SNAP Response Working Group to provide any relevant additional updates to its recommendations or projections as appropriate. Specifies that all reports of the Working Group shall be published by the Department of Human Services on its website. Provides that the SNAP Working Group shall be dissolved on May 31, 2027. Effective immediately.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

SNAP-FRESH PROGRAM BENEFITS

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to, subject to available funding, establish a Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program to provide FRESH benefits to households subject to termination of the household's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or a reduction in the household's monthly SNAP benefit allotment, if the termination or reduction in SNAP benefits occurred as a result of one or more members of the household failing to meet federal SNAP work requirements. Provides that, for eligible households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated, FRESH benefits shall be provided as a one-time lump sum payment distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Requires the Department to make FRESH program applications available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers immediately upon the first of the month following the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that an application for FRESH benefits shall not be deemed an application for any other public aid provided under the Code. Requires the Department to provide within a specified time frame FRESH benefits to households' that experience a reduction or termination of SNAP benefits prior to or after the first month following the effective date of the amendatory Act, if certain application submission deadlines are met. Requires the Department to publish monthly data reports on the FRESH program and to include such data in the Department's annual report to the General Assembly. Prohibits the Department and local governmental units from considering a household's receipt of FRESH benefits when determining the household's eligibility for other assistance provided under the Code. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

HOUSEHOLD PRIVACY-CONSENT

Amends the Protecting Household Privacy Act. Provides that "household electronic device" includes residential security and surveillance systems. In provisions regarding exceptions from the Act, provides that lawful consent shall be obtained in accordance with specified provisions. Provides that a private entity, including the manufacturer or distributor of a household electronic device, or third party which collects, processes, stores, uses, or shares data in partnership with the private entity, shall obtain lawful consent to share household electronic data pertaining only to a single crime investigation with a law enforcement agency through a written opt-in request to the owner of the household electronic device or person in actual or constructive possession of the household electronic device. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to permit a law enforcement agency to disclose household electronic data for federal immigration purposes. Provides that any person or entity that collects, processes, stores, uses, or shares household electronic data shall take reasonable measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of any household electronic data. Effective immediately.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

HIGHER ED ASSIST-VET GRANTS

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act with respect to the Illinois Veteran grant program. Changes the definition of "qualified applicant" to include a person who, among satisfying other requirements, does not meet requirements regarding residency or public institution of higher education enrollment in the State, but (i) at least 12 months of his or her federal active duty took place in the State, (ii) he or she resided in the State for 2 years after leaving federal active duty service, and (iii) he or she now serves in a reserve component of the Armed Forces.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

HIGHWAY SIGNAGE NAMING

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Requires the Department of Transportation to name a highway under its jurisdiction if one chamber of the General Assembly passes a resolution directing the Department to do so.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

CRIM CD-DRONE-PRIVACY

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to, without the consent of another person, operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in a manner that: (1) is intended to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to enter the space above or surrounding the other person's occupied residence for the purpose of making a video record or transmitting live video or audio recordings of the other person while the other person is: (A) within his or her occupied residence; or (B) on the land or premises on which his or her occupied residence is located; and (2) invades the other person's reasonable expectation of privacy. Provides that it is unlawful for the person to knowingly disseminate a video record or live video made in violation of these provisions. Defines "unmanned aerial vehicle". Provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

ENTERPRISE ZONE-SOLAR & WIND

Amends the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act. Provides that Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may designate a business that intends to establish a new wind power facility or a utility-scale solar facility as a high impact business only if the municipality in which the facility will be located (or the county in which the facility will be located, if the facility will be located in an unincorporated area of the county) approves, in writing, the designation of the business as a high impact business. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Prevailing Wage Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Sue RezinRepublican

USE/OCC TX-MODIFIED VEHICLES

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 July 1, 2026, the 1% rate of tax on modifications to a motor vehicle for the purpose of rendering the motor vehicle usable by a person with a disability applies to tangible personal property that is installed in or on a motor vehicle before, during, or after the purchase of the motor vehicle for the purpose of rendering the motor vehicle usable by a person with a disability. Provides that the 1% rate of tax on that property applies only if the tangible personal property is separately itemized on the bill or invoice for the sale of the motor vehicle or if the tangible personal property is purchased separately from the motor vehicle and is separately itemized on a bill or invoice. Effective immediately.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

SCH CD-E-LEARNING DAY-ELECTION

Amends the School Code. Allows the school board of a school district to use an adopted and verified program for e-learning days district-wide that permits student instruction to be received electronically while students are not physically present on an election day because a school was selected to be a polling place (rather than adopt a research-based program for e-learning days district-wide that shall permit student instruction to be received electronically while students are not physically present because a school was selected to be a polling place). Provides that e-learning days used for this purpose may not be counted in lieu of the district's scheduled emergency days.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

PASSENGER RAIL PLANNING ACT

Creates the Passenger Rail Planning Act. Sets forth intercity passenger rail routes serving or originating in the State. Requires the Department of Transportation to incorporate the aspirational frequencies into the Illinois State Rail Plan and the Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan. Authorizes the Department to nominate corridors for inclusion in the Federal Railroad Administration's Corridor Identification and Development Program and enter into memoranda of understanding or other cooperative agreements for each identified interstate corridor to provide for shared data, joint investment prioritization, and aligned performance measures and planning schedules. Requires the Department to include a recurring section titled Progress Toward High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail within each update to the Illinois State Rail Plan and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Requires each Metropolitan Planning Organization in the State to: (1) recognize the target intercity and long-distance passenger rail frequencies; (2) identify relevant rail corridors within or adjacent to the Metropolitan Planning Organization planning area; and (3) include a narrative discussion of how regional transportation investments can support achievement of those frequency targets. Requires the Department and each Metropolitan Planning Organization to consider progress toward the target passenger rail frequencies when developing project prioritization criteria for multimodal investments. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

UNEMPLOYMENT INS-ACADEMICS

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that, with respect to a week of unemployment beginning on or after June 1, 2026, benefits shall be payable to an individual on the basis of wages for employment in other than an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity performed for an educational institution or an educational service agency, as long as the individual is otherwise eligible for benefits. Effective immediately.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-SMALL BUSINESS

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning small business set-asides, provides that (i) no manufacturing business is a small business if it employs more than the number of persons set forth in the small business size standard for its specific industry, as established by the United States Small Business Administration (currently, 250 persons); and (ii) no construction business is a small business if its annual sales and receipts exceed the small business size standard for its specific industry, as established by the United States Small Business Administration (currently, $14,000,000). Effective immediately.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

INS-NONPARTICIPATING PROVIDERS

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that the reimbursement rate a health insurance issuer must pay to nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers subject to a unit of local government is equal to the rate established or approved by the governing body of the local government providing ground ambulance service (instead of the local government having jurisdiction for that area or subarea).

Ram VillivalamDemocrat