Bills & Legislation

PUBLIC SAFETY BENEFITS-SPOUSES

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.

Michael E. HastingsDemocrat

OPIOIDS-VETERINARIAN PRESCRIPT

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

Michael E. HastingsDemocrat

STAR BONDS-APPROVAL AND TAX

Amends the Innovation Development and Economy Act. Provides that the corporate authorities of any political subdivision that (i) is not a home-rule unit and (ii) has established a STAR bond district under the Act may, by ordinance or resolution, impose a tourism tax upon all admission and amusement charges from transactions at places of business located within the STAR bond district, at a rate not to exceed 9% of the gross receipts derived from any admission and amusement charge within the STAR bond district, to be imposed only in 0.25% increments. Provides that the tax imposed under the provisions and all civil penalties that may be assessed as an incident of the tax under the provisions shall be collected and enforced by the Department of Revenue. Provides that, for any STAR bond district created on or after January 1, 2025, the Director of Revenue may only approve a STAR bond district if the Director finds that: (i) the proposed STAR bond district is an eligible area; (ii) the STAR bond district plan includes a projected capital investment of at least $500,000,000; (iii) the STAR bond district plan is reasonably projected to produce at least $100,000,000 of annual gross sales revenues, 1,500 new jobs, and 5,000 construction jobs; (iv) the STAR bond district plan includes a statement of how the jobs and taxes will contribute significantly to the economic development of the State and region; (v) the STAR bond district plan shows visitation expectations in excess of 1,000,000 visitors annually; (vi) the STAR bond district plan includes potential destination users and a potential entertainment user; (vii) the creation of the STAR bond district and STAR bond district plan are in accordance with the purpose of the Act and the public interest; and (viii) the STAR bond district and STAR bond district plan meet any other requirement the Director deems appropriate. Provides that, for the purposes of the Act, "local sales tax increment" includes, with respect to local sales taxes administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, all of the local sales tax paid by, among others, amusement park users. Makes other changes.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

MEDICAID-PERSON W/DISABILITIES

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning medical assistance for employed persons with disabilities and employed persons with a medically improved disability, provides that, subject to federal approval, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall eliminate income eligibility standards for such persons to the extent permitted by federal law and shall eliminate the consideration of assets when determining such persons eligibility for medical assistance to the extent permitted by federal law.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

INS-CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that specified notices of cancellation of insurance must be mailed at least 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation to the named insured if the effective date of cancellation is within the first 60 days of coverage. Provides that, after the coverage has been effective for 61 days or more, all notices must be mailed at least 60 days prior to the effective date of cancellation. Makes conforming changes. Creates the Climate Risk Disclosure Article. Provides that the Article applies to all companies licensed in Illinois under Classes 2 and 3 that write $100,000,000 or more annually in premiums. Allows the monetary threshold to be altered by rule. Requires all insurers subject to the Article to, upon direction from the Department of Insurance, participate in National Association of Insurance Commissioners issued climate surveys and Department issued climate surveys.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

UTIL-TIME-OF-USE PRICING

Creates the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act. Provides that, by November 1, 2025, and by November 1 every 3 years thereafter, all electric cooperatives with members in the State, municipal power agencies, and municipalities shall file with the Illinois Power Agency an integrated resource plan. Sets forth provisions concerning the plan. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Authorizes the Illinois Power Agency to develop capacity procurement plans and conduct competitive procurement processes for the procurement of capacity needed to ensure environmentally sustainable long-term resource adequacy across the State at the lowest cost over time. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Changes the cumulative persisting annual savings goals for electric utilities that serve less than 3,000,000 retail customers but more than 500,000 retail customers for the years of 2025 through 2030. Provides that the cumulative persisting annual savings goals beyond the year 2030 shall increase by 0.9 (rather than 0.6) percentage points per year. Changes the requirements for submitting proposed plans and funding levels to meet savings goals for an electric utility serving more than 500,000 retail customers (rather than serving less than 3,000,000 retail customers but more than 500,000 retail customers). Provides that an electric utility that has a tariff approved within one year of the amendatory Act shall also offer at least one market-based, time-of-use rate for eligible retail customers that choose to take power and energy supply service from the utility. Sets forth provisions regarding the Illinois Commerce Commission's powers and duties related to residential time-of-use pricing. Provides that each capacity procurement event may include the procurement of capacity through a mix of contracts with different terms and different initial delivery dates. Sets forth the requirements of prepared capacity procurement plans. Requires each alternative electric supplier to make payment to an applicable electric utility for capacity, receive transfers of capacity credits, report capacity credits procured on its behalf to the applicable regional transmission organization, and submit the capacity credits to the applicable regional transmission organization under that regional transmission organization's rules and procedures. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

YOUTH HEALTH PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Youth Health Protection Act. Provides that a medical doctor shall not prescribe, provide, administer, or deliver puberty-suppressing drugs or cross-sex hormones and shall not perform surgical orchiectomy or castration, urethroplasty, vaginoplasty, mastectomy, phalloplasty, or metoidioplasty on biologically healthy and anatomically normal persons under the age of 18 for the purpose of treating the subjective, internal psychological condition of gender dysphoria or gender discordance. Provides that any efforts to modify the anatomy, physiology, or biochemistry of a biologically healthy person under the age of 18 who experiences gender dysphoria or gender discordance shall be considered unprofessional conduct and shall be subject to discipline by the licensing entity or disciplinary review board. Provides that no medical doctor or mental health provider shall refer any person under the age of 18 to any medical doctor for chemical or surgical interventions to treat gender dysphoria or gender discordance. Contains definitions, a statement of purpose, and legislative findings. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to make related changes.

Andrew S. ChesneyRepublican

DHS-HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In provisions concerning death reports investigated by the Department of Human Services' Office of Inspector General, provides that death reports with no allegation of abuse or neglect shall only be released to the Secretary of Human Services and to the director of the facility or agency when a recommendation is made. Provides that unredacted investigative reports may be shared with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall operate and maintain an Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood for the education of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind and are seeking competitive integrated employment. Makes conforming change to the School Code. Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. Removes all references regarding the operation of community-integrated living arrangements for the supervision of persons with mental illness. Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Extends early intervention services to children who have been found eligible for early childhood special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and have an individualized education program. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Adds physician assistance to the list of medical professionals listed under the definition of "qualified examiner". Adds advanced practice psychiatric nurse to several provisions listing medical professionals making mental health determinations. Makes conforming changes to the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Removes a requirement that a person witness the signing of a consent form. Repeals provisions in the Department of Human Services Act, the State Finance Act, and the Illinois Income Tax Act concerning the Autism Research Checkoff Fund. Effective immediately.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

INC TX-DOWNTOWN CREDIT

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a credit in an amount equal to 20% of the qualified conversion expenditures incurred by a taxpayer for a qualified converted building. Effective immediately.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

ILLINOIS FAMILY COMMISSIONS

Amends the Illinois African-American Family Commission Act, the Asian American Family Commission Act, and the Illinois Latino Family Commission Act replacing current provisions in those Acts with the following: Makes a grammatical correction to the title of the Illinois African-American Family Commission Act and to other provisions of the Act, and makes conforming changes in the Violence Prevention Task Force Act, the Commission on Children and Youth Act, the Commission to Study Disproportionate Justice Impact Act, the Advisory Commission on Reducing the Disproportionate Representation of African-American Children in Foster Care Act, the Commission to End Hunger Act, the Racial and Ethnic Impact Research Task Force Act, and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion Act. Provides that each Commission shall advocate for policies, programs, and services that promote greater equity and inclusion in State government. Provides that the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint 3 members to each commission (with the term of a member of any of the Commissions serving on the effective date of the amendatory Act ending on the effective date of the amendatory Act), and each Commission membership shall appoint the chairperson or chairpersons. Provides that the organizational meeting of each Commission shall take place after all members are appointed but no later than 60 days after 50% or more of the members on the Commission have been appointed. Provides that the Lieutenant Governor's Office shall provide administrative support for the Commissions (rather than the Commission on Equity and Inclusion providing general oversight of the operations of the Commissions). Provides that the Lieutenant Governor's Office may receive funding through appropriations made available for use on behalf of the commissions. Provides that the Office shall expend funds set aside for the Commissions at the direction of the Commissions. Effective immediately.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

UTILITY DATA ACCESS ACT

Creates the Utility Data Access Act. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to enact the following procedures: (1) a utility shall retain all consumption data for a period of not less than 2 years; (2) a qualified utility shall retain monthly consumption data used for billing for a period of not less than 15 years; (3) a utility shall honor an account holder's request to transmit the account holder's covered usage data held by the utility to any entity designated by the account holder; (4) a qualified data recipient with respect to a qualified building or qualified property may request that a qualified utility provide aggregated usage data for the qualified building or qualified property; (5) a utility shall deliver requested data on a schedule set by the Commission; and (6) the account holder request process and utility delivery of requested data shall be convenient and secure. Establishes requirements for: the Commission's participation in a stakeholder process; the form and timeline in which covered usage data is provided to the data recipient; entry of data into the benchmarking tool; and the provision of covered usage data to recipients upon account holder authorization. Provides that, except in cases where the utility has not followed processes established by the Act or the utility is grossly negligent, the utility shall be held harmless for third-party misuse of data shared under the Act and no cause of action may be initiated against the utility for such subsequent misuse. Provides that prior to filing for cost recovery, a qualified utility must first demonstrate good faith efforts to secure federal, State, or other relevant funding options. Sets forth provisions regarding funding for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under the Act and the Commission selecting and engaging outside consultants with experience in benchmarking and utility data access. States findings. Defines terms.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

CONSUMER REPORTING SERVICE

Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act. Provides that the certified database provider shall indemnify the licensee against all claims and actions arising from illegal or willful or wanton acts on the part of the certified database provider. The certified database provider may charge a fee not to exceed the lesser of $1 or 0.1% of the loan principal for each loan entered into the certified database. Prohibits the database provider from charging any additional fees or charges to the licensee. Effective immediately.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

ILLINOIS EQUITY COMMISSIONS

Creates the Illinois African American Commission Act, the Illinois Asian American Commission Act, and the Illinois Latino Commission Act. Establishes a new Illinois African American Commission, Illinois Latino Commission, and Illinois Asian American Commission. Provides that the purpose of these Commissions is to be an independent voice for their communities, represent community priorities, and advocate for policies, programs, and services that promote greater equity and inclusion in State government. Repeals the African American Family Commission Act, the Latino Family Commission Act, and the Asian American Family Commission Act.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

FINANCE-CAPITAL DEV LOAN FUND

Amends the State Finance Act. Removes provisions repealing the Capital Development Board Revolving Fund. Effective immediately.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

COM COL-BACCALAUREATE DEGREE

Amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the board of trustees of a community college district to establish and offer a baccalaureate degree program and confer a bachelor's degree if the board of trustees and the program meet specified conditions. Provides for an application for approval from the Illinois Community College Board. Sets forth community college requirements and prohibitions for establishing a baccalaureate degree program. Provides that a community college district that offers a baccalaureate degree program shall submit an annual report to the Illinois Community College Board. Sets forth what that report shall include. Provides for a statewide evaluation of a baccalaureate degree program.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

AFN COMMITTEE TELECONFERENCE

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. In provisions regarding the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee, provides that the Advisory Committee shall comply with all provisions of the Open Meetings Act except that the Advisory Committee is exempt from the provisions that specifically require a quorum of members of a public body to be physically present at the location of an open meeting. Allows Advisory Committee members to attend meetings of the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee remotely by video or audio conference with all attending members counting toward a quorum, provided there is at least one member in physical attendance at the publicly posted physical location of the meeting.

Laura FineDemocrat

IDOT-SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation and collaboration with the Department of Central Management Services and the Capital Development Board, to develop one or more standards for State purchases of appliances, concrete, asphalt, steel, and other building materials, subject to appropriation or the award of grant funding for this purpose. Provides that in developing these standards, the establishment of a maximum acceptable Global Warming Potential standard, as well as ways to promote and facilitate the use of life cycle assessments and environmental product declarations, shall be considered when considering bids for State-funded infrastructure projects.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

DEVELOPMENTAL PROMISE PROGRAM

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Creates the Developmental Promise Program to remove barriers to enrollment, academic persistence, and certificate or degree completion for students who need to complete developmental coursework. Provides that, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, each institution of higher education in the State shall provide financial assistance to a qualifying student for the remaining balance of the student's total cost of attendance in excess of the amount of any private, State, or federal financial assistance received by the qualifying student during the first 132 semester credit hours or 198 quarter credit hours that the qualifying student is enrolled in the Developmental Assistance Program. Sets forth requirements for qualified students to receive the remaining balance of financial assistance. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and institutions of higher learning to adopt rules and policies for the administration of the Program.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

CLEAN&EQUITABLE TRANSPORTATION

Creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, and establishes the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Regional Transportation Authority are consolidated into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and the Service Boards are abolished, instead creating the Suburban Bus Operating Division, Commuter Rail Operating Division, and the Chicago Transit Operating Division. Reinserts, reorganizes, and changes some provisions from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act into the new Act and repeals those Acts. Includes provisions about the operation of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Creates the Equitable Transit-Supportive Development Act. Establishes the Office of Transit-Oriented Development. Provides that the Office and the Fund are to aid transit-supportive development near high-quality transit by providing specified funding to municipalities that have adopted the standards in the transit support overlay district for that area or that have adopted zoning and other changes that the Office determines have benefits greater than or equal to such a District, including transit support overlay districts. Includes provisions relating to Office standards, procedures, and reports. Creates the Zero-Emission Vehicle Act. Provides that all on-road vehicles purchased or leased by a governmental unit on or after January 1, 2029 must be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle, repowered zero-emission vehicle, manufactured near zero-emission vehicle, or repowered near zero-emission vehicle. Provides that on and after January 1, 2034, all on-road vehicles purchased or leased by a governmental unit must be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or repowered zero-emission vehicle. Provides that, by January 1, 2049, all on-road vehicles operated by a governmental unit must be a manufactured or repowered zero-emission vehicle. Sets forth provisions implementing the Act, including requiring the Department of Central Management Services to adopt certain rules. Amends various Acts, Laws, and Codes to make conforming changes for the new Acts and to make other changes. Provides that some provisions are effective immediately.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

HUMAN RIGHTS-IDHR CONFERENCE

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

Adriane JohnsonDemocrat

TURKEY HUNTING

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department-set daily time limits for hunting wild turkey shall be the same for youths and adults and shall begin no later than sunrise and end no earlier than sunset. Provides that unfilled Wild Turkey Hunting Permits from one season may be carried over to any other wild turkey season in the same year. Requires the Department to adopt rules to implement the amendatory Act.

Patrick J. JoyceDemocrat

VIRTUAL POWER PLANT PROGRAM

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Creates the virtual power plant program. Defines terms. Provides that, within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory provisions, each electric utility serving more than 300,000 customers as of January 1, 2025 shall propose one or more tariffs applicable to demand response technologies. Sets forth requirements for the content of the tariffs. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall approve or approve with modifications the tariffs filed by each utility within 240 days of filing. Provides that, not more than 6 months after 2 full delivery years of operation of the tariffs, the Commission shall issue a report to the General Assembly assessing the value and efficacy of the demand response virtual power plant program, including proposals for expansions or modifications. Provides that the Commission shall implement the amendatory provisions in a complementary manner with other virtual power plant programs under the Commission's jurisdiction in order to make the programs available to utility customers compatible for the benefit of the electric grid and to enhance electric service reliability. Makes other changes.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

GAMING-ILLEGAL MARKETS

Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that, if the Illinois Gaming Board is otherwise authorized to issue licenses to conduct Internet gaming, the Board shall not issue a license if the applicant or any of its affiliates is knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, revenue that is derived from (i) any jurisdiction on the Black List of Money Laundering Countries, as established by the Financial Action Task Force, or (ii) any jurisdiction designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism. Provides that, if at any time during licensure, the Board determines that the licensee or any of its affiliates is knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, revenue that is derived from any jurisdiction on the Black List of Money Laundering Countries, as established by the Financial Action Task Force, or any jurisdiction designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism, then the Board shall impose a penalty of license revocation if it determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that it would further the public interest to discontinue such operations of the interactive gaming licensee. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

STRETCH ENERGY CODE

Amends the Energy Efficient Building Act. In provisions concerning the Illinois Stretch Energy Code, changes the date by which the Capital Development Board shall create and adopt a stretch energy code with a site energy index no greater than 40% of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026. Changes the date that the Board shall create and adopt a stretch energy code with a site energy index that is no greater than 33% of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code from no later than December 31, 2028 to no later than December 31, 2029. Changes the date by which the Board shall create and adopt a stretch energy code with a site energy index no greater than 25% of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code from no later than December 31, 2031 to no later than December 31, 2032.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

DENTAL PRACTICE ACT

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

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

GEOLOGY ACT SUNSET EXTENSION

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTICE ACT

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

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

BCENT SUNSET EXTENSION

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

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

PHYSICAL THERAPY ACT-SUNSET

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to change the repeal date of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Changes references from "Director" to "Secretary". Makes changes in provisions concerning legislative intent; definitions; physical therapy services; dry needling; licensure requirements; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act; duties and functions of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board; qualifications for licensure; license applications; examinations; restoration of expired licenses; inactive licenses; fees and returned checks; disciplinary actions; violations; investigations and hearings; confidentiality; and temporary suspension of a license. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record. Makes other changes. Provides that the provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

ENERGY-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Adds and modifies definitions of terms. Authorizes the Illinois Power Agency to conduct competitive solicitations to procure contracted energy storage credits sufficient to achieve certain energy storage standards; to request, review, and accept proposals; to execute contracts; and to procure energy storage credits. Requires the Agency to develop a storage procurement plan. Authorizes the Agency to develop and implement a firm energy resource procurement plan. Makes other changes. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Requires each electric utility to demonstrate sufficient resources devoted to interconnection. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to perform specified actions regarding interconnection within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. In a provision regarding virtual power plant programs, requires each electric utility serving more than 300,000 customers as of January 1, 2023 to propose an initial tariff within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. In a provision regarding peak remediation programs, requires each electric utility serving more than 300,000 retail customers as of January 1, 2023 to propose an initial tariff within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Requires the Commission to establish a working group with relevant stakeholders to develop a stand-alone energy storage distribution deployment program. Provides that, beginning on June 1, 2024, the electric utility shall be entitled to recover through tariffed charges all of the costs associated with the purchase of energy storage credits to meet specified energy storage standards. Requires the Agency to prepare an energy storage resources procurement plan for the procurement of energy storage credits. Requires the Commission to establish an Office of Interconnection and Renewable Development, which shall (i) actively seek input from all interested parties and shall develop a thorough understanding and critical analyses of the tools and techniques used to promote development and remove barriers to development of the projects and devices, and (ii) monitor interconnection between electric utilities and applicants for interconnection and interconnection customers. Sets forth reporting requirements for the Office. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

INS-PUBLIC ADJUSTER BOARD

Amends the Department of Insurance Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Public Adjuster Advisory Board within the Department of Insurance. Provides that the Board shall review and recommend changes to the licensure, license issuance, and requirements for licensed public adjusters in the State. Provides that the Board shall also prepare rules that may be adopted by the Department to protect commercial and residential consumers in situations where a catastrophic event has taken place. Sets forth provisions concerning membership, compensation, administrative support, and meetings. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, the Board shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning any issues relating to the licensing and operations of public adjusters in the State and any recommend policy changes to address those issues. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

GAMING-ILLEGAL MARKETS

Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that, if the Illinois Gaming Board is otherwise authorized to issue licenses to conduct Internet gaming, the Board shall not issue a license if the applicant or any of its affiliates is knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, revenue that is derived from (i) any jurisdiction on the Black List of Money Laundering Countries, as established by the Financial Action Task Force, or (ii) any jurisdiction designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism. Provides that, if at any time during licensure, the Board determines that the licensee or any of its affiliates is knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, revenue that is derived from any jurisdiction on the Black List of Money Laundering Countries, as established by the Financial Action Task Force, or any jurisdiction designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism, then the Board shall impose a penalty of license revocation if it determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that it would further the public interest to discontinue such operations of the interactive gaming licensee. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

MOBILE MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS

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

Robert PetersDemocrat

WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Wetlands Protection Act. Provides that no person may discharge dredged or fill material into a State jurisdictional wetland except with a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Exempts certain activities from the requirements of the Act. Sets forth procedures for individual permit applications and other related procedural requirements. Provides that the Department shall not issue an individual permit unless the Environmental Protection Agency certifies to the Department that there will not be a violation of State water quality standards. Provides that the Department may issue an after-the-fact permit in certain emergency circumstances. Sets forth financial assurance requirements. Authorizes the Department to adopt general permits under the Act. Provides that any person who intends to conduct a regulated activity may do so in accordance with a general permit issued by the Department, which pre-authorizes a category of activities with minimal adverse effects. Provides procedures and requirements regarding preconstruction notifications. Provides that certain entities may establish and operate a mitigation bank or in lieu fee program. Describes procedures and requirements for mitigation banks. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Provides that the Department shall prepare certain reports and studies. Provides for the review of final decisions of the Department. Provides for investigations by the Department and enforcement by a State's Attorney or the Attorney General. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day of violation, with interest after judgment, and with certain costs, fees, and expenses, payable to the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that any person may file a complaint with the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning a violation of the Act, a rule adopted under the Act, a condition of a permit issued under the Act, or an order of the Pollution Control Board issued under the Act. Provides for county and special district stormwater program authorities to control or regulate activities in any wetlands within their jurisdiction. Establishes the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that a permit review fee for all permit applications is to be set by the Department by rule. Makes corresponding changes to the State Finance Act. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

NEW OCCUPATION REGULATION

Creates the PRIOR Act. Defines terms. Provides that a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment shall be completed and presented to the General Assembly before legislation creating a new occupational regulation, expanding the scope of practice of a licensed occupation, or increasing the personal qualification for an occupational regulation can be voted on by a committee or the General Assembly. Provides that, on or before the first day of the General Assembly's legislative session, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Chair of each relevant committee shall assign to the relevant committee or legislative staff the responsibility to analyze legislation creating a new occupational regulation, expanding the scope of practice of a licensed occupation, or increasing the personal qualifications for an occupational regulation and the accompanying Pre-Regulatory Impact Application submitted by proponents of the legislation. Provides that the designated staff are responsible for (i) reviewing legislation that requires a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment to ensure the least restrictive regulation is being proposed and (ii) preparing a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment that shall be considered with the legislation by the General Assembly. Provides that a proponent of a piece of legislation shall submit a Pre-Regulation Impact Application to the designated staff. Sets forth requirements for an application. Sets forth actions that designated staff may take. Sets forth a temporary moratorium on the creation of new occupational regulations. Effective immediately.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

$DHS-IHDA-HOME FOR GOOD SRVCES

Makes various appropriations from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services and the Illinois Housing Development Authority for housing programs and related services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Effective July 1, 2025.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

FOID CARD-MEDICAL EVALUATION

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Requires any physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner evaluating a patient on whether the patient qualifies to receive a FOID card or have one revoked to be trained and certified in mental illness and treating suicidal tendencies. Requires that each patient must undergo a minimum number of evaluations before such a determination may be made as adopted by rule by the Department of Human Services.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

INS-SURPRISE BILL PROTECT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to create the Consumer Protection from Surprise Health Care Billing Act. Provides that, on or after July 1, 2025, notwithstanding any other applicable provision, when a beneficiary, insured, or enrollee receives services from a nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider, the health insurance issuer shall ensure that the beneficiary, insured, or enrollee shall incur no greater out-of-pocket costs than the beneficiary, insured, or enrollee would have incurred with a participating ground ambulance service provider. Provides that any cost-sharing requirements shall be applied as though the services provided by the nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider had been provided by a participating ground ambulance service provider. Sets forth provisions concerning payment for ground ambulance services; calculating the recognized amount; limitations for the cost sharing amount for any occurrence in which a ground ambulance service is provided to a beneficiary; appeals for payments made by health insurance issuers; the maximum allowable payment amounts, by individual service types, for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned, operated, or controlled by a private organization; and payments to nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned, operated, or controlled, by a unit of government which participates in the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation program administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Makes conforming changes. Provides that the failure by a health insurance issuer to comply with the specified requirements constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and enforcement authority is granted to the Attorney General. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make corresponding changes. Effective July 1, 2025.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT PROGRAM

Amends the Transportation Benefits Program Act. Provides that the Act does not apply to a covered employer in the construction industry with respect to employees with whom the covered employer has entered into a bona fide collective bargaining agreement. Makes changes to definitions.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

MEDICAID-PAYMENTS-CNA HOURS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning payments to nursing facilities to increase compensation for certified nursing assistants (CNA), removes language requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish, by rule, payments to nursing facilities equal to Medicaid's share of the tenure wage increments for all reported CNA employee hours compensated. Instead provides that, based on the schedule set forth in the amendatory Act, the Department shall pay to each facility Medicaid's share of the facility's estimated CNA hours performed by employees and agency workers, estimated overtime hours, and benefits and taxes paid to and on behalf of CNA workers at the beginning of each quarter. Provides that moneys paid by the Department to each facility and moneys paid by each facility to workers and agencies or on behalf of workers and agencies shall be reconciled at the end of each quarter. Sets for a schedule concerning the calculation of tenure compensation which shall include: (i) compensation for regular CNA hours; (ii) overtime calculated at time and a half; and (iii) benefits and taxes at 25%. Provides that estimates of overtime shall be calculated at time and a half and benefits and taxes at 25%. Requires the Department to pay the facility for qualifying promotions estimated at the beginning of each quarter and reconciled at the end of the quarter.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

IEMA-UPDATE

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. In provisions regarding the emergency management powers of the Governor, adds mobile support teams (MSTs) to provisions that include emergency services and disaster agencies, and changes other provisions. In provisions regarding MSTs, adds provisions with respect to mutual aid, powers of the Governor or the Director of Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Provides that the MSTs may be reimbursed and political subdivisions or body politics may (rather than shall) be reimbursed for certain expenses. Makes changes to provisions regarding the oath of office. Adds and changes definitions.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

ABOVE-GROUND POOL STANDARDS

Amends the Swimming Facility Act. Provides that rules adopted by the Department of Public Health under the Act must include unique design criteria and general standards for above-ground pools.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

VEH CD-SCHOOL BUS PERMITS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the State Board of Education, shall develop a separate classroom course and refresher course for operation of vehicles of the first division being operated as school buses. Requires all applicants to operate a first division vehicle to: (1) meet specified requirements; and (2) complete the classroom course or refresher course or complete a training course administered by the service provider in which the applicant will be employed by that covers safe driving practices with a first division vehicle, special considerations for transporting students with disabilities, emergency preparedness, and safe pick-up and drop-off procedures. Provides that an applicant to operate a first division vehicle is exempt from the requirement of demonstrating physical fitness to operate a school bus by submitting the results of a medical examination if the applicant will be providing transportation services with a provider that uses a telematics system that sends, receives, and stores telemetry data. Provides that a vehicle subject to a safety test prior to an application for a license shall be subject to tests, in the case of first division vehicles, at least every 12 months, or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2025.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-NOTIFICATION

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning small businesses, HUBZone business contracts, and bid preferences, provides that, if a bidder has failed to be awarded a contract after 4 consecutive bids to provide the same services to a single agency, the applicable chief procurement officer for that agency shall in writing detail why all 4 bids were rejected.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

INS-RATES CREDIT SCORE & AGE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, when determining rates or premiums for certain automobile insurance policies, insurance issuers may not consider or otherwise use an individual's credit-based insurance score or age if the age of the insured is 50 years of age or more. Provides that a policy of automobile insurance, including any class of motor vehicle coverage, may not be canceled by the insurer solely because the insured has reached the age of 65 years so long as the insured has a valid Illinois driver's license. Prohibits an insurer from refusing to issue a renewal policy or increasing the premium for any policy solely because an insured has attained the age of 65 years or older. Prohibits providers of automobile insurance from considering any data obtained from applications on an insured's cellular phone or that may be installed, either at the time of manufacture or later, in the insured's motor vehicle for purposes of establishing premiums or rates with the express written consent of the insured. Prohibits providers from increasing rates or premiums on the basis that express written consent of the insured is withheld.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM

Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Creates the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor. Requires the Division to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides benefits to employees. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Deputy Director of the Division. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Provides that a self-employed individual may elect to be covered under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; compensation for leave; the amount and duration of benefits; payments for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund; employer equivalent plans; annual reports by the Department; hearings; penalties; notice; the coordination of leave provided under the Act with leave allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, a collective bargaining agreement, or any local county or municipal ordinance; rulemaking; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts certain documents collected by the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave from the Act's disclosure requirements. Effective immediately.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Amends the Consumer Electronics Recycling Act. Adds and changes definitions. Changes references to residential covered electronic devices (CEDs) to references to CEDs from covered entities. Adds a nonprofit organization or recycler to certain provisions regarding the use of a retail or private network (rather than only retail) collection site with the agreement of the applicable retailer under certain local agreements. Changes references to retail collection sites to references to retail or private network collection sites. Adds to requirements for certain agreements, including those to be reduced to writing and included in the manufacturer e-waste program plan. Adds to requirements for the manufacturer e-waste program plan. Adds conditions in certain provisions regarding the applicable county, municipal joint action agency, or municipality. Adds certain waivers for charges for shortfalls in provisions regarding collection of CEDs. Adds requirements for the Advisory Electronics Task Force to submit certain information to the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as to communicate regarding certain updates and certain feedback. Adds provisions regarding education and consumer awareness requirements. Deletes an automatic repeal provision.

Linda HolmesDemocrat

INS CD-AUTOMOBILE THEFT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any policy of automobile insurance that carries comprehensive coverage may not exclude theft coverage for lack of evidence of forcible entry or for the insured leaving the vehicle unlocked or leaving a key or key fob in the vehicle. Provides that nothing in the provisions prohibits a company from investigating and denying a claim due to fraudulent acts. Effective January 1, 2026.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

WIND & SOLAR FACILITY DRAINAGE

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a commercial wind energy facility or commercial solar energy facility proposed to be located on property in an unincorporated area of the county within the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality and located adjacent to the corporate boundary of a municipality shall either be annexed to the municipality or be subject to the municipality's zoning regulations. Provides factors for determining if a request for siting approval or a special use permit for a commercial wind energy facility or a commercial solar energy facility, or modification of an approved siting or special use permit, is in compliance with the standards and conditions imposed in the Code, the zoning ordinance adopted consistent with the Code, and the conditions imposed under State and federal statutes and regulations. Provides that a county may not approve a request for siting approval or a special use permit for a commercial wind energy facility or a commercial solar energy facility or modification of an approved siting or special use permit, if the proposal shall disturb more than one acre of land, unless the facility owner has obtained a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Requires a facility owner to provide the county in which a commercial solar energy facility or commercial wind energy facility to be located, a deconstruction plan that has been prepared by a professional engineer who has been selected by the facility owner. Provides that, based on an initial evaluation or reevaluation during the county approval process, the county may require changes in the level of financial assurance used to calculate the financial assurance level from the facility owner. Amends the Renewable Energy Facilities Agricultural Impact Mitigation Act. Provides that the standard agricultural impact mitigation agreements shall be amended as needed to conform with the financial assurance procedures and requirements under specified provisions of the Counties Code. Makes other changes.

Emil Jones, IIIDemocrat

CD CORR-DRUG DETECTION DOG

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Director of Corrections shall establish a canine unit pilot program within the Department of Corrections, which shall consist of a contraband screening program that includes, but is not limited to, the use of a leashed and controlled canine trained to detect illegal drugs at each correctional institution or facility housing 100 or more committed persons. The Department of Corrections shall, by rule, establish standards concerning the operation of the canine units, the chain of command, assignment of canine handlers, the uniforms to be worn by canine handlers, the shifts and assignments of canine handlers, the training of canines for drug detection, the equipment to be issued to canine handlers, the supply of contraband drugs to canine handlers in order to teach the canines drug detection, the transportation of the canines, canine care, handler responsibility for the care of the canines, canine selection, standards for the selection of canine handlers, the placement of the canines after the canines are no longer used in drug detection, veterinary care for the canines, evaluation of canine handlers and the canines in drug detection, and any other standards that the Department deems necessary for the effective operation of the canine drug detection program.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat