Bills & Legislation

$IDOT-I80/MINOOKA

Appropriates $350,000,000 to the Department of Transportation for the construction, land acquisition, and any other required infrastructure changes for a new interchange at Minooka Road on I-80 to accommodate current and expected increases to traffic volume. Effective July 1, 2025.

Chris Balkema

SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Creates the Design Professional Self-Certification Act. Provides that the Executive Director of the Capital Development Board shall establish a self-certification program through which a qualified design professional within a participating municipality shall be permitted to: (1) take responsibility for a project's compliance with the baseline building code; and (2) self-certify that a permit application, plans, and specifications comply with the baseline building code. Requires the Executive Director to establish requirements for design professionals to qualify for the self-certification program. Sets forth program requirements; oversight; and recordkeeping. Effective January 1, 2026.

Chris Balkema

NURSING-DELEGATION

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that registered professional nursing practice is a scientific process founded on a professional body of knowledge. It is a learned profession based on the understanding of the human condition across the life span and environment, includes all nursing specialties, and means the performance of any nursing act based upon professional knowledge, judgment, and skills acquired by means of completion of an approved professional nursing education program. Provides that registered professional nurses may delegate nursing interventions and tasks (rather than nursing interventions) to other registered professional nurses and licensed practical nurses based on a comprehensive nursing assessment. Provides that registered professional nurses may delegate tasks to unlicensed personnel based on a comprehensive nursing assessment. Provides that a registered professional nurse is prohibited from delegating work requiring nursing knowledge, assessment, judgment, inference, decision making (including medication administration), the development of a plan of care, and the evaluation of a plan of care to unlicensed non-nurse personnel. Removes provisions concerning delegation of nursing interventions and administration of medications in community-based or in-home care settings. Makes other changes. Effective August 1, 2025.

Lakesia Collins

WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING YEAR-RND

Amends the Wildlife Code. Allows owners residing on, or bona fide tenants of, farm lands and their children, parents, brothers, and sisters actually permanently residing on their lands to have the right to hunt any of the species protected by certain provisions upon their lands and waters without procuring hunting licenses year-round (rather than only during periods of time).

Neil Anderson

WILDLIFE CD-OWNER YEAR-ROUND

Amends the Wildlife Code. In provisions regarding special deer, turkey, and combination hunting licenses, provides that the deer, turkey, or combination hunting permit issued without fee shall be valid on all farm lands year-round which the person to whom it is issued owns, leases, or rents, with other requirements. Provides that resident landowners shall be entitled to up to 5 resident deer archery either-sex permits and up to 5 resident deer either-sex firearm permits without charge.

Neil Anderson

IDNR-GRAY FOX SEASON

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to trap or to hunt gray fox except during an open season, which may (rather than will) be set annually by the Director of Natural Resources between 12:01 a.m., November 1 to 12:00 midnight, February 15, both inclusive. Allows the Director, by administrative rule, to set the dates of, lengthen, shorten, or close the season during which gray fox may be taken. Allows the Director to also set, lessen, or increase the daily bag limit or possession limit of gray fox by administrative rule. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants the Department of Natural Resources emergency rulemaking powers. Effective immediately.

Linda Holmes

UNI CIVIL SERVICE-EMPLOYEE RTS

Amends the State Universities Civil Service Act. Provides that nothing in the Act or any rules adopted under the Act prevents the parties to a collective bargaining agreement from agreeing to a provision that enhances employee rights. Effective immediately.

Doris Turner

POLICE RECORDS & SHERIFF BOARD

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

Doris Turner

COUNTIES CD-RECALL OFFICIALS

Amends the Counties Code. Creates the Recall of Countywide Elected Officials Division within the Code. Authorizes a county to establish a process by which countywide elected officials may be recalled by the electors of the county by referendum or petition. Provides that, if a county board adopts a resolution calling for a referendum on the proposal to adopt a process by which countywide elected officials may be recalled by the electors of the county, then the county clerk and county board shall provide for the submission of the proposition to the electors of the county at the next general election held in an even-numbered year. Provides that, if there is filed with the clerk of the circuit court of the county, within the time provided in the general election law, a petition that is signed by the specified number of registered voters in the county and that requests the establishment of a process by which countywide elected officials may be recalled by the electors of that county, the clerk of the circuit court shall transmit the petition to the chief judge of the circuit court who shall determine the sufficiency of the petition or shall assign the determination of the sufficiency of the petition to a circuit judge who shall make the determination. Specifies that, if the judge determines that the petition is sufficient, the judge shall certify the sufficiency of the petition and shall issue an order directing the county clerk and the county board to provide for the submission of the proposition to the electors of the county at the next general election held in an even-numbered year. Authorizes the recall of a countywide elected official to be proposed by petition by the electors of the county. Sets forth requirements for the petition. Provides that, if the petition is valid and sufficient, then the State Board of Elections shall certify the petition, and the question must be submitted to the electors at a special election. Prohibits more than one recall petition per official per term of office. Effective immediately.

Doris Turner

EVICTION-IMPOUNDING COURT FILE

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that in the Eviction Article, the term "impounded" has the meaning ascribed to the term in the Court Record and Document Accessibility Act. In that Article, replaces the term "seal" with "impound" and provides that a court may order that a file may be impounded by agreement of the parties. In the expungement provisions of the Criminal Identification Act, modifies the definitions of "expunge" and "seal" and removes a definition of "impounded". Makes conforming changes, including in the Court Record and Document Accessibility Act. Changes "court" to "circuit court clerk" relating to some court duties.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

INC TX-INTEREST MODIFICATION

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning (i) an addition modification for interest paid, accrued, or incurred to a person who would be a member of the taxpayer's unitary business group but for the fact that the person is ordinarily required to apportion business income under different provisions of the Act and (ii) an addition modification for intangible expenses and costs otherwise allowed as a deduction in computing the taxpayer's base income that were paid, accrued, or incurred to a person who would be a member of the taxpayer's unitary business group but for the fact that the person is ordinarily required to apportion business income under different provisions of the Act. Effective immediately.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

CITY CLERK ELECTIONS

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, for the 2027 consolidated election, a city that exceeds 100,000 inhabitants according to the most recent federal decennial census and that does not currently elect its clerk and treasurer shall, in the 2027 consolidated election, nominate and elect its clerk and its treasurer in the same manner provided for the election of the mayor and councilmen under Article 5 of the Code.

Cristina Castro

TRANSFER REFORM-VARIOUS

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

Cristina Castro

HWY CD-IMPACT FEES/REFUNDS

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that each unit of local government which imposes or intends to impose impact fees and which has created an Advisory Committee, shall publish the names of the Advisory Committee members names on the public website maintained by the unit of local government, together with a list of the dates and times at which the Advisory Committee has met and provide an electronically accessible copy of the minutes of any such meetings. Removes language providing that if the unit of local government has a planning or zoning commission, the unit of local government may elect to use its planning or zoning commission to serve as the Advisory Committee. Provides that a unit of local government which currently has in effect an impact fee ordinance or resolution shall have not more than 12 months from July 1, 2025 to bring its ordinance or resolution into conformance with the requirements imposed by the Act, except that a home rule unit of local government with a population over 75,000 and located in a county with a population over 600,000 and less than 2,000,000 shall have not more than 18 months from July 1, 2025 to bring that ordinance or resolution into conformance. Provides that any unit of local government which has in effect an impact fee ordinance or resolution on the effective date of the amendatory Act and which has not brought their impact fee ordinance or resolution into compliance by the required date, shall refund all funds previously collected under the impact fee ordinance or resolution together with any interest earned on the same. Effective January 1, 2026.

Cristina Castro

HIGHER ED-DUAL CREDIT

Amends the Dual Credit Quality Act. Provides that prior to offering dual credit coursework, a school district shall attempt to enter into a partnership agreement with the community college district in the community college district in which the school district is located, but if pursuing an alternative provider other than the community college district, the school district shall enter into a partnership agreement with the alternative postsecondary institution that complies with the Act. Requires a partnership agreement to provide for a Dual Credit Qualifications Committee that shall develop a Dual Credit Instructor Qualification Framework. Provides that the Framework shall define the appropriate graduate coursework for fully qualified and minimally qualified instructors and the equivalent experience required to be a fully qualified career and technical education instructor. Requires a Model Dual Credit Instructor Qualification Framework to be developed through a Committee involving collaboration between the Illinois Community College Board and the State Board of Education by June 30, 2026. Provides that the academic credentials required to be a fully qualified instructor shall include either (i) a master's degree within the discipline to be taught or (ii) any master's degree and not more than 18 graduate hours appropriate to the academic field of study or in the discipline to be taught. Provides that a community college district with an established partnership agreement with a school district has 30 calendar days from the initial course request to notify the school district of its disapproval of the course request, instructor, course documentation, or the community college district's withdrawal of course or instructor approval, and thereafter, the school district shall appeal the denial or withdrawal of the instructor approval to the Illinois Community College Board within 14 calendar days after the disapproval notice. Allows the Illinois Community College Board to conduct a study to examine dual credit students and their short-term and long-term outcomes. Makes other changes.

Cristina Castro

SCH CD-NON-RESIDENT PUPILS

Amends the School Code. Prohibits a district from charging tuition to non-resident pupils. Removes all other language regarding the tuition of non-resident pupils. Removes language regarding the application of provisions based on district population, hearings, and penalties related to non-resident pupil tuition. Removes language prohibiting certain transfers of students. Requires each school board to establish and implement a policy governing the transfer of non-resident students from outside of the school district to schools within the district. Makes other changes.

Don Harmon

HGHR ED-TRANSFER CREDIT REPORT

Amends the Illinois Articulation Initiative Act. Provides that, by May 1, 2026 and May 1 of each subsequent year, each public institution of higher education shall provide the Board of Higher Education with a report describing any course for which a student who transfers to a public 4-year institution from another State institution of higher education is not granted: (1) academic credit at the receiving institution; or (2) if the student has declared a major and has not changed majors, academic credit toward the student's major at the receiving institution. Requires the report to include: (1) the course name and type, including program, school, major or minor, and credits or units, if any; (2) which institution of higher education provided academic credit for the course; and (3) the reason why the receiving institution did not grant academic credit for the course. Requires the Board to compile the data and deliver a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than October 1, 2026 and October 1 of each subsequent year.

Cristina Castro

INTERNET GAMING ACT

Creates the Internet Gaming Act. Authorizes an Internet gaming operator to offer Internet gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Provides that Internet gaming shall only be offered by an Internet gaming license or an Internet management services provider that has contracted with an Internet gaming licensee. Provides that an Internet gaming licensee shall offer no more than 3 individually branded Internet gaming skins. Provides that an Internet management services provider may conduct Internet gaming on its own Internet gaming platform pursuant to the agreement between the provider and an Internet gaming licensee and in accordance with the rules of the Board and the provisions of the Act. Includes provisions for: requirements of an Internet gaming platform; Internet waging accounts; license requirements; age verification, location, and responsible gaming; diversity goals in procurement and spending by Internet gaming licensees; acceptance of out-of-state wagers; and limitations on home rule units. Provides that a 25% privilege tax is imposed on Internet gaming to be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. Authorizes the adoption of emergency rules to implement the Act and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Cristina Castro

RES RENTAL FEE FAIRNESS ACT

Creates the Rental Fee Transparency and Fairness Act. Provides that unless otherwise allowed under the Act, a landlord's agent may not impose any fee on, or collect any fee from, a tenant related to the rental of residential real property, and any real estate salesperson or real estate broker who publishes a listing for a rental of residential real property with the permission or authorization of the landlord for the property may not impose any fee on, or collect any fee from, a tenant related to the rental of the listed property. Prohibits a person conditioning the rental of residential property on a tenant engaging any agent. Provides that all fees to be paid by a tenant be explicitly contained in the first page of a lease agreement and the itemized disclosure of the fees must include a short description of them. Provides that a tenant is not liable for any fees not so disclosed. Prohibits a lease from containing a clause that: (i) assigns a late fee (not to exceed $25) for the late payment of rent if payment occurs within 7 days of the required date of payment although a lease may provide for a grace period longer than 7 days; (ii) assigns to a tenant an administrative fee for the renewal of a lease agreement; (iii) assigns to a tenant a fee for the modification of a lease; (iv) assigns to a tenant a fee for contacting the building owner or the property manager; (v) assigns to a tenant a fee or penalty for an eviction notice or an eviction action; and (vi) assigns a fee to a tenant for pet occupancy for the duration of the lease. Makes other changes. Provides that the changes to residential lease applies to all lease agreements entered into after the effective date of the Act. Preempts home rule.

Cristina Castro

OMA-ACCESSIBILITY

Amends the Open Meetings Act. In provisions regarding training, requires the Public Access Counselor to complete an accessibility review for electronic training under the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act and rules adopted under that Act. Provides for procedures to bring the training into compliance with the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act. Requires the establishment of an accessibility helpline, with certain requirements.

Cristina Castro

CANNABIS DELIVERY

Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Provides that all cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver from a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products (rather than all medical cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient at a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products and a distinction shall be made between medical and non-medical uses, with other requirements). Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Changes and adds definitions. Makes changes to provisions regarding operational requirements and prohibitions. Provides that a dispensing organization shall not sell cannabis or cannabis-infused products to a purchaser unless the purchaser has been verified to be 21 years of age or older, or the person is verified to be a registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver (removing requirements referencing the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program). Removes prohibitions for a dispensing organization to operate drive-through windows. Provides an exception to the prohibition for a dispensing organization to transport cannabis for delivery. In provisions regarding an inventory control system, adds that all dispensing organizations shall maintain internal, confidential records of all deliveries to any registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements. In provisions regarding dispensing cannabis, adds a requirement that the agent verify the qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver registration card, if applicable. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer pickup or drive-through for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to purchasers over 21 years of age and certain patients and caregivers. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer delivery for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to certain patients and caregivers. Adds requirements to provisions regarding security for a dispensing organization. Adds provisions permitting delivery by dispensing organizations to the residence of a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements.

Cristina Castro

DCEO-TOURISM GRANTS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, in Fiscal Year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Department shall advance grant funds to certified tourism and convention bureaus that received grant funding in the prior fiscal year. Provides that the advanced amount shall be equal to 50% of the total grant awarded to each bureau in the prior fiscal year. Effective immediately.

Cristina Castro

HLTH CARE/PUB BENEFITS COUNCIL

Creates the Illinois Health Care and Public Benefits Stakeholder Council Act. Provides that the Illinois Health Care and Public Benefits Stakeholder Council is created to ensure that residents impacted by Illinois health care systems and public aid benefits have a voice in the State's implementation of various programs across State agencies. Sets forth the Council's objectives and duties which include: (i) identifying current shortfalls in the various public assistance, health care, and child care programs implemented at the State level; and (ii) recommending an overarching organizational structure to ensure coordination, alignment, and progress to assist all Illinoisans in accessing benefits at the State level. Contains provisions concerning Council membership. Requires the Council to meet at the call of the Chair at least 4 times beginning January 1, 2026; and for specified State agencies to attend at least 2 Council hearings in an advisory role. Requires the Council to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor by July 1, 2027. Provides that the Council is dissolved, and the Act is repealed, on July 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

Mike Simmons

IHDA-DHS-SOCIAL SERVICES STAFF

Amends the Illinois Affordable Housing Act. Requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, to establish and implement a program that places in each senior congregate housing project and any other affordable housing project for seniors at least one social services worker staffed by the Department of Human Services for every 12 senior residents occupying the housing project. Provides that a social services worker who is assigned to staff a housing project with 12 or less senior residents shall be available on site within the building's premises on a full-time basis for 2 regularly scheduled days of each week. Provides that at least 2 social services workers who are assigned to staff a housing project with more than 12 senior residents shall be available on site within the building's premises on a full-time basis for 3 regularly scheduled days of each week. Provides that social services workers shall meet and engage with senior residents to evaluate and assess each resident's particular needs and connect them to the appropriate resources and supports.

Mike Simmons

SCH BD-ELECTRIC SCH BUS GRANT

Amends the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the State Board of Education shall award grant money in the form of a voucher of $125,000 to a school district that submits a grant application to the State Board to be applied on the total purchase price of an electric school bus to effectively lower the purchase price of the electric school bus to the school district. Sets forth eligibility requirements for a school district to receive a grant. Provides that the State Board of Education shall annually disseminate a request for applications for grants towards the purchase of a electric school bus grant and applications shall be accepted on an annual basis. Provides that if the appropriation for grants under this Section for a given fiscal year is less than the amount required to fund all applications for grants, the State Board of Education shall give priority to school districts designated as Tier 1 or Tier 2 that do not have any electric school buses. Sets forth the application requirements. Allows the State Board of Education to adopt any rules necessary for the implementation of the provisions. Effective immediately.

Mike Simmons

PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORT ACT

Creates the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program Act. Requires the Department of Public Health to establish the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program. Provides that the Department shall implement the program by: (1) contracting with one or more prescription drug wholesalers and Canadian suppliers to import prescription drugs and provide prescription drug cost savings to consumers in this State; (2) developing a registration process for health benefit plan issuers, health care providers, and pharmacies to obtain and dispense prescription drugs imported under the program; (3) developing a list of prescription drugs, including the prices of those drugs, that meet certain requirements set forth under the Act and publishing the list on the Department's website; (4) establishing an outreach and marketing plan to generate program awareness; (5) ensuring the program and the prescription drug wholesalers that contract with this State comply with certain federal tracking, tracing, verification, and identification requirements; and other matters. Sets forth eligibility criteria for prescription drugs that may be imported into the State under the program. Contains provisions concerning program expansion; program funding; audit procedures; annual reporting requirements; the adoption of rules to implement the Act; and federal waiver or authorization requirements. Effective July 1, 2025.

Rachel Ventura

LATE/MISSED APPOINTMENT FEES

Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act and the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Provides that a health care provider and a person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine shall not charge a patient or client or require the patient or client to pay a fee for a missed or late appointment. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall be construed to prohibit health care providers and a persons engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine from developing and implementing an incentive program to encourage patients or clients to adhere to scheduled appointments. Provides that any health care provider or person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine that violates the provisions concerning missed and late appointment fees is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined $500 per violation.

Rachel Ventura

TNC-TRANSPARENCY/DEACTIVATION

Amends the Transportation Network Providers Act. Provides that if a transportation network company (TNC) rejects an individual applying to be a TNC driver, the TNC shall describe to the applicant, in writing, the reasons for their rejection along with documentation confirming that the applicant maintains one of the disqualifying conditions. Provides that every TNC driver has a right to inspect, copy, and receive copies of the specified documents, with exceptions. Provides that within 24 hours of each trip completion, the TNC must transmit a detailed electronic receipt to the TNC driver. Provides that each week, a TNC must transmit a weekly summary to a driver in writing or electronically containing certain information for the preceding calendar week. Requires a TNC to maintain a written plain-language deactivation policy that provides the policies and procedures for deactivation. Prohibits a TNC from deactivating a TNC driver for: (1) a violation not reasonably understood as part of a TNC's written deactivation policy; (2) a driver's ability to work a minimum number of hours; (3) a driver's acceptance or rejection of a ride, as long as the acceptance or rejection is not for a discriminatory purpose; (4) a driver's good faith statement regarding compensation or working conditions made publicly or privately; or (5) a driver asserting the driver's legal rights under any local, State, or federal law. Requires the TNC to provide notice at the time of deactivation or, for deactivations based on serious misconduct, within 3 days of the deactivation. Requires a TNC to adopt policies ensuring complete reimbursement to TNC drivers for any violations of a parking ordinance of a unit of local government. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for a TNC to retaliate through deactivation or in any other manner against a TNC driver for exercising any rights granted under the Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Emil Jones, III

TELEHEALTH FACILITY FEES

Amends the Telehealth Act. Provides that no health care provider, health care facility, or associated entity shall impose or collect a facility fee in connection with any telehealth services provided to patients in the State of Illinois. Provides that the prohibition does not apply to any fees that are directly related to in-person services that may be required to supplement telehealth care if such fees are itemized and clearly communicated to the patient before the in-person services are provided.

Laura Ellman

SECURITIES-ADDITIONAL FEES

Amends the Illinois Securities Law of 1953. Provides that the Secretary of State may provide funds for restitution assistance to victims that were awarded restitution in a final order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in a legal action initiated by the Secretary of State and who have not received the full amount of restitution ordered one year after the date of the final order. Provides that the Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement this provision, including, but not be limited to, eligibility requirements for a restitution assistance award, applicable deadlines for applying for the award, and caps on the amount of restitution awards available from the Secretary of State. Provides that various additional fees collected by the Secretary of States shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special Services Fund.

Lakesia Collins

WORKERS RIGHTS AND SAFETY

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

Robert Peters

PROP TX-HOMESTEAD

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2026, any bill to amend an existing homestead exemption or to create a new homestead exemption shall include the submission of an impact statement prepared by the sponsor of the bill. Provides that the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption shall be $85,000 for taxable year 2025 and shall be subject to a cost-of-living adjustment in subsequent years. Provides that, for any tax certificates held by a county, the county clerk may create and administer a payment plan during the redemption period. Amends the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act. Makes changes concerning the maximum household income. Effective immediately.

Robert Peters

PROP TX-CIRCUIT BREAKER

Creates the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Act. Provides that an individual who: (i) is domiciled in this State; (ii) is eligible for and receives either the general homestead exemption the general alternative homestead exemption; (iii) has experienced property tax bill spikes; and (iv) has an income that meets a specified income eligibility limitation is eligible for a grant of a portion of their bill spike. Provides that the maximum amount of grant to which a claimant is entitled is the one-half of the claimant's tax bill spike. Creates the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Fund for the purpose of making grants to claimants. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Patrick J. Joyce

SELF-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Amends the Department of Employment Security Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Employment Security shall create a self-employment assistance program to provide benefits to individuals who are working to start a business in the State and who are otherwise eligible to receive benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that a participant in the program shall be deemed to be actively engaged in seeking work as required under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that benefits paid to a participant in the program are considered to be benefits paid under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Employment Security shall adopt rules to implement and administer the program.

Willie Preston

PROMPT PAYMENT-CAP DEVELOP BD

Amends the State Prompt Payment Act. Provides that, for construction contracts with the Department of Transportation or the Capital Development Board (instead of the Department of Transportation only), the contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier, regardless of tier, shall not offset, decrease, or diminish payment or payments that are due to its subcontractors or material suppliers without reasonable cause.

Willie Preston

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF ACT

Creates the Property Tax Relief Act. Provides that any individual whose household is liable for payment of property taxes accrued or has paid rent constituting property taxes accrued and is domiciled in this State at the time he or she files his or her claim is entitled to claim a grant under the Act to be administered by the Department of Revenue. Provides that for 2025 claim year applications submitted during calendar year 2026, a household must have an annual household income of less than the State median adjusted gross income. Provides that for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, an eligible residence must have an assessed market value of less than $350,000. Provides that except as otherwise provided under the Act, the maximum grant amount which a claimant is entitled to claim not to exceed $5,000. Sets forth the grant amount for eligible households that receive cash assistance from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the Department of Human Services. Contains provisions concerning the effect joint ownership of a single residence or ownership of multiple residences has on the calculation of the grant amount. Sets forth the procedure to file a grant claim. Contains provisions concerning supporting documents the Department of Revenue may require claimants to submit to verify eligibility for a grant; the payment and denial of claims; claimants' records; rules of confidentiality; penalties for filing a fraudulent claim; and Department rules.

Willie Preston

PUBLIC HEALTH DENTAL HYGIENIST

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Deletes the definition of "public health setting". Provides that, after completion of a training program, a public health dental hygienist may provide services according to the terms of a supervision agreement (rather than may operate in a public health setting that meets the requirements in the Act) with a dentist who is working in or has contracted with a local or State government agency or institution or who is providing services as part of a certified school-based program or school-based oral health program. Provides that care provided by a public health dental hygienist under a supervision agreement may take place in any setting outside of a private dental office.

Mary Edly-Allen

SCH CD-GIFTED & TALENTED

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

Mary Edly-Allen

DENTAL CARE-ELECTRONIC BILLING

Amends the Uniform Electronic Transactions in Dental Care Billing Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2028 (instead of 2026), no dental plan carrier is required to accept from a dental care provider eligibility for a dental plan transaction or dental care claims or equivalent encounter information transaction. Sets forth exemptions from the requirements of the Act, and requires a dental care provider who is exempt from the requirements of the Act to file a form with the Department of Insurance indicating the applicable exemption. Requires each dental plan carrier to establish a portal that provides certain benefit and billing information. Requires a dental plan carrier to establish an electronic portal that allows dental care providers to submit claims electronically and directly to the dental care provider; accept attachments in an electronic format with the initial electronic claim's submission; and provide remittance advice with the corresponding payment. Provides that nothing in the Act requires a dental care provider to only accept electronic payment from a dental plan carrier. Provides that dental plan carriers shall allow alternative forms of payment, without additional fees or charges, to a dental care provider, if requested. Effective immediately.

Dave Syverson

STOP SQUATTERS ACT

Creates the Stop Squatters Act. Creates a process for local law enforcement to remove a person who is unlawfully occupying residential or commercial property without any right to do so. Requires the property owner to file a complaint with local law enforcement alleging facts to trigger the Act. Provides that law enforcement is entitled to a reasonable fee to remove an unauthorized occupant and provides legal protection to law enforcement for acting on a complaint. Provides that if the complaint is found to be false, the property owner shall indemnity the law enforcement agency. Creates a civil action of action for a person who was wrongfully removed. Creates a civil cause of action for the property owner for damages by the wrongful occupant. Amends the Criminal Code of 20212. Creates a Class 4 felony for making a false statement to detain real property and fraudulent sale or lease of residential real property".

Chapin Rose

PEN CD-POLICE TO IMRF-TRANSFER

Amends the Downstate Police and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, until 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a participating sheriff's law enforcement employee may elect to transfer service credit from a downstate police pension fund to IMRF. Provides that to establish that creditable service, the sheriff's law enforcement employee may elect to either pay a specified amount to IMRF or have the amount of his or her creditable service reduced by a specified amount. Provides that if the amount transferred to IMRF is greater than a specified amount, the additional amount shall be credited to the account of the sheriff's law enforcement employee's employer. Makes conforming changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Chapin Rose

$ISU-SPECIAL ED TEACH PROGRAM

Appropriates $6,000,000 to the Illinois State University for the purpose of the Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program. Effective July 1, 2025.

David Koehler

COLLEGE PRESS-PUBLIC MEDIA

Amends the College Campus Press Act. Defines "public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning". Provides that all public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is a public forum for expression by the employees producing media at the particular institution of higher learning. Provides that public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning shall not be subject to prior review by public officials of a State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Allows an employee working for or an agent of an entity creating public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning to commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by a court for violation of the Act by such State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Provides that expression made by an employee or agent of an entity producing public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is neither expression of campus policy nor speech attributable to a State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Provides that a State-sponsored institution of higher learning shall be immune from any lawsuit arising from expression actually made by the public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning

David Koehler

BLOOMINGTON-TREATED WASTEWATER

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

David Koehler

FAMILIES-INTENDED PARENTS

Amends the Parentage Act of 2015. Requires any individual who is an intended parent to undergo and pass a comprehensive criminal background check and screening before any insemination or embryo transfer. Provides that failure to do so waives any presumption that the person is the legal parent of any resulting child born through assisted reproduction. Prohibits an individual who is an intended parent from becoming the legal parent of a child resulting from the use of assisted reproduction if the intended parent has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or nolo contendere to a list of criminal offenses. Makes the same changes to the Gestational Surrogacy Act. Amends the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act. Creates a cause of action against a health care provider by a child born as a result of assisted reproductive treatment if the health care provider failed to conduct a comprehensive criminal background check and screening of the child's intended parents that would have revealed that the intended parent had been convicted of or pled guilty to or nolo contendere to any specified violations and that child later suffered sexual abuse or sexual assault by that intended parent.

David Koehler

VICTIM CENTERED APPROACH ACT

Creates the Victim Centered Approach Pilot Program Act. Provides that the Lake County State's Attorney shall develop a program to represent noncitizen victims of violent crimes in the filing of victim remedies before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Office administrative body. Provides that the Lake County State's Attorney shall use any funding provided to the pilot program to represent or give counsel to 50 noncitizen victims annually for the next 5 years who were victimized by violent crimes in Lake County. Provides that the to be eligible for assistance under the program, an individual must: (1) be a noncitizen victim, who has never been placed in removal proceedings; (2) have suffered a violent crime in Lake County; and (3) not be barred from the immigration remedies before the administrative body. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that, in counties with a population of more than 500,000, a State's Attorney may act, without fee or appointment, as an attorney to a noncitizen victim in an immigration case only if the noncitizen victim was victimized within the county the State's Attorney serves and is located within the geographic boundaries of the county served by the State's Attorney.

Mary Edly-Allen

INS CD-PRIOR AUTHORIZATION

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group health benefit plan shall not impose any prior authorization requirements on outpatient services for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, or treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions.

Cristina Castro

INC TX-ABLE ACCOUNTS

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for contributions to an ABLE account. Provides that the credit shall be in an amount equal to 25% of that matching contribution, but not to exceed $500 per contributing employee per taxable year. Effective immediately.

Cristina Castro

CREDIT UNIONS-VARIOUS

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

David Koehler

INFO PROTECTION-IMMIGRATION

Amends the Personal Information Protection Act. Provides that a data collector shall not own, maintain, license, store, or disclose records that contain immigration or citizenship status information concerning an Illinois resident. Provides that the provision shall not apply to government agencies, public and private universities, or financial institutions. Provides that the definition of "personal information" includes immigration or citizenship status information. Defines "immigration or citizenship status information".

Graciela Guzmán