Bills & Legislation

SCH CD-ASL IMPLEMENTATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that, no Later than July 1, 2026, the State Board of Education shall create educational materials that shall be posted publicly on its website and distributed to all school districts in the State that serve any grades kindergarten through 8 on the implementation of American Sign Language instruction into a school's curriculum. Includes a list of educational materials. Allows the State Board to receive assistance from outside organizations, State agencies, or individuals with expertise in American Sign Language that the State Board deems appropriate to assist with the creation of the education materials.

Doris TurnerDemocrat

ILETS BOARD MEMBERS

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

Doris TurnerDemocrat

VEHICLE CD-EMERGENCY VEHICLE

Amends the Right-of-Way Article of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any authorized emergency vehicle obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway, whether stationary or not, and displaying flashing lights as provided in the Act. Provides that the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to an emergency worker obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway at an emergency scene, and the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian upon a highway directly involved in the emergency scene. Makes corresponding changes to penalty provisions.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

RECREATION LAND USE LIABILITY

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

Li Arellano, Jr.Republican

FIRST RESPONDER MEDAL OF HONOR

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

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

PEN CD-IMRF-MUNI CONTRIBUTION

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

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

MID-INCOME HOUSING GRANT PILOT

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

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

$IHDA-MID-INCOME HOUSING GRANT

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

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

HIGHER ED-MISCONDUCT SURVEY

Amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. Requires each higher education institution to biennially (rather than annually) conduct a sexual misconduct climate survey of all students at the institution. Adds the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board, members appointed by the Board of Higher Education, and members appointed by the Illinois Community College Board to the Task Force on Campus Sexual Misconduct Climate Surveys. Removes some members of the Task Force who were appointed by the Governor. Requires the Task Force to meet to recommend updates and revisions to the base survey (rather than to review the results of the survey and to implement updates and improvements). Removes the civil fine imposed upon an institution that violates the provisions or fails to carry out the provisions. Makes other changes.

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

PROVENANCE DATA REQUIREMENTS

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

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

VEH CD-CRASH-ELEC COMM DEV

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

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

CONSUMER FRAUD-CARD SURCHARGES

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

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

FRAUD-EMERGENCY PRICE GOUGING

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice, for a period of 45 days after a disaster is declared by the President of the United States or the Governor, for any person to sell or offer to sell to a consumer in the designated disaster area any consumer food items or goods, goods or services used for emergency cleanup or response, emergency supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, lodging, transportation, freight, or storage services, fuel, gasoline, or other motor fuels, repair or reconstruction services, or any other necessity for an unconscionably high price. Sets forth provisions concerning the determination of unconscionably high prices and enforcement of the provision by the Attorney General. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt specified information.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

PENCD-TRS-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-TIER 2 SURVIVOR BENEFIT

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

REGULATORY SUNSET-STUDY

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

Chris BalkemaRepublican

FIREARM OFFENSE ENHANCED PENAL

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

Willie PrestonDemocrat

PENSION CODE-VARIOUS

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

METRO & REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTH

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

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

MOTOR VEHICLE FRANCHISE-SALES

Amends the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act. Provides that it shall be deemed a violation for a manufacturer, a distributor, a wholesaler, or other specified entity to distribute new motor vehicles directly to consumers or to circumvent franchise distribution obligations under the Act. Provides that it shall be deemed a violation for any manufacturer with an established franchise dealer network in the State to engage in the sale, lease, or servicing of new motor vehicles in a manner that bypasses or competes with the manufacturer's existing franchisee network. Makes conforming and other changes. Defines terms.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

MOBILE HOME PARK-OMBUD

Creates the Mobile and Manufactured Home Ombudsperson Act. Creates the Office of Mobile and Manufactured Home Ombudsperson within the Department of Public Health. Provides that the Ombudsperson shall offer training, educational materials and course offerings for residents, owners, and other interested persons or groups on the operation and management of mobile and manufactured home parks and the relevant laws that are applicable. Requires the Ombudsperson to establish a written policy for resolving complaints made by residents and a dispute resolution process to assist resolving disputes between owners of mobile home parks and residents.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

VEH CD-FLASHING LIGHTS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a unit of local government that has ownership or control over an intersection that is adjacent to property that is used for an elementary or secondary school to install at the ends of the pedestrian crosswalks for that intersection rapid flashing beacons that alert motor vehicle drivers to the presence of pedestrians in the crosswalk when the pedestrians who are using the crosswalk activate the beacons.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

ABUSIVE LITIGATION-WEBSITE

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

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

SCH CD-TIME OUT

Amends the School Code. Expands the definitions of "isolated time out" or "time out", "physical restraint" or "restraint", and "time out". Removes exceptions to the prohibition of prone restraint. Removes language providing that the parents or guardian of a student and the State Superintendent of Education shall be informed whenever isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint is used. Establishes complaint procedures to replace the complaint procedures set forth in the State Board of Education's rules. Provides that staff members responsible for implementing isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint must be trained in accordance with the system of non-violent intervention adopted by the school district and must be trained at least once every 2 years in a session that is not less than 6 hours. Requires the State Board to convene a group of stakeholders to annually review: (1) data associated with the use of physical restraint, time out, and isolated time out, and efforts made by public entities to reduce these practices; (2) strategies to reduce physical restraint, time out, and isolated time out; (3) decisions made by the State Board related to physical restraint, time out, and isolated time out; (4) student behavior and behavioral interventions that can be use as an alternative to physical restraint, time out, and isolated time out; and (5) professional development needed for public entities in behavioral interventions to ensure the proper use of physical restraint, time out, and isolated time out. Makes other changes.

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

$ISBE-MENTORING EDUCATORS

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

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

SCH CD-LICENSE TYPES-TESTING

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

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

SCH SAFETY DRILL-MAPPING DATA

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

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

SCH CD-EDUCATOR LICENSURE-MISC

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes.

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

VEH CD-WEIGHT LIMIT EXEMPTION

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

Meg Loughran CappelDemocrat

STORMWATER DRAINAGE-URBAN AREA

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

Laura EllmanDemocrat

SANITARY FOOD PREPARATION

Amends the Sanitary Food Preparation Act. Provides that, if a food distribution facility is engaged in the collection, storage, packaging, or distribution of food to consumers, then that facility is subject to all provisions of the Act and rules adopted under the Act. Provides that the registered sanitarian of a county health department of where a food distribution facility is located shall have the power to enforce and observe the rules and orders of the Department of Public Health and the provisions of this Section. Defines "food distribution facility".

Linda HolmesDemocrat

EMERGENCY CO-RESPONSE GRANTS

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

Mary Edly-AllenDemocrat

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON MAIL

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

Willie PrestonDemocrat

CONSUMER & PREDATORY LOANS

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

Willie PrestonDemocrat

HOMOCIDE INVESTIGATOR TRAINING

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

MUNI CD-LAW ENFORCEMENT

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

TWP MEETING-ADVISORY QUESTIONS

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

Craig WilcoxRepublican

PUB AID-TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

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

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

PRIVACY CRIM JUSTICE DATA

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

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

CLIMATE DISPLACEMENT ACT

Creates the Climate Displacement Task Force Act for the purpose of making recommendations regarding climate displacement within the State. Contains provisions concerning the appointment of members to the Task Force and the duties of the Task Force. Requires the Task Force to submit to the General Assembly an initial report delineating the Task Force's findings, conclusions, and recommendations by no later than June 30, 2026.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

STATE DISABILITY OMBUDSPERSON

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

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-NEW SALEM

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

Steve McClureRepublican

PROP TX-30 YEAR HOMESTEAD

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

Neil AndersonRepublican

$IDOT-PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE

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

Terri BryantRepublican

HIGHER ED-EVALUATE INSTRUCTOR

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

Chris BalkemaRepublican

CAMPUS FREE SPEECH ACT

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

Chris BalkemaRepublican

SAFETY-TECH

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

Chris BalkemaRepublican

SCH CD-EDUCATOR TESTING

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

Chris BalkemaRepublican

SURVEYING-SMALL CONTRACTS

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

Cristina CastroDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-DESIGN-BUILD

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that certain provisions concerning design-bid-build construction apply to contracts in excess of $500,000 (currently, $250,000).

Cristina CastroDemocrat