Bills & Legislation

BD HIGHER ED-CAPITAL IMPROVE

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Removes language providing that each State university must submit its plan for capital improvements of non-instructional facilities to the Board of Higher Education for approval before final commitments are made if the total cost of the project as approved by the institution's board of control is in excess of $2 million.

Cristina Castro

SHORT-TERM RENTAL TAX ACT

Creates the Short-Term Rental Occupation Tax Act. Imposes taxes upon short-term rental transactions facilitated by a hosting platform. Provides that one tax is imposed at the rate of 5% of 94% of the gross rental receipts from the transaction. Provides that an additional tax is imposed at the rate of 1% of 94% of the gross rental receipts from the transaction. Provides that operators of short-term rentals shall obtain a business license from the Department of Revenue. Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that re-renters of hotel rooms who meet certain criteria related to gross receipts or number of transactions are required to collect and remit the tax under the Act. Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Cristina Castro

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption, provides that the Chief County Assessment Officer in a county with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants may request full social security numbers or individual taxpayer identification numbers for all members of the applicant's household. Provides that the Chief County Assessment Officer may renew the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption without a new application if the Chief County Assessment Officer is able to confirm both that the applicant still owns and resides in the property and that applicant's household income qualifies for the exemption. Provides that a Chief County Assessment Officer who renews a low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption without an annual application shall notify the applicant of both the decision to renew the exemption and the applicant's ongoing duty to report changes in the eligibility of the property to receive the exemption.

Javier L. Cervantes

PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Expands the definition of "developmental disability" to include a disability attributable to Prader-Willi syndrome. Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. Expands the definition of "severe and multiple impairments" to include a substantial disability attributable to Prader-Willi syndrome. Exempts persons diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome from any assessment or evaluation to measure cognitive functioning or IQ for purposes of making determinations on whether such persons have severe and multiple impairments eligible for home and community-based services for persons with developmental disabilities. Amends the Statute on Statutes. Provides that, except where the context indicates otherwise: (i) in any rule, contract, or other document the term "developmental disability" shall include a disability attributable to Prader-Willi syndrome; and (ii) whenever there is a reference in any Act to "development disability" the term shall be construed to include a disability attributable to Prader-Willi syndrome.

Julie A. Morrison

MENTAL HLTH-HOME SERVICES

Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. In provisions limiting the funding amount for home-based services provided by the Department of Human Services to an adult with a mental disability, provides that, subject to appropriation for these purposes, the Department may exceed such funding limits for an adult with a mental disability whose service and support needs require a higher level of funding based on a determination of need administered by the Department or its service coordination agent. Provides that such service and support needs must be incorporated into the service plan of the adult with a mental disability and must align with criteria adopted by the Department. Permits the Department to limit the use of the funds to services and supports the adult with a mental disability requires to continue to live in the community. Permits the Department to adopt rules. Effective immediately.

Laura Fine

MEDICAID-SAFETY-NET HOSPITALS

Amends the Hospital Provider Funding Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to create a pool of funding of at least $50,000,000 annually to be disbursed among safety-net hospitals that maintain perinatal designation from the Department of Public Health, provides that no safety-net hospital eligible for funds shall receive less than $5,000,000 annually.

Emil Jones, III

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

Amends the Energy Conservation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emil Jones, III

JUV CT-FITNESS TO STAND TRIAL

Amends the Delinquent Minors Article of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Adds a Part concerning Fitness to Stand Trial. Specifies the unfitness standard for a minor. Sets forth procedures to raise the issue of the unfitness of a minor. Specifies the burden of proof and a presumption. Provides requirements for a fitness evaluation and hearing to determine the fitness of a minor. Provides the requirements for the services to attain fitness, the period to obtain fitness, initial and subsequent progress reports, periodic hearings, and in-court assistance to render a minor fit. Specifies time credit and sentencing guidelines for a minor who attains fitness. Provides for the legal disposition of a minor if fitness cannot be attained. Contains other provisions. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2025.

Lakesia Collins

PRETRIAL RELEASE-REVOCATION

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that when a defendant previously granted pretrial release is charged with violation of any criminal offense committed while on pretrial release, the State may seek revocation of the defendant's pretrial release. Provides that when a defendant released pretrial is charged with a violation of any criminal offense committed while on pretrial release, the State may seek revocation of the defendant's pretrial release (rather than when a defendant has previously been granted pretrial release for a felony or Class A misdemeanor, that pretrial release may be revoked only if the defendant is charged with a felony or Class A misdemeanor that is alleged to have occurred during the defendant's pretrial release after a hearing on the court's own motion or upon the filing of a verified petition by the State).

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

SCH CD-TRANSPORT REIMBURSE

Amends the Transportation Article of the School Code. Provides that the allowable direct cost of transporting pupils for regular, vocational, and special education pupil transportation shall be limited to, among other costs, expenditures to electrification-as-a-service contractors that provide electric school buses or a combination of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, equipment, or daily charge management services, plus a depreciation allowance of 8.33% for 12 years for electric school buses and vehicles approved for transporting pupils to and from school.

Mike Porfirio

JAIL RELEASE-OPIOID ANTAGONIST

Amends the County Department of Corrections Division of the Counties Code, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the County Jail Act. Provides that, upon the release of a prisoner or committed person from a county correctional institution, county jail, or Department of Corrections correctional institution or facility, the sheriff, warden, or Department shall provide the prisoner or committed person with an opioid antagonist if the prisoner was incarcerated for drug-related charges or was identified as having a substance abuse disorder.

Karina Villa

ELEC CD-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, in counties under township organization, an election authority may combine a township with another township to constitute one election precinct if the townships are contiguous and 2 or more specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that the election authority shall consider voter convenience and election integrity when determining whether to combine a township with another township to constitute one election precinct.

Julie A. Morrison

ELEC CD-VOTERS PER PRECINCT

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the County Board in each county, except in counties having a population of 3,000,000 inhabitants or over, shall, at its regular meeting in June or an adjourned meeting in July, divide its election precincts so that each precinct shall contain, as near as may be practicable, 1,200 registered voters who cast a ballot in person on the day of the most recent general election (rather than 1,200 registered voters). Provides that the Board of Election Commissioners shall change the boundaries of election precincts after each decennial census as soon as practicable following the completion of congressional and legislative redistricting, and such precincts shall contain as nearly as practicable 1,800 registered voters (rather than 1,200 registered voters if the precinct is located in a county with fewer than 3,000,000 inhabitants; or 1,800 registered voters if the precinct is located in a county with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants). Makes conforming changes.

Julie A. Morrison

ELEC CD-REDUCE PRECINCT JUDGES

Amends the Election Code. Provides that an election authority may reduce the number of judges of election in each precinct to 3 judges of election in lieu of the 5 judges of election otherwise required. Makes conforming changes.

Julie A. Morrison

ELEC CD-VOTERS PER PRECINCT

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the County Board in each county, except in counties having a population of 3,000,000 inhabitants or over, shall, at its regular meeting in June or an adjourned meeting in July, divide its election precincts so that each precinct shall contain, as near as may be practicable, 1,800 registered voters (rather than 1,200 registered voters). Provides that the Board of Election Commissioners shall change the boundaries of election precincts after each decennial census as soon as is practicable following the completion of congressional and legislative redistricting and such precincts shall contain as nearly as practicable 1,800 registered voters (rather than 1,200 registered voters if the precinct is located in a county with fewer than 3,000,000 inhabitants; or 1,800 registered voters if the precinct is located in a county with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants). Makes conforming changes.

Julie A. Morrison

ELEC CD-VOTE CENTERS

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, in addition to required vote centers, election authorities may establish additional vote centers under a specified model. Sets forth provisions concerning the number and location of additional vote centers.

Julie A. Morrison

PERSONNEL RECORDS-POLICE

Amends the Personnel Record Review Act. Provides that a law enforcement agency shall only release a law enforcement personnel file upon receipt of a written request from a law enforcement agency for the purpose of making an employment determination by the law enforcement agency or a hiring board. Provides that a written request shall be on the law enforcement agency's official letterhead, signed by the agency head or the agency head's designee, and shall include either a waiver signed by the law enforcement officer applying for employment with the law enforcement agency or a copy of the law enforcement officer's application for employment. Provides that, if a request is made for release of a law enforcement personnel file that satisfies the requirements, the law enforcement agency shall release a copy of the complete law enforcement personnel file to the requesting law enforcement agency. Provides that a requesting law enforcement agency shall not maintain the law enforcement personnel file following the employment determination. Permits an employer to keep records concerning an employee's activities or associations with extremist or terrorist organizations. Defines terms.

Napoleon Harris III

FOIA-PRELIMINARY DRAFT-STUDY

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure any studies, drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records in which opinions are expressed, or policies or actions are formulated, except that a specific record or relevant portion of a record is not exempt if the record has remained in draft form for more than a 12-month period and public dollars were spent by a unit of local government to conduct such a study.

Robert F. Martwick

HUMAN RIGHTS-CRITERIA-METHODS

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides, in the Articles governing employment, financial, and public accommodation discrimination, that the use of criteria or methods that have the effect of causing certain discrimination-related civil rights violations is unlawful, unless (i) the use of such criteria or methods is necessary to achieve a substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest or (ii) the substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest cannot be served by another practice that has a less discriminatory effect.

Robert F. Martwick

TRUST CODE-UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Amends the Illinois Trust Code. Requires a trustee to maintain, for a minimum of 7 years after the termination of the trust, a copy of the governing trust instrument under which the trustee was authorized to act at the time the trust terminated. Amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Provides that property held in an account or plan, including a health savings account, that qualifies for tax deferral under the United States income tax law, is presumed abandoned 20 years after the account was opened. Requires State agencies to report final compensation due a State employee to the Treasurer's Office as unclaimed property if the employee dies while employed. Requires a holder who holds property presumed abandoned to hold the property in trust for the benefit of the State Treasurer on behalf of the owner from and after the date the property is presumed abandoned. Requires that the State Treasurer provide written notice to a State agency and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget of property presumed to be abandoned and allegedly owned by the State agency before it can be escheated to the State's General Revenue Fund if the property remains unclaimed after one year. Creates authority for the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to order a regulated person under the Act to immediately report and remit property subject to the Act if the Secretary determines that the action is necessary to protect the interest of an owner. Establishes a procedure regulating agreements between an owner or apparent owner and a finder to locate or recover property held by the State Treasurer. Requires a finder to be licensed by the State Treasurer and creates qualifications to be so licensed. Makes definitions. Makes other changes. The Treasurer is authorized to adopt rules as necessary to implement the Act. Effective immediately.

Robert F. Martwick

PEN CD-STATE SYSTEMS-FUNDING

Amends the General Assembly, State Employees, State Universities, Downstate Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, beginning the first State fiscal year after the total assets of the System are at least 90% of the total actuarial liabilities of the System and each State fiscal year thereafter, the contribution to the System shall be calculated based on an actuarially determined contribution rate. Provides that the System shall calculate the actuarially determined contribution rate in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Research System and officially adopted actuarial assumptions. Provides that the System shall use this valuation to calculate the actuarially determined contribution rate for the next fiscal year. Provides that the actuarially determined contribution rate for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount for the preceding fiscal year if the ratio of the System's total assets to the System's total liabilities is less than 90%. Provides that the actuarially determined contribution rate shall not be less than the normal cost for the fiscal year. Sets forth provisions concerning reporting and determining the actuarially determined contribution rate. Makes conforming changes.

Robert F. Martwick

LANDLORD-TENANT-PET FEES

Amends the Landlord Tenant Act to create a pet fee (any one-time non-refundable fee paid at the beginning of a tenancy to allow a pet to remain at the property for the duration of the tenancy) and "pet rent" (any recurring non-refundable fee paid alongside rent to allow a pet to remain at the property for the duration of the tenancy). Provides that a landlord may charge a tenant either a one-time pet fee or recurring pet rent, but not both. Provides that pet fees may not exceed $500 and pet rent may not exceed $25 for small animals and $50 for large animals per pet. Provides that a landlord may not charge a pet fee or pet rent for an assistance animal consistent with the Assistance Animal Integrity Act. Provides that nothing in the Act may be construed to require a landlord to charge either a pet fee or pet rent.

Christopher Belt

FAMILY BEREAVEMENT-ANIMALS

Amends the Family Bereavement Leave Act. Provides that all employees shall be entitled to use a maximum of one week (5 work days) of unpaid bereavement leave to grieve the death of a covered companion animal. Provides that, in the event of the death of more than one covered companion animal in a 12-month period, an employee is entitled to up to a total of 2 weeks (10 work days) of bereavement leave during the 12-month period. Defines "companion animal". Makes conforming changes.

Christopher Belt

LIABILITY-ONLINE SELLERS

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that in any product liability action based on any theory or doctrine commenced or maintained against a defendant or defendants other than the manufacturer, if the product was manufactured outside the United States and is offered for sale by a seller through an online marketplace, then the seller, the online marketplace, and the high-volume third-party seller are jointly and severally liable with the manufacturer for any harm caused by the product. Defines "seller", "online marketplace", and "high-volume third-party seller" to have the same meaning as used in the Illinois Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act. Applies to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date of the Act.

Christopher Belt

SCH CD-EARLY LITERACY-SCREEN

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall include in its handbook regarding dyslexia guidelines on the administration of universal screeners for a risk of reading difficulties and secondary reviews, the interpretation of data from these screeners and reviews, and the resulting appropriate intervention within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Requires the State Board to adopt any rules necessary to ensure that a student will be screened for a risk of reading difficulties using a universal screener. Provides that a student shall be screened: (1) if the student is enrolled in a public school in any of grades kindergarten through 3; (2) if the student is in any of grades kindergarten through 3, transfers to a new public school, and has not been screened twice previously during the school year; (3) if the student is in grade 4 or higher and the student's teacher, parent, or guardian requests that the student be screened for a risk of reading difficulties using a universal screener; or (4) if the student is from another state and enrolls for the first time in any of grades kindergarten through 3 in a school district in the State. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each school district must screen students, no less than twice each school year, in grades kindergarten through 3 for a risk of reading difficulties using a universal screener approved by the State Board. Provides for intervention. Requires a report to the State Board. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Christopher Belt

USE/OCC TAX-HOLIDAY

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, from August 6, 2025 through August 8, 2025, and from August 13, 2025 through August 15, 2025, the tax imposed under the Acts on clothing and school supplies shall be at the rate of 1.25% (instead of 6.25%). Effective immediately.

Christopher Belt

GREEN ALERTS-VETERANS

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Provides that the Illinois State Police, in cooperation with the Green Alert Task Force, shall develop as part of the Endangered Missing Person Advisory a coordinated statewide awareness program and toolkit, which shall be referred to as a Green Alert, to be used when a veteran, active service member, Illinois National Guard Member, or reservist is believed to be missing or at risk. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall complete development and deployment of the Green Alert Awareness Program and toolkit on or before July 1, 2027. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall establish a Green Alert Task Force within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act to assist the development and deployment of the Green Alert Awareness Program and toolkit. Provides that the Task Force shall monitor and review the implementation and operation of that program, including procedures, budgetary requirements, standards, and minimum requirements for the training of law enforcement personnel on how to interact appropriately and effectively with veterans or other active or retired service members that are believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. Sets forth membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall meet at least twice a year and shall provide a report on the operations of the Green Alert Program to the General Assembly and the Governor each year by June 30th. Provides that the Child Safety Coordinator shall act in the capacity of Green Alert Program Coordinator in addition to the Child Safety Coordinator's other duties. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall conduct a training program for law enforcement personnel of local governmental agencies in the statewide coordinated Green Alert Awareness Program and toolkit. Provides that, on or before July 1, 2026, the Board shall adopt written protocols and guidelines for the handling of missing persons cases concerning veterans, active service members, Illinois National Guard Members, or reservists that are missing or believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves based upon protocols developed by the Green Alert Task Force in conjunction with the Illinois State Police.

Christopher Belt

MILITARY JUSTICE-OFFENSES

Amends the Illinois Code of Military Justice. In the definition of "military offenses", updates the proper names of the listed offenses. Makes a corresponding change to a substantive provision concerning the offense of conduct unbecoming an officer. Effective immediately.

Christopher Belt

CORRECTIONS-SUPERVISED RELEASE

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall be the authority for setting conditions for mandatory supervised release under specified provisions and determining whether a violation of those conditions warrant revocation of mandatory supervised release or the imposition of other sanctions. Provides that the Board shall hear by at least one member and through a panel of at least 3 members determine the conditions of mandatory supervised release, determine the time of discharge from mandatory supervised release, impose sanctions for violations of mandatory supervised release, and revoke mandatory supervised release for those sentenced under specified provisions. Provides that if a person was originally prosecuted under the provisions of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, sentenced under the provisions of the Act pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and convicted as an adult and committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall, no less than 120 days prior to the date that the person reaches the age of 21, send written notification to the Prisoner Review Board indicating the day upon which the committed person will achieve the age of 21. Requires the Prisoner Review Board to conduct a hearing with no less than 3 members to determine whether or not the minor shall be assigned mandatory supervised release or be transferred to the Department of Corrections prior to the minor's 21st birthday.

Christopher Belt

SCH CD-TEACHER EVALUATION PLAN

Amends the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article of the School Code. Provides that a teacher evaluation plan shall prohibit an evaluator from using artificial intelligence tools to perform teacher evaluation tasks.

Christopher Belt

MEDICAID-SLF-DEMENTIA CARE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that upon application to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, supportive living program settings may convert non-dementia care setting units to dementia care setting units. Provides that all conversions must be operational within one year of approval and meet criteria specific to certification for dementia care setting units outlined in the Illinois Administrative Code.

Paul Faraci

HEALTH CARE TRANSPARENCY

Creates the Health Care Transparency Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall identify reproductive health care services, LGBTQ health care services, and end-of-life health care services that are or may be subject to denial of care for nonmedical reasons in the State and develop a clear and simple disclosure form for the purpose of conveying to patients and to the public which of the identified health care services are and are not generally available, are subject to restriction for nonmedical reasons, and are subject to restrictions on referral by each covered entity. Requires the Department to publish and maintain on its public-facing website a current list of covered entities and provide for public access to the disclosure form submitted by each covered entity; adopt rules implementing the Department's duties; and develop and administer to the public an education and awareness program regarding how denial of care may negatively impact health care access and quality, may be avoided, and affects vulnerable people and communities. Establishes disclosure requirements for covered entities. Effective immediately.

Omar Aquino

TRANSPORTATION-GREENHOUSE GAS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Transportation Choices Act. Requires, by January 1, 2027, the Environmental Protection Agency, after consultation with the Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), to establish a schedule of greenhouse gas targets for greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in the State. Requires the Department and MPOs to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions analysis and determine if their applicable planning document will result in meeting their greenhouse gas targets. Requires the Department and MPOs to perform a greenhouse gas emissions analysis prior to including a roadway capacity expansion project in an applicable planning document. Requires, by January 1, 2029 and every 3 years thereafter, the Department to prepare a comprehensive report on statewide transportation greenhouse gas reduction accomplishments and challenges and to make recommendations for any legislative action that would assist the Department and MPOs in meeting their greenhouse gas targets. Requires the Department and MPOs to calculate a climate equity accessibility score prior to including any project that has an anticipated cost of $30,000,000 or more in an applicable planning document or as a greenhouse gas mitigation measure. Requires the Department and MPOs to provide early and continuous opportunities for public participation in the transportation planning process. Requires, beginning June 30, 2026, the Department and MPOs to establish a social cost of carbon and use the social cost of carbon in their planning documents and planning activities. Establishes the Greenhouse Gas in Transportation Working Group. Provides that the specified requirements of the provisions shall commence with projects included in applicable planning documents filed on or after January 1, 2028. Makes other changes. Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to calculate a social cost of carbon and makes other changes.

Omar Aquino

TRUST ACT-TECH

Amends the Illinois TRUST Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Omar Aquino

COUNTY BOARD MEMBER LIMITATION

Amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. In provisions concerning offices a member of a county board may hold during the member's term of office, provides that a member of the county board may serve as a member of an intergovernmental joint self-insurance pool board during the county board member's term of office. Effective immediately.

Jil Tracy

CONDO-CI ASSN-DISB CHANGES

Amends the Common Interest Community Association Act. Provides that an association may not prohibit any resident or owner from making reasonable renovations, modifications, or any other change to the inside or outside of the resident's or owner's home if the renovation, modification, or other change is to accommodate the resident's or owner's health condition or disability so long as the renovation, modification, or other change does not extend over or onto neighboring properties, public or common sidewalks, pathways, streets or other public or common areas or elements and does not interfere with traffic or utilities. Provides that such a prohibition or restriction in an association's community instruments that conflicts with or purports to supersede this Section is void and unenforceable. Amends the Condominium Property Act to make the same changes.

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

ANCRA-MED PROFESSIONAL OPINION

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Sets forth certain protections that must be provided to the parent or guardian of a child at the center of an abuse or neglect investigation whenever the Department of Children and Family Services refers a child to a medical professional. Defines "medical professional". Requires the medical professional to explain to the parent or guardian of the child, whenever the medical professional has direct contact with the child or the family of the child, that the medical professional is involved for the purpose of providing an opinion to the Department regarding whether the child's injury or condition is suspicious for child maltreatment. Requires the Department to inform the parent or guardian of his or her right to: (i) request and receive a copy of the medical professional's opinion; (ii) obtain, at his or her own expense, and submit to the Department a second medical opinion for consideration in the investigation; (iii) that any second medical opinion submitted to the Department prior to the Department rendering a final determination in the investigation will be considered as inculpatory or exculpatory evidence; and (iv) of the Department's time frames for the investigative process. Contains provisions concerning annual reports on the number of investigations in which a medical professional has provided a written opinion to the Department. Sets forth the data that must be included in the Department's reports.

Kimberly A. Lightford

DEBT RESOLUTION SERVICES ACT

Creates the Debt Resolution Services Act. Provides that no person shall provide or offer to provide debt resolution services without a debt resolution services license. Defines "debt resolution services" as a program or service represented, directly or by implication, to renegotiate, settle, or in any way alter the terms of payment or other terms of the debt between a consumer and one or more unsecured creditors. Sets forth requirements for a debt resolution services license. Sets forth the process for obtaining a debt resolution services license. Provides that specified persons are exempt under the Act. Provides the prerequisites and permitted practices for providing debt resolution services. Provides the requirements for a contract between a licensee and a consumer for debt resolution services. Provides that a consumer may terminate a contract to provide debt resolution services at any time without any penalty. Provides that a licensee may terminate a contract to provide debt resolution services if specified conditions are satisfied. Includes provisions concerning the powers of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; prohibited activities under the Act, including prohibitions against false or misleading advertising; annual reports filed by a licensee; fees for debt resolution services; information a licensee must provide to a consumer; records a licensee is required to keep; penalties for violating the Act; and transactions entered into before the effective date of the Act. Repeals the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act. Amends various Acts to replace references to the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act to the Debt Resolution Services Act. Effective January 9, 2026.

Christopher Belt

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICIPATION

Amends the Environmental Justice Act. Creates the Environmental Justice Public Participation Program. Establishes purpose and definitions. Creates the Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency. Sets forth the duties of the Office. Provides that the requirements of the provisions apply to specified permitting actions within areas of environmental justice concern. Requires the Office to use environmental justice notifications to contact people located in areas of environmental justice concern, elected officials, and other interested parties to notify of a proposed permit action in that particular area of environmental justice concern. Provides that if an area is not designated as an area of environmental justice concern due to an error in the Agency's application of EJ Start, a resident of that area may make a request in writing to the Agency for reconsideration of the designation upon providing the Office census data that would otherwise demonstrate the area is an area of environmental justice concern or minority population greater than twice the statewide average. Provides that if an area is designated as an area of environmental justice concern due to an error in the Agency's application of EJ Start, a resident of that area may make a request in writing to the Agency for reconsideration of the designation upon providing the Office census data that would otherwise demonstrate that the area is not an area of environmental justice concern or minority population greater than twice the statewide average. Establishes requirements to apply to permitting transactions in areas of environmental justice concern. Requires the Agency to establish a grievance procedure. Requires the Agency to provide a report to the Commission on Environmental Justice annually regarding the status of all grievances made under the provisions.

Christopher Belt

INS CD-CRIBS AND CAR SEATS

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 shall provide coverage for one crib and one car seat for each postpartum individual covered under the policy. Provides that the postpartum individual must be covered by the insurance policy at the time of child birth and must submit a claim within 6 months after the birth. Provides that the insurer must either reimburse the postpartum individual for the purchase of an approved crib and car seat upon submission of a valid receipt or provide a car seat and crib to the postpartum individual that complies with all federal and State safety standards. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under those provisions.

Christopher Belt

ESTATE TAX-SPECIAL USE

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Makes certain changes concerning estates that contain qualified farm property. Provides that, for the purposes of calculating the State Death Tax Credit, those estates are subject to an exemption of $6,000,000 (rather than an exclusion amount of $4,000,000), which shall be deducted from the net estate value after the net estate value is computed in accordance with the Act. Provides that the exemption shall be adjusted each year according to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Makes changes concerning the calculation of the deceased spousal unused exclusion amount for those estates. Provides for a special use valuation to provide that the value of the qualified farm property shall be calculated without regard to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code. Makes changes concerning the definition of "qualified heir".

Doris Turner

$SUPP-DEPT AGR-SWCD

Amends Public Act 103-0589. Increases the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriation to the Department of Agriculture from the Partners for Conservation Fund for grants to Soil and Water Conservation Districts for ordinary and contingent administrative expenses from $4,500,000 to $8,500,000. Effective immediately.

David Koehler

DHS-DSP WAGE INCREASES

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, to file an amendment to the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2026, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' average wage increases and who work in residential and community day services settings. Provides that for services delivered on or after January 1, 2026, the rates shall include adjustments to employment-related expenses as defined by rule by the Department of Human Services. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules, including emergency rules, to implement the rate increases. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to submit a Title XIX State Plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2026, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel at ID/DD and MC/DD facilities. Provides that the State Plan amendment shall provide wage increases for all residential non-executive direct care staff. Effective immediately.

David Koehler

IL WORKS-APPRENTICE

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the term "community-based organization" includes a high-school based program. Provides that funding from the Illinois Works Fund shall be categorized based on Illinois Department of Transportation regions. Adds a member to the Illinois Works Review panel who shall be a representative of a community-based organization that addresses high school-based workforce programs. Makes other changes.

David Koehler

LOCAL GOVT RETIREMENT PLANS

Creates the Local Government Retirement Plan Responsibility Act. Provides that any retirement plan offered by a unit of local government or school district must comply with the applicable provisions of the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties, funding, investments, and the rights of participants, regardless of whether the retirement plan is established under the Illinois Pension Code. Defines "retirement plan".

Robert F. Martwick

COM COL-CHICAGO-ELECT BOARD

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides for the election (rather than appointment) of the board of trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago beginning with the 2027 consolidated election. Provides that the City of Chicago shall be subdivided into 20 trustee districts by the General Assembly for seats on the board of trustees, in addition to one at-large trustee. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

Robert F. Martwick

TIF-DEVELOPER LOT INITIAL EAV

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that if (1) 3 or more improved lots, blocks, tracts, or parcels of real property within a single redevelopment project area are purchased by a developer or a developer's parent company or wholly-owned subsidiary, or any combination thereof, within the 3 years prior to the date that the ordinance providing for the tax increment allocation was adopted by the municipality, and (2) an improvement on any of the lots, blocks, tracts, or parcels of real property is demolished or otherwise rendered uninhabitable, then the initial equalized assessed value for the lot, block, tract or parcel of real property shall be the equalized assessed value of the lot, block, tract, or parcel of real property on the date it was purchased by the developer, the developer's parent company, or the developer's wholly-owned subsidiary or purchased by any combination thereof. Limits the provisions to ordinances adopted after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Robert F. Martwick

TIF-INITIAL & TOTAL EAV

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, if a county clerk determines that any lot, block, tract, or parcel of real property within a redevelopment project area is not taxable or has an initial equalized assessed value of $0, then the fair market value of the lot, block, tract, or parcel shall be instead determined by a written MAI-certified appraisal or by a written certified appraisal of a State-certified or State-licensed real estate appraiser. Provides that this reappraisal shall be the initial equalized assessed value of the lot, block, tract, or parcel and shall be added to the total initial equalized assessed value of the taxable real property within the redevelopment project area. Limits the provisions to tax increment allocation financing ordinances adopted after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Robert F. Martwick

IMMUNITY CHILD WELFARE AGENCIE

Creates the Temporary Immunity for Child Welfare Agencies Act. Creates immunity from civil liability for a licensed child welfare agency that provides service for youth in foster care for a 2-year period unless the agency's acts or omissions constitute willful and wanton conduct. Provides that the immunity extends to the agency's employees, volunteers, and agents acting within the scope of their employment. Defines a "child welfare agency" to mean a public or private child care facility that receives a child or children for the purpose of placing or arranging for the placement or free care of the child or children in foster family homes, unlicensed pre-adoptive and adoptive homes, adoption-only homes, or other facilities for child care apart from the custody of the child's or children's parents. The term "child welfare agency" includes (i) all agencies established and maintained by a municipality or other political subdivision of the State to protect, guard, train or care for children outside their own homes; and (ii) all agencies, persons, groups of persons, organizations, corporations, institutions, centers, or group providing adoption services but does not include a circuit court, appointed juvenile probation officer, or youth counselor of the court who receive and place children under an order of the court. Creates the Child Welfare Agency Liability Task Force to develop and recommend a permanent solution to address the unavailability of liability insurance for child welfare agencies in the State. Requires that the Task Force submit its first report to the General Assembly no later than December 26, 2026. Effective immediately.

Laura Fine

CARBON CAPTURE-COMPENSATION

Amends the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not issue any certificate of authority under the Act before July 1, 2026. Removes language providing that if, after July 1, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has not adopted final revisions to specified pipeline safety rules, the Commission may only approve a certificate of authority if it finds that the applicant has met all of the requirements of the Act, has already acquired all of its other necessary approvals, and is compliant with any requirements or conditions adopted by the Commission. Provides that a nonconsenting pore space owner's compensation shall include just compensation and any operations term or injection term payments made upon or after the initiation of injection provided to consenting pore space owners in consideration of allowing use of their pore space for sequestration of carbon dioxide. Provides that a nonconsenting pore space owner's compensation shall be no less than the average total payment package, considered as a whole with respect to an individual owner, provided in agreements to similarly situated consenting pore space owners for use of their pore space by the same sequestration operator for the same sequestration project (instead of provided in agreements during the previous 365 days to similarly situated consenting pore space owners). Amends the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act. Provides that an affected landowner is entitled to reasonable compensation from an applicant that has been granted a certificate of authority under this Act for damages resulting from access to the landowner's property for required activities taken to construct the pipeline, including, but not limited to, compensation for specified damages. Sets forth provisions concerning payment of the compensation; attorney's fees; and an applicant entering into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture that governs the mitigation of agricultural impacts associated with the construction of the proposed pipeline. Makes other changes.

Laura Fine