Bills & Legislation

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

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

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 HolmesDemocrat

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 TurnerDemocrat

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 TurnerDemocrat

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 TurnerDemocrat

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.Democrat

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.Democrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 HarmonDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 CastroDemocrat

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 SimmonsDemocrat

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

LIQUOR-DELIVERY TO RETAILER

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that a distributor of wine or spirits shall deliver to any retailer within any geographic area in which that distributor has been granted by a wholesaler the right to sell its trademark, brand, or name at least once every 2 weeks if the retailer agrees to purchase at least $200 of wine or spirits from the distributor every 2 weeks. Removes language setting forth a $50 minimum purchase of wine or spirits for a retailer located in a county with a population of less than 3,000,000 that is not adjacent to a county with a population of at least 3,000,000 inhabitants. Makes a conforming change.

Cristina CastroDemocrat

LIQUOR-COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates a cooperative agent license. Provides that a cooperative agent license shall allow the holder to act on behalf of a cooperative purchase group. Establishes a fee for licensure as a cooperative agent. Provides that a licensee with a combined on-premises and off-premises license may make purchases for on-premises use only through an on-premises cooperative purchase group and may make purchases for off-premises use only through an off-premises cooperative purchase group. Provides that cooperative purchase groups, cooperative agents, and the cooperative agents' owners, officers, principals, employees, and their spouse may not: (1) receive cash or anything of value from a retail licensee, importing distributor, distributor, non-resident dealer, or manufacturer as part of a cooperative purchasing agreement; (2) be employed by, consult for, or have an ownership interest in any business or enterprise that provides marketing services or activities on behalf of manufacturers, non-resident dealers, foreign importers, importing distributors, or distributors; or (3) accept things of value from, or provide marketing services or activities on behalf of, manufacturers, non-resident dealers, foreign importers, importing distributors, and distributors. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that it is the duty of every cooperative agent and cooperative purchase group to make books and records available upon reasonable notice for the purpose of investigation and control by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission or any local liquor commission having jurisdiction over a licensee member of a cooperative purchase group. Makes changes concerning the surety bond a cooperative purchase group is required to retain. Changes references from "cooperative purchasing group" to "cooperative purchase group" to conform to the defined term.

Cristina CastroDemocrat

PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION ACT

Creates the Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction Act. Defines terms. Prohibits, starting July 1, 2026, a retail mercantile establishment from offering or making available a single-use checkout bag to consumers at the point of sale. Allows a retail mercantile establishment to offer a recycled paper bag or reusable bag to consumers. Requires a fee of at least $0.10 per recycled bag to be retained by the retail mercantile establishment. Exempts bags for certain governmental food assistance programs. Limits use of the fee with respect to credit card and other fees. Provides for educational material and signage. Provides for enforcement, including civil penalties. Limits home rule powers.

Cristina CastroDemocrat

SCH CD-PHONE/SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Amends the School Code. Provides that, no later than August 1, 2025, all school boards shall adopt a policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time; and (2) prevents student access to social media platforms through the use of Internet access provided by a school district. Allows a school board to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time through any method it deems appropriate. Requires a school board to create exceptions to the policy for students to use wireless communication devices for certain reasons, and allows a school board to create other exceptions. Requires a school board to impose appropriate discipline or other sanctions against any student who violates these provisions. Requires a school district to post the policy publicly on its website. Allows the State Board of Education to adopt any rules that are necessary for the administration of the provisions. Effective immediately.

Cristina CastroDemocrat

NUCLEAR POWER CERTIFICATE

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions regarding a certificate of public convenience and necessity, makes changes to the limitations on the construction of a nuclear power reactor. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, construction may commence on an advanced nuclear reactor (rather than a new nuclear power reactor with a nameplate capacity of 300 megawatts of electricity or less) within the State under specified conditions. Defines "advanced nuclear reactor". Makes other changes.

Patrick J. JoyceDemocrat

METHAMPHETAMINE PRECURSORS

Amends the Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act. Provides that each targeted methamphetamine precursor package shall contain no more than 3,600 (rather than 3,000) milligrams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, their salts or optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers. Deletes a provision which specifies that no retail distributor operating a pharmacy, and no pharmacist or pharmacy technician, shall knowingly distribute to a single person more than 2 targeted packages in a single retail transaction. Amends the Methamphetamine Precursor Tracking Act. Provides that, on and after October 1, 2025, any manufacturer of products containing methamphetamine precursors sold in or brought into the State must, on a monthly basis, pay fees to the Central Repository. Provides that the Central Repository shall be responsible for setting the fee levels required. Provides that at the request of the Illinois State Police, manufacturers required to pay fees shall be required to provide written documentation demonstrating that they have paid such fees. Provides that the sale of methamphetamine precursors in or brought into the State by a manufacturer who has failed to pay fees required by the provision is guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of $500 for a first offense; $1,000 for a second offense occurring within 3 years of the first offense; and $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense occurring within 3 years of the prior offenses. Effective immediately.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

YOUTH IN CARE-BIRTH RECORDS

Amends the Vital Records Act. Provides that the State Registrar of Vital Records, in conjunction with the Department of Children and Family Services, shall establish standards and procedures for youth in care, former youth in care, and the legal guardians of youth in care to request the birth record of the youth in care when the applicant does not have all of the information necessary to complete the application for a new certificate of birth, a search for a birth record, or a certified copy of a birth record.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

EDGE WITHHOLDING-STEEL

Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. Provides that certain taxpayers that are primarily engaged in the recycling and melting of steel products and in the manufacturing of new steel wire and rod products may elect to claim the credit under the Act against their withholding tax liability instead of their income tax liability. Effective immediately.

David KoehlerDemocrat

STUDENT TEACHING STIPEND

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Creates emergency rulemaking procedures for the student teaching stipend program. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Authorizes a person to establish optional credit for periods of service as a student teacher under a specified provision of the Board of Higher Education Act. In provisions requiring an additional employer contribution for certain salary increases greater than 6%, provides that the System shall exclude any stipends paid to an eligible cooperating teacher under the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Creates the student teaching stipend program. Defines terms. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of Higher Education of all eligible students and eligible cooperating teachers who qualify for the stipend program. Creates requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating teacher who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report in collaboration with the State Board of Education evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances subject to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

David KoehlerDemocrat

NATL RESOURCES & AG LEGACY ACT

Creates the Natural Resources and Agricultural Legacy Act. Establishes the Illinois Natural Resources and Agricultural Legacy Fund as a special fund in the State treasury to be managed by the Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of making grants to qualified easement holders for (1) the purchase of conservation easements on qualified land; (2) the costs of acquisition related to the purchase of conservation easements approved by the program; and (3) the costs of ecological management and maintenance activities. Requires the Department to adopt rules to implement the Act. Establishes the Legacy Act Technical Advisory Committee in the Department. Contains legislative findings. Defines terms. Repeals the Local Legacy Act. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Illinois Natural Resources and Agricultural Legacy Fund as a special fund in the State treasury.

David KoehlerDemocrat