Bills & Legislation

VEH CD-OBSTRUCT LICENSE PLATE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no person shall affix tape to any registration plate, temporary registration plate, digital registration plate, registration sticker, or other evidence of registration issued by the Secretary of State. Makes a conforming change. Provides that it is unlawful to operate any vehicle that is equipped with a manual, electronic, or mechanical device that hides or obscures a registration plate.

Steve StadelmanDemocrat

PERSONNEL-NO BACH DEGREE REQ

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that a State agency shall not require as a condition of eligibility for hire to a position in State employment that an applicant have a baccalaureate degree. Provides that the provisions shall not apply the knowledge, skills, or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained, as determined by the appointing authority, through a course of study in pursuit of, and culminating in the award of, a baccalaureate degree or advanced degree. Effective immediately.

Steve StadelmanDemocrat

SCH RECORDS-DISCLOSURE

Amends the Illinois School Student Records Act. Provides that "Student Permanent Record" includes a summary of performance for students that received special-education services. Provides that student records or information contained therein may be released, transferred, disclosed, or other disseminated to the Department of Human Services for the sole purpose of assessing or evaluating the student's eligibility for Medicaid waiver benefits consistent with rules adopted by the Department of Human Services.

David KoehlerDemocrat

MUNI CD-COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality may license and regulate all commercial operations within the municipality's boundaries, whether for profit or not for profit, but may not impose any tax upon its operations except as otherwise authorized by law.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION

Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985. Provides that a commission may not receive more than $10,000 per year in compensation (currently a commission may not receive more than $10,000 per year in compensation except that no commissioner who is a member of the governing board or an officer or employee of the county or any unit of local government within the county may receive any compensation for serving as a commissioner). Allows a commission to use alternate project delivery methods, establish goals or requirements for the procurement of goods and services and for construction contracts, and accept assignment of municipal waterworks system contracts or other public improvement contracts. Gives commissions the authority to enter into design-build contracts and use a design-build delivery system. Includes definitions and requirements for the design-build delivery system. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a water commission may construct water transmission and distribution lines within a radius of 50 miles (rather than 25 miles) outside the corporate limits of member municipalities for the purpose of furnishing water to any additional entities which contract with the commission for a supply of water.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

USE/OCC TX-PURCHASING

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that an exemption for tangible personal property purchased from an Illinois retailer by a taxpayer engaged in centralized purchasing activities in Illinois who will, upon receipt of the property in Illinois, temporarily store the property in Illinois for specified purposes applies from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2031. Effective immediately.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

VEH CD-DUI-THC-TESTING

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any vehicle within this State while the person has, within 2 hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle, a free tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or another bodily substance, excluding urine, of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter in whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter in another bodily substance, excluding urine (currently, this provision does not specify whether the concentration is a free concentration). Makes technical changes.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

PROP TX-TAXING DIST NOTICE

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a copy of the complaint shall also be served on each taxing district in which the property is located at least 90 days prior to the board of review hearing on the complaint. Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

HIGHER ED-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION

Amends the University Employees Custodial Accounts Act. Provides that the governing board of any public institution of higher education shall require that the defined contribution plan recordkeeper agree that, in performing services with respect to the defined contribution plan, the recordkeeper: (i) will not use information received as a result of providing services with respect to the defined contribution plan or the participants in the defined contribution plan to solicit the participants in the defined contribution plan for the purpose of cross-selling nonplan products and services, unless in response to a request by a participant in the defined contribution plan or a request by the governing board of the public institution of higher education or its authorized delegate (rather than a request by a participant); and (ii) will not promote, recommend, endorse, or solicit participants in the defined contribution plan to purchase any financial products or services outside of the defined contribution plan, except that links to parts of the recordkeeper's or the recordkeeper's affiliate's (rather than the recordkeeper's) website that are generally available to the public, are about commercial products, and may be encountered by a participant in the regular course of navigating the recordkeeper's or the recordkeeper's affiliate's (rather than the recordkeeper's) website will not constitute a violation. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-CHI POLICE/FIRE-WIDOW

Amends the Chicago Police and Chicago Firefighter Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a widow's annuity shall be equal to 66 2/3%(instead of 50%) of the retirement annuity the deceased policeman or fireman was receiving at the time of death or 66 2/3% (instead of 50%) of the retirement annuity the policeman or fireman would have been eligible for if the policeman or fireman retired from service on the day before the policeman's or fireman's death. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-CTPF-HEALTH INS COSTS

Provides that the total payments under a provision concerning the Board providing partial reimbursement of health insurance costs may not exceed $100,000,000 (instead of $65,000,000) in any year. Provides that the amount shall annually thereafter be increased by the annual unadjusted percentage increase (but not less than zero) in the consumer price index for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Defines "consumer price index".

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-SURS-SURVIVORS BENEFITS

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a survivors insurance beneficiary or the personal representative of the estate of a deceased survivors insurance beneficiary or the personal representative of a survivors insurance beneficiary who is under a legal disability may waive the right to receive survivorship benefits, provided written notice of the waiver is given by the beneficiary or representative to the Board of Trustees within 6 months after the System notified that person of the benefits payable upon the death (instead of 6 months after the death) of the participant or annuitant and before any payment is made pursuant to an application filed by such person. Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-SURS-EARNINGS

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In provisions concerning the determination of the final rate of earnings for Tier 2 members, provides that, for an employee who is paid on an hourly basis or who receives an annual salary in installments during 12 months of each academic year, the average annual earnings is obtained by dividing by 8 the total earnings of the employee during the 96 consecutive months in which the total earnings were the highest within the last 120 months prior to termination or the average annual earnings during the 8 consecutive academic years of service within the 10 years of service prior to termination in which the employee's earnings were the highest, whichever is greater (instead of only the average annual earnings obtained by dividing by 8 the total earnings of the employee during the 96 consecutive months in which the total earnings were the highest within the last 120 months prior to termination). Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act are corrections and clarifications of existing law and are intended to be retroactive to January 1, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1490). Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

PEN CD-STATE SYS-FUNDING

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Creates the State-Funded Retirement Systems Council to appoint and oversee the Pension Funding Trustee and to monitor and verify State funding to the State-Funded Retirement Systems. Creates the Office of Pension Trustee. Sets forth duties of the Council and Trustee. Provides that the State pledges that the State will not limit or alter certain rights of the Council, the State-Funded Retirement Systems, the Pension Funding Trustee, or the Auditor General under the amendatory Act; alter the method of calculating the minimum required contribution by the State to any State-Funded Retirement System in such a manner as results in a diminution in the contribution amount to a State-Funded Retirement System before the total assets of that System are equal to 100% of the total actuarial liabilities of that System; or use the proceeds of certain income tax surcharges for anything other than certain purposes. Waives sovereign immunity for purposes of the State-Funded Retirement Systems Council. Beginning State Fiscal Year 2026, sets forth a minimum contribution formula for the State-funded retirement systems equal to the sum of the Base Contribution plus the Benefit Change Contribution Amount. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides for transfers from the Budget Stabilization Act from the proceeds of the income tax surcharge under the amendatory Act. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Establishes a surcharge for taxable years 2026 through 2034 for all individuals, trusts, and estates equal to 0.5% of the taxpayer's net income and 0.7% of the net income of all corporations. Makes conforming changes in the Court of Claims Act. Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

FILM TX CREDIT-SPENDING

Amends the Film Production Services Tax Credit Act of 2008. Provides that accredited productions shall be considered Category 1 productions or Category 2 productions. Provides that a Category 1 production is an accredited production that meets the following criteria: (1) at least 75% of all principal filming or taping days of the accredited production that occur at any soundstage facility within or without Illinois occur at a qualified production facility; and (2) at least 20% of the total expenditures for the accredited production are for (i) tangible property that will be used at a qualified production facility or for the use of the qualified production facility; (ii) the performance of services at a qualified production facility; or (iii) any combination of (i) and (ii). Makes changes concerning the amount of the credit. Makes changes concerning the number of nonresident employees whose wages may be considered Illinois labor expenditures. Makes changes concerning the definition of "qualified production facility". Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make changes concerning withholdings for loan out company employees. Effective immediately.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

JUDICIAL PRIVACY-ADMIN JUDGES

Amends the Judicial Privacy Act. Adds administrative law judges to the definition of judicial officer in the Judicial Privacy Act.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

FOID-DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that a person charged with certain weapon-related offenses under the Criminal Code of 2012 and sentenced to the First Time Weapons Offense Program under the Unified Code of Corrections or any other court-ordered diversionary program created by law or by a court of the State of Illinois may submit an application for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card before receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program. Directs the Illinois State Police to issue a Firearm Owner's Identification Card to such a person upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program, provided the person is otherwise eligible to receive a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Specifies that a FOID application made under this provision shall be approved or denied within 10 business days of receiving a court order or written notification from a State's Attorney that the person completed a diversionary program.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

INCLUSIVE VENTURE INVESTMENT

Creates the Inclusive Venture Investment Act. Provides that the State Treasurer shall create a Direct Matching Funds Program. Provides that the purpose of the program shall be to leverage State-managed funds for investments in minority-owned venture capital firms, minority-owned financial managers, and minority-led startups. Sets forth provisions for investment requirements and incentives; administration; transparency and reporting; oversight and compliance; confidentiality; and rulemaking. Effective July 1, 2026.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

$IDOT-STATE RAILWAY PROGRAM

Appropriates $575,000,000 to the Department of Transportation for expenses related to the Statewide Railway Program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Steve StadelmanDemocrat

MEDICAL LICENSE REVIEW

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall review an applicant's application for a license to practice medicine under the Act concurrently with the applicant's application for a controlled substances registration. Requires the Department to issue an applicant's license and controlled substances registration concurrently. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

FIREFIGHTER HEALTH & WELLNESS

Creates the Firefighter Health and Wellness Act. Provides that the Firefighter Health and Wellness Unit is created within the Department of Public Health to investigate the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and the rising incidence of cancer among firefighters in Illinois. Provides that the Unit shall conduct a comprehensive study, including baseline PFAS sampling for Illinois firefighters and the provision of cancer screenings. Provides that funding for the Unit shall be allocated from the Firefighter Health and Wellness Fund for the purpose of long-term research focused on understanding the higher rates of cancer within the Illinois firefighter community. Provides that the Unit shall collaborate with Illinois-based universities to develop testing parameters, establish guidelines for voluntary firefighter participation and screening, and identify the root causes contributing to the increased cancer risks faced by Illinois firefighters. Creates the Firefighter Health and Wellness Fund as a separate fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be appropriated by the General Assembly to the Firefighter Health and Wellness Unit for the purposes described in the provision. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

ELEC CD-ENFORCEMENT DUTIES

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall exercise the powers to impose campaign disclosure penalties; to hear and adjudicate alleged violations of registration requirements; to revoke or suspend the raffle licenses of political committees that violate the Raffles and Poker Runs Act; and to inform the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of credible alleged criminal violations.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

SCH CD-REGIONAL SUP VACANCY

Amends the Educational Service Regions Article of the School Code. Provides that when a vacancy occurs in the office of regional superintendent of schools and more than 28 months remain in that term and the vacancy occurs at least 130 days before the next general election, appointment to fill the vacancy shall be until the next general election (rather than if more than 28 months remain in that term, the appointment shall be until the next general election). Provides that if the vacancy occurs during the time provided for filing nomination papers for county offices for the primary in the next even-numbered year following commencement of the term of office in which the vacancy occurs, the time for filing nomination papers for the primary shall not be more than 120 (rather than 91) days nor less than 113 (rather than 85) days prior to the date of the primary.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TASK FORCE

Creates the Prescription Drug Purchasing Task Force Act. Creates a Prescription Drug Purchasing Task Force in the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to study the different ways that other states are using multi-state prescription drug purchasing pools to increase the State's negotiating power and lower prices for patients. Provides for duties of the Task Force. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that, on or before July 31, 2026, the Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and to the Governor. Provides that the Prescription Drug Purchasing Task Force is abolished and the Act is repealed on January 1, 2027.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

AFFORDABLE DRUG MANUFACTURING

Creates the Access to Prescription Drugs Act. Provides that any State agency may enter into partnerships to increase competition, lower prices, and address shortages in the market for generic prescription drugs; to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for public and private purchasers, taxpayers, and consumers; and to increase patient access to affordable drugs. Requires the partnerships to result in the production or distribution of generic prescription drugs with the intent that these drugs be made widely available to public and private purchasers, providers and suppliers, and pharmacies. Provides that the State agency shall comply with specified requirements when entering into partnerships or setting prices for generic prescription drugs. Requires a State agency that elects to enter into a partnership under the Act to submit separate reports to the General Assembly that (1) assess the feasibility of directly manufacturing generic prescription drugs and selling generic prescription drugs at a fair price; and (2) describe the status of all drugs targeted under the Act and analyze how the activities of the State agency may impact competition, access to targeted drugs, the costs of those drugs, and the costs of generic prescription drugs to public and private purchasers. Contains other provisions. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt certain information disclosed under Access to Prescription Drugs Act from inspection and copying under the Act. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2025.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

NURSE PRACTICE ACT MIDWIVES

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that a certified nurse midwife with full practice authority may enter into a written collaborative agreement with an advanced practice registered nurse. Provides that an advanced practice registered nurse certified as a nurse midwife may enter into a written collaborative agreement with an advanced practice registered nurse with full practice authority who is certified as a nurse midwife or a physician. Provides that, for an advanced practice registered nurse certified as a nurse midwife, the clinical experience shall be in collaboration with a certified nurse midwife with full practice authority. Makes conforming changes in provisions concerning written collaborative agreements, prescriptive authority under a written collaborative agreement, and full practice authority.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

QUICK-TAKE-KANE COUNTY

Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that quick-take proceedings may be used for a period of one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act by the Kane County Division of Transportation for the purpose of intersection realignment and separation improvement.. Effective immediately.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

SCH CD-TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILD

Amends the School Code. Provides that in the development of an individual education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a twice-exceptional child, if the child's ability or achievement indicates that the student would benefit from advanced academic programs, then those abilities or achievement levels shall be the primary focus of the child's IEP or Section 504 plan and be reflected in the individualized services, goals, and objectives for the child. Defines "twice-exceptional child". Effective immediately.

Laura FineDemocrat

PROP TX-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a county opting out of the special assessment programs to reduce the assessed value of certain residential real property shall not disqualify or shorten the maximum eligibility periods for any property approved to receive a reduced valuation prior to the county opting out. Requires that the special assessment programs be available to all qualifying residential real property regardless of whether or not the property has or is currently receiving any other public financing or subsidies or subject to any regulatory agreements with any public entity, or both. If an owner is approved for the reduced valuation prior to December 31, 2037 and the provisions are not subsequently extended, this shall not disqualify or shorten the maximum eligibility periods for any property approved to receive a reduced valuation. Provides that, if the chief county assessment officer has not created application forms, the chief county assessment officer shall make publicly available and accept applications forms that shall be available to local governments from the Illinois Department of Revenue. If a county Internet website exists, the application materials, as well as any other program requirements used by the county (such as application deadlines, fees, and other procedures required by the application) must be published on that website, otherwise it must be available to the public upon request at the office of the chief county assessment officer. On an annual basis, requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to calculate and make available on its website the minimum per square foot expenditure requirements to be applicable statewide to be eligible for the reduced valuation, which shall include the historical annual expenditure requirements starting with calendar year 2021. Changes reference to improvements to existing residential real property to substantially rehabilitated residential real property. Makes other changes.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

HLTH CARE PROVIDER WORKFORCE

Amends the Underserved Health Care Provider Workforce Act. Changes the definition of "designated shortage area" to mean an area designated as a medically underserved area or a health professional shortage area (rather than a physician shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a critical health manpower shortage area). Changes the term "eligible medical student" to "eligible student", and includes in the definition of that term a person who is studying optometry in an optometry college or institution located in Illinois and that a person may agree to practice full-time in a designated shortage area as an optometrist or anesthesiologist one year for each year he or she is a scholarship recipient. Includes a rural health center, a federally qualified health center, a federally qualified health center look alike, and an optometric office in the definition of "medical facility". Includes an optometrist in the definition of "eligible health care provider". Includes an obstetrician or gynecologist in the definition of "primary care physician". Includes loan repayment recipients in a provision regarding scholarship recipients who fail to fulfill specified obligations, and provides that the amounts paid by these scholarship or loan repayment recipients shall be deposited into the fund where the payment originated from (rather than the Community Health Center Care Fund). Repeals a different provision defining "primary care physician". Effective January 1, 2026.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

CHILD CARE BACKGROUND CHECK

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that an entity that contracts with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Early Childhood, a child care facility, or a non-licensed service provider to provide a service that places the entity's employees in a child care facility shall require each employee who is placed or will be placed in such a facility to undergo a criminal background investigation. Provides that each entity shall submit an applicable employee's fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. Sets forth provisions concerning the processing of an employee's fingerprints and actions that the Illinois State Police shall take regarding the criminal background investigation. Provides that information concerning the convictions of an entity's employee who is placed or will be placed in a child care facility and who is investigated, including the source of the information and any conclusions or recommendations derived from the information, shall be provided, upon request, to such entity and the entity's employee prior to final action by the Department of Children and Family Services or the Department of Early Childhood under the agencies' respective authority on the application. Sets forth provisions concerning the transmission of information about an employee's criminal charges and the protection of confidential information. Provides that any employee of the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Early Childhood, the Illinois State Police, or a child care facility receiving confidential information who gives or causes to be given any confidential information concerning any criminal convictions of an applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider or an employee who is placed in a child care facility by a contracted entity, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless release of such information is authorized by the provisions concerning criminal background investigations.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

CONDO-BOARD NEGLIGENCE DAMAGES

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Requires that if there is negligence on the part of the board resulting in the loss of use of a unit by the unit owner, a portion of the reserves must be designated for use to assist the unit owner in covering expenses incurred as a result of the loss of use if the unit owner does not carry Category D loss-of-use insurance.

Lakesia CollinsDemocrat

SCH-NOTICE-READING DEFICIENCY

Amends the School Code. Provides that immediately upon the determination of a substantial deficiency in reading or the characteristics of dyslexia based upon (i) screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, or assessment data, (ii) statewide assessments, or (iii) teacher observations, the parent or legal guardian of a student in grades 1 through 3 who exhibits a substantial deficiency in reading must be notified in writing by the student's teacher of the following: (1) that the student has been identified as having a substantial deficiency in reading; (2) a description of the services that the school district currently is providing to the student; (3) a description of the proposed supplemental instructional services and supports that are designed to remediate the identified area of reading deficiency which the school district plans to provide the student; and (4) strategies for parents and guardians to use in helping the student to succeed in reading proficiency. Amends the State Mandates Act. Provides that no reimbursement by the State is required for the implementation of any mandate created by the amendatory Act.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

RECYCLABLE METAL PURCHASE

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that provisions prohibiting the sale of certain recyclable metal materials shall not apply if the seller produces written documentation reasonably demonstrating that the seller is the owner of the recyclable metal material or is authorized to sell the recyclable metal material on behalf of the owner. Provides that the recyclable metal dealer shall copy the documentation provided by the seller and maintain the copy of the documentation along with the purchase records. Provides that the sale of a detached catalytic converter may occur at the fixed business address of the seller or of the recyclable metal dealer (rather than at the fixed business address of the licensed recyclable metal dealer). Changes references from "licensed recyclable metal dealer" to "recyclable metal dealer".

Chris BalkemaRepublican

DETERRENT ACT

Creates the Illinois Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act. Requires an institution to file a disclosure report annually on July 1 when: (1) an institution received a gift from, or entered into a contract with, a foreign source, other than a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern, with a value of $50,000 or more, or an undetermined value; (2) an institution receives a gift from a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern of any dollar amount; (3) an institution enters into a contract with a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern after receiving a waiver for such contract; or (4) an institution is substantially controlled by a foreign source. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish and maintain a searchable, public database on the Board's website that: (1) contains all reports submitted; (2) includes any information provided in such reports; (3) is searchable and sortable by date filed, date of the gift received or contract entered into, by attributable country of the gift or contract, and by institution; (4) indicates whether a gift is from a foreign government or from a foreign source that is not a foreign government; and (5) indicates when a report does not contain the name or address of a foreign source. Prohibits an institution from entering into any contracts with foreign entities of concern or countries of concern. Provides that private institutions with endowments above $6,000,000,000 or with investments of concern above $250,000,000 shall report: (1) a list of the investments of concern; (2) the aggregate fair market value of all investments of concern; (3) the combined value of all investments of concern; and (4) the combined value of all capital gains from such sales of investments of concern. Sets forth how the Act may be enforced, including fines for violations.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

DCEO-SBIR/STTR GRANTS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants to match the funds received by a business through an SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal up to a maximum of $75,000 (currently, $50,000). Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants to match the funds received by a business through an SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal up to a maximum of $250,000. Provides that 50% of the total Phase II grant shall be remitted to the business upon submission by the business of the Phase II final report to the federal funding agency. Provides that a business may receive only one such grant per year. Provides that, over its lifetime, a business may receive a maximum of 2 such awards.

Adriane L. JohnsonDemocrat

VEH CD-SEAT SAFETY BELTS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the failure to wear a seat safety belt or the misuse of a seat safety belt by a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle may be considered evidence of negligence and may diminish any recovery from damages, but shall not limit the liability of an insurer.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

CONDO MEDIATION-ARBITRATION

Amends the Condominium Property Act. Requires the Condominium and Common Interest Community Ombudsperson to act as the mediator or arbitrator for any mediation or arbitration done under the Act.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

PROP TX-SENIORS

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption, provides that the applicant's income does not include up to $10,000 per household in required minimum distributions under the Internal Revenue Code from a retirement plan, retirement account, or retirement annuity. Provides that, for taxable year 2025 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation is $75,000 for all qualified property. Amends the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act. Provides that an eligible taxpayer has a household income of not more than $75,000 for tax year 2025 and thereafter (currently, $65,000 for tax years 2022 through 2025 and $55,000 for tax year 2026 and thereafter). Effective immediately.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

IDOT-S SUB AIRPORT-ANALYSIS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits of the construction of the South Suburban Airport. Prohibits the State from allocating any additional funds to the construction of the South Suburban Airport until the analysis is completed. Prohibits the Department from using any funds granted to it under the Airport Improvement Program for the construction of the South Suburban Airport until the analysis is completed. Provides that any request for proposal under the Department's current request for quote process submitted to the Department after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall require any private developer to certify to the Department that no additional funds will be used for the construction of the South Suburban Airport until the analysis is completed. Effective immediately.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

VETERANS COURT-PTSD-PROCEDURES

Amends the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. Provides that if a veteran with a service-connected disability is arrested for or charged with a criminal offense and there is prima facie evidence that the veteran was suffering from an episode of post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition during the commission of the offense, there is a rebuttable presumption that the veteran is eligible to participate in a veterans and servicemembers court program, and after the arrest or charge, the following procedures shall take place: (1) the veteran shall be evaluated and treated as soon as practicable by a qualified medical professional for post-traumatic stress disorder and any other mental health condition or disorder; and (2) the court shall order a screening and clinical needs assessment and risk assessment and a mental health and substance use disorder screening and assessment. Provides that if a veteran with a service-connected disability is charged for the first time with a criminal offense, including a felony, except certain offenses that would make him or her ineligible to participate in a veterans and servicemembers court program, and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or a related mental health condition during the commission of the offense, then, upon successful completion of the terms and conditions of a court program, the court shall dismiss the original charges against the veteran or successfully terminate the veteran's sentence or otherwise discharge the veteran from any further proceedings against the participant in the original prosecution. Establishes certain procedures to be followed when a combat veteran who is a disabled veteran has an episode of post-traumatic syndrome disorder and needs assistance.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

VETERANS COURT-PTSD/SENTENCING

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that it is a mitigating factor in sentencing that the defendant is convicted of a felony and is a combat veteran who is a qualified service-disabled veteran who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Amends the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. Provides that if a combat veteran who is a resident of Illinois is a qualified service-disabled veteran and is believed to have committed an offense or is in need of assistance as a result of a suspected incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, a peace officer or an ambulance service shall transport the veteran to a Department of Veterans Affairs' hospital to be evaluated by a physician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist, or other medical professional that the hospital deems qualified to determine whether the veteran is a danger to himself, herself, herself, or others. Provides that if it is determined by the hospital staff who evaluated the veteran that the veteran is not a danger to himself or others, the person shall be released unless that person is subject to law enforcement agency custody for commission of an offense that requires pretrial detention under the Pretrial Release Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. If the veteran requires detention, the veteran shall be released to law enforcement agency custody. Provides that if a combat veteran who is a qualified service-disabled veteran is charged with a criminal offense, the case shall be tried by a veterans and servicemembers court located in the veteran's county of residence, or if the veteran's county of residence does not have a veterans and servicemembers court located in that county, the case shall be tried in a veterans and servicemembers court located in the nearest county of the veteran's residence.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Amends the Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Veteran Service Organizations Equal Act. Provides that a veteran service organization shall be considered to have veteran service organization status (rather than shall be considered state chartered) when the organization meets all of the requirements listed in the Act and the organization's application for veteran service organization status (rather than state charter status) has been approved by the Attorney General. Makes corresponding changes throughout the Act. Provides that the Attorney General shall grant veteran service organization status (rather than state charter status) to any organization that has demonstrated that all requirements for obtaining veteran service organization status have been met. Requires a veteran service organization to have annual expenditures that demonstrate that 20% (rather than a majority) of the organization's expenses reflect support for veterans in order to qualify for veteran service organization status. Requires an application for veteran service organization status to include a statement from the organization's Commander, President, or chief executive officer (rather than all officers of the organization) attesting that all requirements for a veteran service organization status have been met. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any person proving veteran or military benefits services to: (i) receive compensation for referring any individual to another person to advise or assist the individual with any veterans' benefits matter; (ii) guarantee, either directly or by implication, a successful outcome or that any individual is certain to receive specific veterans' benefits; (iii) utilize international call centers or data centers for processing veterans' personal information; and (iv) other matters.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

FOIA-JUDICIAL EXEMPTIONS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Includes the judicial body and its components in the definition of "public body". Defines "public records" when that term is associated with the judicial body and its components. Exempts from inspection and copying (i) records of the judicial body and its components that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders or judicial work product and (ii) records that are privileged or confidential under the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct or the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. Provides that a person whose request to inspect or copy a public record was denied or treated as a voluminous request by the judicial body and its components may not file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

FIRE DISTRICTS--DESIGN-BUILD

Amends the Counties Code. In a provision concerning the development of scope and performance criteria for design-build projects, deletes a provision that requires the county to develop preliminary design plans. Specifies that a design-build entity shall not be disqualified solely due to having previously been awarded a project or projects under any applicable public procurement statute of the State. Provides that, if a county receives one Phase I response, nothing prohibits the county from proceeding with a Phase II evaluation of the single respondent, if the county, in its discretion, finds proceeding to be in its best interest. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. In a provision concerning the development of scope and performance criteria for design-build projects, deletes a provision that requires the municipality to develop preliminary design plans. Specifies that a design-build entity shall not be disqualified solely due to having previously been awarded a project or projects under any applicable public procurement statute of the State. Provides that, if a municipality receives one response to Phase I, nothing shall prohibit the municipality from proceeding with a Phase II evaluation of the single respondent, if the municipality, in its discretion, finds proceeding to be in its best interest. Amends the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that the Act's competitive bidding provisions do not prohibit a fire protection district from entering into design-build contracts.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

ESTATE TAX-REPEAL

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Provides that no tax shall be imposed under the Act for persons dying on or after the effective date or for transfers made on or after the effective date. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican

INC TX-STATE AND LOCAL DEDUCT

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for amounts that are disallowed as a deduction on the taxpayer's federal income tax return because of the $10,000 limitation under the federal Internal Revenue Code on deductions for certain State and local taxes. Effective immediately.

Chapin RoseRepublican