Bills & Legislation

LIMITED HEALTH SERVICE ORGS

Amends the Limited Health Service Organization Act. Makes changes to defined terms. In provisions concerning the offering of a point-of-sale contract by a limited health service organization (LHSO), removes a provision requiring the LHSO to include an annual maximum benefit allowance not to exceed $2,500 per year that is separate from any limits or allowances applied to in-plan services. Provides that, if an LHSO expends in any calendar quarter more than 20% of its total limited health services expenditures for all its members for out-of-plan covered services, then specified limitations shall not apply subject to the LHSO minimum capital and surplus requirements applicable to a life, accident, and health insurance company. Makes other changes.

IEMA-OHS-ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES

Amends the Nuclear Safety Law of 2004. Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security has the right to enter on public and private property in order to take environmental samples in response to a disaster that causes radioactive contamination. Effective immediately.

SHEFFIELD WASTE FUND

Amends the Radioactive Waste Storage Act. Provides that interest earned by the investment or deposit of moneys accumulated in the fund pursuant to the settlement agreement in the matter of the State of Illinois, et al. v. Teledyne, Inc., shall be deposited into the Radioactive Waste Site Perpetual Care Fund for the continued maintenance of the Sheffield Low-Level Radioactive Waste Site and the surrounding buffer zone. Effective immediately.

SALES FINANCE AGENCY-VARIOUS

Amends the Sales Finance Agency Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that applicants for a license shall apply in a form prescribed by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. Prohibits any person, partnership, association, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity engaged in a business regulated by the Act from operating the business under a name other than the real names of the entity and individuals conducting the business. Grants the Secretary authority to issue a license upon completion of the specified filing and investigatory requirements. Sets forth further licensing requirements. Provides that all moneys received by the Secretary under the Act in conjunction with the provisions relating to sales finance agencies shall be paid into the Financial Institution Fund. Prohibits a sales finance agency from aiding or seeking to aid any person in the violation of the Retail Installment Sales Act or the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act. Grants additional investigatory, disciplinary, and examination authority to the Secretary. Establishes rulemaking provisions. Grants the Department authority to adopt rules to provide for review within the Department of the Secretary's decisions affecting the rights of persons or entities under the Act. Allows the Secretary to request a circuit court to assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 (rather than $1,000) for violations of the Act. Repeals various provisions of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PRIVACY

Creates the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act. Requires health information exchanges to implement policies and technical capabilities by July 1, 2027, to segregate medical information related to abortion care, restrict access by out-of-state entities, and limit disclosure. Provides enforcement through private actions and civil actions by the Attorney General, including injunctive relief and civil penalties. Defines terms. Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act to clarify patient privacy rights and allow segregation of abortion-related information in health information exchanges. Provides for severability.

AUTISM SPECTRUM-DIAGNOSIS

Amends the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act. Allows a speech-language pathologist to diagnose autism spectrum disorders if: (1) the child is under 3 years of age; and (2) the speech-language pathologist is trained in autism diagnostic evaluation methods as part of the curriculum of an approved program, through worksite training, or through continuing education. Provides that if a diagnosis requires a plan of care that includes elements that are outside the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist, the speech-language pathologist must refer the patient to the appropriate medical personnel for further evaluation or management. Makes conforming changes in the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code, and provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code concerning autism spectrum disorders. Effective July 1, 2027.

LANDLORD-TENANT FEES

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Requires landlords to disclose all non-optional fees in a clear and conspicuous manner in the listing and on the first page of the lease. Requires landlords to disclose if any utility bills are non-optional fees in the listing and the first page of the lease. Provides that if a landlord failed to comply with this disclosure, the landlord may not collect the non-optional fee. Prohibits a landlord from charging a bundled services fee that combines optional and non-optional fees. Prohibits a landlord from charging a tenant with a fee or fine that includes, but is not limited to, an application fee that includes a background check of more than $50, an after-hours request for maintenance service, or pest abatement or removal in which the tenant has not contributed to the infestation. Prohibits a landlord from charging a tenant more than one of the following: (i) a security deposit, (ii) a move-in fee, or (iii) a move-out fee. Exempts leases in owner-occupied buildings containing 6 or fewer units and to nonresidential tenancies. Defines terms. Creates a civil cause of action for violation of the Act by a landlord. Makes other changes. Limits home rule.

DISSOLVE SPECIAL DISTRICTS ACT

Creates the Dissolution of Special Districts Act. Establishes a method for the dissolution of special districts. Provides that a special district may dissolve upon the affirmative majority vote of its own governing body and the affirmative majority vote of a receiving unit of local government. Provides that, on or before the date of dissolution, all real and personal property, and any other assets, together with all personnel, contractual obligations, and liabilities of the dissolving special district shall be transferred to the receiving unit of local government. Provides that, on the date of dissolution, the dissolving special district is dissolved. Provides that, on and after the date of dissolution, all rights and duties of the dissolving special district may be exercised by the receiving unit of local government. Provides that, before the date of dissolution, the receiving unit of local government shall submit a service continuation plan confirming that the receiving unit of local government has the resources to continue providing the services provided by the dissolving special district. Effective immediately.

PEN CD-ACCELERATED BENEFIT

Amends the General Obligation Bond Act. Authorizes an additional $1,000,000,000 of State Pension Obligation Acceleration Bonds. Makes a conforming change. Amends the State Employees, State Universities, and Downstate Teachers Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Extends the option for a participant to receive an accelerated pension benefit payment in lieu of any pension benefit or for a reduction in the increases to his or her annual retirement annuity and survivor's annuity to June 30, 2030 (instead of June 30, 2026). Effective immediately.

JCAR-EXTENSION-NOTICE PERIOD

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. In provisions regarding the second notice period for rulemaking, provides that the second notice period shall be extended for a period not to exceed an additional 45 days if the agency has received a statement of unresponsiveness from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Lists the requirements for a statement of unresponsiveness. Provides that failure to provide a substantive response within 7 days after a statement of unresponsiveness is issued shall constitute a withdrawal of the rulemaking. In provisions regarding the contents of the written notice to the Joint Committee, requires a statement certifying that no procedure, policy, schedule, or other feature of the agency will prevent the agency from substantively engaging with the Joint Committee regarding suggestions made during the second notice period.

CONT SUB-PMP-SCHEDULE II&IV

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that each prescriber or the prescriber's designee shall document an attempt to access patient information in the Prescription Monitoring Program to assess patient access to controlled substances when providing a (rather than an initial) prescription for Schedule II and IV controlled substances (rather than narcotics such as opioids), except for prescriptions for oncology treatment or palliative care, or a 7-day or less supply provided by a hospital emergency department when treating an acute, traumatic medical condition.

EPA-FEDERAL BACKSTOP

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In provisions concerning the regulation of air pollution, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, and landfills, provides that the Illinois Pollution Control Board shall not adopt any standards that are less stringent than those existing in Board regulations. Provides that various provisions of the Act shall not be construed to limit the right of a person to submit to the Board, or for the Board to adopt, regulations more stringent than the regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

HIGHER ED-IN-STATE TUITION

Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois to make changes concerning in-state tuition to remove a condition concerning attending high school or a community college while residing in this State and not having established residency outside of this State before enrolling in the public university. Amends the Public Community College Act to change specified conditions under which the board of trustees of a community college district is required to deem an individual an Illinois resident. Effective immediately.

ID CARD-GENDER DESIGNATION

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female", or "X" (rather than "male", "female", or "non-binary") on an application for an identification card, driver's license, or permit. Provides that an applicant who wants to change the sex listed on an issued identification card, driver's license, or permit must submit a gender designation form. Sets forth the requirements of the gender designation form.

LONG TERM CARE-NOTICE

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the MC/DD Act, and the ID/DD Community Care Act. Provides that notice of closure of an establishment or facility licensed under those Acts shall be given to the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

DCFS-SECURE ACT

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Safeguards to Ensure Continuity and Uphold Rights and Equity (SECURE) Act. Sets forth several legislative findings, including that (i) Illinois retains a non-delegable duty to safeguard the safety, health, dignity, and well-being of all youth in the care or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, and (ii) the Department must respect and meaningfully consider a youth's expressed preferences in placement options while conducting transparent, individualized risk assessments. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Adds provisions concerning case plans for youth in care and the specific tasks and responsibilities a caregiver must complete to ensure each youth is provided with safe, proper, and supportive care based on the youth's needs and best interests, including, but not limited to, the youth's protected characteristics as defined under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Contains provisions concerning requirements for interstate placements of youth age 8 or older, including, but not limited to: protecting a youth's access to lawful health care and civil immunities for Department employees who protect a youth's access to lawful health care; individualized assessments on the suitability and risks of the proposed interstate placement; ongoing Illinois-based case worker contact and monitoring; and a prohibition on consent to conversion therapy. Contains provisions on youth requested in-state or out-of-state placement and other related matters; annual Department reports on out-of-state placements; performance audits; private right of action; and other matters. Amends the Child Care Act of 1969 by adding provisions on supportive care for youth in care; youth-directed placement rights; licensure and contractual compliance. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Adds provisions on the appointment of an attorney for a youth in care with special needs; required Department attestations on caregiver conduct when a youth is placed in an out-of-state residential treatment center; assessments and monitoring for minors in out-of-state placements; and other matters. Effective July 1, 2027.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATHOGENS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Defines "pathogens of epidemiological concern". Provides that each hospital shall develop and implement comprehensive interventions to prevent and control pathogens of epidemiological concern (instead of multidrug-resistant organisms) that take into consideration guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, or the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society for the management of multidrug-resistant organisms in health care settings. Within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, requires each hospital to adopt a policy for preventing and controlling the transmission of pathogens of epidemiological concern. Establishes reporting requirements for hospitals with patients carrying pathogens of epidemiological concern. Repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act.

TICKETS-CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

Amends the Ticket Sale and Resale Act. Provides that a ticket seller or ticket reseller shall display the full price of a ticket, including all assessed fees, to a consumer when the price of a ticket is first shown to the consumer and shall not increase that price during the transaction with the consumer. Provides that a ticket reseller shall not sell or offer to sell a ticket that the ticket reseller does not possess or have a contract to purchase. Provides that the Attorney General shall set up a complaint system for consumers to report violations. Defines terms.

INTELL SPEED ASSIST PROGRAM

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Establishes the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program to supervise the installation and compliance of intelligent speed assistance systems. Sets forth requirements for the Secretary of State upon receipt of notice from a court that a person is required to enroll in the Program. Provides that a person enrolled in the Program shall install a certified intelligent speed assistance system on each motor vehicle owned by or registered to the person and shall not operate any motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning, certified intelligent speed assistance system. Provides that if a person fails to comply with the requirements of the Program, the Secretary may: suspend the person's restricted driver's license for a period and, following the period of suspension, permit the person to reenroll in the Program; revoke the person's restricted driver's license and prohibit the person from reenrolling in the Program; or impose a civil penalty. Provides that a person enrolled in the Program shall pay all costs associated with enrollment and participation in the Program, unless the person is found to be indigent. Provides that the Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force shall certify intelligent speed assistance systems for use in the State and adopt rules and forms for the installation, maintenance, and certification of intelligent speed assistance systems. Sets forth requirements for selling or leasing intelligent speed assistance systems. Requires a manufacturer or distributor of an intelligent speed assistance system to provide support services. Prohibits a person from tampering with, or in any way attempting to circumvent, bypass, or tamper with the operation of, an intelligent speed assistance system that has been installed in a motor vehicle. Requires the Task Force to adopt rules and forms as are necessary to implement the Program. Makes conforming changes in the Code and in the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Effective January 1, 2027.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN

Creates the Dependency Determinations for Unaccompanied Children Act. Creates a process for an unaccompanied child in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement housed in Illinois who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents to file a petition seeking a finding of dependency under the Act. Provides that a child declared dependent is eligible for oversight and services as ordered by the court and may be referred for psychological, educational, medical, or social services deemed necessary as a result of parental abuse, abandonment, or neglect or for protection against trafficking or domestic violence. Defines terms. Makes legislative findings. Effective immediately.

CIV PRO-TENANTS IN COMMON

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Establishes a process for a tenant in common or tenants in common who have inherited real property under the intestate provisions of the Probate Act of 1975 to obtain legal title to that property. Provides that the petitioner or petitioners must have been in actual possession for 7 years and have paid all taxes on the property during those 7 years. Requires that the petitioner or petitioners must file a signed declaration with the recorder of deeds at least 2 years before an action under the new provisions may be commenced stating intent to acquire title using the process under the new provisions, send notice to any other person or persons with an ownership interest in the property, and publish a notice of the action in a newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction where the property is located. Permits persons with ownership to oppose the petition. Makes other changes.

CONTROLLED SUB-TESTOSTERONE

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that the Prescription Monitoring Program does not apply to testosterone, mifepristone, misoprostol, GnRH analogues, or estrogen. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall purge from the records of the Prescription Monitoring Program all existing information concerning the prescribing or dispensing of testosterone, including any such information contained in the central repository or database, on or before January 1, 2027, and shall ensure that no further records concerning the prescribing and dispensing of testosterone are created or maintained by the Prescription Monitoring Program. Provides that the Department shall update and adopt rules consistent with the provision no later than January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS-REPORT

Amends the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act. Provides that the annual report to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Student Loan Ombudsman shall include the total number and dollar amount (instead of the volume) of private education loans made annually by a private educational lender, the total number and dollar amount (instead of the volume) of private education loans made annually at institutions of higher education, the total number and dollar amount of private education loans made annually with a cosigner, and the default rate for the private education loans reported by the private educational lender pursuant to specified provisions for the previous reporting period. Effective immediately.

HEALTH CARE FACILITY PLANNING

Amends Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board may review the applicable criteria in the consideration of any application for an exemption submitted under the Act. Provides that, upon review and consideration, the State Board may approve, deny, or defer for additional information an application for a Certificate of Need or Certificate of Exemption. Makes changes in provisions concerning administrative hearings; powers and duties of State Board; powers of the State Board staff; and review and investigation of applications for permits.

REDUCING BARRIERS TO LICENSURE

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; oaths, subpoenas, and penalties; applicants with criminal convictions; qualification for licensure or registration; health care worker licensure actions; automatic suspension of a health care worker's license; the publication of disciplinary actions; and records of Department actions. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. In provisions concerning required licensure, provides that an application shall not be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Amends the Health Care Professional Credentials Data Collection Act. In provisions concerning licensure records, provides that licensure records designated confidential and considered sealed (rather than expunged) for reporting purposes by the licensee are not reportable under the Act. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. In provisions concerning loss and restoration of rights, provides that no application for specific licenses granted under the authority of the State shall be denied to (rather than denied by reason of) an eligible offender who has obtained a certificate of relief from disabilities, having been previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses (rather than or by reason of a finding of lack of "good moral character"), when the finding is solely based upon the fact that the applicant has previously been convicted of one or more criminal offenses, except for certain circumstances. Repeals provisions concerning the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's annual report to the General Assembly. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

CREDIT UNIONS-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Provides that the business office for a credit union's registered agent may, but is not required to, be (instead of shall be) the same as the principal place of business of the credit union. In provisions concerning meetings of directors, sets forth provisions concerning the preparation and approval of meeting minutes. Adds provisions concerning disclosure and due diligence requirements for credit unions when providing digital asset services or contracting with a covered person or digital asset service provider and provisions concerning sales of debt cancellation services and products by a credit union to its members. In provisions concerning the investment of funds not used in loans, provides that the funds may be invested in commercial mortgage related securities and collateralized mortgage obligations to aid in the credit union's management of its assets, liabilities, and liquidity. Effective immediately.

DIAPER LABELING ACT

Creates the Diaper Labeling Act. Provides that, no later than 12 months after the effective date of the Act, each package or box containing diapers sold in the State shall contain a plain and conspicuous printed list of all ingredients in order of predominance that shall either be printed on the package or box or affixed to the package or box. Provides for a civil penalty of 1% of a violator's total annual in-State sales of diapers not to exceed $1,000 per package or box. Defines "ingredient" and "diaper".

DHS-DSP PILOT PROGRAM

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Delays the implementation date for the direct support professional credential pilot program to State Fiscal Year 2028 (rather than 2025). Effective immediately.

DOMESTIC VIOL-COERCIVE CONTROL

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits domestic battery if he or she knowingly without legal justification by any means engages in coercive control over a family or household member. Defines "coercive control". Amends the Protective Orders Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Includes coercive control in the definition of "abuse". Defines "coercive control".

CREMATORY-CEMETERY REGULATION

Amends the Crematory Regulation Act. Authorizes the Comptroller to issue citations or fines, or both, to licensees. Requires a cemetery authority to implement (i) a standard operating procedure and provide a copy to all employees; and (ii) a medical waste management plan. Authorizes the Comptroller to impose a fine not to exceed $10,000 for each violation under the Act. Allows the Comptroller to refuse to issue a license or take disciplinary action if the applicant or licensee has failed to pay delinquent taxes or child support. Requires the Comptroller, upon revocation or suspension of a license, to notify the county coroner or medical examiner who is responsible for the area where the crematory is located to immediately make arrangements to take possession of bodies and cremated remains and arrange for final disposition of any decedents in the possession of the suspended licensee after consulting with the authorized agents for those bodies. Provides that if no authorized agent can be contacted, the county coroner or medical examiner shall take possession of bodies and cremated remains within 72 hours of notification from the Comptroller. Requires a crematory authority to perform a cremation no more than 60 days from the date the human remains have been delivered to it unless the crematory authority has received specific instructions to the contrary on its cremation authorization form. Requires the crematory authority to notify the Comptroller and the coroner or medical examiner in the county in which the death occurred as to why the cremation cannot be performed if it is not done within the 60-day period. Provides that pacemakers do not need to be removed in alkaline hydrolysis cremations. Requires that cremated remains must be stored in a place free from exposure to the elements and be responsibly maintained until disposal. Makes other changes. Amends the Cemetery Care Act. Provides that if a cemetery authority owning or operating a privately owned cemetery has accepted care funds and is considered abandoned or seeks dissolution, it allows, if no receiver is available, a circuit court to order a willing unit of local government to take over the cemetery. Makes other changes.

DHS-NEWBORN HOME VISITING

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to design, implement, and maintain a statewide program to provide voluntary short-term universal newborn home visiting services to all Illinois families with newborn infants for the purpose of promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of newborn infants and their parents or caregivers. Requires the Department to: (i) consider recommendations from the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant report when adopting rules to implement the universal newborn home visiting program; and (ii) consult, coordinate, and collaborate with specified stakeholders when designing the universal newborn home visiting program. Contains provisions concerning grant awards for the establishment or expansion of local universal newborn home visiting programs; criteria for the selection of eligible service models; program requirements; program data collection and reporting; and other matters. Effective July 1, 2027.

DHS-ABLE PROGRAM INFO MATERIAL

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Required the Department of Human Services to provide informational materials about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program to: persons who are placed in a facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act, the MC/DD Act, or the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013; persons with disabilities who receive services funded by or administered in conjunction with the Department, including, but not limited to, home and community based services, home-based support services, PUNS services, home care services, and services at a Center for Independent Living. Provides that the informational materials shall be provided when a person first enrolls for such services and as part of any annual process required for the person to maintain eligibility for such services. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials in an electronic format to the Department and distribute the materials to eligible persons.

TREASURER-PRESENTMENT WARRANTY

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may bring a claim against a warrantor of a draft for breach of a presentment warranty to recover State funds in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that a claim brought by the State Treasurer is not subject to the limitations provided for in those provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that the amendatory changes are declaratory of existing law. Effective immediately.

COUNTIES CD-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that specified counties may acquire real property for the purpose of creating or preserving affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may enter into agreements to transfer real property with any unit of local government, any school district, or the State for the purpose of creating or preserving affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of the area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may enter into agreements to donate, lease below market rate, or sell below market rate, real property for the purpose of the creation or preservation of affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may undertake any activity permitted by the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act for the purpose of creating, developing, encouraging the development, or preservation of the development of affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may select purchasers and lessors for properties held by the county, a county land bank, or county land trust. Provides that specified counties may encourage and facilitate the creation of affordable housing within the geographic boundaries of the county, including areas within municipalities, by offering financial incentives, including but not limited to grants and loans, and infrastructure improvements, including but not limited to, stormwater detention, public water and sewer improvements, and similar improvement which facilitate increasing the supply of affordable housing units shall be considered improvements for a public purpose, to developers of affordable housing units. Provides that specified counties may enter into agreements with property owners to engage in clearance and remediation activities. Provides that, as part of an agreement, or in return for an infrastructure improvement, a county may impose a restriction on the title of an affordable housing development subject to the agreement that restricts the income level of inhabitants of all or part of the development.

PEN CD-CTPF-TRUSTEE ELECTION

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning trustees elected by contributors who are not administrators, provides that candidacy petitions shall be filed with the recording secretary of the Fund on or before October 1st of the election year (instead of on or after September 15 of each year and not later than October 1st of that year). Effective immediately.

KINDERGARTEN-PLAY-BASED LEARN

Amends the School Code regarding the establishment of kindergartens. With respect to a provision stating that kindergarten should provide opportunities for play-based learning, defines: (1) "play-based learning" as either guided play or student-initiated play; (2) "guided play" as intentional teacher-directed play with activities set up and led by a teacher that are aligned to learning goals or standards; and (3) "student-initiated play" as child-selected opportunities to build, pretend, create, move, or explore in an environment intentionally curated by a teacher to align with learning goals or standards.

GENERAL RATE INCREASE HEARINGS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that, for any general rate increase requested by a gas, electric, water, or sewer public utility under the provisions of the Act, the Commission shall hold at least one public hearing during which members of the public can provide input on the requested general rate increase. Provides that any affected ratepayer of a requested general rate increase may testify at the public hearing and may file statements that pertain to the subject matter of the public hearing with the person or persons conducting the public hearing. Provides that a public hearing shall be held in the service territory of the public utility that requested a general rate increase at a time and location to be determined by the Commission. Requires the Commission to comply with certain requirements when determining the location of a public hearing. Provides that the Commission shall provide reasonable notice that complies with the Open Meetings Act to members of the public regarding a public hearing. Provides that "reasonable notice" means notice that is provided at least 14 days before a public hearing. Provides that public hearings shall be conducted by the full Commission, a single commissioner, or an administrative law judge from the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall take into consideration any testimony or comments received from members of the public during the public hearing in its deliberations on the requested general rate increase. Makes other changes.

ELECTRONIC MONITORING

Amends the Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act. Includes an establishment under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act in the definition of "facility". Makes a conforming change in a the definition of "resident's representative".

MONEY TRANSMITTER DREAM DONATE

Amends the Uniform Money Transmission Modernization Act. Provides that licensees may offer every customer who transmits money internationally the option to make a voluntary donation to the Illinois DREAM Fund, as specified. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to provide to licensees under the Act electronic copies of all marketing materials created by the Illinois DREAM Fund Commission for licensees.

SCH CD-E-LEARNING DAY-ELECTION

Amends the School Code. Allows the school board of a school district to use an adopted and verified program for e-learning days district-wide that permits student instruction to be received electronically while students are not physically present on an election day because a school was selected to be a polling place (rather than adopt a research-based program for e-learning days district-wide that shall permit student instruction to be received electronically while students are not physically present because a school was selected to be a polling place). Provides that e-learning days used for this purpose may not be counted in lieu of the district's scheduled emergency days.

LOC GOV-CREDIT CARD AGREEMENTS

Amends the Local Governmental Acceptance of Credit Cards Act. Provides that the governing body of a governmental entity accepting payment by credit card may enter into agreements with third-party software providers for the purpose of ensuring that the governmental entity receives the correct remittance for payment. Provides that, if a governmental entity enters into an agreement with one or more financial institutions or other service providers to facilitate the acceptance and processing of credit card payments, then the agreement may not restrict or prevent the governmental entity from using the payment processing system outlined in the State Treasurer Act or any other payment processing system that the governmental entity has procured. Effective immediately.

RUUPA OVERPAYMENTS

Amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Includes within the definition of "property" any overpayment made by any person to a government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, including, but not limited to, a payment for any tax, license, or fee that was made in excess of the amount ultimately required of the payor. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act is a restatement and clarification of existing law. Effective immediately.

LOW-INCOME UTILITY RATES

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning nondiscrimination, provides that the Commission is authorized to approve a low-income discount rate for residential electric and natural gas customers that applies to the entirety of a qualifying customer's bill, including, but not limited to, a qualifying customer's delivery service charges and energy supply charges. Provides that an electric or natural gas utility may fund low-income discount rates through a surcharge on customers' electric and natural gas bills. Provides that the changes to the Act apply retroactively on and after January 1, 2023. Amends the Energy Assistance Act. In provisions concerning eligibility under the Act, provides that, in setting the annual eligibility level for the use of State funds from the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall consider the amount of available funding and may not set a limit higher than 300% of the federal nonfarm poverty level. In provisions concerning the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, provides that the yearly administrative expenses of the Fund may not exceed 15% (rather than 13%) of the amount collected during that year, except when unspent funds from the Fund are reallocated from a previous year. Provides that any unspent balance of the 15% administrative allowance may be utilized for administrative expenses in the year they are reallocated. Provides that, of the 15% administrative allowance, no less than 9% (rather than 8%) shall be provided to Local Administrative Agencies for administrative expenses. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, the Base Energy Assistance Charge shall be $0.80 per month for each utility that is required by the Illinois Commerce Commission to implement a low-income discount rate and shall be $0.40 per month for each utility that is not required to implement a low-income discount rate and that contributes to the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund. Makes other changes.

HOSPITAL COLLECTION LIENS

Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act. In provisions concerning hospitals and their agents pursuing collection actions, provides that, for any legal action initiated against a patient for unpaid medical debt, a hospital may not file for or be granted a lien upon that patient's primary residence or on any other real property owned by the patient. Effective January 1, 2027.

INS-DENTAL COVERAGE REIMBURSE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits an insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act from requiring a dental care provider to only accept payment from a credit card or electronic funds transfer, in addition to the existing prohibition on incurred fees to access and obtain payment or reimbursement for services provided. Provides that any insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance may initiate or change payment methodology to a dental care provider using electronic funds transfer payments, including virtual credit card payments, if the specified conditions are met. Sets forth provisions concerning claim payment methodologies and fees for transmitting payments. Provides that the specified dental coverage reimbursement provisions shall not be waived by contract. Effective January 1, 2027.

BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Provides that the Secretary of State shall establish a program to be known as the Blue Envelope Program through which the Office of the Secretary of State shall design and make publicly available blue envelopes that may be used by individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to hold documents required for the operation of a motor vehicle. Sets forth additional requirements. Provides that an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may voluntarily participate in the program. Provides that any information provided on the outside of the envelope shall be used solely to support safe and effective communication during interactions with first responders and law enforcement officers and shall not be entered into any federal, State, or local database. Provides that the Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement and administer the program.

COLLEGE PRESS ACT-PUBLIC MEDIA

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

ENTREPRENEUR INSTITUTE-REPEAL

Amends the Illinois State University Law. Repeals a provision regarding the Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education.

COURT REMINDER NOTICES

Amends the Clerks of Courts Act. Makes legislative findings. Creates the court reminder program. Requires that the circuit clerk provide a defendant with notice by text message of all court hearings to defendants who have been charged with a violation of the Criminal Code of 2012 or the Illinois Vehicle Code as follows: provide at least 2 text notices before each court appearance with one notice the day before the required court appearance; maintain a copy of the content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of the clerk's office; and for court appearances that can be attended virtually, provide the link to the virtual court appearance in at least the final reminder sent before the appearance. Makes the Act inapplicable if a circuit clerk does not have the needed information from a defendant to send a text message notification. Requires that the circuit clerk must take all reasonable actions to get the needed information to provide reminders and to coordinate with law enforcement and the courts in that effort. Allows the circuit clerk to use an existing electronic notice provisions developed under the Clerks of the Courts Act or developed under Supreme Court Rule as long as those programs comply with the new requirements of the amendatory Act. Authorizes the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to adopt rules to further implement the Act.

STATE BEE DESIGNATION

Amends the State Designations Act. Designates the Black-and-Gold Bumblebee (Bombus auricomus) as the official State bee of the State of Illinois.