Bills & Legislation

PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE EXAM

Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. In provisions concerning the qualifications of applicants, provides that the first part of the required examination for licensure may be taken upon graduation and before completion of a postdoctoral supervised experience in clinical, school, or counseling psychology.

BOND AUTHORIZATION ACT

Amends the Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Coal Resources Development Law of 1997. Extends the repeal of the Act until December 31, 2030. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-HOMELESS YOUTH FUNDING

Amends the School Code. Requires school districts to annually report to the State Board of Education the following: (1) the amount of funds received by each school district in the preceding school year; (2) the amount of funds reserved by each school district in the preceding school year to serve homeless children and youth; (3) the number of homeless children and youth identified and enrolled in each school district for that same school year; (4) the amount of such funds that were spent on homeless children and youth; (5) the activities on which such funds were spent; and (6) any auxiliary funding provided to the school district through supplemental funding. Requires the State Board to post the information on the State Board's website.

HIGHER ED-MENTAL HEALTH ACTION

Amends the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. Provides that the expert panel designated by the board of trustees to develop and implement policies and procedures shall be comprised of at least 2 administrators, 2 members of faculty, and one mental health professional. Requires each public college or university to provide at least 3 on-site licensed clinical professional counselors or licensed clinical social workers.

EDU LABOR RELATIONS-NOTICE

Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that employers shall provide the State labor organization with a copy of the information provided to the exclusive representative. Effective immediately.

IDEC-EIS-PREMATURE INFANTS

Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. Expands the definition of "eligible infants and toddlers" to list infants having a birth weight less than 1,000 grams. Requires the Department of Early Childhood, as the designated lead agency to administer the system of early intervention services on and after July 1, 2026, to develop informational materials and handouts for hospitals to distribute to the parents or legal guardians of severely premature infants, explaining that infants having a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams automatically qualify for early intervention services up until their 3rd birthday. Provides that the informational materials and handouts shall also contain information on the benefits of early intervention services for severely premature infants, the website addresses and phone numbers that parents and legal guardians can access to obtain more information on early intervention services, and the contact information of the early intervention regional intake entity designated to coordinate services for eligible infants. Requires the statewide system of coordinated, comprehensive, interagency and interdisciplinary early intervention programs to include in its public awareness program, a special focus on the early identification of infants who automatically qualify for early intervention services on account of having a birth weight less than 1,000 grams. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires hospitals to distribute, free of charge, to the parents or legal guardians of each severely premature infant having a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams informational materials and handouts developed by the Department of Early Childhood on the availability of early intervention services for severely premature infants. Requires a nurse or physical therapist to review the proffered materials with the infant's parents or legal guardians prior to discharge and explain that premature infants having a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams automatically qualify for early intervention services up until their 3rd birthday, including speech, physical, occupational, and other therapies.

ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA ASSESS

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Requires individual residents to be assessed prior to admission using assessment tools that are approved or recommended by recognized Alzheimer's and dementia care experts, ensuring that the tools are validated for accurately identifying and evaluating cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Provides that these tools shall be reviewed and updated as needed to align with current best practices and clinical standards in dementia care.

HEARING INSTRUMENT EXTENSION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Provides that an applicant for a license to dispense, test, select, recommend, fit, or service prescription hearing aids may take the written licensing examination no more than 4 times in any consecutive 12-month period. Allows a trainee license to be renewed once for an additional 6 months (was non-renewable). Provides that the changes to the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

EPA-UST FUND-DEDUCTIBLES

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In a provision concerning the conditions for payment from the Underground Storage Tank Fund, provides that, in the case of any approved plan and budget for which payment is being sought, the Environmental Protection Agency shall make a payment determination within 120 days of receipt of both the complete application for payment and the report documenting completion of the activities approved in the plan, whichever is received later (rather than within 120 days after receipt of the application). Provides that, for underground storage tank releases reported before June 8, 2010, an owner or operator may access the Underground Storage Tank Fund for costs that are associated with an Agency-approved plan and that are incurred after the effective date of the amendatory Act after application of a $10,000 deductible (now, other deductibles are owed in some circumstances). Provides that the deductible shall be reduced by any deductible amount applied to costs incurred before the effective date of the amendatory Act.

HIGHER ED-VARIOUS

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Removes language providing that: each State university shall report annually to the Board on programs of instruction, research, or public service that have been terminated, dissolved, reduced, or consolidated by the university, and all programs of instruction, research, and public service that exhibit a trend of low performance in enrollments, degree completions, and high expense per degree; and the Board shall compile an annual report that shall contain information on new programs created, existing programs that have been closed or consolidated, and programs that exhibit low performance or productivity. Instead, requires the Board to annually identify and provide to each public university certain programs of instruction that exhibit indicators of low performance in enrollment, degree completion, and relative high expense per degree, and for each public university to review such information and report annually to the Board with its proposed performance improvement plan for each identified program. Requires the Board to report annually on the instructional programs offered at public institutions of higher education, to show number, types, and locations of instructional programs, new programs created, existing programs that have been closed or consolidated as a result of the review and report above, and other information relevant to assessing the State's portfolio of programs. Requires the report to be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor (not only the General Assembly). Amends the Private College Act. Provides that applications submitted to the Board of Higher Education shall contain a statement, among others, regarding the tuition schedule. For a disclosure regarding heightened monitoring of the institution's finances, requires the disclosure to be made, among others, by written notice to the Board. Amends the Academic Degree Act. Requires an educational organization or entity that awards degrees and qualifies for degree granting to maintain appropriate accreditation to provide educational programming. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-PROHIBT DENIAL FREE ED

Amends the School Code. Prohibits a child from being denied a free public education through secondary school while in the State based on the child's or associated person's perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status. Prohibits a school from excluding a child, or associated person, from participation in or denying a child, or associated person, the benefits of any program or activity on the grounds of that child's, or associated person's, actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. Provides that a school must not use criteria, measures, or methods of administration that have the effect of excluding from participation or denying the benefits of any program or activity because of a child's, or associated person's, actual or perceived immigration status. Prohibits a school from threatening to disclose information regarding or relating to the actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status of a child, or associated person, or actually disclosing information based on perceived or unverified citizenship or immigration status, to any other person, entity, or any immigration or law enforcement agency. Provides that a school must not allow an immigration agent to enter a school site or school district facility for any purpose without providing valid identification, a written statement of purpose, and a valid judicial warrant, and, to the extent possible, receiving approval from the superintendent of the school district or the principal of the charter school, and their legal counsel. Provides that a school district or school must not detain any individual solely on the basis of any formal or informal request, or immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant from an immigration agent. Requires a school district or school to adopt a policy for complying with the amendatory Act. Allows any party aggrieved by a violation of the provisions to bring a civil lawsuit no later than 2 years after the violation occurred. Provides that if the court finds that a violation has occurred, the court may award to the plaintiff 3 times actual damages or $17,000, whichever is greater. Makes other changes.

INS CD-LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any group or individual policy of accident or health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2027 shall provide coverage for laser hair removal if the procedure is prescribed medical treatment in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical care. Provides that the coverage shall apply to individuals with conditions including, but not limited to, body dysmorphia, hidradentis suppreativa, polycystic ovary syndrome, or other similar skin conditions. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid code to require coverage under those provisions.

DHS-DD SERVICES-RATE SHEET

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to, at least annually, provide each provider of home and community-based services an updated, detailed rate sheet for each funded client served by the provider. Provides that the Department must also, within 45 days of submission of any provider-based information to the Department, such as Inventory for Client and Agency Planning scores, which changes a client's reimbursement rate, issue an updated rate sheet for the client. Provides that each detailed rate sheet must include full rate calculator formula transparency, showing the formula in print used to calculate the rate for each client served by the provider.

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCT-DELIVERY

Amends the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act. Provides that the Department of Transportation or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority may use the design-build project delivery method for transportation facilities if the capital costs for transportation facilities delivered utilizing the design-build project delivery method or Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method or Alternative Technical Concepts in a design-bid-build project delivery method do not for transportation facilities delivered by the Department, exceed the value of 20% of the projects annually programmed in (rather than $400 million of contracts awarded during) the Department's multi-year highway improvement program on an annual basis (rather than for any 5-year period). Removes language that provides that notwithstanding any other law, and as authority supplemental to its existing powers, the Department may use the Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method for up to 2 transportation facilities per year. Effective immediately.

DIGITAL PROTECT-USE OF REPLICA

Amends the Digital Voice and Likeness Protection Act. Provides that a provision in an agreement between an individual and any other person for the performance of personal or professional services is unenforceable only as it relates to a new performance, fixed on or after January 1, 2026, by a digital replica of an individual if specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that the failure to include a reasonably specific description of the intended uses of a digital replica shall not render a provision in an agreement unenforceable when the uses of the digital replica are consistent with the terms of the contract for the performance of personal or professional services and the fundamental character of the photography or sound track as recorded or performed. Provides that the requirements do not affect any other provision of a contract. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

DCEO-VARIOUS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Removes language requiring the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish a freight rate information service for U.S. and foreign shippers. Repeals certain duties of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity related to a local government clearing house. Provides that the Department of Insurance (currently, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) shall provide administrative support to the Student Career Development Liability Insurance Advisory Committee. Amends the Department of Insurance Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to make conforming changes. Repeals the Illinois Emergency Employment Development Act. Amends the Music and Musicians Tax Credit and Jobs Act. Repeals certain provisions requiring the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to submit reports under that Act. Amends the Eliminate the Digital Divide Law. Sets forth provisions concerning grants from the Digital Divide Elimination Fund. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

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.

UNEMPLOYMENT INS-RECOVERY

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides for the recovery of benefits awarded to individuals who are determined to not be eligible for those benefits, plus any penalties and interest, in accordance with specified provisions of the Act. Provides that the Director of Employment Security is authorized to cooperate with and enter into appropriate agreements with the State Treasurer for the recovery of unclaimed property held by the State Treasurer in the name of an individual who received benefits that the individual was determined to not be eligible to receive or in the name of an employer who owes contributions, interest, or penalties under the Act. Authorizes the Director to directly request and accept the return of funds from a debit card issuer for any debit card account that received benefits under specified circumstances. Makes other changes.

VEH CD- INSTRUCTOR DL REQ

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if, to qualify for a license as an instructor for a driving school, it is required to obtain a set amount of practice hours driving, then, if the applicant holds a temporary license, the time spent driving under a temporary license shall count towards the set amount of practice hours.

EPA-WATER MAIN INSTALLATION

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, in the case of water main installation projects, all water main-related appurtenances, and specifically fire hydrants and valves, shall be included in the Agency's written approval of specified public water supply plans. Requires fire hydrants and valves to be designed and installed in accordance with specified standards.

CPS-DISCIPLINE DISCLOSURE

Amends the School Code. Provides that the parent or guardian of a student against whom misconduct was committed by another student shall receive a copy of the disciplinary report from an investigation into the perpetrating student's act or acts of misconduct.

DHS-HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In provisions concerning death reports investigated by the Department of Human Services' Office of Inspector General, provides that death reports with no allegation of abuse or neglect shall only be released to the Secretary of Human Services and to the director of the facility or agency when a recommendation is made. Provides that unredacted investigative reports may be shared with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall operate and maintain an Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood for the education of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind and are seeking competitive integrated employment. Makes conforming change to the School Code. Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. Removes all references regarding the operation of community-integrated living arrangements for the supervision of persons with mental illness. Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Extends early intervention services to children who have been found eligible for early childhood special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and have an individualized education program. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Adds physician assistance to the list of medical professionals listed under the definition of "qualified examiner". Adds advanced practice psychiatric nurse to several provisions listing medical professionals making mental health determinations. Makes conforming changes to the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Removes a requirement that a person witness the signing of a consent form. Repeals provisions in the Department of Human Services Act, the State Finance Act, and the Illinois Income Tax Act concerning the Autism Research Checkoff Fund. Effective immediately.

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.

TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT PROGRAM

Amends the Transportation Benefits Program Act. Provides that the Act does not apply to a covered employer in the construction industry with respect to employees with whom the covered employer has entered into a bona fide collective bargaining agreement. Makes changes to definitions.

SCH CD-FAFSA CONTACT

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each high school must designate at least one member of its staff as a contact for matters related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), annually provide the individual's name and contact information to the State Board of Education and Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and inform high school seniors that this individual is available to answer questions about FAFSA or to refer them to an appropriate resource. Provides that the contact shall serve as a designated point of contact for information from the State Board of Education and Illinois Student Assistance Commission related to FAFSA, and shall be required to participate in annual training for which the individual shall be eligible to receive continuing professional development units. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-FAFSA COMPLETION

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the required support regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) shall include providing time during the school day, not requiring a student to be excused from regularly scheduled class time, to complete or receive help with completion of a financial aid application. Effective immediately.

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Amends the Consumer Electronics Recycling Act. Adds and changes definitions. Changes references to residential covered electronic devices (CEDs) to references to CEDs from covered entities. Adds a nonprofit organization or recycler to certain provisions regarding the use of a retail or private network (rather than only retail) collection site with the agreement of the applicable retailer under certain local agreements. Changes references to retail collection sites to references to retail or private network collection sites. Adds to requirements for certain agreements, including those to be reduced to writing and included in the manufacturer e-waste program plan. Adds to requirements for the manufacturer e-waste program plan. Adds conditions in certain provisions regarding the applicable county, municipal joint action agency, or municipality. Adds certain waivers for charges for shortfalls in provisions regarding collection of CEDs. Adds requirements for the Advisory Electronics Task Force to submit certain information to the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as to communicate regarding certain updates and certain feedback. Adds provisions regarding education and consumer awareness requirements. Deletes an automatic repeal provision.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE-BOARD OATH

Amends the Public Community College Act. Requires each member of the board of trustees of a community college district to, before entering upon the duties of the office, take and subscribe to a specified oath. Provides that the oath or affirmation shall be administered by the secretary of the board, a notary public, or any other officer authorized to administer oaths under State law, and the completed oath shall be filed with the secretary of the board and made part of the official records of the community college district. Prohibits a trustee from exercising the powers or performing the duties of office until the oath has been taken and properly filed.

DENTAL PRACTICE ACT EXTENSION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Illinois Dental Practice Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2036. Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. In the definition of "branches of dentistry", adds oral and maxillofacial pathology, dental public health, oral medicine, and orofacial pain to the included specialties. Creates a temporary dental hygiene license for dental students who meet certain requirements. Provides that a licensee holding a temporary dental hygiene license must practice under the supervision of a dentist. Provides that the temporary dental hygiene license is active for one year from its issuance date. Changes the implementation deadline for an order regarding the services that are necessary to be performed on a patient who is in a State or federal prison and who cannot travel to a dental office to 180 days of the order's issuance (rather than 45 days of the order's issuance). Removes language providing that provisions concerning public health dentistry are inoperative on and after January 1, 2026. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Amends the School Code by adding the Dual Language Education Article. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt comprehensive guidance for school districts on starting new dual language education programs and expanding existing programs. Provides that the guidance shall cover a comprehensive program structure, curriculum, instruction, assessment and accountability, staff quality and professional development, family and community engagement, and support and resources. Provides that the State Board of Education's Equity Journey Continuum shall integrate: (1) dual language education into the broader framework of student learning to ensure it is considered an essential part of educational equity and excellence; and (2) specific provisions for dual language teachers, focusing on recruitment, professional development, and retention of bilingual educators. Requires a school district to establish recognition pathways for biliteracy at various levels before high school. Requires each school district to: (1) create an intuitive and resource-rich online platform that provides comprehensive information and tools for potential bilingual educators; (2) develop strategies to ensure bilingual educators remain in the profession; and (3) launch a marketing campaign that aligns with the U.S. Department of Education's "Being Bilingual is a Superpower" initiative, focusing on the benefits of bilingualism and highlighting inspiring stories of bilingual educators and students.

SCH CD-HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS

Amends the School Code. Allows a student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 to enroll in a required high school course if the course is offered by the high school that the student would attend and the student participates in the course where the student attends school as long as the student passes the end of course exam given at the high school granting the credit for the same course, demonstrating proficiency at the high school level (course is taught by a teacher who holds a professional educator license issued under Article 21B of this Code and endorsed for the grade level and content area of the course).

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.

SWIMMING FACILITY-CONSTRUCTION

Amends the Swimming Facility Act. Provides that permits for construction or major alteration of a swimming facility are valid for a period of 2 years (rather than one year) from the date of issue.

VEH CD-THIRD DIVISION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Divides vehicles into 3 (instead of 2) divisions. Provides that a third division motor vehicle is a vehicle which is designed for the carrying of more than 10 persons and not more than 15 persons and which is designed or used only as a multifunction school-activity bus. Provides that the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the State Board of Education, shall develop a separate classroom course and refresher course for operation of vehicles of the third division being operated as multifunction school-activity buses.

SCH CD-CONSOLIDATION ANALYSIS

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to analyze the use of grant fund requests for a consolidation analysis or consolidation expenses in relation to the School District Reorganization Feasibility Studies. Requires the State Board to create a list of overlapping or bordering school districts with the most similar operating tax rates and percentage of adequacy funding per pupil. Requires the State Board to communicate to the superintendents and school boards of those school districts on the list that the State Board's analysis makes the school district a good candidate for the grant funds. Requires the school board to hold a public hearing to review the State Board's written communication and decide whether to apply for the grant funds. Requires the State Board to report to the General Assembly as to whether the school districts on the list applied for the grant funds, whether a grant was awarded, and what, if any, State Board action was taken in response to the grant-funded consolidation analysis. Requires the State Board to also provide to interested school districts a list of neutral parties to conduct an independent consolidation analysis with the grant funds.

HIGHER ED-MISCONDUCT SURVEY

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

MUNI CD-EMS VEHICLE FUNDS

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality must set aside, in a dedicated account, 10% of the funds the municipality receives from an insurer on account of ambulance or fire services provided by the municipality. Provides that the municipality may only use the funds in the dedicated account for purchasing and maintaining ambulances, fire engines, and other vehicles used to provide emergency services.

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE LEAVE

Creates the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act. Provides that an employee of an employer with 16 or more employees and no more than 50 employees shall be entitled to use a maximum of 10 days of unpaid neonatal intensive care leave while any child of the employee is a patient in a neonatal intensive care unit. Provides that an employee of an employer with 51 or more employees shall be entitled to use 20 days of unpaid neonatal intensive care leave while a child of the employee is a patient in a neonatal intensive care unit. Provides that, upon the conclusion of leave taken under the Act, an employee shall be reinstated to his or her former position or a substantially equivalent one with no loss of benefits held or accrued prior to taking leave. Sets forth provisions concerning unlawful employer practices; Department of Labor responsibilities; and enforcement. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Fund.

TRANSPORTATION-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires the Secretary of State to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians in the Illinois Rules of the Road Publication. Provides that an applicant for a school bus driver permit or commercial driver's license with a school bus driver endorsement is not required to pass a written test if the applicant holds a valid commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's license that expired in the preceding 30 days issued by another state with a school bus and passenger endorsements. Requires all driver education courses to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians. Provides that the examination to test an applicant's ability to read and understand official traffic control devices and knowledge of safe driving practices and traffic laws may be administered at a Secretary of State facility, remotely via the Internet, or in a manner otherwise specified by the Secretary of State by administrative rule. Allows the Secretary to destroy a driving record created 20 or more years ago for a person who was convicted of an offense and who did not have an Illinois driver's license if the record no longer contains any convictions or withdrawal of driving privileges due to the convictions. Provides that the application for an instructor for a driving school must be accompanied by a medical examination report completed by a competent medical examiner (rather than a competent physician). Provides that the restricted commercial driver's license issued for farm-related service industries may be available for periods not to exceed a total of 210 (rather than 180) days in any 12-month period. Removes some of the duration limitations for suspended licenses. Provides that the traffic-control signals also apply to bicyclists. Restricts a person from driving a motor vehicle on a bicycle lane, trail, or path designated by an official sign or marking for the exclusive use of bicycles or pedestrians. Makes other changes. Amends the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

HOLOCAUST COMM-SCHOOLS-MISC

Amends the Holocaust and Genocide Commission Act to make changes concerning Commission members. Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall have departments (rather than divisions) within the State Board. Makes changes concerning block grants for Chicago. Removes language encouraging the State Superintendent of Education to establish a program of academic credit for Tech Prep work-based learning for secondary school students with an interest in pursuing such career training. With respect to a school district's required account audit, provides that the auditing firm for each school district shall file with the State Board the Annual Financial Report no later than February 15 following the end of each fiscal year and makes other changes. With respect to a school financial condition statement, removes language providing that any district from which a report is not received when required shall have its portion of the distributive fund withheld for the next ensuing year until the report is filed and makes other changes. Makes changes concerning a statement of affairs and a report on contracts. Removes language providing for enrollment of an English learner in a program in transitional bilingual education for a period of 3 years. Repeals provisions concerning: the Mathematics and Science Block Grant Program Article; rewards; the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program; the Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant Program; the School STEAM Grant Program; and civic education advancement. Makes conforming and other changes in the School Code and the Bikeway Act. Repeals the Illinois Summer School for the Arts Act and the Interagency Board for Children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and have an Emotional or Behavioral Disorder Act.

WAREHOUSE TORNADO PREPAREDNESS

Creates the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act. Provides that all operators of a warehouse within this State shall prepare a tornado safety plan for each warehouse they operate within 120 days after the effective date of the Act for each existing warehouse or, for warehouses opened on or after 120 days after the effective date of the Act, no later than 7 days after the warehouse becomes operational. Provides that each plan shall be specific to the warehouse it was prepared for and must be reviewed and updated at least once per year or upon any significant change to the operations of the warehouse that affects the applicability or accuracy of the information in the plan. Specifies what the plan must contain. Requires each warehouse facility to have designated or constructed sufficient shelter space for at least 125% of persons who regularly work in the warehouse at the same time, including persons who are at the warehouse temporarily, such as delivery drivers. Requires each warehouse to maintain specified emergency supplies in its tornado shelter. Effective immediately.

MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Provides those entitled to inspect and copy a recipient's record include the parent or guardian of a minor, regardless of the minor's age, who is involved in special education services under the School Code or the "designated representative" of a student over the age of 18 involved in special education services under the School Code.

SCH CD-IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning identification cards and suicide prevention information, provides that each school district that serves pupils in any of grades 6 through 12 and that issues an identification card to school employees serving any of grades 6 through 12 shall provide on the identification card the same contact information concerning suicide prevention that is required to be provided on a pupil's identification card.

CHILD WELFARE DISCLOSURE ACT

Creates the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents and Caregivers Act. Provides that it is the policy of the State that parents receiving intact family services or reunification services from the Illinois child welfare system have specified rights, including, but not limited to, the right to: (1) be treated with dignity and respect and as a valued member of the child welfare team; (2) be consulted about relative placement options for their children prior to placement in a foster home; (3) be notified and considered as a placement resource, as the noncustodial parent, prior to protective custody; (4) receive timely visitation with their children; (5) be provided a copy of the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents and Caregivers Act at the time of case opening for intact family services or reunification services; (6) participate in the development of the hair care plan for their child; and other enumerated rights. Effective immediately.

GAMING-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE

Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that the Illinois Gaming Board shall not require individuals hired exclusively to perform functions that are not related in any way to gaming operations to hold an occupational license. Provides that the Board may issue a non-gaming identification badge upon payment of a non-refundable annual fee set by the Board. Sets forth eligibility requirements for a non-gaming identification badge. Effective immediately.

FY27 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates September of each year as National Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month.

CONTROLLED SUB-EPHEDRINE

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that the law concerning limitations on the over-the-counter sale of ephedrine without a prescription does not apply to the sale of any product dispensed or delivered by a practitioner or pharmacy according to a prescription issued by a prescriber authorized by the State or another state for a valid medical purpose and in the course of professional practice.

HOSPICE PROGRAM BOARD REPORT

Amends the Hospice Program Licensing Act. Provides that, no later than December 31, 2026, the Hospice and Palliative Care Advisory Board shall submit a report to the General Assembly on the state of care for individuals experiencing a serious or life-limiting illness and their family caregivers. Requires the report to include, at a minimum, data regarding the availability of and need for hospice and palliative care services in Illinois; data showing the relative value of non-hospice adult palliative care to the State of Illinois and its citizens; evidence-based recommendations to educate health care professionals and the public about non-hospice palliative care; and recommendations for state standards for adult palliative care.

SCH CD-STEAM OPPORTUNITY LIST

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall compile and disseminate annually a list of Illinois organizations offering externships, internships, and volunteer opportunities to young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Provides that each school board shall post the list disseminated by the State Board of Education in a location easily accessible to students.

SCH CD-STEAM ABSENCE EXEMPTION

Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. Provides that a female student in any of grades 6 through 12 who is participating in an educational program in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, subject to guidelines established by the State Board of Education, shall be permitted by a school board to have one school-day-long, excused absence per school year to participate in an externship or volunteer opportunity with an Illinois organization in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Provides that the school board may require that the student provide reasonable advance notice of the intended absence to the appropriate school administrator and require that the student provide documentation of the participation in an externship or volunteer opportunity to the appropriate school administrator.