Bills & Legislation

SCH CD-EARLY LITERACY-SCREEN

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

USE/OCC TAX-HOLIDAY

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

GREEN ALERTS-VETERANS

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

MILITARY JUSTICE-OFFENSES

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

CORRECTIONS-SUPERVISED RELEASE

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

SCH CD-TEACHER EVALUATION PLAN

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

MEDICAID-SLF-DEMENTIA CARE

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

Paul FaraciDemocrat

HEALTH CARE TRANSPARENCY

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

Omar AquinoDemocrat

TRANSPORTATION-GREENHOUSE GAS

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

Omar AquinoDemocrat

TRUST ACT-TECH

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

Omar AquinoDemocrat

COUNTY BOARD MEMBER LIMITATION

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

Jil TracyRepublican

CONDO-CI ASSN-DISB CHANGES

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

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

ANCRA-MED PROFESSIONAL OPINION

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

Kimberly A. LightfordDemocrat

DEBT RESOLUTION SERVICES ACT

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICIPATION

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

INS CD-CRIBS AND CAR SEATS

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

Christopher BeltDemocrat

ESTATE TAX-SPECIAL USE

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

Doris TurnerDemocrat

$SUPP-DEPT AGR-SWCD

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

David KoehlerDemocrat

DHS-DSP WAGE INCREASES

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

David KoehlerDemocrat

IL WORKS-APPRENTICE

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

David KoehlerDemocrat

LOCAL GOVT RETIREMENT PLANS

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

COM COL-CHICAGO-ELECT BOARD

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

TIF-DEVELOPER LOT INITIAL EAV

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

TIF-INITIAL & TOTAL EAV

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

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

IMMUNITY CHILD WELFARE AGENCIE

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

Laura FineDemocrat

CARBON CAPTURE-COMPENSATION

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

Laura FineDemocrat

LAND TRANSFER-WILL COUNTY

Authorizes the Director of Central Management Services to execute and deliver a quit claim deed for specified real property in Will County to the Forest Preserve District of Will County upon the payment of $1, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

NONCITIZEN COST TRANSPARENCY

Creates the Noncitizen Population Spending Transparency Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with relevant State agencies, shall prepare an annual report identifying all State spending on services and resources for noncitizen and asylum-seeking populations. Sets forth reporting requirements. Provides that, on or before November 15, 2025, and each year thereafter, the Department of Human Services shall submit the report to the General Assembly. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall post and maintain the report on its publicly available website. Provides that the Department of Human Services is authorized to coordinate efforts with other State agencies to prepare and submit a cohesive report for the General Assembly. Amends the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, beginning with budgets prepared for fiscal year 2027, the budgets submitted by the Governor and appropriations made by the General Assembly for all executive branch State agencies must include a detailed accounting of all proposed spending on noncitizen and asylum-seeking populations. Effective immediately.

John F. CurranRepublican

REVENUE-TECH

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

Seth LewisRepublican

SEXUAL ASSAULT TREATMENT

Amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Defines "acute sexual assault" as a sexual assault that has recently occurred within a specified time. Replaces various references to "sexual assault" with "acute sexual assault". Deletes the definition of "prepubescent sexual assault survivor". Changes provisions regarding hospitals located in counties with a population of less than 1,000,000 and within a 20-mile radius of a 4-year public university with respect to a sexual assault treatment plan approved by the Department of Public Health. Makes changes in various provisions concerning plans of correction and penalties for hospitals that commit specified violations of the Act. In provisions regarding requirements for medical forensic services, provides that the provisions of the Act are not intended to prohibit a qualified medical provider from offering an Illinois Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit to a sexual assault survivor who presents at a treatment hospital or approved pediatric health care facility with a nonacute complaint of sexual assault if there is a compelling reason for evidence collection, or upon the request of the survivor. In provisions regarding the prohibition on billing sexual assault survivors directly for certain services, changes references to the Office of the Attorney General to references to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

INS-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, shall not impose any prior authorization or utilization management controls on covered behavioral health services. Makes conforming changes to the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish a process for receiving complaints from providers and covered individuals for violations of the mandate. Grants the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services the authority to issue cease and desist orders and administrative fines. Amends the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall adopt rules consistent with the Act. Provisions amending the Prior Authorization Reform Act are effective immediately.

Laura FineDemocrat

EDUC-SCH SOCIAL WORKER GRANTS

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the State Board of Education shall award competitive grants on an annual basis to school districts and other educational units that have school social work interns to assist those school districts and other educational units in the funding of school social work internships approved by the interns' educator preparation programs by providing stipends. Sets forth the stipend amount. Provides that the State Board of Education shall annually disseminate to school districts and other educational units that have school social work interns a request for applications for grants. Provides that grant applications shall be accepted on an annual basis. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish procedures for submitting requests for stipends and issuing funds to approved applicants. Provides for prioritizing grants if an appropriation is insufficient to fund all applications for grants. Provides that for any school year in which grants are awarded, the State Board of Education shall produce a report on the awarding of grants, in cooperation with the school districts and educational units that are awarded grants. Sets forth requirements for the report. Provides that the report shall be posted on the State Board of Education's Internet website each school year in which grants are awarded. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Board of Higher Education shall establish and administer a grant program to support the field placement of social workers. Provides that the Board shall distribute the funds appropriated for this purpose in the form of grants to public or nonpublic institutions of higher education to expand opportunities for students who are intending to become social workers and to assist students in pursuing social-work related field placements, internships, and other work opportunities. Sets forth other requirements concerning the operation of the grant program. Effective immediately.

Laura FineDemocrat

SCH CD-REQ HIGH SCHOOL COURSE

Amends the School Code. With respect to prerequisites to receiving a high school diploma, provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, agricultural education, agricultural business, or any other course that relates to agriculture satisfies the vocational education requirement. Effective immediately.

Doris TurnerDemocrat

MEDICAID-NURSING FACILTY RATES

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval, beginning on January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rates for the support component of the nursing facility rate for facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled or intermediate care facilities and for facilities licensed under the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013 shall be the rate in effect on June 30, 2024 increased by the percent change in the Consumer Price Index-U from September 2016 to September 2025. Effective immediately.

David KoehlerDemocrat

FREEDOM TRAILS COMMISSION

Creates the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Act. Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. Provides that the purpose of the Commission shall be to explore, research, and commemorate the journeys of freedom seekers and the sites and landmarks in the State that became the networks of the Underground Railroad. Provides that the Commission shall implement educational, landmark preservation, and grant programs. Sets forth provisions concerning membership; terms; compensation; administrative support; and staff. Provides that the Commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly. Effective immediately.

David KoehlerDemocrat

CARGO TRANSPORT ACT

Creates the Cargo Transportation Fee Act. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality or a county may impose a fee upon interstate carriers and intrastate carriers that (i) transport by common carrier tangible personal property in the State, (ii) transport that tangible personal property for the purpose of selling that tangible personal property at retail, and (iii) receive tangible personal property directly from an intermodal facility that is located in the municipality or county that enacts the ordinance. Sets forth the amount of the fee. Provides that 95% of the proceeds from the fee shall be deposited into the Cargo Transportation Fee Fund and 5% of the proceeds shall be deposited into the Motor Carrier Safety Inspection Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Cargo Transportation Fee Fund and sets forth the uses for that Fund.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

$EPA-EMERGING CONTAMINANTS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, for the purpose of ensuring that there is appropriated to the Agency on an annual basis the funding necessary to address the risk to public health and safety caused by emerging drinking water contaminants that have the potential to threaten drinking water supplies in the State, there is hereby appropriated, on a continuing annual basis in each fiscal year, from the General Revenue Fund to the Agency, the amount, if any, by which the total appropriation to the Agency from the General Revenue Fund for that fiscal year for that express purpose is less than $5,000,000.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

FEE WAIVER-FORMER INCARCERATED

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that all State agencies shall waive any fees assessed to a formerly incarcerated person for services provided by that State agency for a period of one year after the release of that person from a facility operated by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

MEDICAID-ELIGIBILITY-COVERAGE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that if the United States Supreme Court holds to be unconstitutional a provision under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) that prohibits a group health plan and health insurance issuer from establishing lifetime or annual limits on the dollar value of benefits, or if the holding makes Medicaid eligibility allowed under that specified provision inoperable, then the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall fully cover the costs of medical assistance for individuals affected by that holding, subject to appropriation. Provides that the Department shall not require individuals receiving medical assistance to work a minimum amount of hours in order to receive benefits.

Mike SimmonsDemocrat

PARK DIST - COMPETITIVE BIDS

Amends the Park District Code. Provides that all competitive bids for contracts involving an expenditure in excess of $50,000 (rather than $30,000), or a lower amount if required by board policy, must be sealed by the bidder and must be opened by a member or employee of the park board at a public bid opening at which the contents of the bids must be announced. Amends the Conservation District Act and the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act. Provides that specified contracts related to supplies, materials, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $50,000 (rather than $30,000), or a lower amount if required by board policy, must be competitively bid. Effective immediately.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

SCHOOL BUS-SEAT SAFETY BELTS

Amends the School Code. Requires a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus to provide written or verbal instruction concerning the availability and correct use of seat safety belts to student passengers and their parents or legal guardians at least 2 times per calendar or school year. Requires a school bus driver or aide to provide a verbal or posted reminder to all passengers to fasten their seat safety belts properly before the bus begins to move prior to the start of each trip. Contains provisions concerning liability. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning August 1, 2026, if a school bus has one or more designated passenger seating positions equipped with a seat safety belt system, the seats shall be prioritized for use and the seat safety belt shall be worn correctly by the passengers of the bus. Provides that a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall instruct passengers on the correct use of seat safety belt systems. Provides that when operating other vehicles not defined as a school bus, a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity transporting children must adhere to the occupant restraint requirements of the Child Passenger Protection Act. Provides that, under certain circumstances, a public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider or contractor, or other entity operating a school bus shall not be charged for a violation requiring a passenger to use a seat safety belt system if a passenger on the school bus fails to use or incorrectly uses the seat belt system. Effective immediately.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

FINANCE-SOS PETTY CASH

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that the Secretary of State may maintain a petty cash fund in excess of $1,000, solely for the purpose of making change, at any Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Facility. Provides that those funds may be retained on the premises of the facility.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

SCH CD-FOREIGN LANG CURRICULA

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires a school board to offer courses in Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Telugu, and Malayalam as a part of its school foreign language curricula.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

SCH CD-MAJOR SCHOOL EVENTS

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to identify days during the year when there may be a portion of the student body absent or unable to participate in a major school event due to cultural, religious, or other observances and, by February 1 of each year, to prominently post on its website and distribute to school districts a nonexhaustive list of the corresponding days and dates of potential cultural, religious, or other observances in the upcoming school year. Allows a school district to include additional days and dates based on community feedback or demographics. Requires the State Board to distribute the list by February 1 each year to regional offices of education, the Department of Early Childhood, the Board of Higher Education, the Illinois High School Association, and other relevant associations or entities as determined by the State Board. Effective immediately.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

DHFS-DHS-DIRECT SUPPORT WAGE

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for front-line personnel in residential and day programs and service coordination agencies serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides that for community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, subject to federal approval, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after July 1, 2025 shall be increased sufficiently to: (i) provide a minimum $2.00 per hour wage increase over the wages in effect on June 30, 2025 for front-line personnel; and (ii) provide wages for all other residential non-executive direct care staff, excluding direct support professionals, at the U.S. Department of Labor's average wage as defined, by rule, by the Department. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for ID/DD facilities and MC/DD facilities, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after July 1, 2025, shall be increased sufficiently to: (i) provide a minimum $2.00 per hour wage increase over the wages in effect on June 30, 2025 for front-line personnel; and (ii) provide wages for all other residential non-executive direct care staff, excluding direct support professionals, at the U.S. Department of Labor's average wage as defined, by rule, by the Department. Requires the same increase for front-line personnel employed at community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services emergency rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.

Celina VillanuevaDemocrat

LIQUOR-DISTILLERIES

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates a distillery shipper's license, a class 3 craft distiller license, and a spirits showcase permit. Provides that a class 3 craft distiller license, which may be issued to a distiller or a non-resident dealer, shall allow the manufacture of no more than 100,000 gallons of spirits per year and shall allow the sale of spirits from the class 3 craft distiller's in-state or out-of-state class 3 craft distillery premises to retail licensees, class 3 brewers, and class 3 craft distillers as long as the class 3 craft distiller licensee meets certain requirements. Authorizes a class 3 craft distiller to self-distribute subject to certain requirements and limitations. Provides that a distillery shipper's license shall allow a person with an Illinois distiller license, a craft distiller license, a class 1 craft distiller license, a class 2 craft distiller license, or a class 3 craft distiller license or who is licensed to make spirits under the laws of another state to ship spirits directly to a resident of this State who is 21 years of age or older for that resident's personal use and not for resale. Provides that a spirits showcase permit shall allow an Illinois-licensed distributor to transfer a portion of its spirits inventory from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license; in the case of a class 3 craft distiller, to transfer only spirits the class 3 craft distiller manufactures from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license; and to sell or offer for sale at retail, only in the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license, the transferred or delivered spirits for on or off premises consumption, but not for resale in any form and to sell to non-licensees not more than 156 fluid ounces of spirits per person. Sets forth provisions concerning licensure application; fees; recordkeeping; and shipping and delivery of spirits. Preempts home rule powers. Makes conforming and other changes.

Celina VillanuevaDemocrat

PUBLIC DEFENDER-COOK COUNTY

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that, in counties with a population over 3,000,000, representation by the public defender in immigration cases shall be limited to those arising or being heard within the geographical boundaries of the county where the public defender has been appointed to office and to those of county residents with immigration cases outside of the county unless the county board authorizes the public defender to provide representation beyond those limits (rather than limited to those arising in immigration courts located within the geographical boundaries of the county where the public defender has been appointed to office unless the county board authorizes the public defender to provide representation outside the county).

Omar AquinoDemocrat

INC TAX-MANUFACTURING

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to 10% of the manufacturing capital expenditures incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year or, if the taxpayer is located in a rural or economically challenged area, 15% of the manufacturing capital expenditures. Provides that the total amount of credits awarded under those provisions may not exceed $10,000,000 for any particular taxpayer in any taxable year, except that, if the capital investment is made in a rural or economically challenged area, then the maximum amount of the credit shall be $20,000,000. Effective immediately.

Paul FaraciDemocrat

COURT OF CLAIMS-AWARDS

Amends the Court of Claims Act. Provides that the Court of Claims has exclusive jurisdiction to hear all claims against the State for time unjustly served in State prisons, in county jails, in county juvenile detention facilities, or in Illinois Youth Centers, on parole or probation, or registered as a sex offender if the person was unjustly convicted or adjudicated a delinquent and received a pardon from the Governor on the ground of innocence of the crime for which the person was convicted or adjudicated a delinquent or the person received a certificate of innocence. Removes language providing the amount of the award the court may give for a successful claim. Provides instead that the court shall make an award of $50,000 per year during which the person was wrongfully incarcerated and $25,000 for each year during which the person was wrongfully on parole or probation or required to register as a sex offender. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act apply to claims pending or filed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Allows any person who is convicted or adjudicated a delinquent and then serves any part of a sentence of incarceration in a State prison, in a county jail, in a county juvenile detention facility, or in a Illinois Youth Center, on parole or probation, or registered as a sex offender (rather than convicted and subsequently imprisoned) for one or more felonies by the State that the person did not commit may file a petition for certificate of innocence. Requires the court to make an award of reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and expenses after awarding a certificate of innocence. Provides that any person seeking a certificate of innocence based on the dismissal of a juvenile delinquency petition or an acquittal that occurred before the effective date of the amendatory Act shall file a petition within 4 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, and any person seeking a certificate of innocence based on the dismissal of a juvenile delinquency petition or an acquittal that occurred on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall file a petition within 2 years after the dismissal or acquittal. Effective immediately.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

LIQUOR-VARIOUS

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Increases the self-distribution limit for class 3 brewers that meet certain requirements to not more than 77,500 (instead of 6,200) gallons of beer from each in-state or out-of-state class 3 brewery premises, which shall not exceed 232,500 (instead of 18,600) gallons annually in the aggregate, that is manufactured at a wholly owned class 3 brewer's in-state or out-of-state licensed premises to retail licensees and class 3 brewers and to certain brewers, class 1 brewers, and class 2 brewers. Provides that a special event retailer's license (not-for-profit) shall allow the licensee to sell and offer for sale, at retail, alcoholic liquors for consumption on or off the premises specified in the license (instead of for use or consumption), but not for resale in any form and only at the location and on the specific dates designated for the special event in the license. Provides that, subject to certain conditions, a special use permit license shall allow the sale or offering for sale of certain transferred or delivered alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption on or off the premises specified in the license. Provides that a retail licensee or manufacturer with retail privileges may operate a loyalty program, reward program, or mug club for alcoholic liquors the retailer or manufacturer with retail privileges is licensed to sell so long as the price of the product is not below the retail licensee's or manufacturer with retail privileges' costs. Provides that a retail licensee or licensed manufacturer with retail privileges may offer incentives to consumers for participation in a rewards program, loyalty program, or mug club. Set forth further provisions concerning rewards programs, loyalty programs, and mug clubs. Makes conforming and other changes.

Cristina CastroDemocrat