Bills & Legislation

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Provides that successful completion of in-service training by the Illinois State Police shall satisfy the mandatory training requirements to be completed every 3 years by law enforcement officers under the Illinois Police Training Act and shall satisfy the on-going training requirements for a certification waiver, including scenario-based and mandatory firearms training.

Dave VellaDemocrat

WILDLIFE CD-FUR FACILITY

Amends the Wildlife Code. Requires fur facilities to be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources in order to continue operating. Provides that a person is not eligible to obtain a fur facility license for a fur facility that was not owned or operated in the State before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Specifies that a person who owns or operates a fur facility before the effective date of the amendatory Act must obtain a fur facility license from the Department for the facility by January 1, 2028 in order to continue owning or operating the facility on or after January 1, 2028. Limits the transferability of licenses after January 1, 2028. Establishes various license application requirements. Requires the Department to inspect fur facilities before granting or renewing a fur facility license. Provides that a fur facility license may be granted by the Department only if the Department determines the facility meets certain requirements. Creates the Fur Facility Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that amounts in the Fund must be used by the Department to finance the administration and enforcement of the licensing system established by the amendatory Act. Specifies that the Department of Natural Resources must revoke the license of any person who violates the licensing requirements added by the amendatory Act and may confiscate the person's fur-bearing mammals. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the licensing requirements added by the amendatory Act. Exempts fur facility license holders from the Code's fur-bearing mammal breeder permitting requirements. Defines various terms. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Theresa MahDemocrat

ANIMAL WELFARE-DOG DEALER

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that the definition of "dog dealer" does not include a person who sells dogs at retail to the public. Provides that a person who sells dogs at retail to the public, shall not be considered an animal shelter under the Act. Defines "at retail to the public". Requires a dog breeder to provide each dog in the dog breeder's facility with a primary enclosure that complies with certain requirements. Requires a dog breeder to provide all adult dogs in the dog breeder's facility with constant, unfettered access to an exercise area of sufficient size to ensure proper physical development, health, and socialization. Provides that the exercise area should, at a minimum, be at least twice the amount of space required for the primary enclosure. Provides that the Illinois Department of Agriculture may refuse to issue or renew or may suspend or revoke a license due to an individual operating without a proper license under the Act.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

APRN RADIATION ADMINISTRATION

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under the Act may administer radiation to a human being and may supervise the administration of radiation by a person accredited to administer radiation to a human being by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. Amends the Radiation Protection Act of 1990. In provisions concerning the limitations on the application of radiation to human beings, adds advanced practice registered nurses licensed under the Nurse Practice Act to the professionals who may intentionally administer radiation to a human being and to the professionals who may supervise a physician assistant, a technologist, a nurse, or other assistant administering radiation. Makes conforming changes in provisions concerning the accreditation of administrators of radiation.

Yolonda MorrisDemocrat

ILLINOIS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Changes the name of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to the Illinois School for the Blind. Makes conforming changes to the Personnel Code, the School Code, the School Safety Drill Act, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, and the MRSA Prevention, Control, and Reporting Act.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

UTILITY-RECOVERABLE EXPENSES

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning expenses that are recoverable by a public utility, provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not consider as an expense of any public utility company, for the purpose of determining any rate or charge, any amount expended for political activity or lobbying, any amount expended for contributions to a trade association or a chamber of commerce, and any amount expended by a public utility for director and officer liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance. Provides that, in determining whether the purchase of other types of insurance by a public utility is recoverable, the Commission shall determine whether the specific type of insurance is financially beneficial to the public utility's ratepayers or the public utility's shareholders. Provides that, if the Commission determines that the insurance purchased by the public utility is financially beneficial to its shareholders, then the purchase of the insurance shall not be a recoverable expense. Provides that goodwill or institutional advertising shall not be a recoverable expense by a public utility. Provides that the Commission shall deem as a nonrecoverable expense by a public utility (rather than the Commission shall specifically assess the justness and reasonableness of) any amount expended by a public utility to compensate attorneys or technical experts to prepare and litigate a general rate case filing. Provides that the amount that is deposited into the Consumer Intervenor Compensation Fund by a public utility shall not be a recoverable expense by the public utility. Provides that the computation of compensation awarded from the Fund shall take into consideration the market rates paid to persons of comparable training and experience who offer similar services, but may not exceed the comparable market rate for services paid by the public utility as part of its nonrecoverable rate case expense reported to the Commission (rather than as part of its rate case expense). Makes other changes.

Theresa MahDemocrat

VEH CD-CANNABIS IN VEHICLE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Removes the requirement that cannabis within any area of a motor vehicle must be in an odor-proof container.

Lisa DavisDemocrat

MEDICAID-WHEELCHAIR REPAIRS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for dates of service beginning on and after January 1, 2027, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall, for healthcare common procedure coding system codes relating to complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair repair and accessories, apply a reimbursement rate under the Medical Assistance program equivalent to the maximum fee paid in Illinois under the federal Medicare program, including fees under the KU modifier, if applicable. Effective immediately.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

MEDICAID-CONTINUED COVERAGE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any person who was initially determined to be eligible for medical assistance and is receiving institutional services or home and community-based services as authorized under the Article shall be presumed eligible for a continuation of coverage for such services during any redetermination process, unless the person experiences a material change in financial circumstances that results in the loss of eligibility. Requires any person who experiences a material change in financial circumstances that results in the loss of eligibility to notify the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Permits the Department to conduct a redetermination of eligibility. Requires the Department to notify the person before the commencement of any redetermination and after the redetermination is concluded along with the results of the redetermination and the effective date of any eligibility change. Requires the Department to seek federal authorization, no later than January 1, 2028, to exempt persons with disabilities who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance from annual eligibility redeterminations, except that a full redetermination shall be conducted at least once every 5 years, regardless of whether a material change in financial circumstances has occurred.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

DHS-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SURCHARGE

Creates the Preventing Crisis Cost Shifting to Medicaid Act. Provides that the General Assembly finds that (i) behavioral health crisis services, including crisis call centers, mobile crisis response, and crisis stabilization and receiving services, function as essential public health infrastructure and must be available statewide without regard to insurance status; and (ii) commercial health insurance policies issued or administered in the State generally do not provide comprehensive coverage for the full continuum of behavioral health crisis services, resulting in the cost of such services being disproportionately borne by Medicaid, local governments, and taxpayers. Requires specified entities (surcharge payors) that are authorized to issue or administer a policy or contract of accident and health insurance or a health maintenance organization contract in the State to pay a behavioral health crisis assessment to the Department of Human Services for deposit into the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund. Exempts Medicaid managed care organizations from paying the behavioral health crisis assessment. Permits the Department to update the total behavioral health crisis assessment amount as necessary to ensure the continued availability, quality, or geographic equity of the statewide behavioral health crisis system. Requires the Department to establish an appropriate mechanism for enforcing a surcharge payor's liability, which may include accrued interest on unpaid liabilities at a rate not to exceed 18% per annum and late fees or penalties at a rate not to exceed 5% per month. Provides that the enforcement mechanism may also include notification to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to offset payments on the surcharge payor's claims. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall not direct the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to offset claims payments unless the surcharge payor has maintained an outstanding liability to the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund for a period longer than 45 days and has received proper notice of pending enforcement.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

REVENUE-VARIOUS

Repeals the Messages Tax Act. Makes changes concerning cross-references to that Act. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and various Acts imposing local use and occupation taxes to replace references to "alcoholic beverages" with "alcoholic liquor taxable under Section 8-1 of the Liquor Control Act". Makes technical changes concerning incorporation of provisions of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act into various other Acts. Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act to make changes concerning re-renters of hotel rooms. Effective immediately.

Margaret CrokeDemocrat

MEDICAID-BRAIN INJURY WAIVER

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2027, certain services shall be eligible for reimbursement at approved programs through the Brain Injury waiver for eligible individuals over the age of 21, including, but not limited to: (1) case management; (2) nursing services; (3) medical oversight by consulting medical director; (4) physical therapy; and (5) occupational therapy. Requires the Department of Human Services to reimburse approved programs at the rates in effect for the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver program most recently approved. Effective January 1, 2027.

Sharon ChungDemocrat

AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS

Creates the Automated Driving Systems Development Act. Provides that the operation of highly automated vehicles participating in an automated vehicle pilot project is subject to all applicable federal and State laws. Sets forth eligibility requirements for participation in an automated vehicle pilot project. Establishes the application process for participation in an automated vehicle pilot project. Creates a review committee within the Department of Transportation. Requires the Secretary of State to develop a driving test to evaluate the capability of highly automated vehicles to safely operate on State roads. Sets forth permit requirements and requirements concerning the suspension, revocation, and reinstatement of a permit. Creates reporting and data sharing requirements. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Michael J. KellyDemocrat

ELEC CD-INCUMBENT WITHDRAWAL

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Voter Choice and Fair Access Act. Amends the Election Code. Provides that, if a candidate who is the current holder of the elective office for which nomination papers have been filed withdraws his or her candidacy anytime up until 10 business days before the ballot is finalized, the State Board of Elections or the appropriate election authority shall reopen the filing period for that office. Sets forth additional requirements for the filing of petitions for nomination by incumbent office holders. Makes other changes.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

PROFESSIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS

Creates the Professional Apprenticeship Recognition Act. Defines terms. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who applies to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for licensure in a profession or occupation and who submits proof of the person's completion of an apprenticeship program in the profession or occupation shall be exempt from any training or education requirements for initial licensure in the profession or occupation. Provides that the license exemption shall not apply to any continued training or continuing education requirements that are necessary for the maintenance or renewal of a license. Provides that an applicant who qualifies for the license exemption shall be subject to any other requirements established by the Department as long as those requirements are not more onerous than the requirements for applicants for the same profession or occupation who have not completed an apprenticeship.

William "Will" DavisDemocrat

CONT SUB-RESCHEDULING SCH I

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that, if any substance, scheduled as a Schedule I controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, is rescheduled for the purpose of treating mental health disorders, including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder, the Department of Human Services shall reschedule the substance accordingly within 30 days from the publication in the Federal Register of the final order rescheduling the substance.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

INTERNET GAMING ACT

Creates the Internet Gaming Act. Authorizes an Internet gaming operator to offer Internet gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Provides that Internet gaming shall only be offered by an Internet gaming license or an Internet management service provider that has contracted with an Internet gaming licensee. Provides that an Internet gaming licensee shall offer no more than 3 individually branded Internet gaming skins. Provides that an Internet management service provider may conduct Internet gaming on its own Internet gaming platform pursuant to the agreement between the provider and an Internet gaming licensee and in accordance with the rules of the Board and the provisions of the Act. Includes provisions for: requirements of an Internet gaming platform; Internet waging accounts; license requirements; age verification, location, and responsible gaming; diversity goals in procurement and spending by Internet gaming licensees; acceptance of out-of-state wagers; and limitations on home rule units. Provides that a 25% privilege tax is imposed on Internet gaming to be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. Authorizes the adoption of emergency rules to implement the Act and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Edgar González, Jr.Democrat

EPA-GHG EMISSION LIMITS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In a provision establishing greenhouse gas emission controls, authorizes an electric generating unit or large GHG-emitting unit to continue operating if an emergency, pre-emergency, or conservative operations situation exists. Provides that no variance, adjusted standard, or other regulatory relief that is otherwise available under the Act may be granted from the Act's greenhouse gas emission controls if battery storage resources constitute at least 10% of the total State-installed generation capacity. Provides that, if battery storage resources constitute less than 10% of the total State-installed generation capacity at any time after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Environmental Protection Agency shall delay enforcement of certain greenhouse gas emission controls. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt rules to implement these requirements. Defines "battery storage resource" and "total State-installed generation capacity". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

AI SAFETY MEASURES ACT

Creates the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act. Requires large frontier artificial intelligence developers to adopt and publish a frontier artificial intelligence framework addressing catastrophic risk management, transparency, and cybersecurity. Mandates reporting of critical safety incidents to the Attorney General and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance. Directs the Department of Innovation and Technology to review and recommend updates to definitions and standards. Creates a consortium to develop ILCompute, a public cloud computing resource that advances the development and deployment of artificial intelligence that is safe, ethical, equitable, and sustainable. Exempts specified information under the Freedom of Information Act. Makes conforming changes to the Freedom of Information Act.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

LOC GOV BUILDING PERMIT ACT

Creates the Local Government Building Permit Act. Provides that the Act only applies to units of local government that require a person to obtain a permit from the unit of local government before the person may construct a building within the unit of local government. Requires a unit of local government to comply with specified timelines for issuing building permits. Provides that, if a unit of local government fails to comply with the timelines, then the building permit is automatically approved by operation of law, unless the proposed building project violates published building or zoning codes. Requires a unit of local government to publish the specified information concerning building permits on its public-facing website. Provides that the fees that a unit of local government imposes to approve a building permit application may not exceed the actual cost the unit of local government incurs to review a building permit application. Provides that, if a unit of local government denies a person's building permit application, then the person may appeal the decision to the Building Permit Ombudsman. Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law. Creates the position of Building Permit Ombudsman within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that the Building Permit Ombudsman shall receive, review, and resolve appeals brought under the Local Government Building Permit Act. Requires the Building Permit Ombudsman to (i) examine the issues and the information provided by both parties; (ii) make findings of fact and conclusions of law; and (iii) issue a decision to the developer and the unit of local government in response to the appeal.

Dave VellaDemocrat

LIMITATIONS FACILITY FEES ACT

Creates the Limitations on Facility Fees Act. Provides that no health care provider shall charge, bill, or collect a facility fee, except for: (i) services provided on a hospital's campus; (ii) services provided at a facility that includes a licensed hospital emergency department; or (iii) emergency services provided at a freestanding emergency center. Provides that, except as specified, no health care provider shall charge, bill, or collect a facility fee for: (i) outpatient evaluation and management services; or (ii) any other outpatient, diagnostic, or imaging services identified by the Department of Public Health. Requires the Department to annually identify services subject to the limitations on specified facility fees that may reliably be provided safely and effectively in settings other than hospitals. Sets forth provisions concerning reporting, rulemaking, and enforcement of the Act. Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that any person who violates the Limitations on Facility Fees Act commits an unlawful practice.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

RAILROAD MOD CREDIT

Creates the Short Line Railroad Modernization Act. Creates an income tax credit for taxpayers that incur qualified railroad expenditures or qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. Sets forth the amount of the credit and limitations on the amount of the credit that may be awarded. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Dave VellaDemocrat

FOIA-STUDENT HOTLINES

Amends the Student Confidential Reporting Act to provide that any report or information submitted to a similar independent school helpline to the Safe2Help Illinois program is also confidential, may not be released except as otherwise provided in the Act or in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a person who intentionally discloses information in violation of the added provision commits a Class C misdemeanor. Defines "similar independent school helpline". Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make conforming changes.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFETY

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act. Provides that a frontier artificial intelligence model developer or large chatbot provider shall write, implement, comply with, and clearly and conspicuously publish on its website a public safety and child protection plan. Provides that the Attorney General shall establish a mechanism to be used by a large frontier developer, a large chatbot provider, or a member of the public to report a safety incident related to specified artificial intelligence models or chatbots. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection of whistleblowers; third party audits of large frontier developers; and civil penalties. Provides for rulemaking by the Attorney General. Effective January 1, 2027.

Daniel DidechDemocrat

COMPTROLLER-CONSOLIDATION

Amends the State Comptroller Act. Creates the Division of Analytics and Consolidation within the Office of the Comptroller. Provides that the Division shall conduct research and analyze data necessary to identify units of local government and services provided by units of local government that should be consolidated. Sets forth provisions concerning making recommendations.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

GATA-ASSISTANCE

Amends the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. Provides that the advice and technical assistance provided to State grant-making agencies by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Act shall include training for State agency staff. Sets forth requirements for the training. Provides that a State grant-making agency that awards a grant must issue the grant agreement associated with the grant within 60 days after the grant's effective date. Sets forth requirements for the grant agreement.

Dagmara AvelarDemocrat

STANDARDIZED PRIOR AUTH ACT

Creates the Standardized Prior Authorization Act. Requires a health insurance issuer to maintain a complete list of services for which prior authorization is required and to make any current prior authorization requirements and restrictions readily accessible and conspicuously posted on its website or online portals to enrollees, health care professionals, and health care providers. Sets forth further provisions concerning disclosure and review of prior authorization requirements; standard prior authorizations; expedited prior authorizations; notifications of adverse determinations; appeals of adverse determinations; prohibitions on revocation of prior authorization and nonpayment by a health insurance issuer; the length of approvals; approvals for chronic conditions; continuity of prior approvals; and enforcement and administration of the Act. Requires a health insurance issuer to periodically review its prior authorization requirements and consider removal of prior authorization requirements. Provides that a failure by a health insurance issuer to comply with the deadlines and other requirements specified in the Act shall result in any health care services subject to review to be automatically deemed authorized by the health insurance issuer or its contracted private review agent. Establishes reporting and notification requirements for health insurance issuers. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Insurance. Repeals the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Illinois Public Aid Code to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

$DCEO-ARTS COUNCIL

Appropriates $150,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department Commerce and Economic Opportunity to cover the costs associated with developing an impact report in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council. Effective July 1, 2026.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

PROVENANCE DATA REQUIREMENTS

Creates the Provenance Data Requirements Act. Provides that a generative artificial intelligence tool provider shall apply provenance data, either directly or through the use of third-party technology, to wholly-generated synthetic content generated by the provider's generative artificial intelligence tool. Sets forth additional requirements on generative artificial intelligence tool providers, large online platforms, and manufacturers of capture devices. Defines terms.

Sue SchererDemocrat

MUNI CD-TIF SURPLUS FUNDS

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that not more than 5% of all surplus funds in the special tax allocation fund may be distributed. Provides that surplus funds in the special tax allocation fund may be distributed not more than once every 10 years (rather than annually). Provides that, if the termination date for a redevelopment project area is extended beyond the 23rd calendar year after the year in which the ordinance approving the redevelopment project area was adopted, then following the 23rd calendar year, no surplus funds may be distributed until the redevelopment project area is terminated. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

SCH CD-ED LICENSE-COMPUTER SCI

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall create an introductory content area endorsement for computer science that allows individuals with a Professional Educator License to teach introductory computer science courses in grades 5 through 12. Provides that the endorsement shall require no more than 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation that includes instruction in introductory computer science concepts and computer science pedagogy. Allows an individual with a Professional Educator License seeking the endorsement to substitute a State Board-approved, one-week, professional development program in introductory high school computer science education for 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation in introductory computer science concepts. Provides that the one-week, professional development program may count as 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation. Allows an individual with an Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement who completes the 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation to count those credit hours toward completion of the requirements for a Professional Educator License with a computer science endorsement.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

POLICE MENTAL HEALTH LEAVE ACT

Creates the Police Mental Health Leave Act. Provides that a law enforcement officer suffering from a mental illness as a result of a traumatic event shall be entitled to use 5 days of paid mental health leave during any 12-month period. Requires a law enforcement agency to adopt a mental health leave policy that includes specified provisions. Sets forth provisions concerning existing leave policies; employee protections; retaliation; and recordkeeping. Provides for a private right of action.

Patrick SheehanRepublican

TIF CENTRALIA

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Extends the estimated date of completion of a redevelopment project and the retirement of obligations issued to finance redevelopment project costs for an ordinance adopted on June 23, 2003 by the City of Centralia. Effective immediately.

Charles MeierRepublican

ALGORITHMIC PRICING DISCLOSURE

Amends the Personalized Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act. Provides that any entity that sets the price of goods or services using personalized algorithmic pricing, and that directly or indirectly advertises, promotes, labels, or publishes a statement, display, image, offer, or announcement of personalized algorithmic pricing to a consumer, using personal data specific to the consumer, shall include a specified disclosure. Sets forth exceptions to the provision. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Amy L. GrantRepublican

REVENUE-COPY FEES

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, upon request from a taxpayer or other authorized person, the Department of Revenue may provide copies of tax returns at the rate of $5 per copy per month, year, or other filing period. Provides that, if certification is required, the Department of Revenue may charge an additional $5 per certified copy. Effective immediately.

Nicolle GrasseDemocrat

INS-IMPROPER CLAIMS PRACTICE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning acts by a company constituting improper claims practice, includes: (i) knowingly taking advantage of the insured's physical infirmity, ignorance, illiteracy, or inability to understand the language of the policy or any associated agreements in order to obtain a favorable settlement of a claim and (ii) willfully misrepresenting the status or outcome of an investigation or failing to take any meaningful investigatory acts before issuing a denial or offer of a compromise settlement. Provides that committing any of the improper claims practice acts is a violation of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to provide that a person who commits an improper claims practice under the Illinois Insurance Code commits an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

Jaime M. Andrade, Jr.Democrat

$AGR-DISADVANTAGED FARMERS

Appropriates $2,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of providing grants to emerging and socially disadvantaged farms for infrastructure, equipment, operations and market access. Effective July 1, 2026.

Sonya M. HarperDemocrat

GROCERY-ONLINE MARKETS

Amends the Grocery Initiative Act. Provides that the Act also includes grants and financial assistance for mobile farmers markets and online farmers markets. Provides that, in addition to other purposes, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants under the Act for technology upgrades, including software and point-of-sale systems.

Sonya M. HarperDemocrat

MEDICAID-SLF-DEMENTIA SETTINGS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the supportive living facilities program, prohibits a supportive living dementia care setting from limiting a resident's access to the sink, microwave, or refrigerator located within the respective resident's room, provided a comprehensive safety assessment deems the resident's use of the appliances safe. Requires the comprehensive safety assessment to be conducted prior to any resident moving in and at least once per quarter thereafter. Requires social and recreational programming to be provided no less than 3 times daily, including at least one time and location separate from a meal service. Requires newly constructed supportive living dementia care settings to provide no less than 300 square feet for a single occupancy apartment or no less than 450 square feet for a double occupancy apartment, which may include the closets and bathroom. Requires each apartment to include a sink, microwave, and refrigerator within the unit. Provides that any newly constructed supportive living dementia care setting shall provide a common area completely separate from the dining area.

Dagmara AvelarDemocrat

CONSERVATION-OPEN SPACE FUND

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys in the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Fund may not be appropriated, assigned, or transferred to another State fund. Effective immediately.

Camille Y. LillyDemocrat

HIGHER ED-DISCIPLINE ADVOCATE

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that a public institution of higher education shall permit a student who is subject to a disciplinary proceeding to be assisted by an advocate of the student's choosing or, upon request, by an advocate provided by the public institution of higher education. Requires any written notice initiating a disciplinary proceeding to include a clear and conspicuous statement informing the student of the student's right to be assisted by an advocate. Provides that if a student does not have an advocate, the public institution of higher education shall make a reasonable effort to provide the student with access to an advocate. Provides that an advocate participating in a disciplinary proceeding shall receive training on the public institution of higher education's disciplinary procedures. Allows an advocate, with the consent of the student, to receive communications regarding the status of the disciplinary proceeding concurrently with the student and participate in meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary proceeding in a supportive capacity. Sets forth limitations. Allows the Board of Higher Education to adopt any rules necessary to implement the provisions.

Gregg JohnsonDemocrat

CLINIC DATA COLLECT & REPORT

Amends the Illinois Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to collect data related to the operation and performance of certified community behavioral health clinics. Requires the Department to contract with a statewide behavioral health association that represents more than 75% of the certified community behavioral health clinics operating within the State to serve as the State's official entity responsible for analyzing and reporting data collected by the Department. Establishes data analysis and reporting requirements for the statewide behavioral health association, including the annual Illinois Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Statewide Performance Report. Requires the Department to provide sufficient funds for the statewide behavioral health association to meet its requirements. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department. Effective immediately.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

VET DEPENDENT TUITION WAIVER

Creates the Veterans' Dependents and Spouses College Tuition Waiver Act. Provides that an applicant is eligible for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a public institution of higher education if the applicant is a spouse or dependent of an eligible veteran, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the public institution of higher education, and meets residency and enrollment requirements established by rule. Provides that the waiver applies only to tuition and mandatory fees and does not include room, board, books, supplies, or other nonmandatory expenses. Sets forth the length of the waiver. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall administer the waivers created by the Act. Provides that the Act's benefits shall be applied after federal educational benefits have been applied, unless otherwise provided by rule. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits an applicant from receiving federal educational benefits, as long as there is no duplication of State-funded tuition assistance. Allows the Commission to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the Act. Effective July 1, 2026.

Gregg JohnsonDemocrat

SNAP-FRESH PROGRAM BENEFITS

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to, subject to available funding, establish a Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program to provide FRESH benefits to households subject to termination of the household's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or a reduction in the household's monthly SNAP benefit allotment, if the termination or reduction in SNAP benefits occurred as a result of one or more members of the household failing to meet SNAP work requirements. Provides that, for eligible households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated, FRESH benefits shall be provided as a one-time lump sum payment distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Requires the Department to make FRESH program applications available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers immediately upon the first of the month following the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that an application for FRESH benefits shall not be deemed an application for any other public aid provided under the Code. Requires the Department to provide within a specified time frame FRESH benefits to households' that experience a reduction or termination of SNAP benefits prior to or after the first month following the effective date of the amendatory Act, if certain application submission deadlines are met. Requires the Department to publish monthly data reports on the FRESH program and to include such data in the Department's annual report to the General Assembly. Prohibits the Department and local governmental units from considering a household's receipt of FRESH benefits when determining the household's eligibility for other assistance provided under the Code. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

Dagmara AvelarDemocrat

UTILITIES-EXCAVATION

Amends the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act. Provides that "excavation" does not include an excavation for the purpose of connecting a communications service customer's home or business to the communications service provider's own communications network that is performed: (i) only with a hand tool, (ii) by a communications service provider, and (iii) to a depth not greater than 12 inches. Effective immediately.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

LEAD-SAFE WATER ACT

Creates the Lead-Safe Water for Families Act. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall establish and administer a program to provide lead-reducing water filters at no cost to Medicaid-eligible households with children or expectant mothers. Requires outreach, application procedures, and rulemaking. Requires annual reporting to the General Assembly. Declares findings and states the purpose of the Act. Defines terms.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

$HFS-LEAD-SAFE WATER

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for implementing and administering the Lead-Safe Water for Families Act. Effective July 1, 2026.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

TRANSPARENCY IN DOWNCODING ACT

Creates the Transparency in Downcoding Act. Provides that the Act applies to certain policies of health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act, except for employee or employer self-insured health benefit plans under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and health care provided pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act or the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from using an automated process, system, or tool to downcode a claim; from downcoding a claim based solely on the reported diagnosis codes; and from using downcoding practices in a targeted or discriminatory manner against physicians who routinely treat patients with complex or chronic conditions. Requires downcoding decisions to be made by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in any United States jurisdiction and of the same or similar specialty as a physician who typically manages the medical condition or disease. Sets forth provisions concerning notification requirements for downcoded claims; the appeal process for downcoded claims; enforcement by the Department of Insurance; and penalties. Provides that any pattern or practice of discriminatory downcoding identified by the Director of Insurance or another regulatory authority shall be subject to enforcement actions, including fines, restitution, or suspension of the health insurance issuer's license in this State. Effective immediately.

Sharon ChungDemocrat