Bills & Legislation

CTY/MUNI CD-BUILDING INSPECTOR

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, building inspectors who perform inspections or examinations under either Code must (i) hold specified credentials from the International Code Council; (ii) be credentialed through an equivalent nationally or state-recognized building certification or apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor in the area the building inspector is inspecting or examining; or (iii) be licensed under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 (now, beginning January 1, 2027, the inspector must hold certification from the International Code Council in the area in which the inspector is inspecting or examining). Provides that building inspectors may have a grace period of 18 months from the date of hire or January 1, 2027, whichever is later, to acquire the required certification or credentials (now, inspectors have a grace period of one year from the date of hire to acquire the required certifications). Provides that an individual performing plumbing inspections shall be licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law and shall be exempt from the requirements of the provisions.

COMMEMORATIVE DAY-EMMETT TILL

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to honor and remember Emmett Till.

SCH CD-HIGH SCH-REGISTER VOTER

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requires a school district maintaining any of grades 9 through 12 to provide all eligible students graduating from high school with the opportunity to register to vote. Effective immediately.

COURT OF CLAIMS-PROCEDURE

Amends the Court of Claims Act. Creates an administrative process for uncontested claims for vendors arising from contracts with the State. Requires a State agency to confirm or reject an uncontested claim that is from a lapsed appropriation and valued at less than $2,500 within 30 days after being notified in writing by the Attorney General. Provides that if the State agency does not confirm or reject the claim within that 30-day period, then the State agency forfeits the right to reject or contest the claim. Requires the Comptroller, subject to appropriation, then issue payment to the vendor within 30 days of the court entering such an award. Provides that if the court determines that it is unable to process such an uncontested claim because the bill or invoice contains a defect, the court must notify the vendor in writing of the defect no later than 30 days after the bill or invoice was first submitted. Provides that if one or more items on a bill or invoice are disapproved, but not the entire bill or invoice, then the portion that is not disapproved must be transmitted to the Comptroller for payment. Changes the filing fees required under the Act as follows: a fee of $15 for a petition seeking more than $500 but less than $10,000; and $35 for a petition seeking more than $10,000 or more. Requires that the court must allow claimants to submit documentation to amend and cure defects. Makes other changes. Authorizes the Court of Claims to adopt rules to implement the Act.

CRIM CD-TRAVELING ANIMAL ACTS

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that the statute prohibiting elephants from performing in traveling animal acts applies to "covered animals" rather than just elephants. Defines "covered animal" as any of the following animals, and hybrids of those animals: (1) elephantidae; (2) felidae, but excluding a domestic cat; (3) non-human primate; or (4) ursidae. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other laws protecting animal welfare. Provides that the provisions may not be construed to limit any State law or rules protecting the welfare of animals or to prevent a unit of local government from adopting and enforcing its own animal welfare ordinances and regulations. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2026.

NOTARIES-APPLICATION BY FELON

Amends the Illinois Notary Public Act. Provides that every applicant for appointment and commission as a notary shall complete an application in a format prescribed by the Secretary of State stating, among other things, that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of application (now, the applicant must state that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony).

INS CD-CANCER SCREENINGS

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In a provision concerning coverage of certain cancer screenings, adds having a high level of CA-125, as indicated by a blood test screening, to the definition of "at risk for ovarian cancer". Provides that "surveillance tests for ovarian cancer" means all medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer, including, but not limited to, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and CA-125 blood test screenings (instead of an annual screening using (i) CA-125 serum tumor marker testing, (ii) transvaginal ultrasound, (iii) pelvic examination). Effective January 1, 2028.

CHARITABLE ORG BFY-PROBATE

Creates the Charitable Organization Beneficiary Act. Requires a holder of property in which a charitable organization that is exempt from taxation as a 501(c)(3) entity is a designated beneficiary in a nonprobate instrument (excluding wills or trusts) to notify each charitable organization within 30 business days that it may have a right to the property. Creates a process in which the charitable organization may request that it be given information about the property or that the property be delivered to the charitable organization or both. Provides duties and obligations of the holder of the property. Provides the holder of the property protection from liability for a good faith reliance on the information it receives from a designated beneficiary. Provides remedies against a holder of property for a failure or refusal to provide the requested information or transfer of property if the provisions of the Act are followed. Defines terms.

COUNTIES CD-DEFENDER POWERS

Amends the Officers and Employees Article of the Counties Code. Allows public defenders who are representing a client in a criminal case to also represent the client in summary suspension or revocation hearings under a specified provision in the Illinois Vehicle Code.

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON MAIL

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall ensure that a committed person and the committed person's correspondents are not charged any fee, surcharge, or cost for mail communication or mail scanning services that exceed the standard postage rate set by the United States Postal Service. Provides that the Department shall not charge the committed person or correspondent any fee, surcharge, or cost for any incoming mail addressed to and received by the committed person, including any material received through mail scanning services. Provides that the Department shall not charge the committed person any fee, surcharge, or cost for outgoing mail delivery or mail scanning services that exceeds the postage rate set by the United States Postal Service for any outgoing mail. Provides that the Department or any third-party vendor that the Department contracts with, shall not impose any fee, surcharge, or cost to the committed person above the United States Postal Service rate for mail communication, including the delivery or scanning of mail. Provides that the Department shall not use the provision of voice communication services, mail communication, mail scanning services, or any other communication services to supplant in-person contact visits. Provides that the Department shall not receive revenue, directly or indirectly, from the provision of voice communications, mail communication, mail scanning services, or other communication services to a person in custody in any institutions and facilities of the Department. Provides that beginning July 1, 2027, the Department shall annually report to the General Assembly on the status of any communication services contracts and plans to consolidate contracts to maximize purchasing power for voice communication services, mail communication services, and all other communication services. Provides that the Department shall post the report on its website. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-ASTHMA MEDICATION

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the administration of asthma medication, epinephrine injectors, opioid antagonists, and oxygen, provides that "trained personnel" includes athletic coaches and trainers. Allows a pupil with asthma to self-administer and self-carry the pupil's asthma medication at a school-sponsored athletic practice or game. Allows a school nurse or trained personnel to administer undesignated asthma medication to a person at a school-sponsored athletic practice or game. Requires a school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school to maintain a supply of asthma medication in a secure location that is accessible before, during, and after school where a person is most at risk on account of physical activity. Requires at least one member of an athletic coach's staff at a school and any athletic trainers at that school to complete the training curriculum relating to the administration of undesignated asthma medication.

PHARMACIST APPLICATION/EXAM

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall authorize the examination of applicants as pharmacists at such times and places as it may determine (rather than not less than 3 times per year). Provides that the Department and the Board of Pharmacy shall regularly monitor the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination or its successor to ensure that the examination of applicants is of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice pharmacy. Provides that applicants for examination as pharmacists for the calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027 shall be required to pass only the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. Provides that the results from the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for such applicants shall be disregarded and shall not prohibit an applicant who has successfully passed the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination from engaging in the practice of pharmacy. Provides that applicants for examination as pharmacists shall be required to pay, either to the Department or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (rather than the designated testing service), a fee covering the cost of providing the examination. Provides that the Department shall notify applicants taking the examination of their results no later than 2 weeks after (rather than within 7 weeks of) the examination date. Makes conforming changes.

SCH CD-CYBER-BULLYING

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning bullying and cyber-bullying, provides that bullying includes posting or distributing sexually explicit images. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the term "cyber-bullying" includes the posting or distribution of a digital replica by electronic means. Defines "artificial intelligence", "digital replica", and "generative artificial intelligence". Effective July 1, 2026.

PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL GUARDIANS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that, if a physician determines that an adult patient is so disabled as to be unable to consent to discharge or placement in a facility or a physician reasonably believes an adult patient is a person with a disability in need of a guardian in accordance with the Probate Act of 1975 and there is no family, surrogate decision maker, agent under a power of attorney, trustee, or other close friend who is ready willing and able to assist that adult patient, then the hospital shall notify the Office of State Guardian and the public guardian of the county where the patient resides. Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Requires a facility to notify the Office of State Guardian and the public guardian in the county where the patient resides before executing a contract in specified circumstances where the patient has diminished capacity. Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Includes private professional guardians as individuals who may act as guardians. Establishes standards for private professional guardians before appointment. Requires a private professional guardian who serves as guardian for 15 or more persons with disabilities to be certified as a National Master Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification and imposes other requirements, including background checks. Sets forth provisions concerning private professional guardians as successor guardians and the removal of private professional guardians who fail to comply with the specified requirements.

TOWNSHIP CD-POLICE PROTECTION

Amends the Township Code. When the electors in a township in a county with a population of 1,000,000 or more authorize the township board to contract with one or more municipalities in the township or with the county within which the township is located to furnish police protection in the unincorporated area of the township, requires using funds levied under the provisions to furnish the police protection. Provides that a township board's authority to declare the unincorporated area of the township a special police district is to provide and maintain police protection in the unincorporated area of the township. Allows the township board to use the special police district funds levied under the provisions for public safety but prohibits use of those funds for the purchase of red light cameras, speed cameras, or automatic license plate readers. Effective immediately.

PATIENT PRESCRIPTION PICK UP

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that any authorized employee (instead of an advanced practice registered nurse, practical nurse, registered nurse, or physician) of an organization that provides hospice services to a hospice patient or that provides home health services to a person may receive a patient's prescription orders, including controlled substances, and deliver the prescription orders to the patient.

MEDICAL-SIMULATOR TRAINING

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that the rules adopted by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation concerning continuing education shall require that the educational requirements include simulation training.

BENEFITS EXCHANGE EASY ENROLL

Amends the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Law. Provides that the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange shall allow a special enrollment period for an uninsured taxpayer and the uninsured taxpayer's qualified dependents, if applicable, if the uninsured taxpayer requested health insurance benefit information through the easy enrollment program under the Illinois Income Tax Act and the uninsured taxpayer and the uninsured taxpayer's qualified dependents, if applicable, are eligible to enroll in a qualified health plan through the Exchange. Establishes notification requirements for the Exchange. Provides that the uninsured taxpayer and the uninsured taxpayer's dependents shall have 60 days from the date of the letter to select and enroll in a qualified health plan. Provides that coverage shall be effective the first day of the month that follows the plan selection. Grants the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services rulemaking authority to implement an easy enrollment special enrollment period. Effective immediately.

IDNR-GRAY FOX SEASON

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to trap or to hunt gray fox except during an open season, which may (rather than will) be set annually by the Director of Natural Resources between 12:01 a.m., November 1 to 12:00 midnight, February 15, both inclusive. Allows the Director, by administrative rule, to set the dates of, lengthen, shorten, or close the season during which gray fox may be taken. Allows the Director to also set, lessen, or increase the daily bag limit or possession limit of gray fox by administrative rule. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants the Department of Natural Resources emergency rulemaking powers. Effective immediately.

HOSP & HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT

Creates the Hospitals and Homelessness Support Act. Requires the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness within the Department of Human Services to maintain on its publicly accessible website information on how a hospital or healthcare system may connect a patient experiencing homelessness or otherwise in a vulnerable housing situation with shelter and homeless support services for each continuum of care in the State. Requires the Department to ensure that the information required includes, for each continuum of care, any phone number, email address, physical address, primary agencies, or any other information that may be necessary for a person in that continuum of care territory to begin accessing shelter or other homelessness services. Requires the Department to include, where possible, a specific phone number that a hospital or health care facility may call and specific language to use. Requires the Department to also include on its website a way for the hospital or healthcare system to determine which continuum of care applies based on the physical location of the hospital or healthcare system. Requires other information, all of which must be added to the Department's website by October 31, 2025. Contains provisions concerning annual audits.

SCH CD-SUSPENSION/EXPULSION

Amends the School Code. Provides that early childhood programs receiving State funds shall restrict suspensions. Provides that the decision to suspend a student in preschool for 3 or more days may only be made by the superintendent of the school district, director of an early childhood program, or their equivalent and that the length of the suspension for any student in preschool may not be longer than the number of days required by the school district or early childhood program to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan. Prohibits a student in kindergarten through grade 2 from being expelled unless otherwise required by federal or State law. Provides that the decision to suspend a student in kindergarten through grade 2 for 3 or more days may only be made by the superintendent of the school district and that the length of the suspension for any student in kindergarten through grade 2 may not be longer than the number of days required by the school district to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan. Provides that a student who is suspended in excess of 20 school days may be immediately transferred to an alternative program. Provides that a student shall not be denied transfer because of the suspension, except in cases in which such transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program. Makes other changes.

INSURANCE-PROVIDER PANELS

Amends the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act. Sets forth requirements for carriers that offer a provider panel. Requires notice of the development of a provider panel to be filed with Department of Public Health prior to establishment. Provides that a carrier that uses a provider panel shall establish procedure for notifying an enrollee of the termination of a health care provider. Sets forth provisions permitting, under certain circumstances, a health care provider to continue to render health care services following termination from the carrier's provider panel. Requires a carrier to provide a list of members in the carrier's provider panel. Establishes notice requirements for benefit reductions and termination of health care providers from the carrier's provider panel. Requires any carrier requiring preauthorization for medical treatment to have personnel available to provide preauthorization at all times when the preauthorization is required. Provides that no contract between a health care provider and a carrier shall include provisions that require a health care provider to deny covered services that the provider knows to be medically necessary and appropriate that are provided with respect to a specific enrollee or group of enrollees with similar medical conditions. Sets forth prohibited provisions in a contract between a carrier and a health care provider. Defines terms. Makes other and conforming changes.

INSURANCE-VARIOUS

Amends the Burn Victims Relief Act. Dissolves the George Bailey Memorial Fund on June 30, 2025, or as soon thereafter as practical, and assigns any future deposits due to that Fund to the General Revenue Fund. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires every company licensed to do business in this State that is transacting the kind or kinds of business under Class 1, 2, or 3, as defined in the Code, to establish a customer affairs and information department to respond to policyholder inquiries and complaints. In provisions concerning kinds of agreements requiring approval, provides that the Director of Insurance has the right to request additional filing review and approval of all contracts that contribute to the statutory threshold trigger. Removes provisions concerning a working group related to the treatment and coverage of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders. Makes other changes. Amends the Dental Care Patient Protection Act. Makes changes concerning preemption of provisions. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Provides that health maintenance organizations are subject to provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code requiring coverage for certain at-home pregnancy tests and certain medically necessary treatments to address a major injury to the jaw. Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act to make technical and combining changes to conform the changes made by Public Act 103-777 and 103-650. Amends the Limited Health Service Organization Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "insurance company". Effective immediately, except that certain changes to the Illinois Insurance Code are effective January 1, 2026 and certain other changes to the Illinois Insurance Code are effective 60 days after becoming law.

HIGHER ED-STUDENT HLTH SERVICE

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each public institution of higher education with student health services shall provide enrolled students with access to health care professionals authorized under State law to prescribe contraception. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, if the public institution of higher education's student health services includes a pharmacy, the pharmacy on campus shall dispense contraception to enrolled students who wish to fill their prescriptions at the university pharmacy. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each public institution of higher education with student health services shall provide enrolled students with access to health care professionals authorized under State law to prescribe medication abortion. Provides that a public institution of higher education that dispenses medication abortion from the university pharmacy shall enter into a referral agreement with a tertiary care facility with obstetrics and gynecological services in the event of complication from medication abortion or suspected complicated pregnancy prior to dispensing medication abortion. Requires each public institution of higher education to report annually to the Board of Higher Education that policies under the provisions have been adopted. Requires the Board to post to its website annually each public institution of higher education's compliance with the policies under the provisions. Effective immediately.

CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS

Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that crime victims have the right to be treated with fairness and respect during the investigatory process, including the right to be free from deception and free from the knowing communication of false facts about evidence during interviews and conversations with law enforcement.

MHDD-OIG INVESTIGATIONS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Makes changes to a provision concerning initial Department of Human Services investigations of a facility employee's alleged abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a recipient of mental health or developmental disability services. Expands the provision to include allegations of material obstruction of an investigation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, non-de minimis financial exploitation (such as financial exploitation totaling a cumulative value equal to or greater than $100), or egregious neglect. Adds provisions concerning Department investigations where a facility employee is the perpetrator of, at most, neglect, de minimis financial exploitation (such as financial exploitation totaling a cumulative value of less than $100), or mental abuse.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILLING ACT

Creates the Local Government Billing Act. Provides that the corporate authorities of a unit of local government shall bill for any utility service, including previously unbilled service, within 12 months (for residential customers) or 24 months (for non-residential customers) after the provision of the utility service. Provides exceptions to the time limits for billing when the customer prevented the utility from accurately reading the meter. Provides that the corporate authorities shall not intentionally delay billing beyond the normal billing cycle, shall label amounts attributed to previously unbilled service as such, shall prorate previously unbilled service amounts to reflect varying rates during the unbilled time, and shall provide the customer with a payment arrangement option for previously unbilled service amounts. Provides that customers may be billed for unpaid amounts that were billed to a customer before the effective date of the Act for service that was supplied to the customer before January 1, 2026. Provides that customers may be billed for unpaid amounts if the customer was notified that there is an unpaid amount before the effective date of the Act for service that was supplied to the customer before January 1, 2026. Provides that there is no time limit for the corporate authorities of a unit of local government to collect previously unbilled service attributed to tampering, theft of service, fraud, or the customer preventing the utility's recorded efforts to obtain an accurate reading of the meter.

PEORIA CO-DNR LAND TRANSFER

Authorizes an exchange of real property in Peoria County between the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Thomas E. Heinz and Andrea L. Heinz. Effective immediately.

RADIATION PROTECTION ACT

Amends the Radiation Protection Act of 1990. Provides that all intrastate and interstate shippers or carriers (rather than intrastate and interstate carriers) of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel are required to notify the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security no less than 7 days (rather than 24 hours) prior to any transportation of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel. Changes the definition of "carrier" and "irradiated reactor fuel". Adds a definition of "shipper". Provides that the Agency may collect, store, and dispose of uncontrolled sources of radiation that have entered the public domain and that the Agency considers to be a threat to public health and safety or the environment. Authorizes the Agency to assess actual costs, as appropriate, for the collection, storage, and disposal of uncontrolled sources of radiation that have entered the public domain and that the Agency considers to be a threat to public health and safety or the environment against any person that owns, owned, possesses, or is responsible for the radioactive material entering the public domain.

PEN CD-MWRD-VARIOUS

Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that an ordinary disability benefit shall be allowed only if the employee is examined, at least annually, by a licensed health care professional appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. In the definition of "salary", provides that, for a member on a disability benefit, salary is the salary on which the disability benefit is based. Provides that the Board has the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses to testify before the Board and to compel the production of documents and records upon any matter concerning the Fund, including in conjunction with specified matters. Sets forth provisions concerning fees of witnesses for attendance and travel and compliance with a subpoena.

JAIL RELEASE-OPIOID ANTAGONIST

Amends the County Department of Corrections Division of the Counties Code, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the County Jail Act. Provides that, upon the release of a prisoner or committed person from a county correctional institution, county jail, or Department of Corrections correctional institution or facility, the sheriff, warden, or Department shall provide the prisoner or committed person with an opioid antagonist if the prisoner was incarcerated for drug-related charges or was identified as having a substance abuse disorder.

CRIM CD-VENUE-SEXUAL IMAGES

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person who commits the offense of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images may be tried in any one of the following counties in which: (1) the offense occurred; or (2) the victim resides.

COMPLEX REHAB TECH ACT

Creates the Complex Wheelchair Right to Repair Act. Provides that, for complex wheelchairs and parts for complex wheelchairs sold or used in the State, an original equipment manufacturer shall make available to an independent repair provider, solely for the purpose of repairing complex wheelchairs, on fair and reasonable terms, any documentation, parts, service access methods, and tools, including, but not limited to, any updates to information, firmware, or embedded software that is needed for purposes of repair of complex wheelchairs and training courses and materials on the operation, inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of complex wheelchairs. Provides that a violation of any of the provisions of the Act is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides for penalties. Provides that nothing in the Act shall require an original equipment manufacturer to divulge a trade secret to an independent repair provider. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits 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 from requiring a qualified complex rehabilitation technology supplier to obtain any form of prior authorization or any medical documentation to complete repairs for consumer-owned complex rehab technology. Requires coverage for time and labor expenses; travel allowance; and maintenance and repair of a consumer's backup power wheelchair or a rental wheelchair. Provides coverage for preventive maintenance. Amends various Acts to require coverage under those provisions. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2026.

DNR-VARIOUS

Amends the Wildlife Code. In prohibitions against fraud in connection with any license, permit, or tag, deletes provisions that the Department of Natural Resources shall suspend the privileges of any person found guilty of violating these prohibitions for a period of not less than one year. In provisions regarding the Apprentice Hunter License Program, deletes provisions requiring the Apprentice Hunter License to be a nonrenewable license. In provisions regarding a certificate of competency, deletes provisions allowing a person born on or after January 1, 1980, to be exempt from requirements for a certificate of competency if the person has a hunting license issued in another State. In provisions regarding penalties, deletes provisions requiring the Department to suspend for a period of not less than one year the privileges of any person found guilty of violating specific provisions in the Act. Deletes provisions limiting some suspensions to 5 years. Requires the Department to suspend the privileges of a person for a violation of certain provisions in the Act for a period of one year. Makes technical and other changes. Amends the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act. In provisions regarding snowmobile inspections, provides that an officer may (rather than must) issue a summons. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Makes changes in provisions concerning jurisdiction and expungement.

IHDA-AFFORDABLE HOUSING EXEMPT

Amends the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act. In provisions requiring the Illinois Housing Development Authority to determine which local governments are exempt from the requirements of the Act, requires the Authority to collect data on owner-occupied and rental units for each local government as follows: (1) by totaling the number of owner-occupied housing units in each local government that are affordable to households with a gross household income that is less than 80% of the median household income and is between 80% and 140% of the median household income within the county or primary metropolitan statistical area; and (2) by totaling the number of rental units in each local government that are affordable to households with a gross household income that is less than 60% of the median household income and is between 80% and 140% of the median household income within the county or primary metropolitan statistical area. Provides that data collected for the 80% AMI to 140% AMI households is to be used for informational purposes and shall not factor into the determination of exempt local governments.

HEALTH REGULATION-VARIOUS

Amends the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act, the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act, the Nurse Practice Act, the Pharmacy Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, the Wholesale Drug Distribution Licensing Act, the Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act, and the Genetic Counselor Licensing Act. Provides that the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation shall not take any disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a person's authorization to practice (rather than against the license or permit issued) under each of the amended Acts based solely upon the person's involvement in any health care service, so long as the care was not unlawful under the laws of the State. Prohibits the Department from taking any disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a person's authorization to practice (rather than against the license or permit issued) under each of the amended Acts based upon the person's license, registration, or permit (rather than only license) being revoked or suspended, or the person being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that form of discipline was based solely on the person violating another state's laws prohibiting involvement in any health care service if that health care service would not have been unlawful under the laws of the State and is consistent with the applicable standard of conduct for a person practicing in Illinois under those Acts. Changes certain references to official occupation titles in the amended Acts to "person". Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that a drug's status as not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shall not cause it to be deemed an adulterated drug if its safety and efficacy have been established by peer-reviewed research or if it is recommended for use by the World Health Organization, even if the drug's labelling reflects prior approval that is no longer in effect, so long as such labelling was true and accurate at the time of manufacture.

WORK TRANSPARENCY-CONFIDENTIAL

Amends the Workplace Transparency Act. Provides that no contract, agreement, clause, covenant, waiver, or other document shall prohibit, prevent, or otherwise restrict an employee, prospective employee, or former employee from engaging in concerted activities to address work-related issues. Provides that any agreement, clause, covenant, or waiver that is a mutual condition of employment or continued employment may include provisions that would otherwise be against public policy if it acknowledges the right of the employee or prospective employee to engage in concerted activities to address work-related issues. Provides that an employee, prospective employee, or former employee and an employer may enter into a valid and enforceable settlement or termination agreement that includes promises of confidentiality related to alleged unlawful employment practices if the confidentiality provision expires no later than 5 years after the alleged unlawful employment practices occurred. Provides for the recovery of consequential damages incurred in challenging a contract for violation of the Act. Makes other changes.

EMS-OPIOID OVERDOSE REPORTS

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. In provisions concerning opioid overdose reporting, provides that overdose information reported by a covered vehicle service provider shall not be used in an opioid use-related criminal investigation, prosecution, welfare checks, or warrant checks of the individual who was treated by the covered vehicle service provider personnel for experiencing the suspected or actual overdose. Provides that any misuse of the information reported by a covered vehicle service provider shall result in, but is not limited to, the Department of Transportation reporting misuse to the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Overdose Detection Mapping Application or similar technology platform. Permits the Department of Health to adopt rules to set forth standards under which misuse of access may be reported to the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Overdose Detection Map or similar platform based on misuse or misconduct by a covered vehicle service provider or other individual or entity at the discretion of the Department. Provides that no data that allows for or creates a risk of identification of an individual or individuals experiencing a suspected or actual overdose treated by the covered vehicle service provider personnel shall be submitted to the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Overdose Detection Mapping Application or Similar technology platform. Provides that covered vehicle service provider personnel may report overdose surveillance through an identified technology platform for the use of overdose surveillance under exceptions to HIPAA and the reported data shall only be used to support public safety and public health efforts. Sets forth additional provisions concerning requirements for the Department concerning opioid overdose reporting.

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT-REAL ESTATE

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Prohibits a landlord from imposing a move-in fee. Provides that a landlord may not demand any charge for the processing, reviewing, or accepting of an application, or demand any other payment, fee, or charge before or at the beginning of the tenancy. Exempts entrance fees charged by nursing homes or similar institutions. Prohibits a landlord from renaming a fee or charge to avoid application of these provisions. Limits fees for the late payment of rent in certain situations. Provides that any provision of a lease, rental agreement, contract, or any similar document purporting to waive or limit these provisions is void and unenforceable as against public policy. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that State policy is that access to housing is a fundamental human right in preventing discrimination based on familial status or source of income in real estate transactions. Changes the definition of "source of income"by stating that the definition prohibits a person engaged in a real estate transaction from requiring a credit check before approving another person in the process of renting real property or requiring a move-in fee in lieu of a security deposit or in addition to a security deposit.

EVICTION OF MINORS

Amends the Eviction Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Requires dismissal of a complaint in its entirety against all defendants if the complaint names a defendant who is a minor at the time of filing or was a minor at the time that the lease agreement at issue was entered. Provides that such an action shall be immediately sealed. Provides that, in addition to any other remedies available to the minor, a minor named as a defendant in violation of the Act is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, actual damages, and liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits a party from refiling an action against any defendants who otherwise may be properly named. Provides that, upon dismissing the case, the court may not waive any fees associated with refiling the action against defendants otherwise properly named.

UNFIT MISDEMEANANT DIVERSION

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Adds a Diversion of Unfit Misdemeanants Article to the Code. Provides that a defendant charged with one or more misdemeanors and for whom a court has determined that a bona fide doubt of the defendant's fitness has been raised may be admitted into an unfit misdemeanant diversion program only upon the approval of the court. Provides that the Illinois Supreme Court or any circuit court of the State may adopt rules establishing unfit misdemeanant diversion programs consistent with the Article. Provides that the court shall require an eligibility screening and an assessment of the defendant to determine whether the defendant may be able to receive mental health services under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code which shall reasonably assure his or her safety and that of the public and his or her continued participation in treatment. Provides that if, following this screening, the State and the defendant agree to the diversion and the court determines that the defendant is appropriate for diversion, the criminal charges may be dismissed with prejudice. Provides that if the court does not approve, the court shall order a fitness examination and the matter shall be governed by any other relevant provisions of the Fitness for Trial, To Plead, or to be Sentenced Article of the Code. Provides that the misdemeanant diversion program may maintain or collaborate with mental health and substance use treatment providers necessary to provide a continuum of treatment options commensurate with the needs of the defendant and available resources. Treatment programs shall comply with all relevant statutes and rules. Requires the Department of Human Services to provide care to persons determined to be subject to involuntary admission on an inpatient basis as defined in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code or may make arrangements with any other appropriate inpatient mental health facility to provide those services. Makes conforming changes in the Fitness for Trial, To Plead, or to be Sentenced Article of the Code. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Diversion of Unfit Misdemeanants Act.

INS CD-PET INSURANCE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Pet Insurance Article of the Code. Defines terms. Requires a pet insurer to disclose coverage exclusions, limitations, waiting periods, and other information. Provides that pet insurance applicants shall have the right to examine and return the policy, certificate, or rider to the company or an agent or insurance producer of the company within 30 days of its receipt and to have the premium refunded if, after examination of the policy, certificate, or rider, the applicant is not satisfied for any reason. Provides that a pet insurer may issue policies that exclude coverage on the basis of one or more preexisting conditions with appropriate disclosure to the consumer. Provides that a pet insurer may issue policies that impose waiting periods upon effectuation of the policy that do not exceed 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions not resulting from an accident. Prohibits waiting periods for accidents. Provides that no pet insurer or insurance producer shall market a wellness program as pet insurance. Sets forth provisions concerning wellness programs sold by a pet insurer or insurance producer.

BUILDING-STRETCH CODES

Amends the Energy Efficient Building Act. Makes changes to adoption dates for the stretch energy codes with site energy index standards.

UNI DIRECT ADMISSION PROGRAM

Creates the Public University Direct Admission Program Act. Provides that, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the Board of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and the State Board of Education, shall establish and administer a direct admission program. Requires each public university in the direct admission program to identify and provide its grade point average standards for general admission for first time admission and for transfer students to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission by March 1 of each year. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026 and each July 1 thereafter, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall use data collected from school districts to determine which students meet the standards for general admission and provide the data to the Board of Higher Education. Provides that, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the Board of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the State Board of Education, shall develop, in consultation with the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a preselection outreach campaign to encourage qualifying State high school juniors and seniors to apply to the University of Illinois at Chicago or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Requires the Board of Higher Education to submit a report on the direct admission program and the preselection outreach campaign to the Governor and General Assembly by August 1, 2029 and each August 1 thereafter. Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to provide access to high school student directory information and each student's email address and grade point average to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and each public institution of higher education for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities.

SCH CD-STUDENT TEACHERS-SALARY

Amends the School Code. Provides that no institution of higher education shall establish or maintain any policy which requires student teaching for preservice teachers to be unpaid. Effective immediately.

COSMETOLOGY/BARBER-APPRENTICES

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that all apprentices shall be employed under an apprenticeship agreement between the sponsoring salon or shop and the apprentice that is approved by the Department of Labor. Provides requirements for the completion of an apprenticeship program, including training hours and supplemental instruction. Provides that an apprentice shall only provide licensed services under the supervision of a cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, or nail technician with an active license and for the scope of services for which the supervising licensed professional is licensed to practice. Requires apprentices to be trained in all branches of practical work and related supplemental instruction for the scope of practice for the license the apprentice seeks to obtain. Defines "apprentice". Provides that a person is qualified for a license as a barber if the person has graduated from a school of barbering or school of cosmetology approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or completed an apprenticeship under the Act (rather than only if the person has graduated from a school). Provides that the Department shall prescribe reasonable rules for the registration of apprentices.

BANKING-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Makes changes to the membership of the State Banking Board of Illinois. Provides that a bank may borrow or incur an obligation and pledge assets to secure deposits. Provides that a bank may provide data processing services to a person for profit. Provides that a bank may invest in financial futures or options transactions. Provides that the board of directors of a bank may provide by resolution that stockholders may attend, participate in, act in, and vote at any annual meeting or special meeting through the use of a conference telephone or interactive technology if specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that a person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement or false entry with intent to deceive any person or persons authorized to examine into the affairs of the bank or the subsidiary or holding company of that bank, the branch of an out-of-state bank with intent to deceive the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate or his administrative officers in the performance of their duties under the Act shall be subject to civil penalties imposed by the Commissioner (rather than be guilty of a Class 3 felony). Provides that the Board may authorize the transfer of funds from the Bank and Trust Company Fund. Amends the Savings Bank Act. Provides that the board of directors of a savings bank may provide by resolution that members or stockholders may attend, participate in, act in, and vote at any annual meeting or special meeting through the use of a conference telephone or interactive technology if specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that a savings bank may loan funds through the purchase of fixed rate annuity contracts. Provides that a savings bank may accept deposits made by a minor and may open an account in the name of the minor, and the rules and regulations of the savings bank with respect to each deposit and account shall be as binding upon the minor as if the minor were of full age and legal capacity. Makes changes to various provisions concerning notice to allow for electronic notice. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Does not prohibit the furnishing of financial records of a deceased member to a public administrator of any county or other governmental jurisdiction for the purpose of facilitating burial of the customer. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

BHWC DATA COLLECTION

Creates the Behavioral Health Workforce Data Collection Act. Requires The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to collect data, as specified, from behavioral health professionals at the time of initial application for licensure and renewal of an active license. Requires the Department to ensure the data collection process is secure and adheres to State and federal privacy laws, including de-identification of personal data. Provides that the Department shall make the collected data publicly available in an aggregated, de-identified format. Requires the data to be published in a format that allows policy groups, advocates, and other stakeholders to monitor the diversity, linguistic capacity, and availability of the behavioral health workforce; identify regions and specialties with severe shortages; and forecast future workforce needs. Requires the Department to publish the aggregated data annually by January 31 on its website and through other accessible formats. Grants the Department rulemaking authority to implement the Act. Requires the Department to comply with applicable data privacy and confidentiality laws. Provides that, for a period of 2 years following the effective date of the Act, the Department shall submit to the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center a list of email addresses or email communications, subject to data privacy and confidentiality laws, of all licensed behavioral health professionals exclusively for purposes of collecting data related to the behavioral health workforce in Illinois. Effective immediately.

PHARMACISTS-CONTRACEPTIVES

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that "practice of pharmacy" includes the assessment and consultation of patients and dispensing of contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than the dispensation of hormonal contraceptives). In provisions concerning the dispensation of contraceptives, changes the contraceptives dispensed to contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives). Makes conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover patient care services provided by a pharmacist for contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives). Makes conforming changes.

SEX OFFENDER REG-PROCEDURES

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall send (rather than mail) a quarterly nonforwardable verification letter or an electronic verification letter to each registered person who has been adjudicated to be sexually dangerous or is a sexually violent person and is later released, or found to be no longer sexually dangerous or no longer a sexually violent person and discharged, beginning 90 days from the date of his or her last registration. Provides that to any other person registered under the Act, the Illinois State Police shall send (rather than mail) an annual nonforwardable verification letter or an electronic verification letter, beginning one year from the date of his or her last registration. Provides that a person required to register under the Act who is sent (rather than mailed) a verification letter or an electronic verification letter shall complete, sign, and return the enclosed verification form to the Illinois State Police postmarked or time and date stamped within 10 days after the mailing date or time and date stamp of the letter. Provides that the person who is to receive the verification letter shall notify the Illinois State Police as to which method of notification the registered person receives. Provides that registration shall consist of a statement in writing signed by the person giving the information that is required by the Illinois State Police, which shall (rather than may) include the fingerprints and shall include a current photograph of the person, which shall be updated annually. Provides that moneys in the Offender Registration Fund shall be allocated pursuant to the Act and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, respectively. Effective January 1, 2026.