Bills & Legislation

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT-FEE

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a public body may charge the actual cost (rather than up to $10) for each hour spent by personnel in searching for and retrieving a requesting record or in examining the record for necessary redactions. Specifies that no fees shall be charged for the first 2 hours (rather than the first 8 hours) spent by personnel searching for or retrieving a requested record. Deletes a provision that limits the applicability of these cost recovery provisions to commercial requests.

Daniel Didech

FOIA-COMMERCIAL BODY CAMERA

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, if a public body determines that a request for a body-worn camera recording is reasonably likely to be used for a commercial purpose, then the public body's response to the requester shall inform the requester: (1) if the recording contains one or more identifiable subjects; (2) that use of the recording for any commercial purpose triggers obligations under the provisions if the recording contains an identifiable subject; and (3) that failure to comply with the provisions may result in civil liability. Provides that prior to disclosing a body-worn camera recording to a requester, the public body shall provide written notice to each identifiable subject in the recording that is known to the public body. Provides that prior to any publication, posting, dissemination, or distribution, a person intending to use a body-worn camera recording for a commercial purpose must provide written notice to each identifiable subject. Provides that, if a person engages in a profit-derived use of a body-worn camera recording, then the person shall remit not less than 50% of the gross revenues derived from the use of the body-worn camera recording to the identifiable subjects depicted in the recording. Provides that an identifiable subject who is aggrieved by a violation of the provisions may bring a civil action against any person who violates the provisions or who knowingly directs, assists, or benefits from a violation of the provisions. Provides that a person who is aggrieved by a violation of the provisions may recover damages and any other appropriate relief, including reasonable attorney's fees. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall be construed to limit, diminish, or adversely affect any rights, remedies, causes of actions, or protections under any other State or federal law. Provides that a public body, its officers, and its employees are immune from liability for any failure by a person other than the public body to comply with the provisions. Defines "body-worn camera recording", "identifiable subject", "profit-derived use", "duration of appearance", and "officer-worn body camera".

Daniel Didech

POLICE BODY CAMERA RECORD

Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. In provisions concerning whether recordings made with the use of an officer-worn body camera are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, provides that any recording disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act may, rather than shall, be redacted to remove identification of any person that appears on the recording and is not an officer, a subject of the encounter, or directly involved in the encounter. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall prohibit the disclosure of any recording or portion of any recording regardless of whether it would be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, rather than require the disclosure of any recording or portion of any recording which would be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Daniel Didech

MWRD-LIABILITY-REPEAL

Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Repeals a provision concerning the liability of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for specified damages to real estate.

Lisa Davis

MEDICAID-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SRVCS

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Safe Place to Go Act. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services' Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, to apply for a Medicaid State Plan amendment or federal waiver within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act to draw federal financial participation for crisis triage and stabilization services provided by behavioral health urgent care centers to support adults or children 5 years of age and older who are in an active mental health crisis and adults 18 years of age and older in a substance use crisis. Sets forth the services provided by behavioral health urgent care centers that shall be covered, including, but not limited to, crisis triage services, crisis stabilization services, and medication monitoring. Contains provisions concerning the use of the Illinois Mental Health Crisis Assessment Tool to determine an individual's eligibility or medical need for crisis stabilization services; telehealth and on-site services; safe sobering services; linkages to enable rapid transition to next level of care; length of stay; the development of a single bundle rate for crisis triage services and 2 separate per diem reimbursement rates for crisis stabilization services and safe sobering services; no prior authorization requirements; and the establishment of a working group to provide meaningful input on the establishment, operations, staffing, and financing of behavioral health urgent care centers. Requires the Department to adopt rules within 6 months after federal approval of its State Plan amendment or federal waiver application, if granted. Effective immediately.

Robyn Gabel

DHFS-DHS-DIRECT SUPPORT WAGE

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for frontline personnel in residential and day programs and service coordination agencies serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Provides that for community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, subject to federal approval of any relevant Waiver Amendment, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027 shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide a $1.20 per hour wage rate increase for all direct support professionals and all other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' average wage increases and who work in residential and community day services settings. Prohibits community-based providers from using the rate increases for operational or administrative expenses. Requires rate increases that are sufficient to provide wages for all residential non-executive direct care staff. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the rates for ID/DD and MC/DD facilities for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027 shall include a $1.20 per hour wage increase for all direct support professionals and other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' average wage increases. Provides that changes to the rate methodologies are subject to federal approval. Grants emergency rulemaking authority to the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services to implement the rate increases. Effective immediately.

Maurice A. West, II

HUMAN SERVICES WORKFORCE

Creates the Human Services Workforce Sustainability Act. Requires the Departments of Human Services, Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice, and Public Health, and other specified State agencies, to complete, by June 30, 2027, a look-back calculation for each contracted human services organization that compares the funding amount awarded to the human services organization in State fiscal years 2026 and 2021 in order to identify the percentage change in funding, if any, to the human services organization between those fiscal years. Provides that based on the look-back calculations, each State agency shall identify the total aggregate amount of additional appropriations needed to ensure that grant amounts awarded by the State agency in State Fiscal Year 2028 are at least 25% more than the grant amounts awarded to grantees in State Fiscal Year 2021. Contains provisions concerning implementation of increased grant funding, subject to appropriation; additional percentage increases in grants amounts beginning in State Fiscal Year 2029; expenditure and certification requirements on contracted human services organizations that receive increased grant funding; oversight by the Department of Central Management Services; the adoption of administrative rules; and other matters. Effective July 1, 2026.

Yolonda Morris

VEH CD-RETRO LICENSE PLATES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue a special registration plate designated as a retro license plate. Provides that the design and color of the plates shall be a replica of the license plates issued between 1983 and 2001. Provides that there shall be an additional $40 fee for original issuance of a retro license plate and a $27 fee for renewal of a retro license plate. Creates the Theresa Tracy Trot-Illinois CancerCare Foundation Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. Effective January 1, 2027.

Jennifer Sanalitro

VEH CD-REPEAL REDLIGHT CAMERAS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Repeals a Section providing authority to use automated traffic law enforcement systems at intersections in which cameras are used to photograph or video record a motor vehicle's failure to stop and yield as required by traffic control signals. Imposes limits on the power of local governments to use automated speed enforcement systems to provide recorded images of a motor vehicle for the purpose of recording its speed. Denies home rule powers. Makes conforming and other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act. Requires implementation of the amendatory Act without reimbursement from the State. Makes a conforming change in the O'Hare Driver Safety Act.

Dan Ugaste

SCH CD-CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a program to strengthen this State's workforce by creating structured pipelines from public high schools into in-demand careers through public-private partnerships with employers, public community colleges, and school districts. Under the program, provides that the school board of each school district maintaining a high school shall allow the high school to partner with local employers and the community college district where the high school is located to establish a pathway program for careers in priority sectors. Requires the State Board and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to jointly approve the pathway program prior to implementation and maintain a registry of participating high schools and employers. Sets forth pathway program requirements. Provides that an employer participating in a pathway program that provides a qualifying paid internship or apprenticeship pathway shall receive from the State Board a $1,000 grant per student holding the internship or apprenticeship, not exceed $50,000 per year. Provides that at least 25% of any funds appropriated for implementation must be used to support pathway programs in high schools in high-poverty or rural school districts.

Dave Vella

ICC TRANSPARENCY REPORTING

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall require all gas, electric, and water utilities under its authority to submit an annual report to the Commission no later than one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act, and every year thereafter, on the utility's efforts in implementing and maintaining transparency in the utility's billing process. Provides that the Commission shall establish, by rule, requirements for the content and structure of the annual report.

Dave Vella

PROP TX-REFUNDS

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, subject to certain limitations, a claim for a refund resulting from certain orders of the circuit court or from a certificate of error shall not be allowed unless the claim is filed within 20 years from the date the right to a refund arose. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

PROP TX-DECISIONS

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in making a decision upon a complaint filed by a complainant's agent, the board of review shall be limited to the evidence presented by the complainant or the complainant's agent, the county assessor, and a taxing district, and each complaint shall be limited to the grounds listed in the petition, the supporting documents filed with the board, and the rebuttal evidence filed with the board. Provides that no assessment may be revised and corrected until the complainant or the complainant's agent has been given a period of 30 days to review and rebut a decision of the board. Provides that an oral hearing shall be granted on request of any complainant or any complainant's agent. Provides that, when a board of review decision is made on a complaint, the board shall transmit a computer printout of the results, or make and sign a brief written statement of the decision (currently, a brief written statement of the reason for the change and the manner in which the method used by the assessor in making the assessment was erroneous).

Robert "Bob" Rita

PROP TX-REVISIONS

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning appraisals, provides that the appraisals submitted by the owner and occupant of the property must be prepared for ad valorem purposes, must estimate the value of the property as of January 1 of the assessment year at issue, and must comply with all rules of the chief county assessment officer or the board of review concerning the submission of appraisals. Provides that, if the chief county assessment officer renders a decision lowering the assessed valuation of the property, the county shall reimburse the property owner for the cost of the appraisal.

Robert "Bob" Rita

LONG-TERM CARE BILL OF RIGHTS

Creates the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression in Long-Term Care Bill of Rights Act. Establishes rights for a client who lives in a long-term care facility, or who receives home care services from a home care provider, from discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sex, actual or perceived sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender identity, actual or perceived gender expression, or actual or perceived HIV status. Provides that an aggrieved person may enforce violations of the Act against a long-term care facility or a home care provider and the staff of the long-term care facility or home care provider through a civil action. Sets forth provisions concerning gender identity in client records; required training for all long-term care facilities and home care providers; arbitration agreements; interpretation of the Act; and enforcement of rights, including civil penalties and other administrative actions. Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the Nursing Home Care Act, and the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act to require compliance with the Sexual orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression in Long-Term Care Bill of Rights Act. Amends the Adult Protective Services Act to include intentional misgendering and unlawful discrimination in the definition of "abuse".

Nicolle Grasse

BD HIGHER ED-SCH COUNSELOR

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Subject to appropriation, requires the Board of Higher Education to create a school counselor stipend program. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of all eligible students and eligible cooperating school counselors who qualify for the stipend program. Sets forth requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating school counselor who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make corresponding changes. Effective immediately.

Katie Stuart

$ISAC-HUMAN SERVICE LOAN REPAY

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Lindsey LaPointe

PEN CD/GROUP INS-SURS SMP

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Adds to the definition of "community college benefit recipient" a person who is receiving retirement income from a self-managed plan account under the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code and who meets other requirements. Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In the definition of "retire" and "retirement", provides that a participant in the self-managed plan retires, and the participant's retirement begins, when the participant is eligible for retirement under the Article, and the Retirement System Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) if applicable, and the participant begins receiving retirement income from the participant's self-managed plan account.

Sharon Chung

ARCHITECT SERVICES-MAX FEE

Amends the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act. Provides that certain provisions concerning public notice, evaluations, and selection procedures do not apply to architectural, engineering, and land surveying contracts with an estimated basic professional services fee of less than the maximum estimated basic professional services fee. Provides that, for contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act and before January 1, 2027, the maximum estimated basic professional services fee is $40,000. Provides that, for calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, the maximum estimated basic professional services fee shall be increased each year by a percentage equal to the annual unadjusted percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index-u during the 12-month period ending in September of the immediately preceding calendar year and rounded to the nearest $10.

Jay Hoffman

BILLIONAIRE HEDGE FUND FEE ACT

Creates the Billionaire Hedge Fund Fee Act. Imposes a fee on each covered transaction occurring on or after July 1, 2026. Provides that the amount of the fee shall be the base amount with respect to the covered transaction, multiplied by 0.002. Provides that the term "covered transaction" means: (1) the purchase by a United States person of a security if the purchase occurs on, or is subject to the rules of, the Chicago Board Options Exchange or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange; or (2) the purchase by a United States person of a derivative if the derivative is traded on, or is subject to the rules of, the Chicago Board Options Exchange or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Specifies that, for purposes of the Act, "United States person" includes controlled foreign corporations, hedge funds, and private equity funds and their officers and employees. Exempts from the provisions of the Act the purchase of a security or a derivative by an individual for that individual's personal investment account or personal investment portfolio. Provides that the proceeds from the tax imposed under the Act shall be deposited into the Reducing the Cost of Living Fund. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Revenue. Amends the State Finance Act. Create the Reducing the Cost of Living Fund. Effective immediately.

Hoan Huynh

CRIM PRO-VACATING SENTENCE

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that any person may file a petition to vacate a conviction or sentence, regardless of criminal custody status or citizenship or immigration status, as defined in the Illinois TRUST Act, if the person asserts that: (1) the conviction or sentence is legally invalid due to prejudicial error damaging the petitioner's ability to meaningfully understand, defend against, or knowingly accept the actual or potential adverse immigration consequences of a conviction or sentence; or (2) newly discovered evidence of actual innocence exists that requires vacation of the conviction or sentence as a matter of law or in the interests of justice. Provides that such a petition shall be deemed timely filed at any time notwithstanding any other provision of law. Provides that the time limitations for petitions filed in the trial court under the Post-Conviction Hearing Article of the Code do not apply to a petition filed under this provision. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that a provision granting relief from a final order or judgment entered based on a plea of guilty or nolo contendere and that has potential consequences under federal immigration law applies to orders or judgments entered before, on, or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Justin Slaughter

FATALITY REVIEW ACT

Amends the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act. Changes the Statewide Committee quorum from 7 voting members to a simple majority of voting members. Requires that Statewide Committee's annual report is due no later than September 1 instead of March 1 of each year. Requires that the biennial report is due no later than June 1 instead of April 1 of each odd year.

Maurice A. West, II

NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Ratifies and approves the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows for the issuance of multistate licenses that allow nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states. In provisions concerning an application for a license, provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may establish, by rule, fees to be charged for the purpose of implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Act, including the fees necessary to implement the Nurse Licensure Compact. Provides that, on or after the effective date of the Nurse Licensure Compact, the Department may set the required fees to apply for a multistate license, upgrade from a single state license to a multistate license, and renew a multistate license. Provides that the initial application fee for a multistate license shall be no less than $150 and the biennial multistate license renewal fee shall be no less than $125. Provides that the Nurse Licensure Compact does not supersede existing State labor laws. Provides that the State may not share with or disclose to the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators or any other state any of the contents of a nationwide criminal history records check conducted for the purpose of multistate licensure under the Nurse Licensure Compact. Provides that an employer who employs nurses, as defined in the Article, shall provide the nurses under its employment with the opportunity to obtain the required continuing education hours. Requires that nurses subject to the Nurse Licensure Compact complete 20 hours of approved continuing education per every 2-year license renewal cycle. Provides that the Nurse Licensure Compact does not apply to an advanced practice registered nurse. Adds provisions concerning employer attestations.

Yolonda Morris

NAME CHANGE-GENDER ID

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Creates a process for a petition for change of name on the basis of gender identity. Makes all of the proceedings and records confidential unless the petitioner waives otherwise. Makes limited exceptions to the confidentiality requirement. Creates a cause of action for knowingly violating the confidentiality provisions. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Anne Stava

PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a portable solar generation device shall be exempt from (i) net metering program and interconnection requirements under provisions concerning net electricity metering and (ii) any rules adopted pursuant to those provisions. Provides that a portable solar generation device shall include a device or feature that prevents the portable solar generation device from energizing a building's electrical system during a power outage. Provides that an electricity provider shall not require an eligible customer who uses, or intends to install and use, a portable solar generation device to do any of the following: (1) obtain the electricity provider's approval before installing or using the portable solar generation device; (2) pay a fee or charge related to the installation or use of the portable solar generation device; or (3) install additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the portable solar generation device. Provides that an electricity provider shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused by an eligible customer's portable solar generation device.

Eva-Dina Delgado

VEH CD-CDL EXEMPTION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle without obtaining a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit if the commercial motor vehicle weighs less than 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating and is equipped with hydraulic brakes, air brakes, or any other system that complies with the federal motor carrier vehicle safety standards.

Barbara Hernandez

DCEO-TOURISM

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, in Fiscal Year 2027 and thereafter, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall require that any convention and tourism bureau receiving a grant from the Local Tourism Fund that requires matching funds shall provide matching funds equal to no less than 25% of the grant amount (currently, no less than 40% of the grant amount). Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. Makes changes concerning the distribution of moneys under those Acts. Effective immediately.

Jehan Gordon-Booth

DHFS-MANAGED CARE PROTECTIONS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules that require managed care organizations (MCOs) to utilize a universal provider application developed by a council for affordable quality healthcare, as defined, for the purpose of credentialing a health care professional or a health care provider who seeks to participate in an MCO's provider network. Provides that the rules shall also require the use of a CAQH application for the renewal of credentials; and that the Department may revise the CAQH universal provider application or the application for renewal of credentials to conform to industry or national standards for credentialing health care professionals or health care providers. Provides that within 180 days after the adoption of rules, health and dental plan carriers must accept the universal provider application and the application for the renewal of credentials approved by the Department. Requires all MCOs to provide a provider network consultant to act as a liaison between a health care provider and the MCO. Require the Department to employ provider enrollment consultants to assist health care providers with enrollment in the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology system, help navigate the enrollment and provider credentialing process by serving as the liaison between health care providers and MCOs, and other matters. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning recoupments, requires a health care professional or health care provider to be provided a remittance advice that includes an explanation of a recoupment or offset taken by a managed care organization. Removes provisions permitting insurers contracted with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to recoup or offset payments due to a federal Medicaid requirement. Provides that no contract between an MCO and health care professional or provider may provide for recoupments in violation of the Code. Effective January 1, 2027.

Dagmara Avelar

ETHICS-LIG INVESTIGATIONS

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that the appointing authorities of the Legislative Ethics Commission shall (rather than may) appoint at least one commissioner from the general public. Allows the Legislative Inspector General to issue subpoenas without the advance approval of the Commission. Provides that, within 60 days after the Legislative Ethics Commission's receipt of a summary report and response from the ultimate jurisdictional authority or agency head regarding a potential violation of this Act or potential wrongful acts within the jurisdiction of the Legislative Inspector General, the Legislative Inspector General (rather than the Commission) shall make available to the public the report and response or a redacted version of the report and response. Provides that the Legislative Inspector General (rather than the Commission) may make available to the public any other summary report and response of the ultimate jurisdictional authority or agency head or a redacted version of the report and response without prior approval from the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall adopt no rule requiring the Legislative Inspector General to seek the Commission's advance approval before publishing summary reports. Provides for the redaction of summary reports by the Legislative Inspector General and related requirements. Makes conforming and other changes.

Lindsey LaPointe

ASSISTED SUICIDE

Repeals the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act.

Brad Halbrook

TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT

Amends the Legislative Information System Act. Provides that, as soon as practicable after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Legislative Information System shall make available to the public through the website maintained by the System the audio and video recordings of all committee hearings of the General Assembly that occur on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the committee hearing audio and video recordings made available by the System shall be posted on the website maintained by the System for at least 30 days after the committee hearing at which the recording was made.

Tony M. McCombie

PEN CD-IMRF-TIER 2 SLEP SALARY

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Pension Equity Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2027, for all purposes under the Code (including, without limitation, the calculation of benefits and employee contributions), the annual earnings of a Tier 2 sheriff's law enforcement employee shall not include overtime and shall not exceed $145,649.97 (instead of $108,600, as adjusted annually beginning in 2011) plus the lesser of (i) 3% of that amount or (ii) the annual unadjusted percentage increase (instead of one-half the annual unadjusted percentage increase) in the consumer price index-u for the 12 months ending with September 2026. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2028, that amount shall annually thereafter be increased by the lesser of (i) 3% of that amount, including all previous adjustments, or (ii) the annual unadjusted percentage increase (instead of one-half the annual percentage increase) in the consumer price index-u for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

John M. Cabello

ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM ACT

Creates the Online Degree Pathway Pilot Program Act. Establishes the Online Degree Pathway Pilot Program to provide a single, unified, online bachelor's degree program culminating in a degree conferred by a participating university. Provides that application for admission to the Pathway Program shall begin on March 15, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year. Provides that the University of Illinois shall serve as the primary degree-granting institution for the Pathway Program. Provides that a student enrolled in any of grades 9 through 12 in a public or nonpublic school is eligible to enroll in dual enrollment courses at any public community college. Provides that credit earned under the Pathway Program or through dual enrollment shall transfer automatically and apply fully toward a bachelor's degree curriculum. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall develop statewide articulation maps ensuring full alignment among community college courses and university upper-division courses. Prohibits a public university or State agency from circumventing or attempting to circumvent the Act through certain actions. Requires the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board to jointly submit an annual report to the General Assembly. Grants joint rulemaking authority to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board. Repeals the Act 5 years after the effective date of the Act. Contains a severability clause, and makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

CORP OWNERSHIP PROPERTY

Creates the Corporate Ownership of Residential Property Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, a company to which the Act applies is prohibited from owning more than 500 residential properties in Illinois, including residential property held by affiliated entities or persons. Requires each company owning more than 500 residential properties to register annually with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Requires each company owning more than 200 residential properties but less than 500 residential properties to provide to the Department a list of all residential properties owned, a disclosure of all affiliated entities and beneficial owners, and an affirmation of compliance with the Act. Requires the Department to enforce the Act. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Limits home rule powers. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

JUV CT-DCFS-INDICATED FINDINGS

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Credible Evidence Verification Act. Provides that at an adjudicatory hearing for an abused or neglected minor, the court shall make a specific finding on whether the Department of Children and Family Services' indicated report of abuse or neglect is supported by credible evidence. Provides that if the court finds that credible evidence does not exist, then: (1) the indicated report shall be reversed and deemed "unfounded"; (2) the Department of Children and Family Services shall correct the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System database within 7 days; (3) the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify the subject in writing of the reversal; (4) the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify any employer or licensing agency known to have received the indication; and (5) the subject shall receive a certified order that the subject is eligible for employment and licensure in occupations involving the care or education of minors under 18 years of age. Provides that the court may issue a contempt citation to the Department of Children and Family Services for failure of the Department to comply with this provision. Contains a findings provision. Effective January 1, 2027.

Jed Davis

STARTER HOME INCENTIVE ACT

Creates the Starter Home Incentive Zone Act. Provides that a municipality may establish a Starter Home Incentive Zone within a designated area if the municipality adopts any 3 of the following reforms within a designated zone: (1) reduced minimum lot sizes applicable to detached single-family homes; (2) reduced minimum dwelling size requirements permitting homes of 1,600 square feet or less; (3) fast-track permitting with a decision issued within 10 to 20 business days; (4) reduction, waiver, or cap of impact fees for detached single-family homes; or (5) reduced setback requirements. Provides that municipalities containing a Starter Home Incentive Zone shall receive specified benefits from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that municipalities containing a Starter Home Incentive Zone may receive specified benefits from the Department of Transportation. Provides that, on or before January 31 of each year, a SHIZ-certified municipality shall submit a report, not to exceed 2 pages, containing specified information for each Starter Home Incentive Zone within the municipality. Requires the Department to adopt rules necessary to implement the Act in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that the Department may not require any municipality to submit reports, data, analyses, or documentation beyond the annual compliance report, unless expressly authorized by the Act. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

PEN CD-IMRF-TIER 2 SLEP SALARY

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Pension Equity Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2027, for all purposes under the Code (including, without limitation, the calculation of benefits and employee contributions), the annual earnings of a Tier 2 sheriff's law enforcement employee shall not include overtime and shall not exceed $145,649.97 (instead of $108,600, as adjusted annually beginning in 2011) plus the lesser of (i) 3% of that amount or (ii) the annual unadjusted percentage increase (instead of one-half the annual unadjusted percentage increase) in the consumer price index-u for the 12 months ending with September 2026. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2028, that amount shall annually thereafter be increased by the lesser of (i) 3% of that amount, including all previous adjustments, or (ii) the annual unadjusted percentage increase (instead of one-half the annual percentage increase) in the consumer price index-u for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Provides that, as soon as practical on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, with regard to benefits earned for the years 2012 through 2026, the Fund shall recalculate benefits for Tier 2 sheriff's law enforcement employees based on the annual salary limitation that was in effect for that year for Tier 2 police officers under the Downstate Police Article. Provides that the changes shall not result in any retroactive adjustment of any employee contributions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

John M. Cabello

INS-PEDIATRIC THERAPY

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any policy of accident or health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2028 that provides coverage for medically necessary pediatric therapy shall provide coverage on a per-session basis. Provides that the terms of the policy may not limit coverage to a specified number of sessions per day. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under the provisions of those Acts. Effective immediately.

Martha Deuter

MEDICAID-CHILDREN'S DENTAL

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2027, the reimbursement rates for all dental services for children shall be increased 50% above the rates in effect on December 31, 2025. Effective January 1, 2027.

Joyce Mason

MEDICAID-DENTAL COMPREHENSIVE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2027, the rates paid for children's dental comprehensive oral exams, periodic oral exams, problem focused exams, behavior management codes, sealants, resin-based composites-posterior teeth, and extraction and surgical extraction codes shall be increased by 33% above the rates in effect on December 31, 2025. Effective January 1, 2027.

Joyce Mason

FOIA-JUDICIAL BRANCH

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "public body" includes the judicial branch and components of the judicial branch of the State. Exempts records that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders. Excludes denials of requests of records from the judicial branch or components of the judicial branch from the jurisdiction of the Public Access Counselor.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

PEN CD-CTPF-HEALTH INS COSTS

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the total payments under a provision concerning the Board providing partial reimbursement of health insurance costs may not exceed $100,000,000 (instead of $65,000,000) in any year. Provides that the amount shall annually thereafter be increased by the annual unadjusted percentage increase (but not less than zero) in the consumer price index for the 12 months ending with the September preceding each November 1, including all previous adjustments. Defines "consumer price index".

Stephanie A. Kifowit

CHILDREN-TECH

Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Maura Hirschauer

VEH CD-BIODIESEL USE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2027, a diesel powered vehicle owned or operated by the State, any county or unit of local government, any school district, any community college or public college or university, or any mass transit agency must use a biodiesel blend that contains 19%, unless the engine is designed or retrofitted to operate on a higher percentage of biodiesel or on ultra low sulfur fuel. Allows, in December, January, February, and March, a biodiesel blend of at least 10% to be used. Effective immediately.

Eva-Dina Delgado

ANIMAL TESTING METHODS

Amends the Protection of Dogs and Cats from Unnecessary Testing Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Protection of Animals from Unnecessary Testing Act. Adds definitions of "animal" and "traditional animal test method". In provisions regarding a prohibition on the use of dogs or cats in toxicological experiments, limits the enforcement provisions to cover only the provisions regarding the prohibition on the use of dogs or cats in toxicological experiments. Prohibits a testing facility from using a traditional animal test method if an agency has approved an alternative test method or strategy or been granted a waiver. Provides for exceptions from that prohibition. Provides that, on January 20, 2028, and every January 20 thereafter, every testing facility shall report specified animal testing information to the Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General to make those reports publicly available within 90 days. Provides for enforcement of the prohibition against traditional animal test methods. Makes technical changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

Anna Moeller

SCHOOL STUDENT RECORD

Amends the Illinois School Student Records Act. Provides that "school student record" also means any written or electronic communications and any accompanying attachments in whole or in part sent to or from a parent, guardian, or other family member of a student that are maintained by a school or at its direction or by an employee of the school and that relate to the education, health, safety, discipline, or well-being of the student, regardless of whether the student may be individually identified.

Daniel Didech

INTEREST-PREPAYMENT PENALTY

Amends the Interest Act. Provides that, whenever the rate of interest exceeds an annual percentage rate of 8% on any written contract, agreement or bond for deed providing for the installment purchase of residential real estate made primarily for personal, family, or household purposes (rather than for the installment purchase of residential real estate), or on any loan secured by a mortgage on residential real estate made primarily for personal, family, or household purposes (rather than on any loan secured by a mortgage on residential real estate), it shall be unlawful to provide for a prepayment penalty or other charge for prepayment.

Daniel Didech

CD CORR-PAROLE LENGTH

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person serving a sentence under the law in effect prior to February 1, 1978 who is released from imprisonment shall be placed on mandatory supervised release in the same manner and for the same term as provided in the mandatory supervised release provisions of the Code for persons sentenced under determinate sentencing. Provides that any reference to "parole" under the Sentencing Chapter of the Code and the mandatory supervised release provisions of the Code mean "mandatory supervised release". Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act apply retroactively. Effective immediately.

Kevin John Olickal

DCEO-LIBRARIES

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in cooperation with the Illinois Arts Council, shall conduct statewide impact studies regarding the economic, educational, and social impact of Illinois' museums and cultural attractions.

Kimberly Du Buclet

CANNABIS REFORM

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on July 1, 2026, "prescription and nonprescription medicines and drugs" includes cannabis purchased by a qualified registered patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver from a dispensing organization registered under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act or the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Adds, changes, and provides for the repeal of certain definitions. Makes conforming changes to terms in the Act. Repeals certain provisions on June 30, 2026. Adds references to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, supplanting certain provisions in the Act on July 1, 2026. Provides for repeal of certain provisions on January 1, 2027, subjecting certain activities to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Repeals certain provisions. Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Adds and changes definitions. Makes conforming changes to terms in the Act. Removes certain references and provides for repeal of certain provisions related to the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Makes provisions regarding mergers of certain licenses and medical patient prioritization. Provides for Adult Use Dispensing Organization licensee relocation. Provides for rescission of a conditional license, with certain requirements. Makes changes to provisions regarding Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses. Adds to requirements for Responsible Vendor Program Training modules. Adds new prohibitions and exceptions to provisions regarding changes to a dispensing organization. Requires prioritizing qualifying patients, provisional patients, and dedicated caregivers, with certain requirements. Adds certain State agencies and local health officials to provisions regarding investigations. Makes changes to provisions regarding Cultivation Center Licenses. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Bob Morgan