Bills & Legislation

LOCAL REG-STATE FACILITIES

Amends the Capital Development Board Act. Provides that an ordinance of a unit of local government shall not be enforced against the construction, reconstruction, improvement, or installation of a State facility. Provides that the amendatory Act applies to the construction, reconstruction, improvement, and installation of State facilities that are either ongoing or that start on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Capital Development Board shall, to the fullest extent practicable, coordinate with local utilities regarding utility connection requirements and procedures. Defines "State facilities". Limits home rule powers.

ABLE ACCOUNT PROGRAM INFO

Amends the School Code. Provides that beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, a school district shall provide informational materials about the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program (rather than the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program) annually to the parent or guardian of a student who has a section 504 Plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, using the same distribution methods employed for other communications related to the student's section 504 Plan. Removes language providing that a school may transmit the informational material to a parent or guardian in the same manner as other documents and information related to an Individualized Education Program meeting are provided to the parent or guardian. Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act and the Early Intervention Services System Act. In provisions requiring individualized family service plans for children receiving early intervention services, provides that during the initial development of an individual family service plan and at each review meeting of the service plan, the regional intake offices shall provide the parent or guardian with informational materials about the Illinois (ABLE) account program. Requires the informational materials to include an overview of the Illinois ABLE account program, eligibility criteria, and other necessary enrollment information. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials about the Illinois ABLE account for distribution to regional intake offices which shall subsequently disseminate the informational materials to parents and guardians in the same manner as they transmit other documents to families. Makes technical changes to the State Treasurer Act to change the name of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program to the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program.

COSMETIC PRODUCTS ACT

Creates the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act. Prohibits the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, or offering for sale of a cosmetic product that contains specific intentionally added chemical ingredients. Exempts cosmetic products that were manufactured with an intent to comply with the Act and contain a technically unavoidable trace quantity of a prohibited chemical ingredient due to certain reasons. Defines terms.

LONG-TERM CARE JOINT TRAINING

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act and the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Requires the Department of Public Health to hold semiannual joint training sessions for surveyors, nursing home providers, and assisted living establishment providers. Provides that the Department shall include the State long-term care ombudsman, or the State long-term care ombudsman's designee, and representatives of each nursing home provider association and assisted living provider association in the State in the planning process to create the topics and content of the joint training sessions as well as the coordination and presentations for the joint training sessions. Provides that, at least annually, a joint training session shall include, but not be limited to, regional citation patterns relating to complaints, standards, and outcomes in the nursing home and assisted living survey process. Requires the Department to develop standardized training for establishments to prevent common citations in the assisted living survey process.

HEALTH CARE VIOLENCE PREVENT

Amends the Health Care Violence Prevention Act. Makes changes to defined terms. In provisions concerning workplace safety, provides that a health care worker may not be discouraged from contacting law enforcement or the Department of Public Health regarding workplace violence, and a health care provider may not hold a policy that limits such contact. Adds additional requirements to the workplace violence prevention program, including reporting requirements and identifying the need for additional security and alarms, adequate exit routes, monitoring systems, barrier protections, lighting, entry procedures, and systems to identify and flag persons who have previously committed violent acts in the health care provider space. Sets forth provisions concerning violent incident investigations, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements for health care providers regarding violent incidents. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with the Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from public disclosure workplace violence records maintained by health care providers as required under a specified provision of the Health Care Violence Prevention Act.

CHILD CARE BACKGROUND CHECK

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. In provisions concerning criminal background investigations, makes changes regarding the Department who regulates background checks, the background check that a potential employee is required to complete, and the supervision required for an employee pending completion of a background check. Provides that the Department of Early Childhood shall establish a secure background check portal that is accessible to applicants, child care staff, human resources representatives, and day care licensing representatives no later than July 1, 2026. Sets forth requirements for the background check portal. In provisions concerning any examinations conducted by the Department, provides that full monitoring and inspection reports, along with any corrective actions taken by the provider, shall be posted in plain language within 30 days from the creation of the report on the Department's consumer education website. Provides that, in the report that the Department provide to the General Assembly on its progress in meeting performance measures and goals related to child day care licensing, the Department shall include details regarding the processing of background checks, including the average number of days it takes for the background check unit to complete a series of background checks and issue a background check clearance required under the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Makes other changes. Amends the Missing Children Records Act. Provides that, by September 30, 2025, the Illinois State Police shall publish a list of acceptable governmental documentation that provides satisfactory proof of a child's identity and age. Provides that a grace period of up to 90 calendar days from the first date of attendance should be allowed for the person enrolling the child to provide any other reliable proof that has been identified.

CHILD CARE ACT REQUIREMENTS

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that a day care home or group day care home may be exempt from licensure (rather than is not required to be licensed) if it serves dependent children of military personnel, is located on a military base or federal or government property, and is certified as a child development program by a branch of the U.S. Effective immediately.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER REQS

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that coursework related to psychology shall count toward the semester hours that an early childhood teacher must obtain to be qualified as an early childhood teacher. Provides that, before July 1, 2026, the Department of Children and Family Services shall publish and maintain on its website a full and complete list of courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for a child care teacher. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall publish and maintain on its website a full and complete list of courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for a child care teacher.

COLLECTION AGENCY COERCED DEBT

Amends the Collection Agency Act. Provides that a debtor is not liable for any coerced debt, as defined in the Act, and may assert that they have incurred a coerced debt by providing to a collection agency an oral or written Statement of Coerced Debt, as specified. Sets forth provisions concerning notice of coerced debt to a collection agency; duties of a collection agency upon receiving an incomplete statement of coerced debt; affirmative defenses in collection actions or arbitration; civil liability; protections from perpetrators of coerced debt; restrictions on waivers; and liability of collection agencies for violations of the Act. Provides that, upon receiving the debtor's complete statement of coerced debt and specified supporting information, a collection agency shall review and consider all the information received from the debtor as well as any other information available in the collection agency's file or from the creditor related to the alleged coerced debt within 90 days after receipt of the statement of coerced debt. Requires a collection agency, within 5 days after receipt of the complete statement of coerced debt and supporting information, to cease any pre-judgment attempts to collect the coerced debt from the debtor, including refraining from filing any lawsuit or arbitration to collect the coerced debt, and notify any consumer reporting agency to which the collection agency or creditor furnished adverse information about the debtor that the debtor disputes the adverse information. Establishes additional requirements for a collection agency that reviews a statement of coerced debt. Provides that, within 180 days after the effective date of the Act, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may design and publish a model coerced debt and third party written verification form in English and any other language it determines, within its discretion, is the first language of a significant number of consumers in the State. Makes other changes.

PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES-JURORS

Amends the Jury Act. Increases the number of petit jurors that may be drawn to serve from 14 up to and including 16 if alternate jurors are required. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Allows the court to impanel up to and including 4 alternative jurors instead of 1 or 2. Applies to actions commenced or pending on or after January 1, 2026.

VETERINARIAN LICENSE DISPLAY

Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Provides that "certified veterinary technician" or "veterinary technician" means a person who is a graduate of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities and who has successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (rather than a person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary technology in the State). Provides that every holder of a license shall display the license or a copy of the license in a conspicuous place in the holder's principal office or any other location where the holder renders services as a veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician. Requires every displayed license to have the license number visible.

STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Creates the State Public Defender Act. Creates the Office of State Public Defender as an agency of State government. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be an independent agency within the judicial branch of government and the Office's records shall be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be under the supervision and direction of the State Public Defender. Sets forth the powers and duties of the State Public Defender, including the duties of the initial State Public Defender. Provides that the initial State Public Defender shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. Sets forth specified duties and responsibilities of the initial State Public Defender. Creates the State Public Defender Commission. Sets forth membership and duties of the Commission. Amends the Public Defender and Appointed Counsel Division of the Counties Code. Provides that any 2 or more counties of this State that are within the same judicial circuit may by joint resolution of the several county boards involved create a common Office of public defender for the counties so joined or allow representation in one county by the public defender appointed in the collaborating county (rather than 2 or more adjoining counties within the same judicial circuit may create a common Office of public defender). Provides that, when a vacancy occurs in the position of public defender, the State Public Defender shall nominate and the State Public Defender Commission shall appoint a properly qualified public defender using the application and selection process developed under the State Public Defender Act. Removes certain differences based upon county populations. Removes provisions relating to the Public Defender Quality Defense Task Force. Provides that a public defender may be removed only for good cause or dereliction of duty after notice and a hearing before the State Public Defender Commission (rather than by the president of the county board after a notice and hearing of the county board). Modifies how a public defender is compensated and how moneys in the Public Defender Fund may be used. Makes other changes. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes.

PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE EXAM

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

BOND AUTHORIZATION ACT

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

SCH CD-HOMELESS YOUTH FUNDING

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

HIGHER ED-MENTAL HEALTH ACTION

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

VEH CD-FIRE DEPT VEHICLES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Includes any recreational off-highway vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft that is designated or authorized by proper local authorities for fire department use in the definition of "fire department vehicle". Effective immediately.

EDU LABOR RELATIONS-NOTICE

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

IDEC-EIS-PREMATURE INFANTS

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

ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA ASSESS

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

ROAD CAMERA-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts images from cameras under the Expressway Camera Act and all automated license plate reader (ALPR) information used and collected by the Illinois State Police from inspection and copying. Amends the Expressway Camera Act. Provides that, as used in the Act, "forcible felony" means trafficking in persons and involuntary servitude (in addition to other specified offenses). Includes the counties of Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside in the program to increase cameras along expressways and the State highway system. Provides that images from the cameras, including, but not limited to, images of license plates collected by state-operated cameras and cameras operated by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, may be used by any law enforcement agency conducting an active law enforcement investigation. Removes provision allowing images from the cameras to be used by any law enforcement agency conducting an active law enforcement investigation. Provides that all images from the cameras that are exported through a law enforcement database shall be deleted from that law enforcement database within 120 days, unless the images are relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial. Provides that any forcible felony, gunrunning, or firearms trafficking offense, as specified, respectively, committed on an expressway monitored by a camera system funded by money from the Road Fund or money from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and investigated by officers of the Illinois State Police may be prosecuted by the Attorney General or the State's Attorney where the offense was committed. Provides that the Act supersedes provisions in the Toll Highway Act regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information obtained through electronic toll collection systems. Provides that the Act is repealed on July 1, 2028 (rather than July 1, 2025). Effective immediately.

HEARING INSTRUMENT EXTENSION

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

DOM VIOLENCE-JUV-ASSISTANCE

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that whenever a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a person has been abused, neglected, or exploited by a family or household member, the officer shall, if appropriate, arrest the abusing, neglecting, and exploiting party except in situations in which the alleged offending party is a juvenile. Provides that if the alleged offender is a juvenile, then the officer, based on the totality of the circumstances, may choose not to arrest the juvenile and instead may divert the juvenile or may assist the juvenile and his family in finding alternative placement.

EPA-UST FUND-DEDUCTIBLES

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

HIGHER ED-VARIOUS

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

DHFS-MEDICARE PART A BUY-IN

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to study the impact to the State and recipients of entering into a Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement for qualified Medicare beneficiaries with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Provides that no later than January 1, 2026, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly about executing a Medicare Part A Buy-In Agreement. Requires the report to reflect that it is the policy of the State of Illinois to reduce administrative burden to applicants and recipients in programs under the Code, and to promote the health, well-being, and economic security of low-income older adults and people with disabilities in its medical programs. Requires the Department to consult with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and relevant State agencies, including the Department on Aging, and conduct stakeholder engagement. Provides that the report shall outline the methodology used by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and shall include relevant findings, including potential cost savings to recipients and reductions in administrative burden, and a synopsis of discussions with interested stakeholders. Provides that the report shall contain recommendations for further action to facilitate accountability and to achieve the policy objectives outlined in the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

HGWY COMMISSIONER COMPENSATION

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Allows a highway commissioner's salary to be paid from the corporate road and bridge fund or the permanent road fund or both.

SCH CD-PROHIBT DENIAL FREE ED

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

INS CD-LASER HAIR REMOVAL

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

DHS-DD SERVICES-RATE SHEET

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

SHABBONA LAND MGMT AGREEMENT

If and only if Senate Bill 867 of the 103rd General Assembly becomes law, amends the State Parks Act. Provides that the land management agreement with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and other necessary parties for the purpose of managing, maintaining, or operating the real property conveyed to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation shall contain restrictions on gaming operations. Effective immediately or on the date Senate Bill 867 of the 103rd General Assembly becomes law, whichever is later.

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCT-DELIVERY

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

DIGITAL PROTECT-USE OF REPLICA

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

DCEO-VARIOUS

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

PEN CD-SURS-EARNINGS

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In provisions concerning the determination of the final rate of earnings for Tier 2 members, provides that, for an employee who is paid on an hourly basis or who receives an annual salary in installments during 12 months of each academic year, the average annual earnings is obtained by dividing by 8 the total earnings of the employee during the 96 consecutive months in which the total earnings were the highest within the last 120 months prior to termination or the average annual earnings during the 8 consecutive academic years of service within the 10 years of service prior to termination in which the employee's earnings were the highest, whichever is greater (instead of only the average annual earnings obtained by dividing by 8 the total earnings of the employee during the 96 consecutive months in which the total earnings were the highest within the last 120 months prior to termination). Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act are corrections and clarifications of existing law and are intended to be retroactive to January 1, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1490). Effective immediately.

UNEMPLOYMENT INS-RECOVERY

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

VEH CD- INSTRUCTOR DL REQ

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

ISP-POLICE K-9 CARE PROGRAM

Amends the Illinois State Police Act. Creates the Police K-9 Care Program within the Illinois State Police to provide a stable funding source for the veterinary care for retired police dogs. Provides that Illinois State Police shall contract with a nonprofit corporation organized under State law to administer and manage the Program and shall select the nonprofit corporation through a competitive grant award process. Provides that a handler or adopter of a retired police dog is eligible for a grant of up to $1,500 in veterinary care reimbursement for the retired police dog. Provides that the Program will be funded through grants from the Police K-9 Care Fund, which shall be funded by gifts, appropriations, and a percentage of monetary forfeitures due to criminal activity. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers relating to forfeitures. Provides requirements for the Program and the Fund. Requires the Illinois State Police to adopt rules necessary to implement the Police K-9 Care Program and the requirements of the Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. Some provisions take effect immediately and some provisions take effect one year after becoming law.

EPA-WATER MAIN INSTALLATION

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

JUDICIAL PRIVACY-ADMIN JUDGES

Amends the Judicial Privacy Act. Adds administrative law judges to the definition of judicial officer in the Judicial Privacy Act.

CPS-DISCIPLINE DISCLOSURE

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

DHS-HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

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

METHAMPHETAMINE PRECURSORS

Amends the Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act. Provides that each targeted methamphetamine precursor package shall contain no more than 3,600 (rather than 3,000) milligrams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, their salts or optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers. Deletes a provision which specifies that no retail distributor operating a pharmacy, and no pharmacist or pharmacy technician, shall knowingly distribute to a single person more than 2 targeted packages in a single retail transaction. Amends the Methamphetamine Precursor Tracking Act. Provides that, on and after October 1, 2025, any manufacturer of products containing methamphetamine precursors sold in or brought into the State must, on a monthly basis, pay fees to the Central Repository. Provides that the Central Repository shall be responsible for setting the fee levels required. Provides that at the request of the Illinois State Police, manufacturers required to pay fees shall be required to provide written documentation demonstrating that they have paid such fees. Provides that the sale of methamphetamine precursors in or brought into the State by a manufacturer who has failed to pay fees required by the provision is guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of $500 for a first offense; $1,000 for a second offense occurring within 3 years of the first offense; and $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense occurring within 3 years of the prior offenses. Effective immediately.

TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT PROGRAM

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

GUARDIAN AND ADVOCACY-MEMBERS

Amends the Guardianship and Advocacy Act. Provides that each regional authority shall consist of at least 7 members and no more than 9 members (rather than 9 members) appointed by the Director of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission. Makes a conforming change.

SCH CD-FAFSA CONTACT

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

SCH CD-FAFSA COMPLETION

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

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

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

COMMUNITY COLLEGE-BOARD OATH

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

DENTAL PRACTICE ACT EXTENSION

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