Bills & Legislation

IL TRANSMISSION PROJECTS ACT

Creates the Advancing Federally Regulated Illinois Transmission Projects Act. Provides that the Department of Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may identify one or more Projects for potential application of the PJM State Agreement Approach that the Director determines may improve the resilience, reliability, and access to clean energy of the ratepayers of a public utility with more than 3,000,000 customers in this State. Sets forth eligibility criteria for the projects. Sets forth provisions concerning applications. Amends the Public Utilities Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

NURSE-TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that an individual licensed under this Section may apply for a program that provides a full tuition reimbursement to individuals who: (1) attended and graduated from an education program based in the State; and (2) commit to working in a safety-net hospital in the State for at least 5 years.

Hoan Huynh

DPH-DRUG CARD PROGRAM

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall create a prescription drug discount card program in the State. Provides that the Department shall start the program as soon as reasonably practicable after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the program.

Hoan Huynh

PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORT-ACT

Creates the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall establish the Canadian prescription drug importation program for the importation of safe and effective prescription drugs from Canada which have the highest potential for cost savings to the State. Provides that the Department shall contract with a vendor to provide services under the program. Provides that by December 1, 2026 and each year thereafter, the vendor shall develop a wholesale prescription drug importation list identifying the prescription drugs that have the highest potential for cost savings to the State. Provides that the vendor shall identify Canadian suppliers that are in full compliance with the provisions of the Act and contract with the Canadian suppliers to import drugs under the program. Provides for: a bond requirement; requirements for eligible prescription drugs; requirements for eligible Canadian suppliers; requirements for eligible importers; distribution requirements; federal approval; prescription drug supply chain documentation; immediate suspension of specified imported drug; requirements of an annual report; notification of federal approval. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules necessary to implement the Act. Effective immediately.

Hoan Huynh

VIDEO GAMING-LICENSEE LOCATION

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that a licensed establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, or licensed veterans establishment that is located within the designated amount of feet, as designated by the municipality in which the establishment is located, from a school or a place of worship (rather than 100 feet of a school or a place of worship) is ineligible to operate a video gaming terminal. Provides that the distance between the establishment and any such location shall be measured from the front door of the establishment to the front door of such location.

Harry Benton

PROP TX-VETERANS HOMESTEAD

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that property that is owned by an immediate family caregiver of a veteran with a disability or a veteran of World War II is eligible for the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities and veterans of World War II if the immediate family caregiver resides with the veteran on a full-time basis.

Harry Benton

FINANCE-CONTRACT-SIGNATURES

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that, for construction contracts procured by the Department of Transportation, a requirement that a contract, a contract renewal, an order against a master contract, or an amendment to an existing contract requires the signature of the chief executive officer of the agency, the chief legal counsel of the agency, and the chief fiscal officer of the agency applies only if the contract is in the amount of $750,000 or more or is increased to or by $750,000 or more in a fiscal year. Provides that the Department of Transportation may, by rule, adjust that applicable monetary threshold on a yearly basis to reflect inflationary costs in highway construction. Effective immediately.

Suzanne M. Ness

IMMUNITY CHILD WELFARE AGENCIE

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

Suzanne M. Ness

FOID&CONCEALED CARRY-LIFETIME

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the duration of a Firearm Owner's Identification Card shall be the lifetime of the holder of the Card (rather than 10 years). Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the duration of a concealed carry license is the lifetime of the licensee (rather than 5 years). Provides that a Firearm Owner's Identification Card or concealed carry license issued before the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be valid during the Card holder's or licensee's lifetime regardless of the expiration date on the Card or license.

Tom Weber

POLICE TRAIN-UNFUNDED MANDATES

Amends the State Police Act. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, any State mandate regarding the matter of the training of Illinois State Police Officers that necessitates additional expenditures from the Illinois State Police or any State agency shall be void and unenforceable unless the General Assembly makes necessary appropriations to implement that training mandate. Provides that the failure of the General Assembly to make necessary appropriations shall relieve the Illinois State Police or State agency from the obligation to implement any State mandate. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law, on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, any State mandate regarding the matter of the training of law enforcement officers that necessitates additional expenditures from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, the Illinois State Police, or any State or local law enforcement agency or unit of local government shall be void and unenforceable unless the General Assembly makes necessary appropriations to implement that training mandate. Provides that the failure of the General Assembly to make necessary appropriations shall relieve the law enforcement agency, State agency, or unit of local government of the obligation to implement any State mandate.

Tom Weber

CD CORR-HOME CONFINE NO MOVE

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Deletes a provision that requires that, at a minimum, any person ordered to pretrial home confinement with or without electronic monitoring must be provided with movement spread out over no fewer than 2 days per week, to participate in basic activities.

Tom Weber

TICKET SALE AND RESALE

Creates the Ticket Sale and Resale Act of 2025. Provides that a primary seller, secondary ticket exchange, issuer, and reseller shall clearly and conspicuously disclose specified information to a consumer. Prohibits the speculative sale of tickets. Provides that an issuer, secondary ticket exchange, or reseller directly engaged in a transaction with a purchaser shall provide a full refund to the purchaser. Requires specified entities to annually register with the Secretary of State as an event ticket reseller. Sets forth requirements for surety bonds; reporting requirements; consumer compensation; audit and oversight; and revocation of registration. Provides for violations and civil penalties. Requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to the General Assembly. Repeals the Ticket Sale and Resale Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Will Guzzardi

PROP TX-SURPLUS SALE

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, when the county, as trustee, files one petition for more than one delinquent tax lien or certificate, the county may request that the court issue a tax deed to the county, as trustee, without holding a judicial tax deed auction. Provides that the county shall offer the parcel for sale at a public auction within 120 days of recording the tax deed. Sets forth requirements for the county auction. Provides that any owner of property sold under any provision of the Code who sustains loss or damage by reason of the issuance of a tax deed shall have the right to recover surplus equity that was lost in the property through an award of indemnity. Amends the Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act. Provides that a distressed property conveyance contract must contain a statement that the property owner may have the right to obtain money for any equity lost if a tax deed is issued. Effective immediately.

Will Guzzardi

INVEST IN KIDS-REENACT

Reenacts the Invest in Kids Act and makes the Act permanent. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Blaine Wilhour

$STATE UNIS-IL NG&VETS

Appropriates $25,836,049 to various State universities for the administration of the Illinois National Guard and Illinois Veteran Grant programs. Effective July 1, 2025.

Dan Swanson

USE/OCC TAX-VENDOR DISCOUNT

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Surcharge Act. Provides that provisions limiting the vendor's discount to $1,000 per month do not apply on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Kyle Moore

DHS-DD SRVCS-RURAL PROVIDER

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules governing rural provider compensation. Provides that such rules shall increase the rate of compensation for rural providers that account for significant challenges or barriers related to transportation, including, but not limited to, travel time of over one hour each way or 35 or more miles, and last minute appointment cancellations. Provides that the rate of reimbursement shall be increased and compensate rural providers for: (i) extended travel time and mileage and (ii) staff or resources required to provide developmental disabilities services to individuals in rural areas. Requires the Department to create a grant program to incentivize and support the use of assistive technologies and innovative services to increase access to developmental disabilities services provided by rural providers.

Sharon Chung

SCH CD-REPORT CARDS-ABSENCES

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Superintendent, in the determination of indicators and the presentation of the school report card, does not need to include the 5 absences for the mental or behavior health of a student in the percentage of students with less than 10 absences in a school year.

Nabeela Syed

ILETS BOARD MEMBERS

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Adds 2 members to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board representing a statewide lodge representing law enforcement. Provides the procedures for appointing the 2 members the amendatory Act.

Rita Mayfield

DAY CARE RADON MITIGATION

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. In provisions concerning radon testing of licensed day care centers, licensed day care homes, and licensed group day care homes, requires mitigation when testing confirms radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L. Provides that mitigation shall be conducted according to industry standards. Provides that, if radon test results are at or above 4.0 pCi/L, the licensed day care center, licensed day care home, or licensed group day care home shall create a corrective action plan that shall include long-term radon tests that show levels below 4.0 pCi/L. Provides that, if radon test results exceed 8.0 pCi/L, initial applicants shall mitigate before a license is issued and license renewal applicants shall close operations until the radon standard of 4.0 pCi/L or lower is achieved.

Barbara Hernandez

HIGHER ED-ASSIST-NONCITIZEN

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other law, a student who otherwise qualifies for any grant or scholarship offered under this Act, by any other State law, or by a unit of local government shall not be denied the award of the grant or scholarship based solely on the student's status as a noncitizen. Effective immediately.

Barbara Hernandez

DOG IMPORT-AGE LIMIT

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that a person licensed under the Act may not import any dog into the State if the licensee knows or has reason to know that the dog is under the age of 8 weeks old. Provides that a person licensed under the Act must inquire about the age of a dog before importing it into the State.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

DEI-EMPLOYMENT-HIGHER ED

Creates the Freedom to Train Act. Provides that notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, employers and State-supported institutions of higher learning in this State may establish, maintain, and implement policies, practices, and requirements for the employment and conduct of employees in the workplace that are designed to safeguard employees and applicants for employment from discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Provides that the policies, practices, and requirements may be developed and administered through an office of diversity, equity, and inclusion or another administrative office or program established by the employer or State-supported institution of higher learning. Effective immediately.

Sonya M. Harper

GROWING GROWERS FUND

Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Growing Growers Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund may be used by the Department of Agriculture for making grants to socially disadvantaged farmers in food deserts. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to implement the grant program. Provides that, on July 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, the Comptroller shall order transferred, and the Treasurer shall transfer, $2,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Growing Growers Fund.

Sonya M. Harper

PEN CD-DNST FIRE-PENSION

Amends the Downstate Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that in July 2025, the monthly pension of a firefighter who retired between July 1, 1977 and January 1, 1986 shall be recalculated and increased to reflect the amount that the firefighter would have received in July 2025 had the firefighter been receiving a 3% compounded increase for each year he or she received pension payments after his or her retirement date. Provides that in each January thereafter, he or she shall receive an additional increase of 3% of the amount of the pension then being paid. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Eva-Dina Delgado

COMMISSION TO END GUN VIOLENCE

Creates the Commission to End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas Act. Establishes the Commission to End Gun Violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas. Provides that the purpose of the Commission is to study, analyze data, make recommendations, and develop policy proposals addressing the root causes of violence and resulting trauma to drastically reduce gun violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas. Sets forth provisions concerning membership; terms; compensation; and administrative support. Provides that the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than July 1, 2026 and each year thereafter, including, at a minimum, detailed findings and recommendations related to the reduction of gun violence in Disproportionately Impacted Areas. Effective immediately.

Sonya M. Harper

CANNABIS HOSPITALITY

Creates the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act. Provides that a county or municipality may issue licenses for temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues that will allow for the consumption of cannabis or cannabis-infused products and for the sale of cannabis paraphernalia at such temporary events or venues. Requires ordinances with specified requirements for such temporary events and cannabis hospitality venues before any licenses are issued. Limits home rule powers. Makes conforming changes in the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Effective immediately.

Sonya M. Harper

GATEWAY TO OBAMA CENTER ACT

Creates the Gateway to the Obama Center Act. Provides that the part of South Stony Island Avenue in Chicago that begins at 95th Street and ends at Obama Center is designated as the Gateway to the Obama Center.

LIMITATIONS-ADULT SEX OFFENSES

Amends the Limitations Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that every civil claim or cause of action brought against any party alleging intentional or negligent acts or omissions by a person for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered as a result of conduct which would constitute a sex offense under the Criminal Code of 2012 or incest, which is barred as of the effective date of the amendatory Act because the applicable period of limitation has expired, is revived; and the action then may be commenced not earlier than 6 months after and not later than 18 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Sonya M. Harper

DISTRESSED FARMERS ACT

Creates the Distressed Farmers Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall, by rule, establish a grant program through which it provides (i) up to $5,000,000 for apprenticeships for individuals working in a direct or support capacity for a distressed farmer, (ii) up to $5,000,000 for distressed farmers for wells, and (iii) up to $10,000,000 for distressed farmers for certain other expenses. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides for a distressed farmer credit for taxable years on or after January 1, 2027 in an amount of up to $50,000 in qualified farming expenses. Defines terms.

Sonya M. Harper

SMALL FARMERS RESTORATION PRGM

Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Act. Creates the Small Farmer Restoration Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the moneys in the Fund, upon appropriation by the General Assembly, shall be used for the purposes of the program, which include grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements, technical assistance grants, technical assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture, and administrative costs incurred by the Department in administering the program. Provides that moneys may be deposited into the Fund from federal grants and gifts and donations that are designated and required by the donor to be used exclusively for the purposes of the program. Provides that not more than 10% of available funds under the Act may be used for technical assistance purposes and administration. Provides that not less than 90% of funds available for grants under the Act shall be expended for the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall also be available for the following purposes: (1) to provide technical assistance grants to qualified entities in support of socially disadvantaged farmers who are seeking access to farmland; and (2) to provide grants for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements to qualified easement holders. Provides that moneys from the Fund shall be available in each fiscal year to any qualified easement holder having made an application that has been reviewed by the Department. Provides that subject to appropriation and in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, the Department shall establish the Farm Conservation Corps to provide residents between the ages of 18 and 29 from socially disadvantaged groups the academic, vocational, and social skills necessary to pursue long-term and productive careers in agriculture. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Act, including the adoption of rules that establish a process for submitting and processing of applications for grants no later than December 31, 2026. Provides that rules shall align with existing federal and local programs to maximize potential for matching funds. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

NOTICES-ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION

Amends the Notice By Publication Act. Provides that whenever a municipality is required to provide notice by publication in a newspaper by law, order of court, or contract, the municipality may publish the notice on an official municipal website instead of in a newspaper if the notice published on the official municipal website is also published electronically on a searchable online database website and that website provides independent certification of the publication. Provides conditions concerning the availability and format of the searchable online database website. Repeals a Section concerning the placement of published notices on a statewide website and makes corresponding changes throughout the Act and in the Newspaper Legal Notice Act. Effective immediately.

La Shawn K. Ford

FINANCE-CAPITAL DEV LOAN FUND

Amends the State Finance Act. Removes provisions repealing the Capital Development Board Revolving Fund. Effective immediately.

Rita Mayfield

ELEC CD-FOREIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Amends the Election Code. Provides that a foreign-influenced business entity shall not make a contribution or donation to any person or entity with the express or implied condition that the contribution or donation, or any part of the contribution or donation be used for specified political purposes. Sets forth certification requirements. Provides that the provision shall be construed to establish liability on the part of any candidate, political committee, or other recipient of certification. Provides for enforcement of the provision. Defines terms. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amy Briel

ILETS BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that one member of the Office of the Sheriff of Cook County shall take the place of the Sheriff of Cook County on the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

Brad Stephens

FLOOD RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM

Creates the Predisaster Flood Resilience Grant Program Act. Provides for the creation and administration of a Predisaster Flood Resilience Grant Program for for the purpose of identifying flood vulnerabilities, identifying options to improve flood resiliency, and restoring hydrology in order to reduce flood risk and damages in flood-prone communities. Sets forth requirements for assessment grants and implementation grants. Provides for eligibility requirements and grant recipient requirements. Provides for powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Defines terms.

Sonya M. Harper

CANNABIS-DELIVERY LICENSES

Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue cannabis delivery organization licenses. Contains provisions regarding applications for cannabis delivery organization licenses. Requires the Department to develop a system to score applications for cannabis delivery licenses. Provides that applicants must qualify as social equity applicants in order to be awarded a cannabis delivery organization license. Requires applicants to pay a $500 application fee and a prorated fee of $500 prior to receiving a license, to be deposited into the Cannabis Regulation Fund. Contains requirements and prohibitions for cannabis delivery organizations. Provides that cannabis delivery organizations may obtain cannabis products from any cannabis business organization licensed in the State. Contains requirements for the issuance of cannabis delivery agent identification cards. Requires the Department to conduct a background check through the Illinois State Police of certain officers, board members, and agents of cannabis delivery organizations. Contains provisions regarding the renewal of cannabis delivery organization licenses and agent identification cards. Contains other provisions.

Sonya M. Harper

COSMETOLOGY PRODUCTS HEALTH

Creates the Illinois Health and Safety in Cosmetology and Barbering Products Disclosure Act. Requires the posting of health risk information and the provision of a pamphlet, with specific requirements. Requires the Department of Public Health to develop a posted notice and pamphlet that comply with the Act and make them available for download. Provides that the Department is responsible for monitoring compliance and making inspections. Denotes a petty offense as a penalty for violation. Exempts individuals or businesses who do not sell or use chemical products. Defines terms.

$DHS-HOME MODIFICATIONS

Appropriates $7,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the purpose of making a grant to the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living to administer and implement the Home Modification Program. Effective July 1, 2025.

Maurice A. West, II

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

Amends the Department of Employment Security Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Camille Y. Lilly

PUBLIC CONTRACT-AG TITLE

Amends the Public Contract Fraud Act. Provides that, if the Attorney General fails to approve or disapprove the title within 45 days of submittal, the title shall be deemed approved by the Attorney General.

Jay Hoffman

INTERNET GAMING ACT

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

Edgar González, Jr.

SCH CD-OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

Amends the School Code. Creates the Out-of-School Time (OST) Advisory Council for the purpose of providing information and advice to the Governor and State agencies regarding State and federal policy and funding issues affecting out of school time programs. Sets forth membership, co-chairperson's and meetings. Provides that the OST Advisory Council shall: (1) provide information on the status of funding provided for OST programs in each fiscal year; (2) provide recommendations on legislative and administrative action needed to ensure that funding for before and after school programs is allocated promptly to qualified providers of OST programs; (3) provide information on the quality of services and accountability measures that are appropriate for school-age children and youth; (4) provide information regarding challenges faced by OST programs that impede the provision of the best possible services; (5) provide recommendations on the equitable reach of OST programs to ensure that the State has policies in place that promote access to the children and youth most in need of services; (6) make recommendations to the Governor and State agencies on reporting requirements, priority points, statewide evaluation, and licensure for OST programs; and (7) create and deliver to the Governor and General Assembly an annual report on statewide successes in OST and areas of growth for the future. Effective July 1, 2025.

$ISBE-COMMUNITY LEARN CENTERS

Appropriates $50,000,000 to the State Board of Education for the purpose of providing grants for community learning centers to support afterschool programs and community schools. Effective July 1, 2025.

Aarón M. Ortíz

TRUST ACT-SCHOOLS

Amends the Illinois TRUST Act. Adds schools and school employees to provisions regarding law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials. Defines "school".

Aarón M. Ortíz

PENCD-DNST FIRE-RECIPROCAL ACT

Amends the Downstate Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Firefighter Article, but only with respect to a person who, on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, is entitled under the Downstate Firefighter Article to begin receiving a retirement annuity or survivor's annuity and who elects to proceed under the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.

Aarón M. Ortíz

GROCERY INITIATIVE-OWNER

Amends the Grocery Initiative Act. Defines "independently owned" and "local ownership".

Aarón M. Ortíz

VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Amends the Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Veteran Service Organizations Equal Act. Provides that a veteran service organization shall be considered to have veteran service organization status (rather than shall be considered state chartered) when the organization meets all of the requirements listed in the Act and the organization's application for veteran service organization status (rather than state charter status) has been approved by the Attorney General. Makes corresponding changes throughout the Act. Provides that the Attorney General shall grant veteran service organization status (rather than state charter status) to any organization that has demonstrated that all requirements for obtaining veteran service organization status have been met. Requires a veteran service organization to have annual expenditures that demonstrate that 20% (rather than a majority) of the organization's expenses reflect support for veterans in order to qualify for veteran service organization status. Requires an application for veteran service organization status to include a statement from the organization's Commander, President, or chief executive officer (rather than all officers of the organization) attesting that all requirements for a veteran service organization status have been met. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any person proving veteran or military benefits services to: (i) receive compensation for referring any individual to another person to advise or assist the individual with any veterans' benefits matter; (ii) guarantee, either directly or by implication, a successful outcome or that any individual is certain to receive specific veterans' benefits; (iii) utilize international call centers or data centers for processing veterans' personal information; and (iv) other matters.

Lisa Davis

EXTENDED RESIDENTIAL DD SRVCES

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Human Services to adopt rules that permit a licensed child care institution or group home that provides residential developmental disability services to youth under the age of 22 to request an age waiver to allow such youth to continue to receive residential developmental disability services at the facility beyond their 22nd birthday. Requires the rules to include waiver application requirements, waiver renewals, and criteria a youth must meet to qualify for extended residential developmental disability services. Provides that a licensed child care institution or group home that receives Department approval of its waiver application shall not be issued any notice of violation or citation for providing extended residential developmental disability services to a youth within the terms of the approved waiver application. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities to ensure that the rates determined for extended residential developmental disability services authorized under an approved age waiver are on parity with the rates determined for residential developmental disability services provided to youth under the age of 22. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to reduce the level or type of services and supports provided to a youth beyond their 22nd birthday under an approved age waiver application.

Anna Moeller

DHFS-DHS-DIRECT SUPPORT WAGE

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

Maurice A. West, II