Bills & Legislation

SPARKLER EXCISE TAX ACT

Creates the Ground-Based Sparkler Purchaser Excise Tax Act. Imposes a tax, beginning July 1, 2025, upon purchasers for the privilege of using ground-based sparklers and not for the purpose of resale at the rate of 6% of the purchase price of ground-based sparklers. Prohibits certain retail combinations or bundles. Requires every retailer required to collect the tax to apply to the Department of Revenue for a certificate of registration. Provides that any retailer required to collect the tax shall be liable to the Department for the tax, whether the tax has been collected, and any such tax shall constitute a debt to the State. Provides for the making of returns. Provides that from the revenue collected, the Department shall pay 25% into the Fireman's Annuity and Benefit Fund, 25% into the Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund, and 50% into the General Revenue Fund. Provides for recordkeeping requirements. Establishes penalties for violations of the Act. Provides that the Department shall have full power to administer and enforce the Act. Allows for the arrest of any person who violates the Act, the search of any place of business to inspect all ground-based sparklers, and the seizure of any ground based-sparklers without a warrant. Sets forth hearing requirements after seizure. Allows the Department to adopt rules. Amends the Fireworks Regulation Act of Illinois. Allows a municipality to prohibit the sale and use of ground-based sparklers on public property. Prohibits ground-based sparklers from being sold to a person under the age of 18 years. Amends the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Prohibits ground-based sparklers from being sold to a person under the age of 18 years. Effective July 1, 2025.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

NONOPIOID ALTERNATIVES ACT

Creates the Nonopioid Alternatives for Pain Act. Allows the Department of Public Health to develop and publish on its website a nonopioid alternatives pamphlet, with certain requirements. Prohibits a health insurance issuer to deny coverage of a nonopioid prescription drug in favor of an opioid prescription drug. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that coverage shall not be denied for a nonopioid prescription drug in favor of an opioid prescription drug. Requires that nonopioid drugs preferred on a specific list for the treatment or management of pain shall not be disadvantaged or discouraged with respect to coverage relative to any opioid or narcotic drug for the treatment or management of pain. Effective July 1, 2027.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat

PENCD-CHI POLICE-BOARD MEMBERS

Amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a board of 9 (instead of 8) members shall constitute a board of trustees of the fund. Provides that the board shall consist of 4 persons appointed by the mayor of the city; 4 (instead of 3) policemen employed by the city, at least one of whom shall be a lieutenant (instead of a lieutenant or of a rank superior to lieutenant), one of whom shall be of the rank of sergeant, and 2 (instead of one) of whom shall be of the rank of investigator or a rank inferior to that rank; and one annuitant of the fund. Provides that any newly created elected position on the board shall be filled in the same manner as provided for vacant positions.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

PEN CD-CHI POLICE&FIRE-TIER 2

Amends the Chicago Police and Chicago Firefighter Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the Tier 2 monthly retirement annuity shall be increased on the January 1 occurring either on or after (i) the attainment of age 55 (instead of age 60) or (ii) the first anniversary of the annuity start date, whichever is later. Provides that each annual increase shall be calculated at 3% (instead of 3% or one-half the annual unadjusted percentage increase in the consumer price index-u, whichever is less) of the originally granted retirement annuity. In a provision specifying an annuity reduction factor for each year a retiring Tier 2 policeman or fireman is under the age of 55, provides that the retirement annuity of a policeman or fireman who is retiring after attaining age 50 with 20 or more years of service shall not be reduced. Makes a conforming change. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

PEN CD-POLICE & FIRE-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a Tier 2 investigator for the Department of the Lottery is entitled to an annuity under the alternative retirement annuity provisions only if the person has withdrawn from service with not less than 20 years of eligible creditable service and has attained age 55. Authorizes an investigator for the Department of the Lottery to establish eligible creditable service under the alternative retirement annuity provisions. Provides that a specified educational requirement for persons employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice shall no longer determine eligibility to earn eligible creditable service under the alternative retirement annuity provisions and authorizes the conversion of service credit to eligible creditable service. Establishes a deferred retirement option plan for certain police officers, firefighters, sheriff's law enforcement employees, and deputy sheriffs in the Cook County Police Department who are otherwise eligible to retire under which a participant may continue in active service for up to 5 years while having his or her retirement pension paid into a special account. Provides that the election to participate in the deferred retirement option plan must be made before January 1, 2030. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, and Chicago Firefighter Articles. In the Chicago Teacher Article of the Code, makes changes to how days of validated service are computed. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Makes other changes.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

MEDICAID-NURSING FACILTY RATES

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval, beginning on January 1, 2026, the reimbursement rates for the support component of the nursing facility rate for facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act as skilled or intermediate care facilities and for facilities licensed under the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013 shall be the rate in effect on June 30, 2024 increased by the percent change in the Consumer Price Index-U from September 2016 to September 2025. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

LIQUOR-DELIVERY TO RETAILER

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that a distributor of wine or spirits shall deliver to any retailer within any geographic area in which that distributor has been granted by a wholesaler the right to sell its trademark, brand, or name at least once every 2 weeks if the retailer agrees to purchase at least $200 of wine or spirits from the distributor every 2 weeks. Removes language setting forth a $50 minimum purchase of wine or spirits for a retailer located in a county with a population of less than 3,000,000 that is not adjacent to a county with a population of at least 3,000,000 inhabitants. Makes a conforming change.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

LIQUOR-COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates a cooperative agent license. Provides that a cooperative agent license shall allow the holder to act on behalf of a cooperative purchase group. Establishes a fee for licensure as a cooperative agent. Provides that a licensee with a combined on-premises and off-premises license may make purchases for on-premises use only through an on-premises cooperative purchase group and may make purchases for off-premises use only through an off-premises cooperative purchase group. Provides that cooperative purchase groups, cooperative agents, and the cooperative agents' owners, officers, principals, employees, and their spouse may not: (1) receive cash or anything of value from a retail licensee, importing distributor, distributor, non-resident dealer, or manufacturer as part of a cooperative purchasing agreement; (2) be employed by, consult for, or have an ownership interest in any business or enterprise that provides marketing services or activities on behalf of manufacturers, non-resident dealers, foreign importers, importing distributors, or distributors; or (3) accept things of value from, or provide marketing services or activities on behalf of, manufacturers, non-resident dealers, foreign importers, importing distributors, and distributors. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that it is the duty of every cooperative agent and cooperative purchase group to make books and records available upon reasonable notice for the purpose of investigation and control by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission or any local liquor commission having jurisdiction over a licensee member of a cooperative purchase group. Makes changes concerning the surety bond a cooperative purchase group is required to retain. Changes references from "cooperative purchasing group" to "cooperative purchase group" to conform to the defined term.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

DOMESTIC FRANCHISE TAX-REPEAL

Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Provides that, on or after January 1, 2026 and prior to January 1, 2027, the first $100,000 in liability is exempt from the franchise tax payable by domestic corporations. Provides that, in the case of a domestic corporation, no payment is required for a franchise tax that would have been due and payable on or after January 1, 2027. Repeals the provision concerning franchise taxes payable by domestic corporations on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

FUEL RECOVERY FEE PROHIBITION

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not authorize any charges based upon changes in the cost of fuel. Removes provisions concerning the Commission's ability to authorize the increase or decrease of a public utility's rates and charges based upon changes in the cost of fuel used in the generation or production of electric power, changes in the cost of purchased power, or changes in the cost of purchased gas through the application of fuel adjustment clauses or purchased gas adjustment clauses and based upon expenditures or revenues resulting from the purchase or sale of emission allowances through such fuel adjustment clauses as a cost of fuel. Removes provisions concerning a public utility's ability to, at any time during the mandatory transition period, file with the Commission proposed tariff sheets that establish the rate of the provided utility to be applied pursuant to the public utility's fuel adjustment clause at the average value for such rate during the preceding 24 months, provided that such average rate results in a credit to customers' bills, without making any revisions to the public utility's base rate tariffs.

Amy ElikRepublican

TAX-SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, for the purposes of those Acts, a corporation, limited liability company, society, association, foundation, or institution organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes shall include nonprofit corporations that solely conduct extracurricular activities on behalf of tax-supported public schools.

Amy ElikRepublican

ESTATE TAX-PHASE OUT

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Provides that the amount of the taxes imposed under the Act shall be reduced in each year by 20%. Provides that no tax shall be imposed under the Act for persons dying on or after January 1, 2030 or for transfers occurring on or after January 1, 2030. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2031. Effective immediately.

Joe C. SosnowskiRepublican

BIPA-ACTION APPLICABILITY

Amends the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Provides that the changes made by Public Act 103-769 apply to pending actions as of August 2, 2024, and any actions commenced and complaints filed on or after August 2, 2024. Effective immediately.

Jeff KeicherRepublican

DNR-MINE WORKINGS MAP PORTAL

Amends the Fluorspar Mines Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall, no later than July 1, 2026, create and maintain an online underground mine workings portal. Provides that the portal shall be accessible to the general public without a fee. Provides that the portal shall allow access to all maps filed with the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the portal to allow a user to locate underground mine workings maps by searching for a street address.

Amy ElikRepublican

PEN CD-IMRF-SLEP DISABILITY

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning eligibility for total and permanent disability benefits, provides that if the participating employee was a sheriff's law enforcement employee at the time disability was incurred, the participating employee shall be deemed to have engaged in gainful activity only if that participating employee is employed as a sheriff's law enforcement employee or in a substantially similar capacity. Provides that the amount of the monthly total and permanent disability benefit shall be 100% of the final rate of earnings on the date disability was incurred if the participating employee was a sheriff's law enforcement employee at the time disability was incurred. Provides that a person who was a sheriff's law enforcement employee at the time disability was incurred may receive earnings from a participating municipality or participating instrumentality if that person is not employed as a sheriff's law enforcement employee because of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or be of a long continued and indefinite duration. Provides that such a person must report to the Fund, in a form and manner prescribed by the Fund, the amount of earnings received for that employment, and the amount of the disability benefits to which that person is entitled shall be reduced by the amount of earnings received for that employment. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amy ElikRepublican

MEDICAID-THERAPAUTIC RECREATON

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to submit the necessary application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the State's home and community-based services waiver programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities to provide coverage under the Home-Based Services Program for any therapeutic recreation programs offered by park districts, health clubs, and community colleges.

Charles MeierRepublican

FILM TX CREDIT-SPENDING

Amends the Film Production Services Tax Credit Act of 2008. Provides that accredited productions shall be considered Category 1 productions or Category 2 productions. Provides that a Category 1 production is an accredited production that meets the following criteria: (1) at least 75% of all principal filming or taping days of the accredited production that occur at any soundstage facility within or without Illinois occur at a qualified production facility; and (2) at least 20% of the total expenditures for the accredited production are for (i) tangible property that will be used at a qualified production facility or for the use of the qualified production facility; (ii) the performance of services at a qualified production facility; or (iii) any combination of (i) and (ii). Makes changes concerning the amount of the credit. Makes changes concerning the number of nonresident employees whose wages may be considered Illinois labor expenditures. Makes changes concerning the definition of "qualified production facility". Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make changes concerning withholdings for loan out company employees. Effective immediately.

Margaret CrokeDemocrat

MEDICAID-TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health, recommended screening guidelines for tardive dyskinesia for providers serving patients prescribed antipsychotic medications under the medical assistance program in State-operated residential facilities and community-based settings. Provides that the recommended screening guidelines shall be based on current, nationally accepted, evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and treatment of tardive dyskinesia, and shall include structured assessment tools, which can be both quantitative and qualitative. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, to develop communication strategies and educational materials to be offered to health care providers regarding tardive dyskinesia, the recommended screening guidelines, and any subsequent revisions. Provides that in developing the information to be disseminated, the Departments of Healthcare and Family Services, Human Services, and Public Health shall consult with a statewide association representing physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches and a statewide association representing psychiatrists.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

EDGE-PHARMACY

Amends the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Act. Provides that certain taxpayers that are primarily engaged in the business of pharmacy, health, and wellness may elect to claim the Credit under the Act against their obligation to pay over withholding taxes under the Illinois Income Tax Act.

Margaret CrokeDemocrat

$DCEO-ROUTE 66

Appropriates the sum of $4,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to certified convention bureaus for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, of which not more than $500,000 shall be used for marketing expenses. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for expenses relating to the Route 66 Centennial Celebration in accordance with the plan developed by the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission. Effective July 1, 2025.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

US & ILLINOIS FLAGS ONLY

Amends the Flag Display Act. Prohibits State institutions, including public school buildings, from displaying any flags other than the national flag of the United States or the flag of the State of Illinois.

Chris MillerRepublican

GAMING-SPORTS WAGERING LICENSE

Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Provides that applicants for a master sports wagering license shall pay an application fee of $250,000 and a license fee of $15,000,000. Removes provisions concerning the number of master sports wagering licenses to online sports wagering operators and public notice requirements. Provides that a master sports wagering licensee may conduct sports wagering over the Internet or through a mobile application. Removes provisions concerning eligibility requirements for a master sports wagering license, the duty of disclosure for an applicant, and outreach requirements for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Gaming Board. Makes a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

VID GM&CRIM CD-GAMBLING DEVICE

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "gambling device" to include any vending or other electronic machine or device, including, without limitation, a machine or device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits that offers a person entry into any contest, competition, sweepstakes, scheme, plan, or other selection process that involves or is dependent upon an element of chance for which the person may receive a gift, award, or other item or service of value if that offer is incidental to or results from: (A) the purchase of an item or service of value; or (B) the purchase or gratuitous receipt of a coupon, voucher, certificate, or other similar credit that can be redeemed for or applied towards an item or service of value from such machine or device or elsewhere. Provides that participants in a game of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate shall not be convicted of gambling except where participation in such game of skill or chance is accomplished using a gambling device prohibited by these changes to the definition. Provides that a gambling offense involving such a gambling device is a Class 4 felony. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Removes a provision allowing for the use of a game device without a license if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

RACING BD/GAMING BD EMPLOYEES

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Removes language providing that no employee of the Illinois Racing Board, within a period of one year immediately preceding employment, shall have been employed or received compensation or fees for services from a person or entity, or its parent or affiliate, that has engaged in business with the Board, a licensee, or a licensee under the Illinois Gambling Act. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Removes language providing that no employee of the Illinois Gaming Board, within a period of one year immediately preceding employment, shall have been employed or received compensation or fees for services from a person or entity, or its parent or affiliate, that has engaged in business with the Board, a licensee, or a licensee under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

FOIA-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, as used in the Act, the term "commercial purpose" means, among other things, the use of any part of a public record or records, or information derived from public records, in any form for any use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made.

Martha DeuterDemocrat

FOIA-RESPONSE PERIODS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that each public body shall, promptly, either comply with or deny a request for public records within 15 business days (rather than 5 business days) after its receipt of the request, unless extended for an additional 10 business days (rather than 5 business days) for specified reasons. Provides that commercial requests must be responded to within 30 business days (rather than 21 working days).

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

FOIA-PUBLIC INFORMATION

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides the each public body shall post a brief description of itself and other specified information on its website (rather than at each of its administrative or regional offices). Provides that, if a public body does not maintain a website, it shall also post that information at each of its administrative or regional offices.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

FOIA-CLOSED MTG MINUTES

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, if the denial of a request includes a request for minutes or a verbatim record of a meeting of the public body closed to the public as provided in the Open Meetings Act that have not been previously made available for public inspection, suit may be filed under a specified provision only after a 60-day period following (i) the receipt of the request by the public body or (ii) the issuance of a binding or non-binding opinion from the Public Access Counselor, whichever is later, to allow for review of the requested records as provided under the Open Meetings Act.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

FOIA-EMPLOYEE LIABILITY

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a public body and any officer or employee of a public body (rather than only a public body) that discloses records in accordance with an opinion of the Attorney General is immune from all liabilities by reason thereof and shall not be liable for penalties under the Act.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

OPEN MTGS-ATTENDANCE

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Allows attendance by a means other than physical presence under certain circumstances if a member of a public body is prevented from physically attending because of any reason designated in rules adopted by the public body in accordance with certain provisions in the Act.

Terra Costa HowardDemocrat

FOIA-RECURRENT REQUESTERS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Reduces the number of record requests that must be made for a person to be considered a recurrent requester under the Act. Provides that public bodies must respond to requests from recurrent requesters with 30 (rather than 21) days after receipt of a request. Specifies that notice that requests are being treated as recurrent requests must be provided only once every 30 days. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for persons designated as recurrent requesters to knowingly obtain a public record without disclosing their status as recurrent requesters.

Martha DeuterDemocrat

FOIA-FEES AND COSTS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. In provisions regarding the authority to charge fees and the imposition of a fee for a voluminous request, removes requirements for an accounting of all personnel hours in connection with the request for public records.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

STATE'S ATTORNEY-INVESTIGATOR

Amends the Counties Code. Removes a provision limiting a special investigator appointed by a State's Attorney to carrying a firearm only in the performance of the special investigator's assigned duties (currently, a special investigator shall not carry firearms except with permission of the State's Attorney and only while carrying appropriate identification indicating the special investigator's employment and in the performance of the special investigator's assigned duties).

Terra Costa HowardDemocrat

OPEN MTGS-NOTICE OF CHANGES

Amends the Open Meetings Act. In provisions regarding notice of changes to regular meeting dates, deletes requirements for publication in a newspaper or, in certain cases, posting in at least 3 prominent places within the governmental unit. Adds a requirement that notice of changes to regular meeting dates shall also be posted on the website of the public body.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION

Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985. Provides that a commission may not receive more than $10,000 per year in compensation (currently a commission may not receive more than $10,000 per year in compensation except that no commissioner who is a member of the governing board or an officer or employee of the county or any unit of local government within the county may receive any compensation for serving as a commissioner). Allows a commission to use alternate project delivery methods, establish goals or requirements for the procurement of goods and services and for construction contracts, and accept assignment of municipal waterworks system contracts or other public improvement contracts. Gives commissions the authority to enter into design-build contracts and use a design-build delivery system. Includes definitions and requirements for the design-build delivery system. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a water commission may construct water transmission and distribution lines within a radius of 50 miles (rather than 25 miles) outside the corporate limits of member municipalities for the purpose of furnishing water to any additional entities which contract with the commission for a supply of water.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

SUBSTITUTION OF GAL-DIS ADULT

Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Authorizes a petitioner, cross-petitioner, or respondent to request a one-time substitution of a guardian ad litem that must be granted if the motion to do so was made at any time before the guardian ad litem files an appearance or at the first court appearance, whichever is later.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

OFFSITE VITAL RECORDS STORAGE

Amends the Vital Records Act. Provides that an elected registrar with control of the internal operations of the registrar's office may contract with a records preservation company for offsite restoration, preservation, and digitization of original, photographic, or microphotographic reproductions of original records of births 100 years old and older and deaths 50 years old and older, and marriage records 75 years old and older, if the company provides the elected official the protocols used to protect the records and ensure chain of custody before the elected registrar enters into the contract, and the elected registrar affirms the that the protocols used to protect the records and ensure chain of custody meet the standards set forth by the elected official.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

TELEHEALTH-TREAT UNI STUDENT

Amends the Telehealth Act. Provides that an out-of-state health care professional may treat a patient located in this State through telehealth if the patient is a student attending an institution of higher education in this State, but is otherwise not a resident of the State when not attending the institution of higher education.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat

PROP TX-PTELL NEW RATE

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that a levy authorized for contributions to a Firefighters' Pension Fund for a municipality with a population of 500,000 or less is not considered a new rate. Effective immediately.

Matt HansonDemocrat

INC TX-INCREASE LGDF

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, the Department of Revenue shall deposit 10% of the net revenue realized from the income taxes imposed under the Act directly into the Local Government Distributive Fund as that revenue is realized. Effective immediately.

Matt HansonDemocrat

MHDD-CILA HOME MODIFICATIONS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that, for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are receiving Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) residential services under the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, beginning July 1, 2025, the Department of Human Services shall increase CILA site modification reimbursement maximums as follows: (i) a $10,000 maximum for rented locations with a lease of less than 5 years; (ii) a $15,000 maximum for new construction; and (iii) a $30,000 maximum for existing structures that are owned by the CILA recipient or the CILA agency or have a long-term lease of 5 years or more with a renewal at the end of the lease. Provides that implementation of the increases is contingent upon federal approval, if required. Requires the Department to adopt rules, including emergency rules as authorized under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

TAX-REMOTE RETAILER PROGRAM

Amends the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Creates the Remote Retailer Amnesty Program. Requires the Department of Revenue to establish the Remote Retailer Amnesty Program for remote retailers owing State and local retailers' occupation taxes that are administered by the Department. Provides that the Program shall operate for a period from August 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026. Provides that the Program shall include a simplified retailers' occupation tax rate designed to allow a remote retailer who participates in the Program to report and remit at the authorized simplified retailers' occupation tax rate in lieu of the retailers' occupation tax rate otherwise due on sales made to Illinois customers. Provides that, upon payment by a remote retailer of all taxes due from that remote retailer using the simplified retailers' occupation tax rate for the eligible period, the Department shall abate and not seek to collect any interest or penalties that may be applicable, and the Department shall not seek civil or criminal prosecution against the remote retailer for the period of time for which amnesty has been granted to the taxpayer. Creates conditions for the provision of amnesty and remittance of local retailers' occupation tax under the Program. Provides conditions for the depositing of the net revenue realized under the Program. Provides that the Department shall have exclusive responsibility for reviewing and accepting applications for participation in the Program, as well as reviewing the eligibility of participants in the Program. Effective immediately.

Curtis J. Tarver, IIDemocrat

SCH-MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM

Creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alyssa's Law. Requires, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting diverse emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. Requires, for the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education to issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system that may be used by each school district. Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2026.

Nabeela SyedDemocrat

ELEC CD-RECIEVE MAIL BALLOTS

Amends the Election Code. Provides that ballots must be received by the election authority before the closing of the polls on election day (rather than returned to the election authority postmarked no later than election day). Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES-FENTANYL

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that in addition to any other penalties provided by law, a person knowingly and unlawfully selling or dispensing any scheduled drug containing a detectable amount of fentanyl is guilty of a Class X felony and shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 9 years and not more than 40 years or fined not more than $250,000, or both. Provides that it is a Class 1 felony for which a fine not to exceed $100,000 may be imposed for any person to knowingly use an electronic communication device in the furtherance of controlled substance trafficking involving a substance containing any amount of fentanyl. Provides that this penalty shall be in addition to any other penalties imposed by law. Provides that in addition to any other penalties imposed, not less than 6 years and not more than 30 years shall be imposed with respect to any amount of carfentanil or fentanyl, or any analog thereof, in excess of 150 milligrams that is stored or transmitted as a powder, blotter paper, tablet, patch, or spray. Provides that in addition to any other penalties imposed, with respect to fentanyl, or an analog thereof, an additional sentence of 5 years shall be imposed if the fentanyl or analog thereof is in a form that resembles, or was mixed, granulated, absorbed, adsorbed, spray-dried, aerosolized as or onto, coated on in whole or in part, or solubilized with or into, a product, where the product or its packaging further has at least one of the following attributes: (1) a resemblance to the trade dress of a consumer food product, branded food product, or logo food product, or incorporates an actual or satirical version of a registered trademark, service mark, or copyright; (2) a bright color or coloring scheme; (3) the appearance of a cereal, candy, vitamin, gummy, or chewable product such as a gum or gelatin-based product; (4) a cartoon character imprint; or (5) incorporation into a separate product or package approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or approved by a regulatory agency for food or drug products in another country, if the addition of fentanyl, carfentanil, or any analog thereof, would render the approved product an adulterated product under the standards of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any law of this State or administrative rule. Defines "electronic communication device".

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

INS CD-COST SHARING RESTRICT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In a provision requiring policies of group accident and health insurance to provide coverage for certain examination and testing services provided to a victim of specified criminal offenses, prohibits the policy from imposing a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage provided, except to the extent that the coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account under the Internal Revenue Code. Effective January 1, 2026.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

STEM OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall establish, implement, and administer a STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program, using funds appropriated from the STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program Fund, for the purpose of offering scholarships to young women pursuing degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at public universities in this State. Sets forth provisions concerning eligibility, preference and priority, the assistance awarded, funding, and rulemaking. Creates the STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Makes a corresponding change in the State Finance Act.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

VIDEO GAMING LOCATION ADS

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that a licensee under the Act may not advertise its video gaming operation using physical advertisements outside the video gaming location or on off-premises billboard signs unless the advertisement is directly and permanently affixed to a building on the video gaming location or on a permanent pole sign that is permanently affixed to a foundation. Provides that provisions regarding restrictions on advertising do not apply in the first 90 days after a video gaming location is issued a license.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

PAID LEAVE FOR ALL-BOATS

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include an employee who is engaged in the operation of a vessel that is documented by the United States under a specified federal law. Effective immediately.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

PROP TX-VETERANS W/ DISABILITY

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, provides that: (1) if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 30% or more but less than 50%, then the annual exemption is 30% of the assessed value of the property; (2) if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% or more but less than 70%, then the annual exemption is 50% of the assessed value of the property; and (3) if the veteran has a service-connected disability of 70% or more, then the property is exempt from taxation. Effective immediately.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat