Bills & Legislation

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Theresa Mah

SCH CD-MENTAL HEALTH ED REQ

Amends the School Code. Requires each school district that offers one or more courses in health education to pupils in middle school or high school to include in those courses instruction in mental health. Sets forth the required instruction topics and materials. Provides that a pupil receiving instruction under in mental health shall not be required to disclose the pupil's confidential health or mental health information at any time in the course of receiving the instruction.

Laura Faver Dias

METRO & REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTH

Creates the Road Usage Charge Act. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to guide the development and evaluation of the road usage charge pilot program and to assess the potential for mileage-based revenue as an alternative to the current system of taxing highway use through motor fuel taxes. Sets forth the membership and duties of the committee. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and based on the recommendations of the Committee, to implement a statewide pilot program by January 1, 2026 to assess a user fee on owners of motor vehicles that is based on the number of miles traveled on public roadways in this State by those vehicles. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on and after February 1, 2026, the Chicago Transit Board shall have 8 members (currently 7 members). Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes by Directors required to issue bonds. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Annual Budget and 2-Year Financial Plan must show that the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from fares and charges for mass transportation provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards received in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 shall equal at least 25%, and in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 and every year thereafter at least 15%, of the aggregate cost of providing such public transportation in those fiscal years. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority shall be the sole agency responsible for the management and oversight of the fare collection systems used on all public transportation provided by the Service Boards. Makes changes to the membership of the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board. Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes required by the Directors of the Authority to approve decisions regarding the strategic plan, coordination of fares and service, appointment of officers and employees, paratransit services, powers of the Commuter Rail Board, labor, budget, taxes, distribution of revenues, issuing and pledging bonds and notes, budget review powers, the annual capital improvement plan, and rate protection contracts. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

SCH CD-CELL PHONE RESTRICTIONS

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall establish appropriate rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student, including rules that restrict the use of cellular radio telecommunication devices during instructional time (instead of providing that the school board may establish appropriate rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student). Provides that a school board may create exceptions to these rules, including exceptions for school-based emergencies, individual student and family emergencies, and individualized education program and federal Section 504 plan accommodations and to allow for teacher discretion.

Tracy Katz Muhl

CRIM CD-LOST FIREARMS

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that, if a firearm that has been lost or stolen is found by a law enforcement officer, whether or not the firearm has been reported by its previous possessor as lost or stolen to the local law enforcement agency within the time period required by this provision, the law enforcement agency, upon the identification of the previous possessor of the firearm, shall issue a citation for which a penalty shall be set at $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second offense. Provides that, if the offender fails to pay the fine, the offender forfeits the lost or stolen firearm and the offender's Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license, if any have been issued to the offender, are revoked. Provides that after 3 lost or stolen firearms, the court shall revoke the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license if issued to the person. Provides that any person whose Firearm Owner's Identification Card or concealed carry license is revoked as a result of this provision shall surrender all the person's firearms, the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card, and the person's concealed carry license to the local law enforcement agency. Allows mitigating circumstances to be considered when imposing penalties.

Tracy Katz Muhl

TRANSFER REFORM-VARIOUS

Amends Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Defines "transfer articulation agreement". Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Provides that a State university shall (rather than the General Assembly encourages State universities) to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits toward a baccalaureate degree. Provides that a State university shall enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the community college district to provide a seamless pathway for transfer. Provides that if, within 180 calendar days of the community college's initial request to enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the State university, the community college and State university do not reach agreement on the transfer articulation agreement, then the community college and State university shall jointly implement the provisions of the Model Transfer Articulation Agreement. Provides that a Model Transfer Articulation Agreement shall be developed through a Transfer Articulation Committee by December 31, 2025. Requires each community college and State university to publish the institution's process and timeline for reviewing and making decisions regarding transfer credit requests on the institution's website. Removes language regarding the Board of Higher Education's reviews and reports. Provides instead that, by May 1, 2026, and May 1 of each subsequent year, each State university shall report to the Board of Higher Education specified information. Effective immediately.

Terra Costa Howard

DA BEARS STADIUM OVERSIGHT ACT

Creates the Balanced Earnings And Record Standards (BEARS) and Stadium Oversight and Expectations Act. Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Defines terms. Provides that, to be eligible for public financing, a professional sports team must have achieved a 0.500 record in at least 3 out of the last 5 regular seasons. Provides that the eligibility requirement applies to all requests for public financing related to: (1) stadium construction; (2) stadium renovation; and (3) stadium maintenance. Provides that teams that have been in existence for fewer than 5 years are exempt from the eligibility requirement but must demonstrate competitive performance by achieving a 0.500 or above record in at least 2 out of the team's first 5 seasons before applying for additional public financing. Provides that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority shall issue a public report confirming the team's eligibility before any consideration of public financing by the State or a unit of local government. Provides that, prior to any public hearing on a proposal for public financing, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority shall publish a report detailing: (1) the team's performance record over the last 5 seasons; (2) the total amount of public financing requested; and (3) the projected economic impact of the proposed financing on the local community. Requires the report to be made publicly available on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority website at least 30 days prior to the public hearing. Provides that any team found to have intentionally misrepresented its performance record or eligibility criteria shall be subject to: (1) a fine of up to $500,000; and (2) a ban on applying for public financing for a period of 5 years. Allows the Attorney General to pursue legal action to enforce the penalties. Includes a severability clause. Effective immediately.

Bob Morgan

OMA-POLICE OFFICERS PENSION

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that requirements that a quorum be physically present at the location of an open meeting shall not apply to committees of the Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund.

Michael J. Kelly

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TESTING

Creates the Illinois Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program Act. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall lead the Illinois Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program to promote the development, testing, and deployment of CAV technologies and related infrastructure and data needs with the State. Requires the Department to create a registration system with the State for entities wishing to conduct safe pilots or tests of CAVs. Provides that a participating entity in the Program shall maintain compliance with specific requirements. Provides that the Department shall make the notification form for testing entities available on the Program's website. Provides that the Department shall assist in the identification of appropriate communities to conduct testing. Authorizes the Department to suspend an entity's participation in the Program if there is clear evidence that the technology used by a particular vehicle or tested by a particular entity is unsafe for testing on public roads or violates the requirements of the Program. Provides that the Department shall submit to the Governor and General Assembly a report on the status of the Program on or before every December 31 and June 30. Effective January 1, 2026.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

SCH CD-NO CELL PHONE IN SCHOOL

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to prohibit a student from using a cellular telephone in a school or on school property. Provides that the restriction shall not apply during lunch, recess, passing periods, or emergency situations. Repeals provisions allowing a school board to establish rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT-PROCEDURES

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Changes the procedure for charges alleging a violation of the Act in employment, financial credit, public accommodations, education, and other civil rights violation. Tolls the 2-year statute of limitation for filing a charge with the Department of Human Rights or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if extended by an enforceable tolling or standstill agreement between the parties. Changes the procedure and time periods for an aggrieved party to respond to review the EEOC's determination of a charge or a pending motion to reconsider the determination. Provides that if the aggrieved party files a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commences a civil action, the aggrieved party shall notify the Department that a complaint has been filed and serve a copy of the complaint on the Department on the same date that the complaint is filed with the Commission or in circuit court. Repeals the requirement that the aggrieved party notify the Department that a civil action has been filed by serving a copy of the complaint on the chief legal counsel of the Department within 21 days from the date that the complaint in court. Provides that if the aggrieved party files a complaint with the Commission, the aggrieved party may not commence a civil action later in circuit court. Provides that the changes made to the amendatory Act apply to changes filed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Will Guzzardi

SCH CD-TRANSFER REPORT

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school report card must include data related to: (1) the total student capacity for each school in the school district; (2) the number of student transfers enrolled in each receiving school in the receiving school district; (3) the number of requests for transfer received; and (4) the number of requests for transfer denied and the reasons supporting the denial of any request for transfer. Provides that on or before the first day of each semester, it shall be the duty of the superintendent of the receiving school district to file with the State Board of Education showing the total number of students granted transfers into or within the receiving school district, and their respective school sites and grade levels. Requires the State Board to submit an annual report available to the public, on or before July 1st, on their website that includes for each school district: (1) the number of students in the school year seeking admission to transfer to or within a school district; (2) the number of rejected transfer requests in the school year; (3) the reason or reasons why each rejected transfer request was rejected in the school year; and (4) the total number of students that into or within each district. Provides that each year the State Board shall randomly select 20 of the school districts in the State to conduct an audit of each district's approved and denied transfers based on the provisions of the policies adopted by the respective school district. Amends the State Mandates Act. Provides that no reimbursement by the State is required for the implementation of any mandate created by the amendatory Act.

William "Will" Davis

BIPA-NEURAL DATA

Amends the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Defines "biometric identifier" to include neural data. Defines "neural data" as information that is generated by the measurement of activity of an individual's central or peripheral nervous system, and that is not inferred from non-neural information.

Anne Stava

IL WORKS-APPRENTICE

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the term "community-based organization" includes a high-school based program. Provides that funding from the Illinois Works Fund shall be categorized based on Illinois Department of Transportation regions. Adds a member to the Illinois Works Review panel who shall be a representative of a community-based organization that addresses high school-based workforce programs. Makes other changes.

Stephanie A. Kifowit

$ILSAC/DHS-SOCIAL WORK

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the School Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program and the Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarship. Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Human Services for the Nonprofit Clinical Supervision Program grant. Effective July 1, 2025.

Lindsey LaPointe

USE/OCC TX-HOLIDAY

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Creates a sales tax holiday period for school supplies each year during the 10-day period that begins on the first Monday in August. Effective immediately.

Abdelnasser Rashid

VIDEO GAMING-HOME RULE UNIT

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Prohibits a home rule unit of local government with a population of over 1,000,000 from enforcing any local ordinance passed prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act prohibiting the operation of video gaming terminals within the corporate limits of the municipality. Prohibits a home rule unit of government with a population of over 1,000,000 from imposing any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 per year.

Michael J. Kelly

DCEO-TOURISM GRANTS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, in Fiscal Year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Department shall advance grant funds to certified tourism and convention bureaus that received grant funding in the prior fiscal year. Provides that the advanced amount shall be equal to 50% of the total grant awarded to each bureau in the prior fiscal year. Effective immediately.

Terra Costa Howard

HOPE PILOT PROGRAM

Creates the Healing Opportunities through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act. Details findings, purposes, statutory construction, and definitions. Establishes the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides duties of the Board. Provides that the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Illinois State Police, and the Department of Revenue have certain duties, functions, and powers under the Act. Provides for a program development period, with certain requirements. Provides for different types of licenses starting on or before July 1 of the year 3 years after the effective date of the Act, with certain requirements. Provides immunity from certain criminal civil liability for a licensee or licensee representative with respect to manufacture, delivery, and possession of psilocybin products. Provides requirements for psilocybin services. Provides for discipline of licensees. Provides for civil and criminal penalties for violations. Provides for certain administrative hearings. Limits home rule. Imposes a tax upon purchasers for the privilege of using psilocybin at a rate of 15% of the purchase price. Establishes the Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund and the Illinois Psilocybin Fund as special funds in the State Treasury for certain purposes. Makes other provisions. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt certain information under the Healing Opportunities through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act from disclosure. Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal Act of 2012 to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to add psilocybin or psilocin as defined in the Healing Opportunities Through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act to provisions regarding driving while under the influence. Effective immediately.

Theresa Mah

DHFS-COMM MENTAL HLTH PROVIDER

Amends the Rebuild Illinois Mental Health Workforce Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, for each State fiscal year, a monthly directed payment shall be paid to each community mental health provider of community support individual services based on the number of Medicaid users of community support individual services documented by Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care encounter claims delivered by the provider in the base year. Sets forth how the monthly directed payment shall be calculated. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adjust and pay community mental health providers for any payments authorized for all services from a community mental health provider which have been paid by a Medicaid managed care organization but no encounter claim has been recorded in the Departments' Enterprise Data Warehouse. Provides that the Department must develop a process for community mental health providers to reconcile these payments and submit claims for which the Department has not used for making payments. Permits the Department to sanction Medicaid managed care organizations for services not received by the Department.

Lindsey LaPointe

SCH-MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that notification of the alleged misconduct and available resources shall also be provided to the employee, agent of the school, or contractor of the school who is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Requires the governing body of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school to implement an investigation procedure under which an employee, agent of the school, or contractor of the school is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Provides that any adverse determination issued to an employee, agent of the school, or contractor of the school for events that occurred prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be considered null and void only if any and all investigations conducted by a regulatory third party entity resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, indeterminable, or unsubstantiated or a previous finding was otherwise overturned or expunged on appeal. Requires the adverse determination and related documents to be removed from the applicable personnel records within 14 business days after written notice. Makes other changes.

Michelle Mussman

PROP TX-CELL TOWERS

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that wireless telecommunication towers that are not otherwise exempt under a specific provision of the Code are subject to local property taxes and shall be valued according to policies adopted by the chief county assessment officer. Effective immediately.

Abdelnasser Rashid

ELECTIONS-PUBLICATION/LOCAL

Amends the Election Code. Provides that all local election authorities shall post requirements and qualifications for running for local offices and petition filing deadlines on the website of the local election authority.

Abdelnasser Rashid

LOCAL ZONING-MANUFACTURED HOME

Amends the Counties Code, Township Code, and Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a zoning ordinance or other zoning regulation may not prohibit or restrict the erection of an industrialized residential structure or a manufactured home on real property if: (1) the industrialized residential structure or manufactured home is compatible with the character of the respective area; (2) an ordinance or regulation imposes the same aesthetic compatibility requirements on the industrialized residential structure or manufactured home as those that are applicable to all other residential structures in the respective area; and (3) the industrialized residential structure or manufactured home meets applicable standards for the exterior design of buildings and structures. Prohibits restrictions based upon the age of a manufactured home. Provides that a person who is the owner of real property or who has a right to the use of real property may install and occupy a pre-owned manufactured home on the property if the pre-owned manufactured home complies with specified provisions and is on property that is zoned for residential use. Provides that a county, township, or municipality may establish health and safety standards for pre-owned manufactured homes that are relocated from one location to another location and an inspection program for those pre-owned manufactured homes. Provides that the county, township, or municipality and the individual performing an inspection are not liable for any injuries to a person resulting from any defects or conditions in the pre-owned manufactured home. Specifies that the provisions of the amendatory Act are not intended to limit the powers of a home rule unit. Defines "pre-owned manufactured home".

Norine K. Hammond

IDOT-BRIDGE RESTORE PROJECTS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that if the Department of Transportation is conducting a bridge restoration project and the municipality in which the bridge is located wants to engage in a beautification project of the bridge, then the Department shall work with the municipality to aid in the beautification of the bridge. Provides that the municipality shall use its own funds to invest in the beautification of the bridge.

Nabeela Syed

UTIL-BOARD ELECT PLANNING

Creates the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act. Sets forth legislative findings and objectives. Provides that beginning on November 1, 2025, and every 3 years thereafter on November 1, all electric cooperatives with members in the State, municipal power agencies, and municipalities shall file with the Illinois Power Agency an integrated resource plan. Includes provisions regarding the purposes and available resources for the integrated resource plan and rulemaking powers of the Agency. Requires the Agency to maintain a list of qualified experts or expert consulting firms for the purpose of developing integrated resource plans. Sets forth meeting requirements for an electric cooperative and publishing and posting requirements for specific information related to an electric cooperative. Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that a public body may hold closed meetings to consider the operation by a municipality of a municipal utility or the operation of a municipal power agency or municipal natural gas agency when the discussion involves certain topics. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Allows any additional municipality which operates an electric utility system to join a municipal power agency consistent with the bylaws of the municipal power agency, and upon payment of any termination obligations. Outlines a number of requirements for a municipal power agency. Makes other changes. Amends the Public Utilities Act. In a provision regarding net electricity metering, defines "electricity provider" and "electric utility". Makes other changes. Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that for all acquisitions where the property, or any right or interest in property, is to be used for utility purposes, and where the condemning authority is an entity required to submit an integrated resource plan under the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act, the rebuttable presumption that such acquisition of that property is primarily for the benefit, use, or enjoyment of the public and necessary for a public purpose shall only apply if the most recent integrated resource plan filed by the condemning authority identified the facility or articulated a need for a facility similar capacity and type to the facility for which the property or right or interest is sought. Effective immediately.

Janet Yang Rohr

USE/OCC TX-COMMON SCHOOL

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, of the remainder of the moneys received under the Acts after certain deposits have been made, 75% shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund and 25% shall be deposited into the Common School Fund (currently, 75% shall be paid into the State Treasury and 25% shall be reserved in a special account and used only for the transfer to the Common School Fund as part of a specified monthly transfer). Effective immediately.

Fred Crespo

HEALTH CARE TRANSPARENCY

Creates the Health Care Transparency Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall identify reproductive health care services, LGBTQ health care services, and end-of-life health care services that are or may be subject to denial of care for nonmedical reasons in the State and develop a clear and simple disclosure form for the purpose of conveying to patients and to the public which of the identified health care services are and are not generally available, are subject to restriction for nonmedical reasons, and are subject to restrictions on referral by each covered entity. Requires the Department to publish and maintain on its public-facing website a current list of covered entities and provide for public access to the disclosure form submitted by each covered entity; adopt rules implementing the Department's duties; and develop and administer to the public an education and awareness program regarding how denial of care may negatively impact health care access and quality, may be avoided, and affects vulnerable people and communities. Establishes disclosure requirements for covered entities. Effective immediately.

Dagmara Avelar

MENTAL HLTH-HOME SERVICES

Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. In provisions limiting the funding amount for home-based services provided by the Department of Human Services to an adult with a mental disability, provides that, subject to appropriation for these purposes, the Department may exceed such funding limits for an adult with a mental disability whose service and support needs require a higher level of funding based on a determination of need administered by the Department or its service coordination agent. Provides that such service and support needs must be incorporated into the service plan of the adult with a mental disability and must align with criteria adopted by the Department. Permits the Department to limit the use of the funds to services and supports the adult with a mental disability requires to continue to live in the community. Permits the Department to adopt rules. Effective immediately.

Margaret A. DeLaRosa

VEH CD-SEAT SAFETY BELTS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the failure to wear a seat safety belt or the misuse of a seat safety belt by a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle may be considered evidence of negligence and may diminish any recovery from damages, but shall not limit the liability of an insurer.

Michelle Mussman

CHILD CARE BACKGROUND CHECK

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that day care homes, group day care homes, and day care centers may hire on a probationary basis any employee or volunteer who authorizes a criminal background investigation and who meets the initial requirements set out by the Department of Children and Family Services or the Department of Early Childhood and any applicable federal laws or regulations. Provides that, pending completion of all of the background check requirements, the probationary employee or volunteer must be supervised at all times by an individual who received a qualifying result on all background check components.

Suzanne M. Ness

HUMAN RTS-LANGUAGE CITIZENSHIP

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Changes the Public Accommodations and Financial Credit Articles to prohibit discrimination on the basis of citizenship, primary language, or immigration status that includes discrimination against a person because of the person's actual or perceived characteristic or characteristics within the listed categories or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any particular characteristic or characteristics within the listed categories. "Citizenship" means the status of being: (i) a born U.S. citizen; (ii) a naturalized U.S. citizen; or (iii) a U.S. national. "Immigration status" means citizenship of some country other than the United States, including stateless persons, and the specific authority, or lack thereof, to reside in or otherwise to be present in the United States. "Primary language" means a person's preferred language for communication. Provides that it is not a civil rights violation to verify immigration status or any discrimination based upon verified immigration status if required by federal law. Nothing in the Act may be construed to require the provision of services or documents in a language other than English beyond that which is otherwise required by other provisions of federal, State, or local law. Provides that a civil rights violation for a violation of Articles 4 and 5 may include statutory damages of 3 times the amount of actual damages sustained or $8,000, whichever is the greater.

Kevin John Olickal

MEDICAID-STRIVE CALCULATIONS

Provides that, if and only if House Bill 4907 of the 103rd General Assembly becomes law, then the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding new provisions concerning PDPM Strive staffing ratio calculations for nursing facilities. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, the staffing percentage used in the calculation of the per diem staffing add-on shall be its PDPM STRIVE Staffing Ratio. Sets forth how to calculate a nursing facility's PDPM STRIVE Staffing Ratio, PDPM STRIVE Staffing Target, Illinois Adjusted Facility Case-Mix Hours Per Resident Per Day, and STRIVE staffing fee schedule. Effective immediately or on the date House Bill 4907 of the 103rd General Assembly takes effect, whichever is later.

Anna Moeller

ELEC CD-DUAL-PURPOSE APP

Amends the Election Code. For specified applications, change of address forms, or recertifications of a driver's license or State identification card, provides that the application, form, or recertification shall serve as a dual-purpose application when the applicant presents specified identification (rather than meets the requirements of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005). Modifies requirements of the dual-purpose application. Modifies the content of the written notice required to be given by the Office of the Secretary of State to each applicant and requires the Office of the Secretary of State to determine whether each applicant is currently registered to vote in Illinois and the applicant's registration address. Provides that, if an applicant provides the Secretary of State with an identification document which demonstrates that the applicant is not a United States citizen, the application shall not serve as a dual-purpose application. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to make conforming changes. Provides that changes made by the amendatory Act that require implementation shall be implemented no later than January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

EPA-BALLOONS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that a person may not knowingly release or cause to be released into the atmosphere within a 24-hour period 25 or more helium or other lighter-than-air gas balloons in the State unless the balloons are (1) used by an institution of higher education or a governmental agency, or pursuant to a governmental contract, for bona fide scientific or meteorological purposes, (2) released indoors and remain indoors, or (3) are helium balloons used for the safe operation of a hot air balloon. Provides that persons who violate the amendatory Act's provisions shall be subject to civil penalties in specified amounts and that the release of 25 balloons or fewer at one time is a single offense. Makes corresponding changes in provisions regarding mitigation or aggravation of penalty in determining the appropriate civil penalty to be imposed, as well as regarding minimum penalties based on economic benefits.

Janet Yang Rohr

DATA BROKER REGISTER/DELETION

Creates the Data Broker Registration and Accessible Deletion Mechanism Act. Provides that, annually, on or before January 31, a data broker operating in the State shall register with the Attorney General. Provides that, in registering with the Attorney General, a data broker shall pay a registration fee in an amount determined by the Attorney General and shall also provide specified information. Provides that the Attorney General shall create a page on its website where the registration information shall be made accessible to the public. Provides for civil penalties. Provides that all moneys received by the Attorney General under the provisions shall be deposited into the Data Broker Registry Fund. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2027, the Attorney General shall establish an accessible deletion mechanism that allows a consumer, through a single verifiable consumer request, to request that every data broker that maintains any personal information delete any personal information related to that consumer held by the data broker. Amends the State Finance Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make conforming changes.

Daniel Didech

PUBLICATION-NOTICES-NEWSPAPERS

Amends the Notice By Publication Act. Provides that in counties with a population of less than 3,000,000, if a unit of local government, community college, or school district is required to provide notice in a newspaper by law, order of court, or contract, those entities may publish the notice on its official government website instead of in a newspaper. Provides that the entity or the host of the notice website must enter into a service-level agreement with an Internet service provider that guarantees the site is accessible to the public over the Internet at least 98% of the time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Provides that the official Internet website of the entity must prominently display a link to the notice web page. Provides that if an individual is unable to access an electronic publication of a legal notice, the entity must provide a copy of the notice to the individual free of charge. Requires that notices must remain available on the website at least until the last posting date required by law has expired or until the event described in a notice has taken place, whichever is later. Repeals the current provisions that a newspaper that publishes a notice required by law must contract to place the notice at no additional cost on the statewide website established and maintained as a joint venture of the majority of State newspapers as a repository of these notices. Amends the Newspaper Legal Notice Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Suzanne M. Ness

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS-GENDER

Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Provides that any athletic team or sport that is under the jurisdiction of an association or entity that provides for interscholastic athletics or athletic competition among schools and student must abide by the following: if an athletic team or sport is designated as being female, it is available only to participants who are female, based on their biological sex. Requires a school district or nonpublic school to obtain a written statement signed by a student's parent or guardian or the student verifying the student's age, biological sex, and that the student has not taken performance enhancing drugs; provides for a penalty for false or misleading statements. Prohibits a governmental entity or an association or entity that provides for interscholastic athletics or athletic competition among schools and students from entertaining a complaint, opening an investigation, or taking any other adverse action against a school district or nonpublic school for maintaining athletic teams or sports in accordance with these provisions.

Joe C. Sosnowski

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL ACT

Amends the Snow and Ice Removal Act. Includes within the protection of the Act a person in charge of any business who attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks and parking areas abutting the business. Prohibits liability unless the removal of the snow and ice was done in a willful or wanton manner. Provides that attorney's fees may be awarded to a defendant who is protected under the Act from liability if the court determines the that action against the defendant is frivolous.

Regan Deering

GOOD SAMARITAN-VETERAN SUICIDE

Amends the Good Samaritan Act. Provides civil immunity for a not-for-profit corporation organized to assist veterans that requests, sponsors, or participates in providing a suicide prevention intervention at the scene of a threatened suicide by a veteran; or a person, who without compensation, provides such an intervention at the request of a veteran no-for-profit corporation. Exempts an act or omission that was not in good faith or was the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Jackie Haas

SCH CD-DYSLEXIA SCREENING

Amends the School Code. Provides for dyslexia screening guidelines and rules. Requires the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for specific learning disabilities to school districts. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through second for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth what the screening must include. Provides for additional screening for a student who is determined to be at risk, or at some risk, for dyslexia to determine if the student has the characteristics of dyslexia. Requires the use of a multi-tiered system of support framework if screening indicates that a student has some risk factors for dyslexia or has the characteristics of dyslexia. Sets forth provisions concerning exceptions to screening, dyslexia intervention services, and reporting. Effective July 1, 2025.

Jackie Haas

SMALL ESTATE AFFIDAVIT

Amends the Small Estates Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Allows a small estate affidavit to be used to transfer personal property in a decedent's estate if: (1) no letters of office are outstanding on the decedent's estate and no petition for letters is contemplated or pending in the State or in any other jurisdiction; and (2) the decedent's personal estate passing to any party by intestacy or under a will is limited to tangible and intangible personal property not exceeding $150,000 and motor vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes registered with the Secretary of State. Makes a corresponding change in the form for a small estate affidavit. Provides that the changes made to the Act apply to a decedent whose date of death is on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Jackie Haas

PEN CD-SURS-DROP

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides for a deferred retirement option plan for participants under the State Universities Article under which a participant who is eligible to retire may continue in active service for up to 5 years while having his or her monthly retirement annuity deposited into a special account. Provides that the election must be made no later than January 1, 2029. Provides that the amounts credited to the deferred retirement option plan shall be held in notional accounts by the retirement system, and that the amounts in the account shall not accrue interest. Provides that, upon termination of the deferred retirement option plan, the participant shall commence his or her retirement annuity from the retirement system and may not participate in employment in any way that would require the participant to become an active contributing member of the retirement system. Sets forth provisions concerning the manner of the election; automatic increases; contributions to the retirement system; accounting; expiration or termination of the deferred retirement option plan; and administration of the deferred retirement option plan. Effective immediately.

Katie Stuart

CDB-WASTEWATER REGULATION

Amends the Capital Development Board Act. Provides, in a provision that limits the enforceability of ordinances of units of local government with respect to the remediation, redevelopment, or improvement of certain State facilities, that a unit of local government shall not include a municipal wastewater agency or unit of local government that is organized under the Sanitary District Act of 1907, the North Shore Water Reclamation District Act, the Sanitary District Act of 1917, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act, the Sanitary District Act of 1936, the Metro-East Sanitary District Act of 1974, or the Eastern Will Sanitary District Act. Provides that an ordinance or regulation of a municipal wastewater agency or unit of local government that is organized under the Sanitary District Act of 1907, the North Shore Water Reclamation District Act, the Sanitary District Act of 1917, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act, the Sanitary District Act of 1936, the Metro-East Sanitary District Act of 1974, or the Eastern Will Sanitary District Act regarding the use of or connection to the wastewater treatment or collection system of the agency or unit of local government is valid and enforceable by the agency or unit of local government with respect to the construction, reconstruction, improvement, or installation of a State facility on or after the effective date. Effective immediately.

Mary Beth Canty

NURSING HOME-STAFFING RATIO

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Adds infection preventionists, minimum data set assessment nurses, other social workers, certified nursing assistant interns, and medication aides to the list of direct care staff used to compute staff to resident ratios. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, 100% of the hours worked by the specified staff shall be counted toward the staff to resident ratio. Provides that no monetary penalties shall be imposed unless the variance between a facility's minimum staffing ratios and the Department of Public Health's computations exceeds 20%. Removes a provision prohibiting waiver of a monetary penalty for non-compliance. In provisions concerning reporting requirements for facilities that violate the minimum staffing requirements, provides that the facility must have a variance that exceeds 20% of the requirements. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Bob Morgan

REPORTING POLICE MISCONDUCT

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. In provisions requiring a law enforcement agency to report misconduct committed by the agency's police officers, provides that the chief administrator of the law enforcement agency may be brought before the Certification Review Panel if the law enforcement agency fails to comply with the provisions. Provides that, upon a recommendation of the Panel, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board may suspend the chief administrator's law enforcement certification for a period of no less than 30 days. Allows the Board to bring a discretionary decertification action against the chief administrator for a second or subsequent violation of the provisions. Effective immediately.

Bob Morgan

CORPORATION-INCORPORATION DATE

Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Provides that the articles of incorporation of any corporation (currently, any corporation incorporated after December 31, 1981) may limit or eliminate cumulative voting rights in all or specified circumstances, or may limit or deny voting rights or may provide special voting rights as to any class or classes or series of shares of such corporation.

Bob Morgan

WHISTLEBLOWER ACT

Amends the Whistleblower Act. Prohibits retaliation by an employer or third party related to a past, current, or future activity that the employee has a good-faith belief violates a municipal, county, State, or federal law, rule, or regulation or poses a substantial and specific danger to employees, public health, or safety. Changes the damages an employee may receive for violations of the Act to include compensatory damages.

Bob Morgan

CANNABIS DELIVERY

Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Provides that all cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver from a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products (rather than all medical cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient at a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products and a distinction shall be made between medical and non-medical uses, with other requirements). Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Changes and adds definitions. Makes changes to provisions regarding operational requirements and prohibitions. Provides that a dispensing organization shall not sell cannabis or cannabis-infused products to a purchaser unless the purchaser has been verified to be 21 years of age or older, or the person is verified to be a registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver (removing requirements referencing the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program). Removes prohibitions for a dispensing organization to operate drive-through windows. Provides an exception to the prohibition for a dispensing organization to transport cannabis for delivery. In provisions regarding an inventory control system, adds that all dispensing organizations shall maintain internal, confidential records of all deliveries to any registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements. In provisions regarding dispensing cannabis, adds a requirement that the agent verify the qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver registration card, if applicable. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer pickup or drive-through for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to purchasers over 21 years of age and certain patients and caregivers. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer delivery for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to certain patients and caregivers. Adds requirements to provisions regarding security for a dispensing organization. Adds provisions permitting delivery by dispensing organizations to the residence of a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements.

Bob Morgan

CREDIT REPORT-SEALED RECORDS

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for a consumer reporting agency to make, create, or furnish any consumer report or credit report containing, incorporating, or reflecting any adverse information that the consumer reporting agency knows or should know was expunged or sealed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Rita Mayfield