Bills & Legislation

ELEC CD-LOST MAIL BALLOT

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, if a voter is unable to submit a vote by mail ballot, it shall be sufficient for the voter to submit to the election judges an affidavit executed before the election judges specifying that the voter received a vote by mail ballot, but the vote by mail ballot was misplaced or destroyed, and was unable to bring the vote by mail ballot to the polling place. Makes conforming changes.

Carol Ammons

ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME REPORTING

Creates the Alpha-Gal Syndrome Reporting Act. Directs the Department of Public Health to adopt rules to track cases of alpha-gal syndrome within counties and statewide. Requires medical reporters to report diagnosed cases of alpha-gal syndrome to the Department. Provides that State reporting and tracking of cases of alpha-gal syndrome shall be independent from or concurrent with federal reporting or tracking, and that the Department has the duty to independently track cases in consultation and coordination with federal agencies. Directs the Department to adopt rules requiring a report of alpha-gal syndrome for an alpha-gal immunoglobulin E level of 0.1 kilounits per liter as a suspected case of alpha-gal syndrome through an electronic laboratory reporting system. Directs the Department to follow up on reported suspected cases. Directs the Department to submit an annual report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to publish the results of the tracking of cases of alpha-gal syndrome on the Department's website. Makes findings. Defines terms.

Dan Swanson

PAID LEAVE-LIMITATIONS

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include: (1) an employee engaged in the transportation of goods through this State; (2) an employee who is free to decide what time the employee performs duties for an employer; or (3) an employee who is employed by an employer with fewer than 15 employees. Makes changes to provisions concerning the provision of paid leave; the responsibilities of the Department of Labor; and enforcement and penalties.

Dan Ugaste

DCFS-CHILD RELINQUISHMENT

Creates the Custody Relinquishment Prevention Involving Children with Developmental Disabilities Act. Provides that the Act establishes a pathway for families on the verge of seeking services for their child's developmental disability through relinquishment of parental custody to the Department of Children and Family Services, despite the absence of abuse or neglect, to receive services through the appropriate State child-serving agency. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Public Health to enter into an interagency agreement for the purpose of preventing children and youth with developmental disabilities who are not otherwise abused or neglected from entering the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services solely for purposes of receiving specialized services and supports to address the child's or youth's needs. Provides that under the interagency agreement, the listed agencies shall establish an interagency clinical team to review cases of children and youth with developmental disabilities who live at home with their families and are at risk of relinquishment, and to connect the child or youth and his or her family with the appropriate services, treatment, and support to prevent custody relinquishment to the Department of Children and Family Services. Contains provisions on what issues must be addressed in the interagency agreement; annual outcomes and data reports to the General Assembly; and other matters. Requires the listed agencies to adopt rules providing that any employee of that Department who encourages a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult to relinquish custody of a child with a developmental disability solely to access specialized services and supports through the appropriate State child-serving agency, despite the absence of abuse or neglect, is subject to termination.

Charles Meier

JCAR-EXTENSION-NOTICE PERIOD

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. In provisions regarding the second notice period for rulemaking, provides that the second notice period shall be extended for a period not to exceed an additional 45 days if the agency has received a statement of unresponsiveness from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Lists the requirements for a statement of unresponsiveness. Provides that failure to provide a substantive response within 7 days after a statement of unresponsiveness is issued shall constitute a withdrawal of the rulemaking. In provisions regarding the contents of the written notice to the Joint Committee, requires a statement certifying that no procedure, policy, schedule, or other feature of the agency will prevent the agency from substantively engaging with the Joint Committee regarding suggestions made during the second notice period.

INSURANCE CLAIM DISCRIMINATION

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a health insurance issuer that delivers, issues for delivery, or renews in this State a health insurance policy shall not discriminate with respect to participation under the health insurance policy against a health care professional who is acting within the scope of the health care professional's license or certification under applicable State law. Provides that a health insurance issuer is not required to contract with any health care professional willing to abide by the terms and conditions for participation established by the health insurance issuer. Provides that a health insurance issuer is not prohibited from establishing varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.

Kevin Schmidt

VEH-TITLE-REC VEH YEAR-MODEL

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the description of a vehicle in a certificate of title for a recreational vehicle containing a motor shall state the year-model as the latest year of the chassis or engine.

LOC GOV ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACT

Creates the Local Government Essential Services Act. Defines "emergency medical services". Provides that emergency medical services shall be deemed an essential service in the State. Provides that the governing body of each municipality and county in the State shall ensure the availability of emergency medical services to provide for the needs of its population. Provides that the governing body of each municipality and county may provide emergency medical services by (1) providing a license or franchise to a private company; (2) contracting with a public, private, or nonprofit entity for emergency medical services; (3) entering into agreements with other units of local government; or (4) entering into agreements with hospitals, clinics, or any medical facility.

Kevin Schmidt

PEN CD-SURS-PARTICIPANT DATA

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that "stakeholder" includes any organization that is a nonprofit organization that represents or serves at least 10% of either participants or annuitants of the System and whose primary purpose is as a membership organization serving either participants, annuitants, or both. Provides that the Board of Trustees of the System shall make an annual report available to stakeholders that includes a list of: (1) the name of each annuitant, the annuitant's last employer, and the zip code associated with the annuitant's address on file; and (2) the name of each active participant, the participant's current employer, and a zip code associated with the participant's address on file. Requires the report to be delivered electronically to stakeholders on August 1 of each year.

Stephanie A. Kifowit

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Amends the Adult Education Act and the Public Community College Act. With respect to the annual report on adult education for the preceding school year by the Illinois Community College Board, removes the requirement to include a summary of State reimbursement for adult basic education, adult secondary education, English language acquisition, high school credit, integrated English literacy and civics education, and bridge and integrated education and training programs in coordination with vocational skills training. Provides that any public community college district maintaining adult educations classes for the instruction of those persons who, among other requirements, are 17 (rather than 16) years of age or older are entitled to claim an apportionment of State reimbursement. Allows classes in adult education to include digital literacy. Removes language providing that the maximum generation rate for reimbursement per credit hour or per unit of instruction shall be equal to the community college system reimbursement rate for adult education divided by one-third. Provides that State adult education funds, other than matching funds, are not subject to the authorizing federal law. Removes language providing that approved programs for adult education may assess students up to $6 per credit hour or unit of instruction per semester per student. Removes language requiring an education plan to be established for each adult learning participating in the instructional programs. Requires each adult learner participating in the instructional programs to complete an assessment of foundational skills to appropriately place the adult learner in an instructional program. Makes other and conforming changes.

CREMATORY INVESTIGATION

Amends the State Comptroller Act. Provides that the State Comptroller shall have the powers and duties provided in the Crematory Regulation Act. Provides that the State Comptroller shall have the power to appoint investigators to conduct investigations, searches, seizures, arrests, and other duties required to enforce the provisions of the Crematory Regulation Act on behalf of the Comptroller and to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the State. Provides that the Comptroller's investigators shall be peace officers and shall have all the powers possessed by police officers in cities and by sheriffs. Provides that Comptroller investigators may exercise these powers throughout the State whenever enforcing the provisions of the Crematory Regulation Act, subject to the rules and orders of the Comptroller. Provides that no Comptroller investigator may have peace officer status or may exercise police powers unless (1) the investigator successfully completes the basic police training course mandated and approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board or (2) the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board waives the training requirement by reason of the investigator's prior law enforcement experience, training, or both. The Director responsible for crematory oversight and regulation under the Comptroller must authorize to each investigator of the Comptroller and to any other employee of the agency exercising the powers of a peace officer a distinct badge that, on its face (1) clearly states that the badge is authorized by the Comptroller and (2) contains a unique identifying number.

Anthony DeLuca

HOUSING INSURANCE REPORT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires the Director of Insurance to examine and investigate the affairs of any company to determine whether the company has been or is engaged in any rate setting that is excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory regarding affordable housing developments. Requires the Director to submit a report concerning aggregated housing insurance market statistics for the prior calendar year on or before October 1 of each year to the Governor and the General Assembly that shall be posted on the publicly accessible websites of both the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that submissions that constitute trade secrets or sensitive commercial information are confidential under the Freedom of Information Act. Requires the Department of Insurance to consult with excess line and Illinois property insurance underwriting associations regarding reporting formats that capture excess-line placements and assigned-risk activity without identifying individual insureds. Grants the Department authority to adopt rules or circular letters, harmonize data standards with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and other states, limit the burden on small insurers, and ensure data quality. Effective immediately.

Kevin John Olickal

VIDEO GAMING-VARIOUS

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that an applicant or licensee is not in violation of the Act or certain Illinois Gaming Board rules and shall not be subject to disciplinary action, delay of any Board consideration, or denial of any license for operating a gaming device if operation of the gaming device is in compliance with, and not considered gambling under, the Criminal Code of 2012. Removes language providing that nothing shall be deemed to prohibit the use of a game device only if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that of the tax collected on net terminal income, 80.84% (rather than 83.7%) shall be deposited into the Capital Projects Fund and 17.16% (rather than 14.3%) shall be deposited into the Local Government Video Gaming Distributive Fund. Repeals a provision regarding the prohibition of video gaming by political subdivisions. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a gambling offense involving a vending or other electronic machine or device, is a Class 4 felony. Makes other and conforming changes.

Daniel Didech

FAMILY AMUSEMENT WAGERING ACT

Creates the Family Amusement Wagering Prohibition Act. Prohibits an owner or operator of a family amusement establishment from facilitating wagering on amusement devices. Prohibits a family amusement establishment from engaging in advertising that promotes wagering on amusement devices. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits a family amusement establishment from offering certain types of games. Defines terms. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes changes in provisions concerning gaming and syndicated gaming. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

AWARDS SHOW WAGERING

Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Specifies that, for purposes of the Act, the term "sports event" includes any awards show. Provides that "awards show" means the Emmy Awards Show, the Grammy Awards Show, the Academy Awards Show, the Tony Awards Show, or any other live competition or talent contest. Grants rulemaking and emergency rulemaking powers to the Illinois Gaming Board to authorize wagering on awards shows. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

SPORTS WAGERING DEFINITION

Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Provides that "sports wagering" also includes participation in any prediction market involving a sports event or any portion of a sports event, or the individual performance statistics of athletes in a sports event, including the offering, listing, solicitation, purchase, sale, trading, exchange, or settlement of any event contract, sports-event contract, or other contract, agreement, or transaction, whether described as a derivative, option, binary contract, or similar instrument, in which a person risks something of value on the occurrence, nonoccurrence, or outcome of such sports event or any portion of a sports event or athlete performance statistics; such activity constitutes sports wagering regardless of whether the contract, agreement, or transaction is entered into on a peer-to-peer basis, whether participants take positions against one another rather than against the operator, whether the operator is not a counterparty to the transaction, or whether the operator describes the activity as an investing opportunity, exchange, marketplace, or prediction market.

Daniel Didech

SPORTS WAGERING FUND

Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Provides that the tax imposed on each master sports licensee for each individual wager placed with the master sports licensee for sports wagering over the Internet or through a mobile application shall end on July 1, 2026. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

CONSUMERS-PROHIBIT GLUE TRAPS

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act for a person to sell, offer for sale, or display for sale adhesive-based traps in the State.

Anne Stava

FOIA-LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Specifies that the Act is not intended to circumvent the process used by the courts to address whether arrest and booking records, mug shots, body-worn camera footage, in-car camera footage, 9-1-1 audio files, crime scene photographs, or other similar law enforcement records are to be made publicly available, except when those records may be relevant to a current or potential case or claim by the requester. Increases the cap on the fee that may be imposed for black and white copies from 15 cents per page to 25 cents per page. Makes changes to the fees public bodies may charge for time spent by personnel in searching for and retrieving a requested record or examining the record for necessary redactions. Exempts from disclosure under the Act specified law enforcement records, except when those records may be relevant to a current or potential case or claim by the requester.

Suzanne M. Ness

PROCUREMENT-MARKET BASKET

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning competitive sealed bidding, provides that a contract for supplies may be awarded using a market basket analysis to evaluate the lowest price a vendor can offer for a representative sample of supplies.

Diane Blair-Sherlock

EQUAL PAY-WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that, no later than 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Labor shall adopt rules that require specified employers doing business in the State to file an annual report, that will be made available to the public on a dedicated page of the Department's website, regarding workforce management policies, practices, and performance with respect to the employer. Describes the information required to be reported. Sets forth provisions concerning the standardization of data and exemptions to the provision.

Mary Beth Canty

CONT SUB-PMP-SCHEDULE II&IV

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that each prescriber or the prescriber's designee shall document an attempt to access patient information in the Prescription Monitoring Program to assess patient access to controlled substances when providing a (rather than an initial) prescription for Schedule II and IV controlled substances (rather than narcotics such as opioids), except for prescriptions for oncology treatment or palliative care, or a 7-day or less supply provided by a hospital emergency department when treating an acute, traumatic medical condition.

VEH CD-TOW TRUCK WEIGHT

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Changes the model year and registration date requirements for a Special Hauling Vehicle with regard to its allowable combined weight and axle weight to the model year of 2034 (rather than 2024) and registration date of January 1, 2035 (rather than January 1, 2025). Changes the criteria regarding weight limitations for tow trucks and vehicle combinations during towing operations. Provides that specified criteria regarding weight limitations do not apply to a covered heavy duty tow and recovery vehicle. Provides that clearing a vehicle does not include towing the vehicle from the scene of disablement. Provides that any person, firm, or corporation that violates a provision regarding restricted rights to use highways shall be fined $150 (rather than $75) per every 500 pounds or fraction thereof for any excessive weight. Provides that any excess size or weight movement conducted under a person that does not meet certain requirements shall be void and the movement unpermitted. Makes other changes.

John M. Cabello

FIREARM-CONCEALED CARRY

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Prohibits an employer from discharging, disciplining, penalizing, discriminating against, or refusing to hire an employee or applicant solely on the basis that the employee or applicant exercised his or her right under the Act to lawfully store a concealed firearm in the employee's vehicle in the employer's parking lot. Provides that an employer, its officers, employees, and agents are immune from civil liability for any claim arising out of, or in any way related to, the mere presence of a lawfully stored firearm in an employee's vehicle in the employer's parking lot, including, but not limited to, claims for damages resulting from theft, discharge, or misuse of the firearm by a third party, unless the claim is based on the employer's own willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence independent of the lawful storage protected by the Act. Allows a person aggrieved by a violation of these provisions to bring a civil action in circuit court within 2 years after the date of the alleged violation. Describes the relief that is available in such an action.

John M. Cabello

HIGHER ED-REVERSE TRANSFER

Amends the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Provides that the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board shall develop a policy to foster the reverse transfer of credit for any student who has accumulated at least 30 (rather than 15) hours of academic credit at a community college and a sufficient number of hours of academic credit at a State university in the prescribed courses necessary to meet a community college's requirements to be awarded an associate degree. Provides that each State university shall automatically notify any transfer student accepted to the State university with at least 30 hours of academic credit at a community college of the option for the reverse transfer of credit within the student's first term of enrollment. Provides that a community college shall provide notification to a student wishing to reverse transfer earned academic credit with instructions on application for conferral of an associate degree. Provides that a community college or State university may not charge an application, transfer evaluation, or graduation fee or any other fee associated with conferral of an associate degree through reverse transfer. Provides that a community college shall include each student awarded an associate degree through reverse transfer within its student information system. Effective immediately.

Katie Stuart

CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS

Amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2028, a treatment hospital, treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer, or approved pediatric health care facility may submit a sexual assault treatment plan which includes the use of a TeleSANE interactive telecommunications system which allows a qualified medical provider to precept a medical forensic examination while located at a distant site. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that in inspection and copying of law enforcement records maintained by law enforcement agencies that relate to a minor who has been investigated, arrested, or taken into custody before the minor's 18th birthday by victims and their attorneys, the information identifying the nonrequesting victims shall be redacted in cases of multiple minor victims or multiple victims of sex offenses. Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that a victim shall not be excluded from any part of the trial unless a written motion to exclude a victim from trial was filed at least 60 days prior to the date set for trial. Makes other structural and technical changes in the Act. Makes other changes. Amends the Address Confidentiality for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking, or Stalking Act. Defines "eligible person" as a person 18 years of age or older who is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking; the parent or guardian of a minor or disabled adult who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking; and a household member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking. Allows household members who are not victims to participate in the program. Provides that a participant whose certification has not been withdrawn or cancelled may reapply to the Address Confidentiality Program to renew certification for an additional 4 years. Changes notice process for certification cancellation. Allows the Attorney General discretion to continue the participation of participants who have a change of legal name and specifies notice in that process. Makes other changes.

Kelly M. Cassidy

FOID-MENTAL HEALTH

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that a person who has had the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card revoked or denied under certain provisions because the person was a patient in a mental health facility shall not be permitted to obtain a Firearm Owner's Identification Card, after the 5-year period has lapsed, unless the person has received a mental health evaluation by a licensed clinical mental health professional (rather than a physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner as those terms are defined in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code). Provides that the person receiving a mental health evaluation shall share all collateral records with the licensed clinical mental health professional making the certification and shall attest that all collateral records have been provided before the evaluation. Provides that the licensed clinical mental health professional shall attest that the licensed clinical mental health professional has requested, received, reviewed, and considered all of the person's collateral records in making the licensed clinical mental health professional's determination that the person is not a clear and present danger to self or others. Provides that the licensed clinical mental health professional shall identify the types of collateral records received. Requires the licensed clinical mental health professional to make all reasonable attempts to obtain collateral records, and, if no collateral records are obtained, requires the licensed clinical mental health professional to document the efforts used to obtain such collateral records. Provides that the results of the mental health evaluations that are performed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be transmitted to the Illinois State Police. Defines terms.

Maura Hirschauer

ELEC CD-CAMPAIGN SECURITY

Amends the Election Code. Provides that expenditures by a political committee for expenses related to personal security services are only exempt from provisions prohibiting certain expenditures by a political committee if the personal security services are provided by a private security contractor agency licensed under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004.

Katie Stuart

MEDICAID-SNF-MIUR EXTENSION

Amends the Hospital Services Trust Fund Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to pay safety-net hospitals a health care equity add-on payment that is based on such hospitals' Medicaid inpatient utilization rate, removes the December 31, 2026 sunset date for the add-on payments. Effective immediately.

Edgar González, Jr.

INNKEEPER PROTECTION ACT

Amends the Innkeeper Protection Act. Provides that a hotel does not include any facility that provides emergency shelter or emergency housing to persons who are unhoused or unsheltered and (1) a person's admission to the facility is limited to a single overnight stay or is renewable on a daily basis; and (2) the facility does not require the payment of any fees by these persons for admission to the facility. Effective immediately.

Michelle Mussman

CRIME VICTIMS-COMPENSATION

Amends the Crime Victims Compensation Act. Removes the requirements to report the crime within 72 hours of its occurrence or within 7 days for other specified crimes. Removes language that requires certification from a mental health provider to come from a provider who has not before and will not again provide care to the victim or applicant. Provides that confidentiality is not waived between a health care provider and the victim or applicant if a mental health provider, medical provider, or other third party provides documentation of the crime for the purposes of compensation eligibility. Requires the Attorney General to make and publish on its website the form the mental health provider must use to certify the evaluation of the victim or applicant. Requires the Comptroller to issue payment within 2 business days of approval of an emergency award by the Court of Claims. Provides that emergency awards may be issued to the applicant for the purpose of paying funeral and burial expenses directly to a funeral home for expenses that have been incurred or that the applicant has been quoted and for relocation expenses incurred or due to be incurred by an applicant. Provides that if the amount of emergency compensation exceeds the actual amount the applicant incurs, the difference shall be repaid to the State. Makes other changes.

Jay Hoffman

REGULATION-TECH

Amends the Respiratory Care Practice Act. Makes a technical change to a Section concerning the application for an original license.

Rick Ryan

ORACLE ACT

Creates the Oversight and Regulation of Activity for Contracts Linked to Events (ORACLE) Act. Prohibits a prediction market platform provider from permitting any consumer under the age of 21 to register or to open any speculative position on a prediction market. Requires a prediction market platform provider to exclude certain individuals from participation in a prediction market platform. Prohibits certain types of prediction markets. Requires providers to implement and adhere to responsible gaming measures. Sets forth advertising restrictions, restrictions on credit-based products and gift certificates, and restrictions on market making. Requires prediction market platform providers to implement commercially reasonable and technically feasible measures to detect and prevent any fraud or manipulative conduct. Establishes penalties for violation of the Act. Provides that the Attorney General may adopt rules to implement and administer the Act. Contains a severability clause.

Edgar González, Jr.

MEDICAID ACCESS ADJUSTMENT

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the Medicaid Access Adjustment payments to nursing facilities, provides that for dates of service beginning January 1, 2027, the Medicaid Access Adjustment shall be increased by $5.75 to $10.50 per diem. Provides that beginning January 1, 2027, facilities located outside of Rate Areas 6, 7, and 8 shall have the Medicaid percent of occupied bed days to be at least 60% of all occupied bed days adjusted quarterly to qualify for the Medicaid Access Adjustment. Provides that the remaining facilities shall have their threshold remain at 70%.

Robyn Gabel

MEDICAID-STAR RECOMPUTATION

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, beginning January 1, 2027, to recompute the STAR rating of nursing facilities who had their antipsychotic medication quality measure score suppressed and their STAR rating set to one due to audit action by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Requires quality payments to such nursing facilities to be made based on the recomputed score. Provides that in order to facilitate the recomputation, nursing facilities may provide the Department with documentation regarding the status of the suppression of the score and STAR rating as well as the quarterly report issued by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that lists the long-stay rating points for the quarter.

Robyn Gabel

SNAP RESPONSE WORKING GROUP

Amends the Commission to End Hunger Act. Creates the SNAP Response Working Group. Provides that the co-chairs of the Commission to End Hunger shall convene and appoint the co-chairs of the Working Group. Provides that the Working Group shall review and analyze federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), gather and analyze data regarding the potential impact of the federal changes to SNAP on Illinois residents, and gather relevant estimates and data about Illinois' SNAP payment error rate, including the monthly State-reported error rate. Requires the SNAP Response Working Group to make projections about the cost to the State to maintain SNAP in Illinois in federal Fiscal Year 2028. Directs the Working Group to submit a preliminary report to the General Assembly no later than January 1, 2027. Provides that the preliminary report shall outline the federal changes to SNAP and identify the number of State residents impacted by those changes. Further provides that the preliminary report shall include initial recommendations for State action to prevent or mitigate any harm to State residents caused by the federal changes and shall project the cost to maintain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Illinois in federal Fiscal Year 2028. Provides that, no later than April 1, 2027, the Working Group shall issue a full report to the General Assembly that includes an analysis on the impact of federal changes to SNAP on Illinois, final recommendations for State action to prevent or mitigate harm resulting from those changes, updated projections of the cost to maintain the program in federal Fiscal Year 2028, and any other cost projections relating to the Working Group's recommendations. Requires the SNAP Response Working Group to provide any relevant additional updates to its recommendations or projections as appropriate. Specifies that all reports of the Working Group shall be published by the Department of Human Services on its website. Provides that the SNAP Working Group shall be dissolved on May 31, 2027. Effective immediately.

Camille Y. Lilly

SCH CD-CHARTER SCHOOL-CLOSURE

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that upon approval of a charter renewal by an authorizer, the charter operator shall execute the renewal agreement no later than 90 days after the date of the authorizer's final renewal approval. Provides that a charter school that is deemed nonrenewed is ineligible to receive any payments from a school district. Provides that a charter operator that fails to execute a renewal agreement within a specified period may not continue to operate the charter school beyond the expiration of the existing charter term and is subject to closure procedures. Requires every charter operator to maintain closure security. Provides that failure to maintain closure security is a basis for the authorizer to withhold a portion of per-pupil payments until compliance is achieved and for consideration in denying a charter renewal or revoking the charter or ineligibility to operate additional charter campuses. Provides that if the closure security is insufficient to cover the costs of a closure event, the authorizer or the State Board of Education may bring a civil action against the charter operator to recover the unpaid amounts and seek to impose a lien on any property owned by the charter operator to secure recovery. Provides that if an authorizer determines that a charter school is in financial distress, the authorizer may require the charter operator to submit a financial remediation plan within 30 days. Provides that if the authorizer determines that the charter school has failed to implement an approved remediation plan or the financial distress presents an immediate risk to students, employees, or public funds, the authorizer may initiate financial intervention by appointing an independent fiscal manager approved by the authorizer and the State Board. Allows the fiscal manager to exercise authority limited to financial matters. Provides that financial intervention is temporary and may not exceed 180 days, except that the authorizer may extend the intervention once for good cause. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Aarón M. Ortíz

PROP TAX-ADMIN SALE IN ERROR

Amends the Property Tax Code and the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Enforcement Act. Provides that, when the holder of the certificate of purchase is the county as trustee for taxing districts, upon request of or consent by the county as trustee, the county collector may declare an administrative sale in error at any time and for any reason. Provides that the declaration shall state the reason why the sale should not have occurred.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

FILM TAX CREDIT-PRODUCTIONS

Amends the Live Theater Production Tax Credit Act. Provides that a pre-Broadway production must have a presentation scheduled for Broadway's Theater District in New York City no later than 18 months after its Illinois presentation (currently, must have a goal of having a presentation scheduled for Broadway's Theater District in New York City after its Illinois presentation). Provides that, if, in any State fiscal year, less than $2,000,000 in credits are awarded for long-run productions and pre-Broadway productions under the Act, then the difference between $2,000,000 and the amount of credits awarded for long-run productions and pre-Broadway productions in that fiscal year may be added to the $2,000,000 in credits allowed to be awarded for commercial Broadway touring shows in that State fiscal year. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Extends the sunset of the live theater production credit until January 1, 2039 (currently, January 1, 2027). Effective immediately.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTION

Creates the Social Media Age Restriction Act. Provides that an operator of a social media platform shall take reasonable steps, including the implementation of an age assurance system, to prevent a child from creating or maintaining an account on the social media platform. Provides that an operator may enter into an agreement with application distribution services or device manufacturers to allow for user information to be shared for age assurance purposes. Provides that the provision does not apply to a parent or guardian who allows a child to use an account held by the parent or guardian. Sets forth provisions concerning a 30-day cure period and civil penalties. Provides that an operator shall have 180 days after the effective date of the Act to comply with the requirements of the Act. Effective immediately.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

EMPLOYMENT INS-BOARD OF REVIEW

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Board of Review within the Department of Employment Security shall consist of 3 members (rather than 5 members). Sets forth provisions concerning the compensation and support of members of the Board of Review. Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that each member of the Board of Review shall review the record and certify that fact in each final determination made by the Board of Review.

Tracy Katz Muhl

IDHR PROCEDURAL CHANGES

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that for charges alleging violations under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Illinois Human Rights Act, if the EEOC issues a right to sue, the Department will issue a Departmental right to sue. Provides that if the complainant does not file a written request with the Department to review the EEOC's determination within 35 days after receipt of the Department's notice, the Department shall issue to the complainant, within 10 business days after the expiration of the 35-day period, a Departmental right to sue notice stating that the complainant has the right, within 90 days after receipt of the Department's notice, to either file the complainant's own complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court. Requires the Department, within 10 days of the date on which the charge was filed, to serve a copy of the charge on the respondent and provide all parties with a notice of the complainant's right to opt out of the investigation within 60 days to commence an action in circuit court and the complainant's right to request a Departmental right to sue notice after 60 days has elapsed to file in the Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in circuit court. Provides that within 10 business days of receipt of the complainant's request to opt out of the investigation, the Director shall issue an opt out notice to commence an action in circuit court to the parties. Provides that a Departmental right to sue notice does not constitute a finding of substantial evidence or of a lack of substantial evidence. Requires that any Departmental right to sue notice to state that the complainant shall have 90 days from the date of receipt of the notice to either file the complainant's own complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court.

CONDO-CI EXOTIC-NOXIOUS WEEDS

Amends the Common Interest Community Association Act and the Condominium Property Act. Prohibits an association in both Acts from requiring permission before a unit owner removes Illinois designated noxious weeds and Illinois designated exotic weeds as designated by the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that any provision in the association's community instruments requiring permission is null and void.

Laura Faver Dias

EPA-FEDERAL BACKSTOP

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In provisions concerning the regulation of air pollution, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, and landfills, provides that the Illinois Pollution Control Board shall not adopt any standards that are less stringent than those existing in Board regulations. Provides that various provisions of the Act shall not be construed to limit the right of a person to submit to the Board, or for the Board to adopt, regulations more stringent than the regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

TOLL HWY AUTH-BILINGUAL PAY

Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has the power to establish a special pay supplement for those positions of employment that require that a person employed in that position speak or write a language other than English. Provides that such paid positions may be eligible for a bilingual pay supplement to attract bilingual individuals, to encourage present employees to become proficient in languages other than English, or to retain qualified bilingual employees. Provides that a bilingual pay supplement shall be processed within 30 calendar days after the employee presents to the Authority a certification from either the designated testing program process selected by the Authority or a State community college confirming that language skill proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking has been satisfied by the employee.

SUSTAINABLE INVESTING-ACTIONS

Amends the Illinois Sustainable Investing Act. Provides that the laws of this State shall govern in any case or controversy heard in this State related to lawful sustainable investment activity. Provides that the State shall not provide any information to or expend or use any time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel, or other resources to assist any individual, or out-of-state officer, official, agency, entity, or department seeking to impose civil or criminal liability upon a person or entity for lawful sustainable investment activity. Creates a right of action if a person residing or domiciled in Illinois has had judgment entered against them in another state for lawful sustainable investment activity that is permitted under the laws of this State.

Ann M. Williams

UTILITIES-WATER ACQUISITION

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that 20% of the lesser of (rather than the lesser of): (i) the purchase price or (ii) the fair market value shall constitute the rate base associated with the water or sewer utility as acquired by and incorporated into the rate base of the district designated by the acquiring large public utility, subject to any adjustments that the Illinois Commerce Commission deems necessary to ensure such rate base reflects prudent and useful investments in the provision of public utility service. Provides that the difference between the rate base and the purchase price or fair market value shall be borne by the shareholders of the acquiring large public utility. In provisions concerning the acquisition of a water or sewer utility, provides that, at the next election following the public meeting and notice requirements, a referendum shall be placed on the ballot for all electors within the area the water or sewer utility operates. Provides that, if a majority of the electors voting on the referendum within the service area of the water or sewer utility vote in favor of the referendum, then the acquisition may continue. Provides that, if less than a majority of the electors voting on the referendum within the service area of the water or sewer utility vote in favor of the referendum, the Commission shall not approve the large public utility's acquisition of the water or sewer utility. Removes a provision that provides that the Commission may authorize a water or sewer utility to file a surcharge which adjusts rates and charges to provide for recovery of costs associated with an investment in qualifying infrastructure plant, independent of any other matters related to the utility's revenue requirement. Makes other changes.

Dagmara Avelar

SCH CD-CHARTER SCHOOL-RENEWAL

Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code. Provides that the principal metric a school board shall consider for a charter renewal must be academic achievement. Provides that the school board shall grant a renewal term of no fewer than 5 years if the charter's average annual summative designation over the term of the charter is in the top 3 summative designations on the State report card. Provides that nothing in these provisions limits an authorizer's authority to impose conditions or corrective actions as required by law, but the renewal term for a charter school meeting a school board's academic criteria may not be fewer than 5 years.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

PROPERTY TX-SURPLUS

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, within 30 days after recording of a tax deed with respect to residential property, the tax deed grantee shall pay the surplus to the previous owner of the property described in the deed. Sets forth the procedures to calculate the surplus.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

HEALTH-TECH

Amends the Preventing Youth Vaping Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Robert "Bob" Rita