Bills & Legislation

STATE PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

Amends the Deposit of State Moneys Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may invest or reinvest any State money in private placement fixed income securities that are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission if specified conditions are satisfied. Effective immediately.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

GAMING-SPORTS WAGERING LICENSE

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

Robert "Bob" Rita

RACING BD/GAMING BD EMPLOYEES

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

Robert "Bob" Rita

STATE GROUP INS-DEPENDENTS

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Provides that if both spouses are eligible covered members and are employees under the State Employees Article of the Illinois Pension Code, then one spouse may enroll the other spouse as an eligible dependent if: (1) both spouses provide to the Department of Central Management Services, upon the request of the Department of Central Management Services, an attestation that the member and the member's spouse have elected for the spouse to be enrolled as a dependent; and (2) the spouses continue to be married. Provides that upon electing to enroll in the program of group health benefits as an eligible dependent under the amendatory provisions, a member forfeits his or her rights as a member under the Act with respect to the program of group health benefits during the period when that election is in effect. Makes conforming changes to the definition of "dependent" and provisions concerning contributions.

Bradley Fritts

FIXING HIGHER ED FUNDING ACT

Creates the Fixing Illinois Higher Education Funding Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to study the cost drivers of State universities and develop a comprehensive, 10-year plan to ensure the long-term performance and sustainability of higher education in the State that ensures funding supports education outcomes, assesses the affordability of higher education for students, and supports long-term economic and workforce development goals. Sets forth factors to be studied. Requires the Board to issue a report based on the findings of the study to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than March 31, 2027. Effective immediately.

Jeff Keicher

PROCUREMENT-NO DEFORESTATION

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Creates the Deforestation-Free Illinois Law within the Code. Provides that neither the State nor any State agency shall allow any person having a contract with the State or with a State agency to purchase, at wholesale or retail, or obtain any tropical hardwood or tropical hardwood product for use in completing a contract with the State or with any State agency, subject to certain exceptions. Requires contractors who enter into contracts with the State to certify that the commodity furnished to the State was not extracted from, grown, derived, harvested, reared, or produced on land where deforestation or primary forest and old-growth forest degradation occurred. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

INDUSTRIAL HEMP ACT

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a corporate income tax deduction for hemp business establishments in an amount equal to 50% of the income generated by the sale of products made by businesses owned by minority and other specific priority-population-owned businesses. Amends the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995 to exclude hemp-cannabinoid products subject to tax under the Industrial Hemp Act from the definition of tobacco products. Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to provide that hemp extract and hemp-cannabinoid products made in compliance with State law are considered fit for human consumption. Authorizes liquor license holders to manufacture, distribute, and sell such products. Amends the Industrial Hemp Act to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including licensing, registration, packaging and labeling standards, age verification, laboratory testing, recordkeeping, enforcement, and penalties. Creates the Hemp Social Equity Fund to support loans, grants, and technical assistance for social equity applicants. Makes conforming changes to the State Finance Act. Effective January 1, 2027.

Sonya M. Harper

LOCAL GOV-RESTRICTED FUNDS

Amends the State Comptroller Act. Prohibits the State Comptroller from withholding, offsetting, or otherwise applying against any debt any funds payable to a unit of local government if those funds are restricted for a specific purpose by federal or State law, county ordinance, or grant agreement. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Exempts all funds, revenues, or accounts that are restricted by federal law, State, law, county ordinance, or grant agreement for a specific public purpose from garnishment, attachment, or any other legal process to satisfy a judgment or debt. Effective immediately.

CONVEY TAMMS CORRECTIONAL CTR

Authorizes the Director of Corrections to convey the real property and buildings of the former Tamms Correctional Center to Alexander County that is authorized to lease it for a public purpose of health.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION-SURETY

Amends the Public Construction Bond Act. Provides that the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority shall require every contractor for public works to furnish, supply, and deliver a bond if the public works contract will cost more than $10,000,000 (currently, $500,000). Provides that local governmental units shall require a bond for public works projects costing over $5,000,000 (currently, $150,000) and may require a bond for public works projects valued at $5,000,000 or less (currently, $150,000 or less). Provides that certain bonding requirements apply until January 1, 2034 (currently, January 1, 2029).

William "Will" Davis

MUNI CD-SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Deletes a provision concerning the express prohibition of a municipality's adoption of any ordinance or resolution or the exercise of any power that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system or low-voltage solar-powered devices. Provides that a municipality may regulate or prohibit the installation of a solar energy system or low-voltage solar-powered devices in a way that is consistent with the municipality's comprehensive plan or zoning authority.

Anthony DeLuca

CHATBOT PROVIDER-LIABILITY

Creates the Chatbot Provider Liability Act. Provides that for purposes of the Act, chatbots are deemed products for the purpose of strict liability as other product liability actions. Provides that a chatbot provider has a duty to ensure that the use of its chatbot does not cause injury to a user and is liable for any injury it caused a user through the use of its chatbot regardless of whether the chatbot provider exercised all reasonable care in the design and distribution of the chatbot; or did not directly distribute the chatbot to the user or otherwise enter into a contractual relationship with the user. Provides that a user who is harmed by the actions of a chatbot provider under this Act may file a civil action in State or federal court seeking actual damages as allowed under Illinois law, injunctive relief, and reimbursement of reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

NON-PROFIT INVESTMENT POOL

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may establish and administer a non-profit investment pool and an electronic payment processing program to supplement and enhance investment opportunities and secure electronic payment options otherwise available to not-for-profit corporations in the State. Provides that the Treasurer may receive funds paid into the pool for the purpose of holding and investing those funds. Provides for surety bonds payable to not-for-profit corporations who participate in the pool. Provides that the Treasurer shall adopt rules for the efficient administration of the pool.

ELECTRONIC PRESCRIPTIONS

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that, if a pharmacy is unable to fill an initial prescription received electronically because the prescribed drug is not in stock, the dispenser must immediately contact the patient to notify the patient of the situation and ask if the patient would like the prescription transferred electronically to a pharmacy of the patient's choosing, consistent with federal regulations concerning the prescribing of controlled substances. Provides that the prescriber shall not be required to issue prescriptions electronically if the prescriptions need to be filled outside of typical retail pharmacy operating hours or may be difficult to obtain because of drug shortages or pharmacy inventory limitations. Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Kelly M. Cassidy

LONG TERM CARE-NOTICE

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the MC/DD Act, and the ID/DD Community Care Act. Provides that notice of closure of an establishment or facility licensed under those Acts shall be given to the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

GAMING-PRIZE & GIFT KIOSK

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that an applicant or licensee is not in violation of the Act or any rule of the Board and the applicant or licensee is not subject to disciplinary action, delay of Board consideration, or denial of any license based solely upon the ownership, operation, or possession of a game device if the game device is in compliance with specified Sections of the Criminal Code of 2012. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that, notwithstanding any other gambling offense provisions, a gambling offense involving a specified vending or other electronic machine or device connected to the Internet is a Class 4 felony. Prohibits any municipality from imposing any restriction or prohibition on permitted gambling activities. Makes changes to the definition of "gambling device". Amends the Prizes and Gifts Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Sets forth provisions concerning the operation of a prize and gift kiosk. Requires each business operating a prize and gift kiosk to be registered with the Department of Revenue and to register each prize and gift kiosk as a Coin-Operated Amusement Device. Provides that filing for a device other than a prize and gift kiosk shall be considered filing a false report or form with the State, and violators shall be subject to any and all penalties for that violation. Provides that the Department of Revenue and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission or its designee shall have jurisdiction. Effective immediately.

Lisa Davis

LOC GOV-RESIDENTIAL ENERGY

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county or a municipality may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, rule, or other measure that would regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system, including on a building with a shared roof. Defines "residential energy backup system". Effective June 1, 2026.

Ann M. Williams

SCH CD-PROF EDUCATOR LICENSE

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides the additional requirement of successfully completing at least one foundational course on English learners for a person to be issued a Professional Educator License. Effective January 1, 2028.

Maura Hirschauer

WATER COMMISSION-CONSTRUCTION

Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985. Deletes a provision which specifies that no commissioner who is a member of the governing board or an officer or employee of the county or any unit of local government within the county may receive any compensation for serving as a commissioner on the county water commission. Allows a county water commission to use alternate project delivery methods, establish goals or requirements for the procurement of goods and services and for construction contracts, and accept assignment of municipal waterworks system contracts or other public improvement contracts. Gives commissions the authority to enter into design-build contracts and use a design-build delivery system. Includes requirements pertaining to the design-build delivery system. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county water commission may construct water transmission and distribution lines within a radius of 50 miles (rather than 25 miles) outside the corporate limits of member municipalities for the purpose of furnishing water to any additional entities that contract with the commission for a supply of water.

Martha Deuter

PROP TX-VETERANS DISABILITY

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the purpose of granting the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, if the veteran has a service connected disability of 60% or more, then the property is exempt from taxation under the Code (currently, if the veteran has a service connected disability of 70% or more, then the first $250,000 in equalized assessed value is exempt from taxation under the Code). Effective immediately.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.

340B PRICING PROGRAM REPORT

Creates the 340B Drug Pricing Program Reporting Act. On or before April 1, 2027 and each April 1 thereafter, requires a 340B covered entity to report the specified information and transactions to the Department of Public Health concerning the 340B covered entity's participation in or participation on behalf of the 340B covered entity in the federal 340B Program for the previous calendar year. On or before November 15, 2027 and each November 15 thereafter, requires the Department to prepare a report that aggregates the data submitted; submit the report to the General Assembly in an electronic format; and post the report on the Department's website. Provides that pharmaceutical manufacturers may request a 340B covered entity to provide specified information concerning the dispensation of 340B drugs. Sets forth provisions concerning penalties, exemptions for pharmaceutical manufacturers, and rulemaking. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2031. Effective immediately.

Martha Deuter

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Creates the Employee Ownership Development Act. Provides that the State Treasurer shall segregate a portion of the Treasurer's State investment portfolio in the Employee Ownership Development Account. Provides that moneys in the Employee Ownership Development Account shall be invested by the State Treasurer to provide employee ownership capital to employee ownership development projects seeking to locate, expand, or remain in the State. Sets forth provisions concerning Employee Ownership Development Account-Recipient Funds. Provides that the Employee Ownership Development Fund is created as a non-appropriated trust fund within the State treasury, which may receive a portion of earnings from the Employee Ownership Development Account. Provides for reporting requirements. Provides that the State Treasurer may adopt rules necessary to implement the Act. Effective immediately.

Will Guzzardi

LOC GOV-ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

Amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning energy storage systems, provides that the farmland drainage plan that a facility owner must file with a county shall include, among other things, plans to repair any subsurface drainage affected during construction or deconstruction using procedures outlined in the agricultural impact mitigation agreement (rather than outlined in the decommissioning plan) and procedures for the repair and restoration of surface drainage affected during construction or deconstruction. Provides that a county shall (rather than may) require a facility owner to provide a decommissioning plan to the county. Makes changes to the requirements of a decommissioning plan. Provides that a county shall (rather than may) require the facility owner to submit to the county (i) a commercial operation a commissioning report meeting specified requirements of specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association; (ii) a hazard mitigation analysis meeting specified requirements of specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association; (iii) an emergency operations plan meeting specified requirements of specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association; and (iv) a warning that complies with specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association. Provides that the energy storage system owner shall enter into one agricultural impact mitigation agreement for each energy storage system. Requires the agricultural impact mitigation agreement for an energy storage system to include specified plans. Requires a commercial renewable energy facility owner to make available a copy of the signed agricultural impact mitigation agreement at the site of the commercial renewable energy facility during any construction or deconstruction activities. Makes other changes.

Anthony DeLuca

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE PREMIUMS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital licensed under the Act shall not charge a covered hospital employee more than 10% of the total health insurance premium cost. Provides that any agreement permitting a charge to a covered hospital employee in excess of 10% of the total health insurance premium cost shall be deemed invalid, void, and unenforceable. Provides that a hospital in violation of those provisions shall pay a civil penalty of $500 to the Department of Public Health for each impacted covered hospital employee.

Kelly M. Cassidy

TIF-VILLAGE OF HOFFMAN ESTATES

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Extends the estimated date of completion of a redevelopment project and the retirement of obligations issued to finance redevelopment project costs for an ordinance adopted on May 5, 2003 by the Village of Hoffman Estates to create the Golf, Higgins, and Roselle Road TIF redevelopment project area. Effective immediately.

Anna Moeller

VEH-CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL HAUL

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Prohibits a person from operating or causing to be operated on a highway in the course of the person's employment a vehicle owned by the person's employer: (1) with a cargo area loaded with construction material, when any portion of the load is falling, sifting, blowing, dropping or in any way escaping from the vehicle; or (2) with a tailgate transporting construction material unless the tailgate on the vehicle is in good working repair, good operating condition, and closes securely, with a cover or tarpaulin of sufficient size attached, so as to prevent any load, residue, or other material from escaping. Provides that if another person's vehicle is damaged due to a violation of the provision, the owner of the vehicle involved in the violation shall be responsible for compensating the other person in an amount equal to the amount needed to repair the other person's vehicle.

Anne Stava

EPA-BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, and each July 1 thereafter, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer the sum of $5,000,000 from the Underground Storage Tank Fund to the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund. Provides that, among other things, moneys in the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund may be used for the issuance of grants or providing additional subsidization. Removes provisions limiting the size of grants to municipalities issued under the Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program.

Katie Stuart

IMDMA-RELOCATION-IMMIGRATION

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that if parent files a relocation petition seeking to move the child and submits a sworn statement with documentation stating the parent's lawful status expires within 180 days and there is an inability or difficulty renewing that parent's status substantially caused by the other parent's immigration-status coercion or withholding necessary documentation, then the court must set the relocation petition for hearing as soon as practicable but no less than 30 days from its filing. Defines "immigration-status coercion" as conduct by a parent intended to control or intimidate the other parent by: (1) withholding immigration documents needed to maintain lawful status; (2) refusing to provide information necessary to file or renew lawful status if that parent has unique access; or (3) threatening to report or cause reporting to immigration authorities. Amends the relocation provisions to incorporate immigration-status coercion as a criterion for the court to consider in a petition for relocation.

Anne Stava

MEDICAID-SUPPORTIVE LIVING

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the supportive living facilities program, provides that sites for the operation of the program shall be selected by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services based upon criteria that may include the need for services in a geographic area, the availability of funding, the site's ability to meet the standards, and a need to increase access for Medicaid enrollees who need an alternative to nursing home care. Requires the Department to determine need utilizing the most recently available statewide report every 3 years, and to also consider the occupancy rates, vacancies, and waiting lists in surrounding operational supportive living program sites, and public comments. Provides that based on need, the Department shall make the final determination to establish geographic areas utilizing county or zip code-based geographic areas within a rate setting region as the basis for opening a competitive application process. Contains provisions on the analysis and other information required in the statewide report; primary market areas for supportive living program sites; and other matters. Effective immediately.

Anna Moeller

COURTS-REMOTE ACCESS

Amends the Access to Justice Act. Creates the Remote Filing Task Force of 17 members. Creates an appointment process. Provides that the Task Force shall research and evaluate the existing ability of litigants to file court documents remotely across Illinois, including (1) identifying barriers for pro se litigants, people with a primary language other than English, people in crisis, people with disabilities, and people with low-literacy; (2) research and evaluate approaches to address any barriers identified by the Task Force to increase access and usability to remote filing for all Illinoisans; and (3) make recommendations to reduce barriers for litigants to remotely file court documents and improve access and usability of remote filing statewide. Requires that the Task Force submit a report containing its findings and any recommendations to the Supreme Court and the General Assembly by October 1, 2027. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved on October 2, 2027. Effective immediately.

Kelly M. Cassidy

REAL ESTATE LICENSEE-DUTIES

Amends the Real Estate License Act of 2000. Requires a licensee representing a seller of residential real estate to share information on the property with any licensees representing prospective buyers, respond to inquiries from any licensees representing prospective buyers, make the property available for showing to prospective buyers, and, within one calendar day of the start date of any brokerage agreement authorizing the licensee to sell the client's property, publicly advertise or market the listed property for sale on an Internet platform or website accessible to the public and any real estate licensees representing prospective buyers unless the seller completes and signs a disclosure and opt-out form prescribed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Effective immediately.

Lilian Jiménez

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security may make grants for the purpose of promoting public safety radio interoperability if the use of the funds is consistent with standards set forth by the Illinois Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee under Section 10 of the Illinois State Police Radio Act and may adopt such rules as necessary to implement these grants. Provides that in awarding grants for the purpose of promoting public safety radio interoperability, priority shall be given first to public safety agencies with jurisdiction in areas without land mobile radio communication interoperability in counties with a population under 75,000. Provides that only public safety agencies using technology that is P25 CAP-verified (Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program) and complies with the current version of the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) shall be eligible for grants.

Gregg Johnson

DCFS-SECURE ACT

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Safeguards to Ensure Continuity and Uphold Rights and Equity (SECURE) Act. Sets forth several legislative findings, including that (i) Illinois retains a non-delegable duty to safeguard the safety, health, dignity, and well-being of all youth in the care or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, and (ii) the Department must respect and meaningfully consider a youth's expressed preferences in placement options while conducting transparent, individualized risk assessments. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Adds provisions concerning case plans for youth in care and the specific tasks and responsibilities a caregiver must complete to ensure each youth is provided with safe, proper, and supportive care based on the youth's needs and best interests, including, but not limited to, the youth's protected characteristics as defined under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Contains provisions concerning requirements for interstate placements of youth age 8 or older, including, but not limited to: protecting a youth's access to lawful health care and civil immunities for Department employees who protect a youth's access to lawful health care; individualized assessments on the suitability and risks of the proposed interstate placement; ongoing Illinois-based case worker contact and monitoring; and a prohibition on consent to conversion therapy. Contains provisions on youth requested in-state or out-of-state placement and other related matters; annual Department reports on out-of-state placements; performance audits; private right of action; and other matters. Amends the Child Care Act of 1969 by adding provisions on supportive care for youth in care; youth-directed placement rights; licensure and contractual compliance. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Adds provisions on the appointment of an attorney for a youth in care with special needs; required Department attestations on caregiver conduct when a youth is placed in an out-of-state residential treatment center; assessments and monitoring for minors in out-of-state placements; and other matters. Effective July 1, 2027.

CIVIL RIGHTS-DISABILITY

Amends the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003. Prohibits an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, as defined by the Environmental Barriers Act, from being excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination solely by reason of the individual's disability under any of the following: (i) any program or activity operating inside Illinois and receiving federal financial assistance; (ii) any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance that passes through or is administered by State, county, or local government; (iii) any activity regulated by the State that receives federal financial assistance; or (iv) any program or activity receiving State, county, or local government financial assistance. Provides that a State agency that has an existing mechanism for enforcing federal Section 504 rights under the federal Rehabilitation Act may also enforce provisions of the Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enforce the provisions of this Act in any appropriate circuit court if the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern of discrimination prohibited by this Act. Provides that disability discrimination under the Act includes violations of the substantive rights provided in the federal regulations adopted under the federal Rehabilitation Act. Provides that these rights constitute a minimum set of rights that may not be reduced. Requires the Secretary of State to maintain a copy of the regulations in a manner that is easily available to the public such as on a website in a searchable format. Makes the Act severable.

Kevin John Olickal

PUBLIC AID-TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide coverage under the medical assistance program for intensive outpatient services delivered via telehealth when the services: (1) are otherwise covered when provided in person; (2) are medically necessary; (3) are delivered by a provider enrolled in the medical assistance program and acting within the scope of the provider's license, certification, or authorization under State law; and (4) comply with all applicable federal and State telehealth requirements. Provides that intensive outpatient services provided via telehealth shall be subject to the same coverage requirements, utilization management, and reimbursement methodologies as intensive outpatient services provided in person. Sets forth standards for telehealth delivery of intensive outpatient services. Provides that implementation of the provisions is subject to any required federal approval. Effective immediately.

Laura Faver Dias

DHS-DSP WAGE&CILA RATE INCREAS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to file an amendment to the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' average wage increases and who work in residential and community day services settings. Provides that for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027, the rates shall include adjustments to employment-related expenses as defined by rule by the Department. Requires the Department to adopt rules, including emergency rules, to implement the rate increases. Contains provisions on benchmark rates for therapy and counseling for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; tiered rates for community day services; community integration supports for community day services; and benchmark rates for CILA transportation cost and for the supported employment program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to submit a Title XIX State Plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel at ID/DD and MC/DD facilities. Provides that the State Plan amendment shall provide wage increases for all residential non-executive direct care staff. Effective immediately.

Laura Faver Dias

IDPH-COMMUNITY BELONGING STUDY

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Establishes the Office for Community Belonging and Connection in the Department of Public Health for certain purposes and with specified duties. Requires the Office to establish a 3-year pilot program to collect data on the epidemic of loneliness. Requires each State agency that coordinates with the Office to designate a Community Belonging Liaison to represent the agency in an interagency group. Describes the duties of the interagency group. Grants rulemaking powers to the Department. Effective January 1, 2027.

Nicolle Grasse

ILLINOIS MILITARY HISTORY

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a statewide military history initiative aimed at preserving Illinois' war and veterans' memorials, monuments, plaques, and historic sites. Creates the Illinois War and Veterans Memorials and Monuments Fund as a special fund in the State treasury to support the preservation and restoration of outdoor memorials, monuments, plaques, and historic sites located within the State that highlight the service and sacrifice of Illinois' military veterans. Provides that, subject to appropriation, moneys in the Fund shall be expended to provide grants to local governments, historic societies, and veterans' organizations seeking to restore, repair, or maintain memorials, monuments, plaques, or historic sites within their communities. Requires the Department to establish criteria on how to identify war and veterans' memorials, monuments, plaques, and historic sites that are in need of preservation or restoration or other forms of aid, and match them with grants and other sources of funding based on the scope of the preservation or restoration project and on the grant applicant's ability to carry out and complete the project. Requires the Department to create and maintain a digital archive of Illinois veterans' records, letters, and oral histories and make such materials readily accessible to the general public and local schools. Requires the Department to partner with State colleges and universities to collect and preserve personal documents, photos, and interviews with Illinois veterans. Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates April 9 of each year as Illinois Veterans' Legacy Day to be observed throughout the State as a day to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of Illinois' military veterans with suitable activities designed to teach and preserve Illinois' military history and build social connections between Illinois' veterans population and school-aged youth. Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to all school boards teaching modules on Illinois' military history for public school students enrolled in grades 6 through 12.

Dave Vella

IEMA-SMALL BUSINESS GRANT

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Authorizes the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security to make grants to small businesses for eligible security improvements that assist the small business in preventing, preparing for, or responding to threats, attacks, or acts of terrorism. Provides that a small business eligible for a grant under the program must meet certain requirements. Creates the IEMA At-Risk Small Business Security Grant Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is authorized to use moneys appropriated from the Fund to make grants to small businesses for target hardening activities, security personnel, and physical security enhancements and for the payment of administrative expenses associated with the Illinois At-Risk Small Business Security Grant Program, except that, beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Agency shall not award grants under these provisions to those entities whose primary purpose is to provide medical or mental health services. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Bob Morgan

ILLINOIS PROMOTION-CONVENTIONS

Amends the Illinois Promotion Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may issue competitive grants with initial terms of 10 years for the purpose of administering an incentive program that will attract or retain conventions, meetings, sporting events, and trade shows in Illinois with the goal of increasing business or leisure travel to and within the State. Amends the State Finance Act. Establishes the Tourism Incentive Grant Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that, on July 1, 2026, and every July 1 thereafter, or as soon thereafter as practical, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer the sum of $5,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Tourism Incentive Grant Program Fund. Effective immediately.

Dave Vella

EDUCATIONAL CHOICE FOR IL KIDS

Specifies that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Educational Choice for Illinois Children Act. Amends the School Code. Provides that the General Assembly elects, on behalf of the State, to: (1) participate in the federal tax credit established under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act for individuals who make qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations; and (2) identify scholarship granting organizations located in this State. Authorizes and empowers the State Board of Education to certify and submit a list of qualifying scholarship granting organizations to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States in accordance with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its associated regulations. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that provisions concerning a pass-through entity tax apply until January 1, 2030. Creates income tax deductions for qualified tips, overtime, and qualified vehicle loan interest. Creates an income tax deduction for qualified senior citizens. Provides that distributions from the College Savings Pool may be used for certain elementary and secondary school expenses. Makes changes concerning the bonus depreciation deduction under Section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Jeff Keicher

DCFS-COMPLETE INVESTIGATIONS

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that whenever the Department of Children and Family Services takes protective custody of a child following a report of suspected child abuse or neglect and a petition for temporary custody of the child is filed by the State's Attorney in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Child Protective Service Unit assigned to investigate the initial report shall continue and complete its investigation even if, after the temporary custody hearing, the Department is granted temporary custody of the child. Provides that the Unit's investigation shall not be closed solely because the court issues an order of temporary custody over the child to the Department; and that the court's decision to grant temporary custody of the child to the Department may not, under any circumstances, be considered by the Child Protective Service Unit when making its determination on whether the investigated report indicates abuse or neglect. Provides that a Child Protective Service Unit shall not end its investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect until the Unit completes the investigation as prescribed under specified administrative rules and procedures. Contains provisions on final investigative summary requirements and oversight and compliance actions. Effective January 1, 2027.

Jed Davis

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COMPACT

Creates the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Act. Provides that the State of Illinois ratifies and approves the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. Provides that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of Occupational Therapy with the goal of improving public access to Occupational Therapy services, and states that the Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. The Compact contains provisions concerning definitions; state participation in the Compact; Compact privilege; obtaining a new home state license by virtue of Compact privileges; active duty military personnel and their spouses; adverse actions; establishment of the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission; a data system; rulemaking; oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement; date of implementation of the Interstate Commission for Occupational Therapy Practice and associated rules, withdrawal, and amendment; construction and severability; and the binding effect of the Compact and other laws.

Nicole La Ha

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATHOGENS

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Defines "pathogens of epidemiological concern". Provides that each hospital shall develop and implement comprehensive interventions to prevent and control pathogens of epidemiological concern (instead of multidrug-resistant organisms) that take into consideration guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, or the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society for the management of multidrug-resistant organisms in health care settings. Within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, requires each hospital to adopt a policy for preventing and controlling the transmission of pathogens of epidemiological concern. Establishes reporting requirements for hospitals with patients carrying pathogens of epidemiological concern. Repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act.

DENTAL LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS

Amends the Illinois Dental Practice Act. In provisions concerning the qualifications of applicants for dental licenses and dental hygienist licenses, provides that each applicant shall present satisfactory evidence that the applicant has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and has successfully completed an examination conducted by the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS) or the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). Provides that an applicant who has passed the integrated National Board Dental Examination or the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, respectively, and who has, prior to January 1, 2026, successfully completed an examination conducted by the States Resources for Testing and Assessments, Inc. (SRTA) (formerly, Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), or the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB) shall be eligible to apply for licensure. In provisions concerning examinations for dental licensure, provides that both theoretical and psychomotor (rather than practical) examinations shall be of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice dentistry. In provisions concerning expanded function dental assistants, provides that a dental assistant may perform certain services if the dental assistant has completed the training requirements for the service or services. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

Bob Morgan

HIGHER ED-SURVEY/BD/REPORT

Amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act to make a change concerning the topics of the base survey. Amends the Board of Education Act to remove the requirement that each student member of the Board of Higher Education shall serve beginning on July 1. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities. Provides that the academic major report provided by a university's governing board shall include, among other information, the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 10 (rather than 20) years based on the estimated cost of a student's education and the percentage of graduate jobs in which a graduate who holds a degree in a particular major or program of study remains continuously employed with the same employer in the State for 3 consecutive fiscal quarters (rather than the average job placement rate within 12 months after graduation for a graduate who holds a degree in a particular major or program of study). Effective immediately.

HUMAN CONTROL OF AI ACT

Creates the Meaningful Human Control of Artificial Intelligence Act. Provides that a public employer, including a contractor or subcontractor of the public employer, shall not use or apply, or authorize any procurement, purchase, or acquisition of any service or system using or relying on any automated decision-making system, directly or indirectly, without meaningful and continuing human review when performing specified functions. Provides that an employer seeking to use or apply an automated decision-making system shall conduct an initial impact assessment and an additional impact assessments at least once every 2 years and prior to any material changes to the automated decision-making system. Sets forth provisions concerning anti-retaliation; enforcement by the Department of Labor; and private rights of action.

Abdelnasser Rashid

DCEO-BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish an office to serve as a single point of contact for the purpose of guiding businesses through the various registrations required by Illinois law and any unit of local government. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall prepare a report on the various registration or licensing requirements for small business and provide the report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. Effective immediately.

Mary Gill

PHARMACIES-9-8-8 INFORMATION

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that every licensed pharmacy directly serving patients at a physical location shall conspicuously post a sign provided by the Department of Human Services that contains the following: (i) a statement that the Department of Human Services runs a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; (ii) the Lifeline number; and (iii) any other information the Department of Human Services deems appropriate. Provides that the sign shall be printed in color ink or displayed electronically in color, measure at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, and be posted at either a cashier counter or a waiting area that is clearly visible to patients. Requires licensed pharmacies that do not maintain a physical location that directly serves patients to include a copy of the sign with any dispensed prescriptions. Provides that the sign shall also be available to download on the Department of Human Services's website.

UTILITY-EXPEDITED ACQUISITION

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning the valuation of water and sewer utilities, provides that a large public utility that acquires a water or sewer utility may recommend that the large public utility adopt the existing rates of the water or sewer utility. Provides that the contractor or subcontractor shall submit evidence of meeting the requirements to be a responsible bidder to the large public utility (rather than water or sewer utility). Provides that the provisions are repealed on June 30, 2038 (rather than June 1, 2028). Provides that a large public utility, in its application to acquire a water or sewer utility or any other application requesting approval of an acquisition of a water or sewer utility, may request that the Illinois Commerce Commission expedite its review and issue an order within an expedited timeframe. Provides that, if, in its application, a large public utility requests an expedited review, the Commission shall issue a ruling approving or denying expedited review within 30 days of the filing of the application if the large public utility provides ample evidence supporting the need for expedited review. Provides that the large public utility, in its application, shall establish evidence that the expedited review is necessary which may include certain factors. Provides that, upon granting expedited review, and subject to the Commission's rules on interlocutory review, the Commission shall issue its final order no later than 5 months after the date the expedited review was granted. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman