Bills & Legislation

FIREFIGHTER-AGE RESTRICTION

Amends the Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that no person under the age of 18 (rather than 21) shall be eligible for employment as a firefighter. Provides that no person who is 37 years of age or older (rather than 35 years of age or older) shall be eligible to take an examination for a position as a firefighter unless specified conditions are satisfied.

Amy Elik

INC TX-GILTI AND SAFE HARBOR

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Repeals provisions concerning an addition modification related to the business interest deduction taken under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Effective immediately.

Amy Elik

PREVAILING WAGE-VARIOUS

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that, if a laborer, mechanic, or other worker, to whom the prevailing rate of wages is required to be paid, is classified in 2 or more trade titles for any amount of time during a day on which the individual is employed on a public works project, the individual shall receive the prevailing rate of wages that is the highest among those trade titles for all hours worked that day. Provides that a laborer, mechanic, or other worker, to whom the prevailing wage is required to be paid, may be paid at an apprentice rate of pay if the laborer is enrolled in an apprenticeship and training program. Provides for the withholding of payments for violations of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

ILLINOIS WORKS-STATE PROJECTS

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the provisions of the Act apply to projects financed or funded, in whole or in part, by a grant, loan, incentive, or tax subsidy, credit, or rebate provided through a program established by State law and administered by a State agency and that require the payment of prevailing wages to employees. Makes changes to the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative. Provides that the Department of Labor may reduce or waive the apprenticeship requirements under certain conditions. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

UTILITY-IPA PROCUREMENT

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act and the Broadband Infrastructure Advancement Act. Provides that the Illinois Power Agency and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, respectively, shall create a specific Database and may contract with a third-party database program administrator to do so. Provides that, if the Agency or Department decides to contract with a third-party database program administrator, the third-party database program administrator shall be exempt from certain requirements in the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the specific Database shall be a searchable database of awardees, contractors, developers, suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors for certain projects or providers that is: (i) publicly accessible; (ii) easy for people to find and use; (iii) organized by company specialty or field; (iv) region-specific; and (v) populated with information that includes, but is not limited to, project names, project size, contact information, including the addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of suppliers, vendors, or subcontractors who participate or have participated in any of the programs described in the respective Act, and the current status of such projects. Provides that a posting on the specific Database shall be made by the applicable developer prior to the start of work on a project. Requires developers to provide regular updates on the status of such projects until a project's completion. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning competitive sealed bidding, provides that public notice of an invitation for bids shall be published in the Illinois Procurement Bulletin and in the BidBuy eProcurement System at least 14 calendar days before the date set in the invitation for the opening of bids. Provides that the Director of the Illinois Power Agency may create alternative bidding procedures to procure renewable energy resources smaller than 1,000 kilowatts (rather than to procure renewable energy resources) under certain provisions of the Illinois Power Agency Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

OLD UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that the Underground Storage Tank Fund shall be accessible by owners and operators who intend to remove underground storage tanks installed over 30 years before removal if the eligibility requirements of specified provisions are satisfied and (1) neither the owner nor the operator is the United States Government; (2) the tank does not contain fuel which is exempt from the Motor Fuel Tax Law; (3) the costs were incurred as a result of removing an underground storage tank installed over 30 years prior to removal; (4) the owner or operator registered the tank and paid all fees in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the Gasoline Storage Act; (5) the owner or operator notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the owner's or operator's intent to remove the underground storage tank; and (6) the costs have not already been paid to the owner or operator under a private insurance policy, other written agreement, or court order.

WORK COMP-SURCHARGES & FEES

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides for increases in the rate of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund Surcharge, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund Fee, and payments to the Rate Adjustment Fund. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

TELECOMMUNICATIONS THEFT

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is an authorized agent, a representative or employee of a licensed contractor of a public utility, a provider of telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force shall review the effectiveness of its efforts in deterring and investigating the problem of recyclable metal theft specific to telecommunications wires, burned wire, and any other equipment used to provide (i) telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Task Force shall consider and develop long-term solutions, both legislative and enforcement-driven, for the rising problem of theft of these wires and equipment in this State. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of one representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Provides that the Task Force shall, by October 31 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. Changes the definition of the term "recyclable metal". Defines the terms "burned wire" and "telecommunications wire".

CRIM LAW-SELL OF NITROUS OXIDE

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any person, firm, corporation, co-partnership, limited liability company, association, or business, including an online retailer, that intentionally manufactures, delivers, possesses, or sells, with intent to manufacture, deliver, sell, or otherwise transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of causing a condition of intoxication, elation, euphoria, dizziness, stupefaction, or dulling of the senses or for the purpose of changing, distorting, or disturbing the audio, visual, or mental processes is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Jay Hoffman

SCH CD-TECHNOLOGY GUIDANCE

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education may provide statewide guidance to school districts concerning a workforce development curriculum or programming or both that can be adopted at the school district, school, or classroom level and that provides best practices for teaching artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other types of rapidly growing technologies as deemed necessary, in a manner that prepares students for workforce, job, and career competencies in the future and informs students of new or growing job or career opportunities in these new fields. Provides that the State Board shall prepare a comprehensive review of any workforce development preparation curriculum and programming specifically designed around technology implemented or considered in other states through other state actions, policies, pilot programs, or school-based programs implemented or tested on a statewide or school-district basis. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may convene meetings with stakeholders from the public or private sector in preparing the guidance and may allow for the submission of public comments from individuals, organizations, or other entities prior to finalizing the prepared guidance.

Joyce Mason

PROP TX-TAXING DISTRICT PROP

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that property leased, subleased, or rented, in whole or in part, to a taxing district and used exclusively for a bona fide taxing district purpose is exempt. Provides that the exemption applies only to the portion of the property used for bona fide taxing district purposes. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

ELEC CD-PERSONAL SERVICE

Amends the Election Code. Provides that each petition or certificate of nomination may include a voluntarily waiver of personal service of process and consent to notice of any objection by registered or certified mail and posting on the website of the unit of local government associated with the proper local election official or, if the unit of local government does not maintain a website, by posting at the principal office of the unit of local government. Makes conforming changes.

Daniel Didech

INTELL SPEED ASSIST PROGRAM

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Establishes the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program to supervise the installation and compliance of intelligent speed assistance systems. Sets forth requirements for the Secretary of State upon receipt of notice from a court that a person is required to enroll in the Program. Provides that a person enrolled in the Program shall install a certified intelligent speed assistance system on each motor vehicle owned by or registered to the person and shall not operate any motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning, certified intelligent speed assistance system. Provides that if a person fails to comply with the requirements of the Program, the Secretary may: suspend the person's restricted driver's license for a period and, following the period of suspension, permit the person to reenroll in the Program; revoke the person's restricted driver's license and prohibit the person from reenrolling in the Program; or impose a civil penalty. Provides that a person enrolled in the Program shall pay all costs associated with enrollment and participation in the Program, unless the person is found to be indigent. Provides that the Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force shall certify intelligent speed assistance systems for use in the State and adopt rules and forms for the installation, maintenance, and certification of intelligent speed assistance systems. Sets forth requirements for selling or leasing intelligent speed assistance systems. Requires a manufacturer or distributor of an intelligent speed assistance system to provide support services. Prohibits a person from tampering with, or in any way attempting to circumvent, bypass, or tamper with the operation of, an intelligent speed assistance system that has been installed in a motor vehicle. Requires the Task Force to adopt rules and forms as are necessary to implement the Program. Makes conforming changes in the Code and in the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Effective January 1, 2027.

REAL ESTATE-VARIOUS

Amends the State Finance Act. In provisions concerning vouchers, provides that the signature requirement for construction contracts procured by the Department of Transportation shall apply to contracts, contract renewals, and orders against a master contract in the amount of $750,000 or more in a fiscal year and to any contract amendment or change to an existing contract that increases the value of the contract to or by $750,000 or more in a fiscal year. Amends the Public Contract Fraud Act. In provisions concerning spending money without obtaining title to land, provides that the Department of Transportation may proceed with bidding or awarding a contract or any construction activities once it has complied with specified federal requirements. Amends the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002. Makes changes in provisions concerning: waiver valuations; endorsement; grounds for disciplinary action; citations; discrimination; investigation, notice, and hearing; and meetings of the Real Estate Appraisal Administration and Disciplinary Board. Amends the Illinois Highway Code. In provisions allowing the Department of Transportation to acquire an interest in land, rights, or other property for specified road construction purposes, specifies that the property may be public or private property. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

MEDICAID-MUIR RATE-VA CARE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, beginning on and after October 1, 2026, for rate year 2027 and thereafter, the Medicaid inpatient utilization rate used in the determination of eligibility for inpatient adjustment payments provided under the Code shall be modified to exclude from both the numerator and denominator all days of care funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at a hospital approved to conduct its operations from more than one location within contiguous counties under a single license, if at the time of its licensing application the hospital was located in a county with fewer than 125,000 inhabitants and the hospital's second facility is located in a contiguous county with fewer than 235,000 inhabitants. Provides that, for purposes of the amendatory Act, days of care funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs include authorized VA community care provided at non-VA hospitals. Effective immediately.

Carol Ammons

IHDA-HOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Creates the Owner-Occupied Housing Incentive Act. Requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to administer an owner-occupant housing incentive program that provides financial incentives to qualifying purchasers for the purchase of moderately priced owner-occupied homes. Requires the Authority to develop necessary forms, establish verification procedures, and adopt rules to implement the program that are consistent with the provisions of the Act. Requires the Authority to provide a $7,500 owner-occupant housing incentive to any qualifying purchaser of an eligible property. Provides that the owner-occupant housing incentive may be provided as a grant, closing cost credit, down payment assistance, or any other similar mechanism approved by the Authority, subject to available appropriations. Contains provisions concerning eligibility requirements; hardship exemptions; program restrictions; verification and compliance; and penalties and repayment. Provides that the Act shall be construed narrowly to promote owner-occupied home purchases and that nothing in the Act shall be interpreted to regulate or restrict lawful rental housing, landlord activity, or property ownership outside the scope of the incentive created under the Act. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

PUBLIC MEDIA GRANT ACT

Amends the Public Radio and Television Grant Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Public Media Grant Act. Provides that public, educational, and government access channels are included in the grant program under the Act. Makes changes concerning the distribution of grants under the Act. Effective immediately.

Janet Yang Rohr

FINANCE-PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Public, Educational, and Governmental Programming Fund. Provides that moneys in the Public, Educational, and Governmental Programming Fund shall be used by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for operational and administrative expenditures related to, as well as the award of grants to, public, educational, and governmental programmers and public, educational, and governmental studio operators with the purpose of subsidizing operational, capital, and equipment costs related to producing and procuring that programming. Effective immediately.

Janet Yang Rohr

MENTAL HEALTH-SEL INSTRUCTION

Amends the Children's Mental Health Act. Requires each school district to ensure that every student in grades K-12 receives direct instruction in social and emotional learning no fewer than 4 times each academic year, approximately once per academic quarter. Requires social and emotional learning instruction to be delivered by a trained professional, provided during a class period, and address age-appropriate competencies as outlined in the Illinois Learning Standards for Social/Emotional Learning. Requires classroom teachers to reinforce social and emotional learning concepts through integrated academic curriculum and classroom practices. Requires each school district to provide professional development to assist educators in aligning instructional practices with social and emotional learning principles. Effective January 1, 2028.

Janet Yang Rohr

NEW CHILD BONDING LEAVE ACT

Creates the New Child Bonding Leave Act. Provides that an employee who has gained custody of a child within the previous 4 weeks, either through birth, adoption, foster care placement, or otherwise, is entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Provides that an employer shall not require that an employee use any paid leave available to the employee for any reason instead of leave the employee is entitled to under the Act. Provides that, upon the conclusion of leave taken under the Act, an employee shall be reinstated to the employee's former position or a substantially equivalent one with no loss of benefits held or accrued prior to taking leave. Allows an employer to require an employee submit documentation to demonstrate that they are entitled to leave under the Act. Sets forth provisions concerning unlawful employer practices; Department of Labor responsibilities; and enforcement of the Act.

Janet Yang Rohr

SCH CD-SELECTIVE SERVICE INFO

Amends the School Code. Requires the school board of each school district maintaining a high school to ensure that the district's high school students receive information on how to register for Selective Service.

Janet Yang Rohr

EQUAL PAY-VARIABLE PAY SCALE

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that it is unlawful for an employer with 15 or more employees to fail to include the base pay scale and variable pay scale (rather than the pay scale and benefits) for a position in any specific job posting. Provides that the base pay scale and variable pay scale shall be provided as separate ranges on the job posting. Defines "base pay scale" and "variable pay scale".

Janet Yang Rohr

SCH CD-UNUSED FOOD SHARING

Amends the School Code. Allows a school district to comply with provisions concerning school unused food sharing plans by implementing a share table. Provides that the school district may develop and follow a policy on standard operating procedures for share tables. Effective August 1, 2027.

HUMAN RTS-VOID AGREEMENTS

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Voids any provision in an oral agreement or written instrument relating to real property suited for medical procedures that purports to forbid or restrict the conveyance, encumbrance, occupancy, or lease on the basis of providing reproductive health care so long as voiding the provision would not place the instrument or agreement in conflict with another law. Voids any condition, restriction or prohibition, including a right of entry or possibility of reverter, which directly or indirectly limits the use or occupancy of real property suited for medical procedures on the basis of providing reproductive health care so long as voiding the provision would not place the instrument or agreement in conflict with another law. Makes it a civil rights violation to insert in a written instrument a provision that is void under the Act.

Janet Yang Rohr

EARLY CHILDHOOD-DUE PROCESS

Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. In a provision requiring procedural safeguards for families by each public agency involved in the provision of early intervention services, provides that a parent or guardian, a provider, a regional intake entity, or the Department must request an impartial hearing on the due process complaint within 2 years after the date the parent or guardian, lead agency, or early intervention services provider knew or should have known about the alleged action that forms the basis of the due process complaint. Effective January 1, 2027.

Janet Yang Rohr

SCH CD-STAFF MENTAL HEALTH

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to publish on its website links to resources, self-assessments, and best practices for educators and local policymakers to prevent and address secondary traumatic stress in the workforce. Provides that, by January 1, 2028, each school district must adopt policies and procedures that incorporate the following elements: (1) a commitment to support mental health in the workplace; (2) the establishment of a district-wide workforce mental health committee; (3) regular assessment of district-level and school-level implementation of the policies and procedures that includes input from the workforce; and (4) the provision of appropriate resources and training to schools and staff for continuous improvement. Provides for amending and reviewing policies and procedures.

SPEECH LANGUAGE CONTINUING ED

Amends the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act. Provides that, at a minimum, the rules of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation regarding continuing education shall permit continuing education credits to be earned for: (1) verified attendance at lectures and scheduled courses or workshops at local, regional, national, or international conferences concerning speech-language pathology, audiology, or related disciplines if the lectures, scheduled courses, or workshops meet the criteria set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code; (2) verified attendance at lectures, workshops, or in-service programs concerning speech-language pathology, audiology, or related disciplines if the lectures, workshops, or in-service programs meet the criteria set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code; and (3) presentation before an audience of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, or related professionals at lectures, workshops, or in-service programs concerning speech-language pathology, audiology, or related disciplines if the lectures, workshops, or in-service programs meet the criteria set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code.

Janet Yang Rohr

SCHCD-IRON DEFICIENCY TRAINING

Amends the School Code. With respect to in-service training programs, provides that the school board of each school district operating a secondary education program shall annually conduct in-service training on iron deficiency and iron anemia caused by participation in athletics for all coaches of high school interscholastic athletics in the school district. Provides that the training shall include menstrual dysfunction, low-energy availability, low bone-mineral density, signs and symptoms, the impact on health and performance, and what measures can be taken to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of these conditions.

Janet Yang Rohr

HIGHER ED-FREE FENTANYL TESTS

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Requires a public institution of higher education to make fentanyl testing strips available free of charge through the student health center, a student wellness office, wellness kiosks, and resident assistant programs. Provides that fentanyl testing strips shall be provided in confidentiality to any enrolled student upon request. Allows a public institution of higher education to offer educational materials addressing drug overdose prevention. Effective July 1, 2026.

Janet Yang Rohr

FINANCE-FUND FOR IL FUTURE

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that, as soon as practical after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer $370,000,000 from the Fund for Illinois' Future to the General Revenue Fund. Effective immediately.

Norine K. Hammond

VEH CD-LIGHTS EXEMPTION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Exempts from the prohibition of the use of green oscillating, flashing, or rotating lights on motor vehicles or equipment any motor vehicle or equipment owned by the State, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, local authorities, and contractors when the lights on those vehicles or equipment are used in combination with amber or amber and white oscillating, flashing, or rotating lights, but only when such vehicles or equipment are engaged in maintenance or construction operations within the limits of construction projects. Effective immediately.

INC TX-LOCAL MEDIA

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that a qualified small business may apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for an income tax credit in an amount equal to the amount paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for qualified advertising with a local news organization. Provides that the credit may not exceed $2,500 per eligible taxpayer in any taxable year. Provides that the aggregate amount of all tax credits awarded by the Department under the amendatory Act in any calendar year may not exceed $3,000,000. Effective immediately.

Amy Elik

PRESERVING NEIGHBORHOODS ACT

Creates the Preserving Illinois Neighborhoods Act. Provides that, for taxable years that begin on or after January 1, 2027 and end on or before December 31, 2032, qualified taxpayers who incur qualified new construction expenditures or qualified rehabilitation expenditures during the taxable year are entitled to a credit. Effective immediately.

Amy Elik

PROP TX-LONG-TIME OCCUPANT

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning with taxable year 2027, the long-time occupant homestead exemption applies in all counties. Effective immediately.

Amy Elik

SAVINGS POOL-DISABILITIES

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that qualified expenses related to special needs services include elementary and secondary school expenses incurred as a result of a recognized disability or an individualized education program. Makes conforming changes to the definition of "eligible educational institution". Defines "recognized disability" as a physical, developmental, or learning disability recognized by the State Board of Education.

Amy Elik

COUNTIES-WIND & SOLAR ENERGY

Amends the Counties Code. In provisions about commercial wind energy facilities and commercial solar energy facilities, removes changes made by Public Act 102-1123. Provides that any provision of a county zoning ordinance pertaining to wind farms, commercial wind energy facilities, or commercial solar energy facilities that was in effect before January 27, 2023 may continue in effect notwithstanding any changes made in Public Act 102-1123 and, if applicable, any provision of a county zoning ordinance pertaining to wind farms that was in effect before August 16, 2007 may continue in effect notwithstanding the changes made in Public Act 95-203.

Anthony DeLuca

SMALL BUSINESS ASSET ACCT

Creates the Small Business Asset Purchase Account Act. Provides that a small business in the State may open a small business asset purchase account at an eligible financial institution. Provides that funds from a small business asset purchase account may be used only for specified eligible costs. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction in an amount equal to 50% of the amount contributed during the taxable year to a small business asset purchase account. Creates a deduction of 100% of the interest earned on the account that is not included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Amends the Uniform Penalty and Interest Act to provide for penalties for amounts withdrawn that are not used for eligible costs.

Amy Elik

PROCUREMENT-FARM PROPERTY

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Executive Ethics Commission, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall approve a chief procurement officer for procurements for farm and agricultural land made by the Department of Natural Resources after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Charles Meier

ALT RETAIL ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning the certification of alternative retail electric suppliers, provides that the alternative retail electric supplier shall publish notice of its application in the official State newspaper within 14 days (rather than 10 days) following the date of its filing. Provides that, no later than 60 days (rather than 45 days) after a complete application is properly filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission, and such notice is published, the Commission shall issue its order granting or denying the application. Provides that, in determining the level of technical, financial, and managerial resources and abilities which an applicant must demonstrate, the Commission shall consider the applicant's commitment of resources to the management of its sales and marketing staff through affirmative managerial policies, independent audits, technology, hands-on field monitoring, and training and, for applicants who have sales personnel or sales agents within the State, the applicant's managerial presence within the State. Provides that the Commission shall grant the application for a certificate of service authority if it finds, among other things, that the applicant will comply with all applicable federal, State, regional, and industry rules, policies, practices, procedures, and tariffs for the use, operation, and maintenance of the safety, integrity, and reliability, of the interconnected electric transmission system.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.

INC TX-DEDUCT TIPS AND OT

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction for gratuities that are included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Creates an income tax deduction for the amount of overtime compensation that is paid to the taxpayer during the taxable year and that is included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Effective immediately.

Norine K. Hammond

SALE OF E-15 GASOLINE

Amends the Motor Fuel Sales Act. Authorizes motor fuel blends containing 10.5% to 15% ethanol, by volume, to be sold in the State at any time during the year if permitted under federal law. Provides that, if a federal authorization must be obtained to provide for the year-round sale of those motor fuel blends, then the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency shall take all actions necessary to obtain the federal authorization on behalf of the State.

Wayne A. Rosenthal

DCFS-EMPLOYEE PORTAL

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to maintain a public, searchable online portal that lists every individual employed by the Department or a purchase of service agency (POS) who holds a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) and performs investigations, casework, or supervisory functions. Requires the portal to contain certain employee information, including, but not limited to, each child welfare employee's full name, official job title, CWEL license number and date of issuance, employment and child welfare employee license status, an indication of whether the individual is authorized to conduct child welfare investigations, and any disciplinary actions taken under the Child and Protective Investigator and Child Welfare Specialist Certification Act of 1987. Prohibits the Department and POS agencies from assigning investigative or casework duties to any child welfare employee who is not listed on the portal, has a suspended or expired CWEL, or has been disciplined or disqualified. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to alter, expand, or limit existing licensure, certification, training, experience, or assignment requirements under State law. Effective January 1, 2027.

Jed Davis

SCH CD-ASSESSMENTS-STANDARDS

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning State goals and assessment, provides that a student may not be considered proficient in mathematics or English language arts with a score on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness that is lower than 750/850, nor may a student be considered proficient in science with a score on the Illinois Science Assessment that is lower than 812/850. Provides that for the assessment administered by the State Board of Education for the purpose of student application to or admission consideration by an institution of higher education, a student may not be considered proficient in mathematics with a score that is lower than 22 on the ACT or its recognized equivalent, nor may a student be considered proficient in English language arts with a score that is lower than 42 on the ACT or its recognized equivalent. Effective immediately.

Dan Ugaste

BUDGETING FOR RESULTS-ANALYSIS

Amends the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Sets forth additional requirements for the benefit cost analysis performed by the Budgeting for Results Commission as part of its annual report. Provides that the benefit cost analysis conducted for any crime prevention programs shall include data and information provided by crime prevention programs, victims rights groups, and law enforcement agencies in the State.

Dan Ugaste

FUTURE OF WORK ACT OF 2026

Creates the Future of Work Act of 2026. Creates the Future of Work Task Force. Describes the duties and responsibilities of the Task Force. Provides for the membership and meetings of the Task Force. Provides that members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall provide administrative support to the Task Force. Requires the Task Force to submit a final report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than August 31, 2028, and every 5 years thereafter. Effective immediately.

Dan Ugaste

VEH CD-PERMITS-LOGGING PRODUCT

Amends the Permits Article of the Size, Weight, Load and Permits Chapter of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Department of Transportation and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, in their discretion and upon application in writing, to issue a special permit for limited continuous operation, authorizing the applicant to move loads of logging products on a specified vehicles. Provides that the fees for special permits for increased axle loads to be used for hauling logging products is $5 per axle.

Brad Halbrook

DHS-BALC ANNUAL PUBLICATION

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Service to publish annually, beginning January 1, 2027, the assessment instruments used by the Department's Bureau of Accreditation, Licensure, and Certification to survey and license providers of community-integrated living arrangement homes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Requires rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Kevin John Olickal

CRIM CD-GAMBLING LOSS-FANTASY

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the provision of the Code that provides that a person who by illegal gambling loses $50 or more to another person may sue for and recover the money or other thing of value, so lost and paid or delivered, in a civil action against the winner thereof, with costs, in the circuit court, applies only to a natural person with residency in the State of Illinois. Provides that losses as a result of participation in any fantasy contests against a fantasy contest operator, including single-player fantasy contests, are not recoverable under the provision. Effective immediately.

EPA-FORMER WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that no person shall use, or cause or allow the use of, any site on which a former waste disposal operation is located in a manner that is inconsistent with the closure of the waste disposal operation. Lists prohibited uses.

PROPERTY-ENERGY AUDITS

Amends the Energy Efficient Building Act. Provides that each builder who completes construction on a newly constructed residential building in the State shall cause an energy audit to be completed on the building resulting in a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Score. Amends the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act. Provides that, subject to certain exceptions, prior to the transfer of title of a dwelling, the seller shall obtain an energy audit resulting in a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Score of the dwelling. Effective immediately.

Barbara Hernandez