Bills & Legislation

NO FETAL DEATH CERTIFICATE

Amends the Vital Records Act. In provisions regarding fetal death, deletes provisions referencing election in writing to arrange for burial or cremation under the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires a funeral director to file an Authorization for Disposition of Fetal Remains or a certificate of death (rather than only a certificate of death) before obtaining a permit for disposition of remains. Provides that, in the case of a fetal death that occurs after a gestation period of less than 20 weeks or in the case of an abortion, no fetal death certificate shall be required for the disposition of remains. Directs the Department of Public Health to create a form to be used by the funeral director to obtain a permit for burial, entombment, or cremation. Requires the local registrar to seal any form filed under these provisions, and prohibits a funeral director from retaining a copy. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. In provisions regarding the disposition of a fetus, provides that no fetal death certificate shall be required in accordance with the Vital Records Act. Provides that the funeral director or person acting as such who first assumes custody of fetal remains shall use the Department of Public Health form to obtain a permit for disposition of remains. Makes other conforming changes.

VEH-PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Exempts low-speed personal mobility devices and low-speed personal micromobility devices from registration and certificate of title requirements. Prohibits high-speed mobility devices and moderate-speed mobility devices from being marketed, sold, or advertised as low-speed personal mobility devices or low-speed micromobility devices. Exempts persons operating low-speed personal mobility devices and low-speed micromobility devices from driver's license or permit requirements. Provides that high-speed personal mobility devices are subject to the rules and requirements that apply to motorcycles and moderate-speed personal mobility devices are subject to the rules and requirements that apply to mopeds. Requires a person to be covered by a liability insurance policy to operate, register, or maintain registration of a high-speed personal mobility device or moderate-speed personal mobility device. Allows a municipality or local unit of government to install signage clearly indicating the regulation of personal mobility devices. Sets forth prohibited operations of a high-speed personal mobility device, moderate-speed, and low-speed personal mobility device. Provides that traffic laws apply to persons riding low-speed personal mobility devices. Sets forth equipment requirements on low-speed personal mobility devices and moderate-speed personal mobility devices. Sets forth the operation standards for low-speed personal mobility devices, low-speed personal micromobility devices, high-speed personal mobility devices, and moderate-speed personal mobility devices. Repeals provisions regarding low-speed electric scooters and low-speed gas bicycles. Makes conforming and other changes. Amends the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Provides that neither a local public entity nor a public employee is liable for an injury related to the use of a high-speed personal mobility device, moderate-speed personal mobility device, personal mobility device, or low-speed personal mobility device unless the local public entity or public employee is guilty of willful and wanton conduct. Makes conforming changes in the Micromobility Fire Safety Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practice Act.

Mary Beth Canty

INC TX-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the tax credit for affordable housing donations applies permanently. Effective immediately.

Martha Deuter

FIRST RESPONDER-STRESS SERVICE

Amends the First Responders Suicide Prevention Act. Provides that confidentiality protections under the Act apply regardless of whether the peer support person is employed by, or affiliated with, the same agency as the first responder receiving support. Provides that, except in specified circumstances, all communications, records, notes, reports, or information disclosed during, or in connection with, a critical incident stress management session is confidential and may not be disclosed by any CISM practitioner. Provides that a CISM practitioner may not be compelled to testify or disclose any communication, record, note, report, or information disclosed during, or in connection with, a critical incident stress management session in any administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding. Provides that the confidentiality protections under the provisions apply whether or not the CISM practitioner is affiliated with the same agency as the individual receiving services. Provides that any communication described in the provisions is subject to subpoena for good cause shown. Provides that the confidentiality protections under the provisions do not apply to (1) any threat of suicide or homicide made by a participant in a peer support counseling session or any information conveyed in a peer support counseling session related to a threat of suicide or homicide; (2) any information mandated by law or agency policy to be reported, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or elder abuse or neglect; (3) any admission of criminal conduct; or (4) an admission or act of refusal to perform duties to protect others or the employee of the emergency services provider or law enforcement agency. Defines "CISM practitioner" and "CISM services".

VEH CD-PLATES-REGISTRATION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the design and color of registration plates shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary of State. Provides that plates for veterans with disabilities who have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act shall pay a specified fee (instead of $24). Authorizes the Secretary to suspend or revoke a certificate or the special plates issued to tow truck or wrecker operator upon determining that the person is not lawfully entitled thereto or has made or knowingly permitted any illegal use of the plates or has committed fraud in the registration of vehicles or failed to give notices of transfers. Prohibits a vehicle from being registered in the name of a person who is not an owner or lessee of that vehicle. Requires a vehicle owner seeking to register a vehicle in the State to register that vehicle to a State address. Provides that it is a violation for a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit a license plate or digital license plate. Provides that if no assignable title is available when auctioning a vehicle, the auctioneer or dealer must apply for Illinois title for the purpose of assigning title. Provides that the renewal fee for licenses and permits issued to 18, 19, and 20 year olds is $5. Provides that the Secretary shall issue a meter-exempt decal or device to the parent of a person with a disability who is under 18 years of age and incapable of driving or the legal guardian of a person with a disability incapable of driving. Makes other changes.

JUROR PAY-EMPLOYER

Amends the Jury Act and the Jury Commission Act. Requires employers to compensate employees at the employee's regular rate of pay for time that the employee served on jury duty.

WARDS-MEDICAL RECORDS

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Creates an authorization and form for the release of an incapacitated person's health care records. Provides that an incapacitated person's health care records must be released upon written request of the guardian of the incapacitated person or by an agent appointed by the incapacitated person under a power of attorney for health care. Provides that, if no guardian or agent exists and the incapacitated person did not specifically object to disclosure of the incapacitated person's records in writing, then an incapacitated person's health care records must be released upon the written request of a person in one of these categories: (1) the incapacitated person's spouse; or (2) if there is no spouse, any one or more of the following: (i) an adult child of the incapacitated person, (ii) a parent of the incapacitated person, or (iii) an adult sibling of the incapacitated person. Provides that the named authorized relative upon request for records of a incapacitated person, shall provide the facility or practitioner with a statement of a treating health care provider that the person is incapacitated. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

DHFS-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SAFTY-NET

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a safety-net hospital includes a behavioral health safety-net provider that: (i) is licensed or certified by the Department of Human Services, or otherwise authorized under State law, to provide behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment services; (ii) meets specified federal requirements for being designated a disproportionate share hospital, as defined by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services; (iii) accepts admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no blackout periods; (iv) accepts patients who only need mental health or substance use disorder treatment; and (v) has a MIUR of at least 40% and a charity percent of at least 4%, or a MIUR of at least 50%.

Lindsey LaPointe

CIGARETTE TX-CANCER FUND

Amends the Cigarette Tax Act. Provides that 2% of the moneys received under that Act, the Cigarette Use Tax Act, and the tax imposed on little cigars under the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995 shall be deposited into the University of Illinois Cancer Center Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the University of Illinois Cancer Center Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used by the University of Illinois Cancer Center for purposes of cancer research, patient care, and operating expenses of the Cancer Center. Effective immediately.

Yolonda Morris

PROTECTIVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Creates the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act. Provides that all individual in the State have the right to wear protective medical equipment in any place of public accommodation where they have a lawful right to be without obligation to disclose health status or any other protected information, and no person, entity, or authority shall deny, restrict, or infringe upon this right. Provides that operators and public officials shall not discriminate against or penalize medical device wearers for exercising their right to wear protective medical equipment. Provides that discrimination under the Act includes, but is not limited to: denial of service; eviction from premises; any form of harassment to remove or refrain from wearing such equipment for any amount of time; specified actions taken by employers; and provision of unequal goods, services, facilities, advantages, or accommodations. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection against retaliation, the exceptions for security requirements, operational safety, age and identity restricted products, and financial institution customer identification, and an undue hardship exemption. Effective immediately.

Nabeela Syed

INC TAX-LAND PROTECTION

Creates the Farmer Tax Benefit Act. Provides that taxpayers may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for an income tax credit in an amount equal to either (i) 100% of the fair market value of a qualified donation to a conservation agency of a land protection agreement or (ii) 50% of the fair market value of the qualified donation to a conservation agency of a fee simple interest or a remainder interest in qualified real property. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes.

Will Guzzardi

MEDICAID-COMMUNTY DAY SERVICES

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services shall reissue the original cost and wage survey for costs associated with the administration of services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community day services that was contained in the Department's Guidehouse Rate Study. Provides that the cost and wage survey shall be used to effectuate rate increases in transportation funding for the administration of community day services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and may include provider contact information, total costs of employee salaries and benefits, staff turnover, and other information. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to file an amendment to the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities that removes the 5 hour per day billing maximums at community day services. Provides that the amendment shall not modify monthly and yearly billing maximums for community day services. Provides that implementation is contingent on federal approval. Effective July 1, 2026.

Gregg Johnson

WAGES & BENEFITS-SKILLED LABOR

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Restores certain provisions of the Act to the form in which they existed before Public Act 104-17 took effect. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits the payment of wages and fringe benefits for work performed under the Act that is based upon the craft and the skill level of the laborers, mechanics, or other employees who perform the work if the wages and fringe benefits are established and are paid in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement or understanding between an employer or an employer association and a bona fide labor organization for work performed of a similar character in the locality in which the work is performed. Effective July 1, 2026.

Jay Hoffman

LIFE CARE FORMER RESIDENTS

Amends the Life Care Facilities Act. Requires the most current pre-sale disclosure data for refundable life care contracts to be made available annually by January 31 of each year to current residents that have refundable entry fee contracts, former residents who have not yet received refunds for their refundable entry fees, and the estates of former residents who have not yet received refunds for their refundable entry fees. Provides that units belonging to former residents and the estates of former residents who have not yet received refunds for refundable entry fees shall be made available for viewing, upon request, within 7 business days after that request, and notification of this option shall be sent annually by January 31 of each year. Establishes notice requirements for providers who elect to offer units with month-to-month rent. Sets forth provisions concerning the closing of the estate of a former resident who has not yet received refunds for refundable entry fees. Provides that no life care contract may require a resident or the resident's family to pay any fees on the unit for longer than 30 days after the resident has vacated the premises.

Michelle Mussman

ANIMAL WELFARE-PRO BREEDERS

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Defines "professional breeder". Provides that an animal shelter shall not accept a dog or cat from an animal shelter licensed under the Act or an out-of-state animal control facility, rescue group, or animal shelter that is duly licensed in their state or is a not-for-profit organization unless it obtains documentation attesting that the dog or cat was not obtained through compensation or payment made to a cat breeder, dog breeder, dog dealer, or dog broker. Provides that an animal shelter shall not obtain a dog or cat by any means other than owner surrender, transfer from an animal control facility, an order by law enforcement, or an animal shelter in compliance with provisions concerning reporting of animals. Provides that a pet shop operator or dog dealer (rather than just a pet shop operator) may offer for sale a dog or cat only if the dog or cat is obtained from an animal control facility, animal shelter, or professional breeder (rather than just an animal control facility or an animal shelter) located in-state or out-of-state, that is in compliance with provisions concerning animal control facilities and animal shelters supplying to pet shop operators and requirements of professional dog breeders. Removes provisions concerning the requirement that a pet shop operator shall keep a record of each dog or cat offered for sale. Creates additional requirements for professional dog breeders. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's obligations under the provisions concerning the requirements for professional dog breeders are subject to appropriation.

William "Will" Davis

PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS-REPORT

Amends the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act. Provides that the annual report to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Student Loan Ombudsman shall include the total number and dollar amount (instead of the volume) of private education loans made annually by a private educational lender, the total number and dollar amount (instead of the volume) of private education loans made annually at institutions of higher education, the total number and dollar amount of private education loans made annually with a cosigner, and the default rate for the private education loans reported by the private educational lender pursuant to specified provisions for the previous reporting period. Effective immediately.

$DEPT AG-SWCD

Appropriates $10,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture from the Partners for Conservation Fund for grants to soil and water conservation districts for their ordinary and contingent administrative expenses. Effective July 1, 2026.

Sharon Chung

PUB AID RECOVERIES TRUST FUND

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that disbursements shall be made from the Public Aid Recoveries Trust Fund for the payment of contingency fees to third-party entities that the Office of Inspector General authorizes to conduct payment recapture audits and other specified audits under the medical assistance program.

HEALTH CARE FACILITY PLANNING

Amends Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board may review the applicable criteria in the consideration of any application for an exemption submitted under the Act. Provides that, upon review and consideration, the State Board may approve, deny, or defer for additional information an application for a Certificate of Need or Certificate of Exemption. Makes changes in provisions concerning administrative hearings; powers and duties of State Board; powers of the State Board staff; and review and investigation of applications for permits.

GREEN LIGHT FOR BUSES

Creates the Green Light for Buses Act. Establishes the Committee on Efficient Arterial Signal Infrastructure to make recommendations to improve public transit efficiency via improvements to traffic signal infrastructure. Publishes a report to the Department of Transportation for inclusion in the Public Transportation Plan. Grants implementing authority. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Theresa Mah

CONSTRUCTION-SANITARY REQS

Amends the Construction Site Temporary Restroom Facility Act. Changes the Act's short title to the Construction Site Temporary Restroom Facility and Sanitary Conditions for Menstruation and Lactation Act. Repeals a provision which specifies that separate toileting facilities are not required for males and females if individual portable toilet facilities are used by an owner of a portable building or building under construction to provide access to a restroom. Provides that, if a woman or an individual who menstruates is present on a work site and there are 10 or more workers of any gender at the work site, then a separate toilet facility shall be provided at the work site and designated for use by women and individuals who menstruate. Requires employers in the construction industry to provide their workers who menstruate and are performing construction activities on a work site with minimum sanitary conditions. Describes the required minimum sanitary conditions. Requires employers in the construction industry, upon request, to provide their workers who are lactating and performing construction activities on a work site with reasonable accommodations needed to express breast milk. Describes reasonable accommodations for lactation. Provides that, on or before January 1, 2027, the Department of Public Health shall provide guidance to employers on the accommodations to be provided. Authorizes employees of construction sites to call the certified local public health agency with jurisdiction over a construction site to request an inspection if noncompliance with the Act is suspected. Prohibits retaliation by employers if a call is made by an employee on a construction site for suspected noncompliance with the Act. Provides that any owner who fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of the Act commits a petty offense and is subject to a fine to be determined by the certified local public health agency (rather than only being subject to a petty offense). Defines "employer". Effective immediately.

Theresa Mah

PHARMACY BENEFIT REIMBURSE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning pharmacy benefit manager contracts, provides that a pharmacy benefit manager must not reimburse a pharmacy or pharmacist for a prescription drug or pharmacy service in an amount less than the national average drug acquisition cost for the prescription drug or pharmacy service at the time the drug is administered or dispensed, plus a professional dispensing fee of $10.49. Provides that, if the national average drug acquisition cost is not available at the time a drug is administered or dispensed, a pharmacy benefit manager may not reimburse in an amount that is less than the wholesale acquisition cost of the drug, plus a professional dispensing fee of $10.49.

Natalie A. Manley

REDUCING BARRIERS TO LICENSURE

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; oaths, subpoenas, and penalties; applicants with criminal convictions; qualification for licensure or registration; health care worker licensure actions; automatic suspension of a health care worker's license; the publication of disciplinary actions; and records of Department actions. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. In provisions concerning required licensure, provides that an application shall not be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Amends the Health Care Professional Credentials Data Collection Act. In provisions concerning licensure records, provides that licensure records designated confidential and considered sealed (rather than expunged) for reporting purposes by the licensee are not reportable under the Act. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. In provisions concerning loss and restoration of rights, provides that no application for specific licenses granted under the authority of the State shall be denied to (rather than denied by reason of) an eligible offender who has obtained a certificate of relief from disabilities, having been previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses (rather than or by reason of a finding of lack of "good moral character"), when the finding is solely based upon the fact that the applicant has previously been convicted of one or more criminal offenses, except for certain circumstances. Repeals provisions concerning the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's annual report to the General Assembly. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

EPA-LEAD LOAN-PRIORITY SCORE

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, within one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Environmental Protection Agency shall adopt amendments to its procedural rules governing the issuance of public water supply program loans for lead service line replacement. Requires the Agency to revise the loan priority scoring criteria it uses for houses built before 1990 and the loan priority scoring criteria it uses for communities with a high lead service line burden.

Rick Ryan

REGULATION-BACKYARD CHICKENS

Amends the Garden Act. Changes the short title of the Act from the Garden Act to the Vegetable Garden and Backyard Chicken Protection Act. Provides that a person shall have the right to keep backyard chickens on the property where the person resides. Provides that municipalities may establish reasonable regulations governing backyard chickens, including, but not limited to, setbacks, sanitation requirements, enclosure standards, nuisance control requirements, predator-proofing requirements, and limitations on the number of hens that may be kept. Provides that municipalities may require notice to adjacent property owners regarding backyard chickens, if the notice does not require or solicit any form of neighbor consent as defined in this Act. Provides that no municipality may condition the cultivation of vegetable gardens or the keeping of backyard chickens on neighbor consent. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to limit the authority of homeowners' associations, condominium associations, or properties subject to restrictive covenants to regulate or prohibit vegetable gardens or backyard chickens pursuant to the terms of those governing documents. Provides that landlord consent may be required for tenants seeking to keep backyard chickens. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Provides for enforcement of the Act's requirements.

Anne Stava

AMMUNITION VENDING MACHINE

Creates the Ammunition Vending Machine Prohibition Act. Provides that no person shall install, maintain, place, or operate, or cause to be installed, maintained, placed or operated, any mechanical or electronic device that, upon insertion of money, tokens, or any other form of payment, automatically dispenses ammunition without the contemporaneous oversight of a licensed dealer or his or her authorized employee. Provides for penalties. Effective January 1, 2027.

Jawaharial Williams

HORSE RACING-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that the Illinois Racing Board, in lieu of obtaining a court reporter to make accurate transcriptions at each regular and special meeting and proceeding, shall create a verbatim record of each regular and special meeting in the form of an audio or video recording, unless an emergency situation precludes the creation of a transcript or recording. Allows the Board to refuse an occupation license to any person for any other just cause. Requires an applicant for an employment position as a pari-mutuel clerk, parking attendant, or security guard to include in the application whether the applicant has ever been convicted of any theft, fraud, wagering during the course of employment, touting, bookmaking, or any other act which is detrimental to the best interests of racing. Requires a licensee to forward a copy of the application form to the Board prior to extending an offer of employment to an applicant (rather than upon its decision to hire the applicant) and certify that it has checked the applicant's background. Removes language requiring the Board's review of an applicant to include an inquiry. Provides that no organization license may be granted to conduct a horse race meeting to any person who does not, at the time of application for the organization license, have plans certified by a licensed architect and confirmed financing for construction of a race track suitable for the type of racing intended to be held by the applicant and for the accommodation of the public on property that the applicant owns or has a contract or lease for possession of with completion scheduled before the meet applied for begins. Requires an application to conduct a horse race meeting to be delivered with a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Board for $10,000 (rather than $1,000). Allows the Board to impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 (rather than $5,000) for individuals and up to $25,000 (rather than $10,000) against licensees for each violation of the Act. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

AGING-FINANCIAL FRAUD

Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Expands the list of mandated reporters to include investment advisers, investment adviser representatives, dealers and salespersons, and employees of financial institutions who have direct contact with eligible adults who are clients of the financial institution and have access to the financial information of the institution's clients. Permits a financial institution to place a transactional hold on an eligible adult's account if the institution's employees have a reasonable suspicion that a transaction or disbursement from the eligible adult's account may involve, facilitate, result in, or contribute to financial exploitation of the eligible adult. Provides that transactional holds must be followed by an internal review that satisfies the internal policies of the financial institution that issued the hold. Further provides that a financial institution that uses a transactional hold must create internal policies regarding identifying and reporting financial exploitation of eligible adults and transactional holds. Contains provisions on the duration of initial transactional holds and extended transactional holds; requirements on notification to law enforcement, especially in cases involving financial fraud that is outside the Act's scope; civil immunity for any financial institution and its employees who place a transactional hold on an eligible adult's account in good faith; mandated reporter training for specified employees of a financial institution; and other matters. Makes conforming changes to the Illinois Securities Law of 1953, the Illinois Banking Act, the Savings Bank Act, Illinois Credit Union Act, and the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective January 1, 2027.

Katie Stuart

VEH CD-LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BIKE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a State entity to prohibit the use of low-speed electric bicycles or a specific class of low-speed electric bicycles on any bicycle path the State entity has jurisdiction over.

UTIL-CUSTOMER CHARGE FREEZE

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility shall freeze its monthly customer charge for low-income households at an amount equal to a percentage of the household's income that is no greater than the current percentage of income used to determine the amount of monthly credits administered to participants of the Percentage of Income Payment Plan under the Energy Assistance Act.

Dagmara Avelar

CREDIT UNIONS-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Provides that the business office for a credit union's registered agent may, but is not required to, be (instead of shall be) the same as the principal place of business of the credit union. In provisions concerning meetings of directors, sets forth provisions concerning the preparation and approval of meeting minutes. Adds provisions concerning disclosure and due diligence requirements for credit unions when providing digital asset services or contracting with a covered person or digital asset service provider and provisions concerning sales of debt cancellation services and products by a credit union to its members. In provisions concerning the investment of funds not used in loans, provides that the funds may be invested in commercial mortgage related securities and collateralized mortgage obligations to aid in the credit union's management of its assets, liabilities, and liquidity. Effective immediately.

POLICE DATA SHARING ACT

Creates the Law Enforcement Data Sharing Act. Provides that a criminal justice agency shall share with a bona fide researcher all criminal justice data and records, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by that agency relating to: (1) a law enforcement stop, search, or seizure; (2) a warrant, arrest, or citation; (3) participation in a pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion, specialty court, or other alternative resolution program; (4) a criminal charge, disposition, or sentence; (5) a pretrial or posttrial release from custody, or any terms or conditions of release; (6) a grant, order, change in the terms of, or termination of pretrial supervised release, probation, parole, or participation in correctional or rehabilitative programs; or (7) a formal discipline, reclassification, or relocation of any person under criminal sentence or correctional control. Provides that a criminal justice agency shall share with a bona fide researcher all criminal justice data and records, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by the criminal justice agency that is subject to mandatory or discretionary disclosure to any member of the public under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a criminal justice agency may share with a bona fide researcher any other criminal justice data, records, or information, including relevant personally identifying information and demographic information, held by that agency that is responsive to a bona fide researcher's request. Provides that, within 6 months after the effective date of the Act, the Attorney General shall issue guidance to assist criminal justice agencies in complying with the Act's requirements. Provides that a criminal justice agency may assess reasonable fees, not to exceed actual costs, for the search, retrieval, and copying of criminal justice data, records, or information requested under the Act, and may waive fees at their discretion.

Kam Buckner

ESTATE TAX-FEDERAL EXCLUSION

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Provides that, for persons dying on or after January 1, 2027, the exclusion amount for purposes of the Act is the applicable exclusion amount set forth in Section 2010 of the Internal Revenue Code. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERFUND

Creates the Climate Change Superfund Act. Creates the Illinois Climate Change Superfund as a special fund in the State treasury. Requires at least 40% of the Fund to be spent on projects that directly benefit disadvantaged communities facing climate change impacts. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt rules within one year, including regarding the apportionment of liability for climate change for payments into the Fund by responsible parties, regarding qualifying expenditures from the Fund, and regarding an Illinois Climate Change Superfund Program. Requires the Agency to establish procedures to challenge its determinations of liability for climate change and provides for judicial review under the Administrative Review Law. Makes findings. Defines terms. Provides that the Act is severable. Makes conforming changes to the State Finance Act.

Robyn Gabel

PULL TABS-BETTING SQUARES

Amends the Illinois Pull Tabs and Jar Games Act to allow video gaming licensees (licensed establishments, licensed truck stop establishments, and license large truck stop establishments licensed under the Video Gaming Act) to apply to the Department of Revenue for a license to conduct pull tabs and jar games. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that the Illinois Gaming Board, upon application by a licensed video gaming establishment (a licensed establishment, licensed fraternal establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, or licensed large truck stop establishment), may issue a license to sell sports betting squares as a low-stakes, chance-based promotional game. Provides conditions under which the sale of sports betting squares may be conducted.

Dave Vella

LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Provides that successful completion of in-service training by the Illinois State Police shall satisfy the mandatory training requirements to be completed every 3 years by law enforcement officers under the Illinois Police Training Act and shall satisfy the on-going training requirements for a certification waiver, including scenario-based and mandatory firearms training.

Dave Vella

IDOT-SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that sovereign immunity from civil suit in federal court is waived consistent with specified provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code and limited to the compliance, discharge, or enforcement of a responsibility assumed by the Department of Transportation under the Law. Provides that the provision applies only to actions that are authorized under the law and does not create liability that exceeds the liability created under specified provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code.

WILDLIFE CD-FUR FACILITY

Amends the Wildlife Code. Requires fur facilities to be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources in order to continue operating. Provides that a person is not eligible to obtain a fur facility license for a fur facility that was not owned or operated in the State before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Specifies that a person who owns or operates a fur facility before the effective date of the amendatory Act must obtain a fur facility license from the Department for the facility by January 1, 2028 in order to continue owning or operating the facility on or after January 1, 2028. Limits the transferability of licenses after January 1, 2028. Establishes various license application requirements. Requires the Department to inspect fur facilities before granting or renewing a fur facility license. Provides that a fur facility license may be granted by the Department only if the Department determines the facility meets certain requirements. Creates the Fur Facility Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that amounts in the Fund must be used by the Department to finance the administration and enforcement of the licensing system established by the amendatory Act. Specifies that the Department of Natural Resources must revoke the license of any person who violates the licensing requirements added by the amendatory Act and may confiscate the person's fur-bearing mammals. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the licensing requirements added by the amendatory Act. Exempts fur facility license holders from the Code's fur-bearing mammal breeder permitting requirements. Defines various terms. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Theresa Mah

ANIMAL WELFARE-DOG DEALER

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that the definition of "dog dealer" does not include a person who sells dogs at retail to the public. Provides that a person who sells dogs at retail to the public, shall not be considered an animal shelter under the Act. Defines "at retail to the public". Requires a dog breeder to provide each dog in the dog breeder's facility with a primary enclosure that complies with certain requirements. Requires a dog breeder to provide all adult dogs in the dog breeder's facility with constant, unfettered access to an exercise area of sufficient size to ensure proper physical development, health, and socialization. Provides that the exercise area should, at a minimum, be at least twice the amount of space required for the primary enclosure. Provides that the Illinois Department of Agriculture may refuse to issue or renew or may suspend or revoke a license due to an individual operating without a proper license under the Act.

Rita Mayfield

APRN RADIATION ADMINISTRATION

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under the Act may administer radiation to a human being and may supervise the administration of radiation by a person accredited to administer radiation to a human being by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. Amends the Radiation Protection Act of 1990. In provisions concerning the limitations on the application of radiation to human beings, adds advanced practice registered nurses licensed under the Nurse Practice Act to the professionals who may intentionally administer radiation to a human being and to the professionals who may supervise a physician assistant, a technologist, a nurse, or other assistant administering radiation. Makes conforming changes in provisions concerning the accreditation of administrators of radiation.

Yolonda Morris

ILLINOIS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Changes the name of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to the Illinois School for the Blind. Makes conforming changes to the Personnel Code, the School Code, the School Safety Drill Act, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, and the MRSA Prevention, Control, and Reporting Act.

Michelle Mussman

UTILITY-RECOVERABLE EXPENSES

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning expenses that are recoverable by a public utility, provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not consider as an expense of any public utility company, for the purpose of determining any rate or charge, any amount expended for political activity or lobbying, any amount expended for contributions to a trade association or a chamber of commerce, and any amount expended by a public utility for director and officer liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance. Provides that, in determining whether the purchase of other types of insurance by a public utility is recoverable, the Commission shall determine whether the specific type of insurance is financially beneficial to the public utility's ratepayers or the public utility's shareholders. Provides that, if the Commission determines that the insurance purchased by the public utility is financially beneficial to its shareholders, then the purchase of the insurance shall not be a recoverable expense. Provides that goodwill or institutional advertising shall not be a recoverable expense by a public utility. Provides that the Commission shall deem as a nonrecoverable expense by a public utility (rather than the Commission shall specifically assess the justness and reasonableness of) any amount expended by a public utility to compensate attorneys or technical experts to prepare and litigate a general rate case filing. Provides that the amount that is deposited into the Consumer Intervenor Compensation Fund by a public utility shall not be a recoverable expense by the public utility. Provides that the computation of compensation awarded from the Fund shall take into consideration the market rates paid to persons of comparable training and experience who offer similar services, but may not exceed the comparable market rate for services paid by the public utility as part of its nonrecoverable rate case expense reported to the Commission (rather than as part of its rate case expense). Makes other changes.

Theresa Mah

VEH CD-CANNABIS IN VEHICLE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Removes the requirement that cannabis within any area of a motor vehicle must be in an odor-proof container.

Lisa Davis

MEDICAID-WHEELCHAIR REPAIRS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for dates of service beginning on and after January 1, 2027, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall, for healthcare common procedure coding system codes relating to complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair repair and accessories, apply a reimbursement rate under the Medical Assistance program equivalent to the maximum fee paid in Illinois under the federal Medicare program, including fees under the KU modifier, if applicable. Effective immediately.

Michelle Mussman

MEDICAID-CONTINUED COVERAGE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any person who was initially determined to be eligible for medical assistance and is receiving institutional services or home and community-based services as authorized under the Article shall be presumed eligible for a continuation of coverage for such services during any redetermination process, unless the person experiences a material change in financial circumstances that results in the loss of eligibility. Requires any person who experiences a material change in financial circumstances that results in the loss of eligibility to notify the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Permits the Department to conduct a redetermination of eligibility. Requires the Department to notify the person before the commencement of any redetermination and after the redetermination is concluded along with the results of the redetermination and the effective date of any eligibility change. Requires the Department to seek federal authorization, no later than January 1, 2028, to exempt persons with disabilities who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance from annual eligibility redeterminations, except that a full redetermination shall be conducted at least once every 5 years, regardless of whether a material change in financial circumstances has occurred.

Lindsey LaPointe

DHS-BEHAVIORAL HLTH SURCHARGE

Creates the Preventing Crisis Cost Shifting to Medicaid Act. Provides that the General Assembly finds that (i) behavioral health crisis services, including crisis call centers, mobile crisis response, and crisis stabilization and receiving services, function as essential public health infrastructure and must be available statewide without regard to insurance status; and (ii) commercial health insurance policies issued or administered in the State generally do not provide comprehensive coverage for the full continuum of behavioral health crisis services, resulting in the cost of such services being disproportionately borne by Medicaid, local governments, and taxpayers. Requires specified entities (surcharge payors) that are authorized to issue or administer a policy or contract of accident and health insurance or a health maintenance organization contract in the State to pay a behavioral health crisis assessment to the Department of Human Services for deposit into the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund. Exempts Medicaid managed care organizations from paying the behavioral health crisis assessment. Permits the Department to update the total behavioral health crisis assessment amount as necessary to ensure the continued availability, quality, or geographic equity of the statewide behavioral health crisis system. Requires the Department to establish an appropriate mechanism for enforcing a surcharge payor's liability, which may include accrued interest on unpaid liabilities at a rate not to exceed 18% per annum and late fees or penalties at a rate not to exceed 5% per month. Provides that the enforcement mechanism may also include notification to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to offset payments on the surcharge payor's claims. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall not direct the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to offset claims payments unless the surcharge payor has maintained an outstanding liability to the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund for a period longer than 45 days and has received proper notice of pending enforcement.

Lindsey LaPointe

REVENUE-VARIOUS

Repeals the Messages Tax Act. Makes changes concerning cross-references to that Act. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and various Acts imposing local use and occupation taxes to replace references to "alcoholic beverages" with "alcoholic liquor taxable under Section 8-1 of the Liquor Control Act". Makes technical changes concerning incorporation of provisions of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act into various other Acts. Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act to make changes concerning re-renters of hotel rooms. Effective immediately.

Margaret Croke

MEDICAID-BRAIN INJURY WAIVER

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2027, certain services shall be eligible for reimbursement at approved programs through the Brain Injury waiver for eligible individuals over the age of 21, including, but not limited to: (1) case management; (2) nursing services; (3) medical oversight by consulting medical director; (4) physical therapy; and (5) occupational therapy. Requires the Department of Human Services to reimburse approved programs at the rates in effect for the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver program most recently approved. Effective January 1, 2027.

Sharon Chung

SCH CD-CPR-FEMALE MANIKINS

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions requiring secondary schools to include training on how to properly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation in their curriculum, provides that, beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, cardiopulmonary resuscitation training shall include a minimum of one female manikin for every 2 male manikins through the attainment of female manikins or the attainment of chest covers for existing manikins. Provides that whenever manikins are in use for practice or instruction, both male and female manikins shall be present.

AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS

Creates the Automated Driving Systems Development Act. Provides that the operation of highly automated vehicles participating in an automated vehicle pilot project is subject to all applicable federal and State laws. Sets forth eligibility requirements for participation in an automated vehicle pilot project. Establishes the application process for participation in an automated vehicle pilot project. Creates a review committee within the Department of Transportation. Requires the Secretary of State to develop a driving test to evaluate the capability of highly automated vehicles to safely operate on State roads. Sets forth permit requirements and requirements concerning the suspension, revocation, and reinstatement of a permit. Creates reporting and data sharing requirements. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Michael J. Kelly