Bills & Legislation

ELEC CD-INCUMBENT WITHDRAWAL

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Voter Choice and Fair Access Act. Amends the Election Code. Provides that, if a candidate who is the current holder of the elective office for which nomination papers have been filed withdraws his or her candidacy anytime up until 10 business days before the ballot is finalized, the State Board of Elections or the appropriate election authority shall reopen the filing period for that office. Sets forth additional requirements for the filing of petitions for nomination by incumbent office holders. Makes other changes.

Lindsey LaPointe

SMART START GRANTS-HEAD START

Amends the Smart Start Illinois Act. Expands eligibility under the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

SCH CD-TEACH EXCELLENC PROGRAM

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In a provision regarding the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program, changes the definition of "hard-to-staff school" to mean a public school that either (i) is identified as hard-to-staff based on data reported on its school report card or (ii) does not have a school report card but serves a student population in which 30% or more of the student enrollment is considered low-income as determined by the State Board of Education using available enrollment or funding data, and provides that the State Board may not deny a National Board certified teacher a retention bonus solely because the public school at which the teacher is employed does not have a school report card.

PHARMACIST DISPENSING ABILITY

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that a pharmacist who is exercising his or her professional judgment may add missing non-pharmaceutical devices or durable medical equipment that aid in the appropriate clinical usage of a medication or in achieving a positive therapeutic outcome to a prescription. Provides that a pharmacist may complete missing information on a prescription if there is evidence to support the change. Requires any adaptations to a prescription to be documented in the patient's record. In provisions concerning the distribution of a prescription drug for less than its fair market value, provides that it shall be unlawful to require a pharmacist or pharmacy to dispense a prescription drug for less than its fair market value, including the cost of dispensing. Provides that a payor that reimburses a pharmacy for less than fair market value, including the cost of dispensing, shall not be able to include the pharmacy toward any network adequacy requirements and shall not be deemed in compliance with any willing provider provisions.

PROFESSIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS

Creates the Professional Apprenticeship Recognition Act. Defines terms. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who applies to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for licensure in a profession or occupation and who submits proof of the person's completion of an apprenticeship program in the profession or occupation shall be exempt from any training or education requirements for initial licensure in the profession or occupation. Provides that the license exemption shall not apply to any continued training or continuing education requirements that are necessary for the maintenance or renewal of a license. Provides that an applicant who qualifies for the license exemption shall be subject to any other requirements established by the Department as long as those requirements are not more onerous than the requirements for applicants for the same profession or occupation who have not completed an apprenticeship.

William "Will" Davis

SCH-CD-LICENSE-EARLY CHILDHOOD

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that a National Board certification-early childhood generalist endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who holds a valid Early Childhood Generalist certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Provides that the endorsement holder is deemed qualified and authorized to provide instruction in early childhood education programs and is deemed to meet or exceed all early childhood instructional competency requirements established by the State Board for pre-kindergarten instruction.

CONT SUB-RESCHEDULING SCH I

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that, if any substance, scheduled as a Schedule I controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, is rescheduled for the purpose of treating mental health disorders, including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder, the Department of Human Services shall reschedule the substance accordingly within 30 days from the publication in the Federal Register of the final order rescheduling the substance.

Lindsey LaPointe

INTERNET GAMING ACT

Creates the Internet Gaming Act. Authorizes an Internet gaming operator to offer Internet gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Provides that Internet gaming shall only be offered by an Internet gaming license or an Internet management service provider that has contracted with an Internet gaming licensee. Provides that an Internet gaming licensee shall offer no more than 3 individually branded Internet gaming skins. Provides that an Internet management service provider may conduct Internet gaming on its own Internet gaming platform pursuant to the agreement between the provider and an Internet gaming licensee and in accordance with the rules of the Board and the provisions of the Act. Includes provisions for: requirements of an Internet gaming platform; Internet waging accounts; license requirements; age verification, location, and responsible gaming; diversity goals in procurement and spending by Internet gaming licensees; acceptance of out-of-state wagers; and limitations on home rule units. Provides that a 25% privilege tax is imposed on Internet gaming to be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. Authorizes the adoption of emergency rules to implement the Act and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

Edgar González, Jr.

EPA-GHG EMISSION LIMITS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. In a provision establishing greenhouse gas emission controls, authorizes an electric generating unit or large GHG-emitting unit to continue operating if an emergency, pre-emergency, or conservative operations situation exists. Provides that no variance, adjusted standard, or other regulatory relief that is otherwise available under the Act may be granted from the Act's greenhouse gas emission controls if battery storage resources constitute at least 10% of the total State-installed generation capacity. Provides that, if battery storage resources constitute less than 10% of the total State-installed generation capacity at any time after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Environmental Protection Agency shall delay enforcement of certain greenhouse gas emission controls. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt rules to implement these requirements. Defines "battery storage resource" and "total State-installed generation capacity". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.

AI SAFETY MEASURES ACT

Creates the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act. Requires large frontier artificial intelligence developers to adopt and publish a frontier artificial intelligence framework addressing catastrophic risk management, transparency, and cybersecurity. Mandates reporting of critical safety incidents to the Attorney General and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance. Directs the Department of Innovation and Technology to review and recommend updates to definitions and standards. Creates a consortium to develop ILCompute, a public cloud computing resource that advances the development and deployment of artificial intelligence that is safe, ethical, equitable, and sustainable. Exempts specified information under the Freedom of Information Act. Makes conforming changes to the Freedom of Information Act.

Kimberly Du Buclet

LOC GOV BUILDING PERMIT ACT

Creates the Local Government Building Permit Act. Provides that the Act only applies to units of local government that require a person to obtain a permit from the unit of local government before the person may construct a building within the unit of local government. Requires a unit of local government to comply with specified timelines for issuing building permits. Provides that, if a unit of local government fails to comply with the timelines, then the building permit is automatically approved by operation of law, unless the proposed building project violates published building or zoning codes. Requires a unit of local government to publish the specified information concerning building permits on its public-facing website. Provides that the fees that a unit of local government imposes to approve a building permit application may not exceed the actual cost the unit of local government incurs to review a building permit application. Provides that, if a unit of local government denies a person's building permit application, then the person may appeal the decision to the Building Permit Ombudsman. Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law. Creates the position of Building Permit Ombudsman within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that the Building Permit Ombudsman shall receive, review, and resolve appeals brought under the Local Government Building Permit Act. Requires the Building Permit Ombudsman to (i) examine the issues and the information provided by both parties; (ii) make findings of fact and conclusions of law; and (iii) issue a decision to the developer and the unit of local government in response to the appeal.

Dave Vella

LIMITATIONS FACILITY FEES ACT

Creates the Limitations on Facility Fees Act. Provides that no health care provider shall charge, bill, or collect a facility fee, except for: (i) services provided on a hospital's campus; (ii) services provided at a facility that includes a licensed hospital emergency department; or (iii) emergency services provided at a freestanding emergency center. Provides that, except as specified, no health care provider shall charge, bill, or collect a facility fee for: (i) outpatient evaluation and management services; or (ii) any other outpatient, diagnostic, or imaging services identified by the Department of Public Health. Requires the Department to annually identify services subject to the limitations on specified facility fees that may reliably be provided safely and effectively in settings other than hospitals. Sets forth provisions concerning reporting, rulemaking, and enforcement of the Act. Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that any person who violates the Limitations on Facility Fees Act commits an unlawful practice.

Tracy Katz Muhl

DIAPER LABELING ACT

Creates the Diaper Labeling Act. Provides that, no later than 12 months after the effective date of the Act, each package or box containing diapers sold in the State shall contain a plain and conspicuous printed list of all ingredients in order of predominance that shall either be printed on the package or box or affixed to the package or box. Provides for a civil penalty of 1% of a violator's total annual in-State sales of diapers not to exceed $1,000 per package or box. Defines "ingredient" and "diaper".

RAILROAD MOD CREDIT

Creates the Short Line Railroad Modernization Act. Creates an income tax credit for taxpayers that incur qualified railroad expenditures or qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. Sets forth the amount of the credit and limitations on the amount of the credit that may be awarded. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Dave Vella

FOIA-STUDENT HOTLINES

Amends the Student Confidential Reporting Act to provide that any report or information submitted to a similar independent school helpline to the Safe2Help Illinois program is also confidential, may not be released except as otherwise provided in the Act or in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a person who intentionally discloses information in violation of the added provision commits a Class C misdemeanor. Defines "similar independent school helpline". Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make conforming changes.

Tracy Katz Muhl

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAFETY

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act. Provides that a frontier artificial intelligence model developer or large chatbot provider shall write, implement, comply with, and clearly and conspicuously publish on its website a public safety and child protection plan. Provides that the Attorney General shall establish a mechanism to be used by a large frontier developer, a large chatbot provider, or a member of the public to report a safety incident related to specified artificial intelligence models or chatbots. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection of whistleblowers; third party audits of large frontier developers; and civil penalties. Provides for rulemaking by the Attorney General. Effective January 1, 2027.

Daniel Didech

COMPTROLLER-CONSOLIDATION

Amends the State Comptroller Act. Creates the Division of Analytics and Consolidation within the Office of the Comptroller. Provides that the Division shall conduct research and analyze data necessary to identify units of local government and services provided by units of local government that should be consolidated. Sets forth provisions concerning making recommendations.

Tracy Katz Muhl

GATA-ASSISTANCE

Amends the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. Provides that the advice and technical assistance provided to State grant-making agencies by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Act shall include training for State agency staff. Sets forth requirements for the training. Provides that a State grant-making agency that awards a grant must issue the grant agreement associated with the grant within 60 days after the grant's effective date. Sets forth requirements for the grant agreement.

Dagmara Avelar

CD CORR-OPIOID USE DISORDERS

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall create and implement, on January 1, 2027, a pilot program to establish the effectiveness of long-acting injectable medications for opioid use disorders for persons committed to its custody who suffer from opioid use disorders. Provides that the pilot program shall require long-acting injectable medications for opioid use disorders to be used in at least one Department of Corrections facility. Provides that the Director may expand the pilot program to include an additional facility or facilities as he or she deems appropriate. Provides that a minimum of 4,000 administrations of long-acting injectable medications for opioid use disorders shall be included in the pilot program. Provides that the Department shall develop a plan to facilitate access to continued treatment for opioid use disorders in the community following the release of a person participating in the pilot program, including, but not limited to, a referral to a harm reduction provider. Provides that the Department must report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the program by January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

STANDARDIZED PRIOR AUTH ACT

Creates the Standardized Prior Authorization Act. Requires a health insurance issuer to maintain a complete list of services for which prior authorization is required and to make any current prior authorization requirements and restrictions readily accessible and conspicuously posted on its website or online portals to enrollees, health care professionals, and health care providers. Sets forth further provisions concerning disclosure and review of prior authorization requirements; standard prior authorizations; expedited prior authorizations; notifications of adverse determinations; appeals of adverse determinations; prohibitions on revocation of prior authorization and nonpayment by a health insurance issuer; the length of approvals; approvals for chronic conditions; continuity of prior approvals; and enforcement and administration of the Act. Requires a health insurance issuer to periodically review its prior authorization requirements and consider removal of prior authorization requirements. Provides that a failure by a health insurance issuer to comply with the deadlines and other requirements specified in the Act shall result in any health care services subject to review to be automatically deemed authorized by the health insurance issuer or its contracted private review agent. Establishes reporting and notification requirements for health insurance issuers. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Insurance. Repeals the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Illinois Public Aid Code to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2027.

Rita Mayfield

$DCEO-ARTS COUNCIL

Appropriates $150,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department Commerce and Economic Opportunity to cover the costs associated with developing an impact report in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council. Effective July 1, 2026.

Kimberly Du Buclet

PROVENANCE DATA REQUIREMENTS

Creates the Provenance Data Requirements Act. Provides that a generative artificial intelligence tool provider shall apply provenance data, either directly or through the use of third-party technology, to wholly-generated synthetic content generated by the provider's generative artificial intelligence tool. Sets forth additional requirements on generative artificial intelligence tool providers, large online platforms, and manufacturers of capture devices. Defines terms.

Sue Scherer

MUNI CD-TIF SURPLUS FUNDS

Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that not more than 5% of all surplus funds in the special tax allocation fund may be distributed. Provides that surplus funds in the special tax allocation fund may be distributed not more than once every 10 years (rather than annually). Provides that, if the termination date for a redevelopment project area is extended beyond the 23rd calendar year after the year in which the ordinance approving the redevelopment project area was adopted, then following the 23rd calendar year, no surplus funds may be distributed until the redevelopment project area is terminated. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

SCH CD-ED LICENSE-COMPUTER SCI

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall create an introductory content area endorsement for computer science that allows individuals with a Professional Educator License to teach introductory computer science courses in grades 5 through 12. Provides that the endorsement shall require no more than 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation that includes instruction in introductory computer science concepts and computer science pedagogy. Allows an individual with a Professional Educator License seeking the endorsement to substitute a State Board-approved, one-week, professional development program in introductory high school computer science education for 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation in introductory computer science concepts. Provides that the one-week, professional development program may count as 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation. Allows an individual with an Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement who completes the 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation to count those credit hours toward completion of the requirements for a Professional Educator License with a computer science endorsement.

Carol Ammons

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HLTH ACT

Amends the Children's Mental Health Act. In provisions concerning the Children's Mental Health Partnership, makes changes to the Partnership's list of duties to include (i) reviewing or facilitating needs assessments (rather than conducting research assessments) to better understand the challenges and gaps of programs, services, and policies related to children's mental health; (ii) monitoring policy development related to children's mental health in Illinois at the local, State, and federal level; and (iii) regularly reviewing aggregate and de-identified data on the need for children's behavioral health services in Illinois that is collected by the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation (BEACON) portal to ensure that system transformation can continue to be driven by data. Provides that the Partnership's membership shall include public members who reflect a diversity of sexual orientation; and that all Partnership members shall serve without compensation and with no entitlement to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Removes a provision permitting the Partnership to convene study groups. Expands the membership of the adjunct council to include up to 10 youth aged 16 to 25 (rather than up to 6 youth aged 14 to 25) and up to 4 (rather than a minimum of 4) representatives of 4 different community-based organizations that focus on youth mental health. Makes other changes.

POLICE MENTAL HEALTH LEAVE ACT

Creates the Police Mental Health Leave Act. Provides that a law enforcement officer suffering from a mental illness as a result of a traumatic event shall be entitled to use 5 days of paid mental health leave during any 12-month period. Requires a law enforcement agency to adopt a mental health leave policy that includes specified provisions. Sets forth provisions concerning existing leave policies; employee protections; retaliation; and recordkeeping. Provides for a private right of action.

Patrick Sheehan

TIF CENTRALIA

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 June 23, 2003 by the City of Centralia. Effective immediately.

Charles Meier

ALGORITHMIC PRICING DISCLOSURE

Amends the Personalized Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act. Provides that any entity that sets the price of goods or services using personalized algorithmic pricing, and that directly or indirectly advertises, promotes, labels, or publishes a statement, display, image, offer, or announcement of personalized algorithmic pricing to a consumer, using personal data specific to the consumer, shall include a specified disclosure. Sets forth exceptions to the provision. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Amy L. Grant

REVENUE-COPY FEES

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, upon request from a taxpayer or other authorized person, the Department of Revenue may provide copies of tax returns at the rate of $5 per copy per month, year, or other filing period. Provides that, if certification is required, the Department of Revenue may charge an additional $5 per certified copy. Effective immediately.

Nicolle Grasse

INS-IMPROPER CLAIMS PRACTICE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning acts by a company constituting improper claims practice, includes: (i) knowingly taking advantage of the insured's physical infirmity, ignorance, illiteracy, or inability to understand the language of the policy or any associated agreements in order to obtain a favorable settlement of a claim and (ii) willfully misrepresenting the status or outcome of an investigation or failing to take any meaningful investigatory acts before issuing a denial or offer of a compromise settlement. Provides that committing any of the improper claims practice acts is a violation of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to provide that a person who commits an improper claims practice under the Illinois Insurance Code commits an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

Jaime M. Andrade, Jr.

$AGR-DISADVANTAGED FARMERS

Appropriates $2,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of providing grants to emerging and socially disadvantaged farms for infrastructure, equipment, operations and market access. Effective July 1, 2026.

Sonya M. Harper

GROCERY-ONLINE MARKETS

Amends the Grocery Initiative Act. Provides that the Act also includes grants and financial assistance for mobile farmers markets and online farmers markets. Provides that, in addition to other purposes, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants under the Act for technology upgrades, including software and point-of-sale systems.

Sonya M. Harper

WILL DEPOSITORY-CIRCUIT CLERK

Amends the Clerks of Court Act. Authorizes a circuit court clerk of any county to develop and maintain a will depository. Provides a procedure for the clerk to accept for safekeeping a testamentary instrument executed in compliance with the Probate Act of 1975, including a will, codicil, trust, or trust and one or more trust amendments. Allows a depositor to deposit a will with the clerk if the depositor certifies in writing that the depositor is unable to locate the testator after a diligent search. Creates a procedure for the clerk to follow in accepting, keeping, and returning these documents. Allows the clerk to charge a fee of $25 for each will deposited, and the clerk may not collect a separate fee for additional documents concurrently deposited in relation to a single testator or for a single joint will prepared for a husband and wife.

Lilian Jiménez

MEDICAID-SLF-DEMENTIA SETTINGS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the supportive living facilities program, prohibits a supportive living dementia care setting from limiting a resident's access to the sink, microwave, or refrigerator located within the respective resident's room, provided a comprehensive safety assessment deems the resident's use of the appliances safe. Requires the comprehensive safety assessment to be conducted prior to any resident moving in and at least once per quarter thereafter. Requires social and recreational programming to be provided no less than 3 times daily, including at least one time and location separate from a meal service. Requires newly constructed supportive living dementia care settings to provide no less than 300 square feet for a single occupancy apartment or no less than 450 square feet for a double occupancy apartment, which may include the closets and bathroom. Requires each apartment to include a sink, microwave, and refrigerator within the unit. Provides that any newly constructed supportive living dementia care setting shall provide a common area completely separate from the dining area.

Dagmara Avelar

CONSERVATION-OPEN SPACE FUND

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys in the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Fund may not be appropriated, assigned, or transferred to another State fund. Effective immediately.

Camille Y. Lilly

WORKER PROTECTION UNIT

Amends the Attorney General Act. Provides that, prior to initiating an action, the Attorney General shall conduct an investigation and, in addition to other powers, may: (1) issue subpoenas for documents; (2) require written answers under oath to written interrogatories; (3) inspect the premises of an employer and inspect and make copies of employment-related records kept at the premises; and (4) conduct interviews with workers at an employer's premises during normal business or working hours. Sets forth additional provisions concerning investigations; interviews; subpoenas; obstruction; and search warrants.

HIGHER ED-DISCIPLINE ADVOCATE

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that a public institution of higher education shall permit a student who is subject to a disciplinary proceeding to be assisted by an advocate of the student's choosing or, upon request, by an advocate provided by the public institution of higher education. Requires any written notice initiating a disciplinary proceeding to include a clear and conspicuous statement informing the student of the student's right to be assisted by an advocate. Provides that if a student does not have an advocate, the public institution of higher education shall make a reasonable effort to provide the student with access to an advocate. Provides that an advocate participating in a disciplinary proceeding shall receive training on the public institution of higher education's disciplinary procedures. Allows an advocate, with the consent of the student, to receive communications regarding the status of the disciplinary proceeding concurrently with the student and participate in meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary proceeding in a supportive capacity. Sets forth limitations. Allows the Board of Higher Education to adopt any rules necessary to implement the provisions.

Gregg Johnson

CLINIC DATA COLLECT & REPORT

Amends the Illinois Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to collect data related to the operation and performance of certified community behavioral health clinics. Requires the Department to contract with a statewide behavioral health association that represents more than 75% of the certified community behavioral health clinics operating within the State to serve as the State's official entity responsible for analyzing and reporting data collected by the Department. Establishes data analysis and reporting requirements for the statewide behavioral health association, including the annual Illinois Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Statewide Performance Report. Requires the Department to provide sufficient funds for the statewide behavioral health association to meet its requirements. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department. Effective immediately.

Lindsey LaPointe

DD FACILITY-ASSET MGMT COMPANY

Amends the Community Living Facilities Licensing Act, the MC/DD Act, the ID/DD Community Care Act, the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act, and the Child Care Act of 1969. Requires the State agencies responsible for licensing facilities under those Acts to adopt, by December 31, 2026, rules requiring a facility to disclose upon initial application for licensure and on a quarterly basis thereafter, whether the facility, its subsidiaries, affiliates, parent companies, or contractual service providers are owned, managed, or contained within a fund owned or managed by an asset management company; and if so, to make certain disclosures about the asset management company's assets, the facility's debt, and other matters. Requires the State agencies to also adopt rules requiring such a facility to provide written notice of transactions and copies of agreements which would (i) sell or otherwise dispose of a material amount of the facility's assets or (ii) transfer control, responsibility, or governance of a material amount of the facility's assets or operations. Prohibits facilities owned or managed by an asset management company from engaging in certain transactions or actions that would result in the facility issuing debt-funded dividends or perform any other similar action causing the facility to become financially distressed. Provides that a violation of these requirements and prohibitions constitutes an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Requires the State agencies to publish disclosures, written notices, and copies of agreements submitted by facilities on the agencies' public websites. Imposes similar requirements and prohibitions on adult day service providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities under the Illinois Act on the Aging and providers of adult developmental training services under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Effective immediately.

VET DEPENDENT TUITION WAIVER

Creates the Veterans' Dependents and Spouses College Tuition Waiver Act. Provides that an applicant is eligible for a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a public institution of higher education if the applicant is a spouse or dependent of an eligible veteran, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the public institution of higher education, and meets residency and enrollment requirements established by rule. Provides that the waiver applies only to tuition and mandatory fees and does not include room, board, books, supplies, or other nonmandatory expenses. Sets forth the length of the waiver. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall administer the waivers created by the Act. Provides that the Act's benefits shall be applied after federal educational benefits have been applied, unless otherwise provided by rule. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits an applicant from receiving federal educational benefits, as long as there is no duplication of State-funded tuition assistance. Allows the Commission to adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the Act. Effective July 1, 2026.

Gregg Johnson

SNAP-FRESH PROGRAM BENEFITS

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to, subject to available funding, establish a Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) Program to provide FRESH benefits to households subject to termination of the household's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or a reduction in the household's monthly SNAP benefit allotment, if the termination or reduction in SNAP benefits occurred as a result of one or more members of the household failing to meet SNAP work requirements. Provides that, for eligible households whose SNAP benefits were reduced or terminated, FRESH benefits shall be provided as a one-time lump sum payment distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Requires the Department to make FRESH program applications available online and at local Family and Community Resource Centers immediately upon the first of the month following the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that an application for FRESH benefits shall not be deemed an application for any other public aid provided under the Code. Requires the Department to provide within a specified time frame FRESH benefits to households' that experience a reduction or termination of SNAP benefits prior to or after the first month following the effective date of the amendatory Act, if certain application submission deadlines are met. Requires the Department to publish monthly data reports on the FRESH program and to include such data in the Department's annual report to the General Assembly. Prohibits the Department and local governmental units from considering a household's receipt of FRESH benefits when determining the household's eligibility for other assistance provided under the Code. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Effective immediately.

Dagmara Avelar

UTILITIES-EXCAVATION

Amends the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act. Provides that "excavation" does not include an excavation for the purpose of connecting a communications service customer's home or business to the communications service provider's own communications network that is performed: (i) only with a hand tool, (ii) by a communications service provider, and (iii) to a depth not greater than 12 inches. Effective immediately.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.

LEAD-SAFE WATER ACT

Creates the Lead-Safe Water for Families Act. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall establish and administer a program to provide lead-reducing water filters at no cost to Medicaid-eligible households with children or expectant mothers. Requires outreach, application procedures, and rulemaking. Requires annual reporting to the General Assembly. Declares findings and states the purpose of the Act. Defines terms.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

$HFS-LEAD-SAFE WATER

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for implementing and administering the Lead-Safe Water for Families Act. Effective July 1, 2026.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

DNR-STATE MUSEUM TRUST FUND

Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Creates the Illinois State Museum Collection Trust Fund as a nonappropriated trust fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Illinois State Museum Collection Trust Fund shall receive all moneys from the deaccession of objects of scientific, historic, and artistic value in the possession of the State Museum and may receive moneys from other sources. Provides that the moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the State Museum to purchase and maintain objects for the State Museum. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Exempts from specified requirements of the Code expenditures from the Illinois State Museum Collection Trust Fund that are authorized by the Department. Makes other changes.

TRANSPARENCY IN DOWNCODING ACT

Creates the Transparency in Downcoding Act. Provides that the Act applies to certain policies of health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act, except for employee or employer self-insured health benefit plans under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and health care provided pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act or the Workers' Occupational Diseases Act. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from using an automated process, system, or tool to downcode a claim; from downcoding a claim based solely on the reported diagnosis codes; and from using downcoding practices in a targeted or discriminatory manner against physicians who routinely treat patients with complex or chronic conditions. Requires downcoding decisions to be made by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches in any United States jurisdiction and of the same or similar specialty as a physician who typically manages the medical condition or disease. Sets forth provisions concerning notification requirements for downcoded claims; the appeal process for downcoded claims; enforcement by the Department of Insurance; and penalties. Provides that any pattern or practice of discriminatory downcoding identified by the Director of Insurance or another regulatory authority shall be subject to enforcement actions, including fines, restitution, or suspension of the health insurance issuer's license in this State. Effective immediately.

Sharon Chung

ESTATE TAX-SPECIAL USE

Amends the Illinois Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Act. Makes changes concerning the taxes due under the Act on estates that contain qualified farm property. Provides that, for the purposes of calculating the State Death Tax Credit, those estates are subject to an exemption of $6,000,000 (rather than an exclusion amount of $4,000,000), which shall be deducted from the net estate value after the net estate value is computed in accordance with the Act. Provides that the exemption shall be adjusted each year according to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Makes changes concerning the calculation of the deceased spousal unused exclusion amount for those estates. Provides for a special use valuation to provide that the value of the qualified farm property shall be calculated without regard to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code. Makes changes concerning the definition of "qualified heir". Effective January 1, 2027.

Sharon Chung

KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Illinois Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Prohibits preparing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale kratom products intended for ingestion if they meet certain specifications, with a civil penalty of $5,000 for a first violation, $10,000 for a second or subsequent violation, and a 2-year ban on distributing or selling a kratom product for a third violation. Requires labeling of retail packages containing kratom products, preparing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale kratom products intended for ingestion if they meet certain specifications. Prohibits selling kratom products to a person under 21 years of age, with a Class B or Class A misdemeanor for a knowing and willful violation. Prohibits manufacturing, delivering, holding, offering for sale, distributing, or selling a product that contains kratom and a controlled substance, with a Class 4 felony for knowing and willful violation. Prohibits manufacturing, delivering, holding, offering for sale, distributing, or selling a product that contains a synthetically derived compound of the plant Mitragyna speciosa, with a Class B misdemeanor for knowing and willful violation. Provides an affirmative defense for a retailer for reliance upon the representations of a manufacturer, processor, packer, or distributor of food represented to be a kratom product. Requires the Department of Revenue to adopt rules to implement and administer the Act. Limits home rule powers and functions. Defines terms. Repeals the Kratom Control Act. Effective January 1, 2027.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

HOME REPAIR-SOLICITATION

Amends the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Provides that a contractor offering home repair or remodeling services shall not propose to contract or solicit a contract for home repair or remodeling services: (1) while a loss-producing occurrence is continuing at the premises; (2) while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the damaged premises; or (3) between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Provides that a contractor shall not, in person, propose to contract or solicit a contract with a consumer for home repair or remodeling services for a minimum of 72 hours after a disaster proclamation, unless the proposal to contract or the solicitation to contract is initiated by a consumer.

Sharon Chung

SCH CD-SCHOOL VENTILATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall develop an educational document explaining, at a minimum, the values of good indoor air quality and shall supply the document to school districts. Provides that, subject to funding from the State Board, a school district shall ensure that all active classrooms are equipped with an air quality monitor.