Bills & Legislation

ELEC CD-FOREIGN NATIONALS

Amends the Election Code. Provides that a foreign national may not make, directly or indirectly, a contribution to a ballot initiative committee or an independent expenditure committee for the purpose of influencing any question of public policy to be submitted to the voters, and neither a ballot initiative committee nor an independent expenditure committee may knowingly solicit or accept a contribution from a foreign national for the purpose of influencing any question of public policy to be submitted to the voters. Provides that a foreign national may not make an independent expenditure for the purpose of influencing any question of public policy to be submitted to the voters. Effective immediately.

Joe C. SosnowskiRepublican

SPECIAL ED TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. With respect to special education teacher scholarships, provides that up to 50 additional scholarships may be awarded each year to persons who qualify, subject to appropriation to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for this purpose.

Dan SwansonRepublican

$ISAC-NURSE ED LOAN REPAY PROG

Appropriates $500,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to fund the Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Dan SwansonRepublican

NURSING ED SCHOLARSHIPS-ADD

Amends the Nursing Education Scholarship Law. Provides that beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, subject to appropriation from the General Revenue Fund and in addition to any other funds available to the Department of Public Health for nursing education scholarships, the Department may award additional nursing education scholarships. Removes a provision regarding nursing education scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. Effective immediately.

Dan SwansonRepublican

$ISAC-SPECIAL ED TEACH TUITION

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to fund the Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program and make grants to reimburse universities for unfunded liabilities related to the Program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Dan SwansonRepublican

$IDPH-NURSING ED SCHOLARSHIPS

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Public Health to fund nursing education scholarships. Effective July 1, 2026.

Dan SwansonRepublican

NEW MARKETS-CREDITS

Amends the New Markets Development Program Act. Provides that a credit under the Act may be transferred to an affiliate. Provides that the cap on credits is $37,000,000 for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2029. Makes changes concerning the allocation schedule. Effective immediately.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

PROP TX-OMITTED PROPERTY

Amends the Property Tax Code. In counties with fewer than 3,000,000 inhabitants, provides that property that receives an erroneous homestead exemption for the current assessment year or for any of the 3 prior assessment years may be considered omitted property. Provides for penalties and interest to be imposed on that omitted property. Provides that any arrearage of taxes or interest that might have been assessed against that omitted property shall not be chargeable to certain bona fide purchasers of the property. Effective immediately.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

LOC GOV-MICROTRANSIT PAYMENTS

Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, and the Township Code. Provides that, if a county, township, or municipality offers microtransit services, then the county must provide riders with a method to prepay for the microtransit service with a smartphone application.

Sue SchererDemocrat

JUV CT-COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that either the court or the State's Attorney, or both, (rather than the State's Attorney) or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, may establish community mediation programs designed to provide citizen participation in addressing juvenile delinquency. Provides that prior to entering a sentence, the court shall require the parties involved to consider participation in a restorative practice, such as a conference or circle as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, to identify and repair harm to the extent possible, address trauma, reduce the likelihood of further harm, and strengthen community ties by focusing on the needs and obligations of all parties involved through a participatory process. Provides that participation in the process shall be voluntary by all parties, and any resulting agreement shall contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations. Provides that the agreement shall be recommended to the court as an alternative to sentencing.

JUV CT-COUNSEL-INTERROGATIONS

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that an oral, written, or sign language statement of a minor made without the presence of counsel throughout a custodial interrogation is inadmissible as evidence against the minor in any proceeding under the Act if imposition of an adult criminal sentence is a possibility, including a sentence under an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution and proceeding, or in any proceeding under the Criminal Code of 2012.

Justin SlaughterDemocrat

CANNABIS-VARIOUS

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law to add references in confidentiality provisions to the Office of Executive Inspector General and the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code to extend the exemption period for implementing the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Amends the Use Tax Act, Service Use Tax Act, Service Occupation Tax Act, and Retailers' Occupation Tax Act to include cannabis purchased by qualifying patients or caregivers as "prescription and nonprescription medicines and drugs" beginning July 1, 2026. Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act to rename the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program, eliminate the sunset of the Program and emergency rulemaking provisions, revise definitions, add references to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, supplant or sunset certain provisions on July 1, 2026, repeal certain provisions on January 1, 2027, and make conforming changes. Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to update definitions, merge licenses, prioritize medical patients, allow license relocation, revise training and compliance requirements, and authorize integrated identification card systems. Establishes diversity spending and reporting requirements with penalties. Amends the Tobacco Accessories and Smoking Herbs Control Act to delete references to marijuana and hashish in the purpose of the Act. Effective immediately.

Sonya M. HarperDemocrat

NEUROLOGIST-AUTISM-PAMPHLET

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a pediatric neurologist or any other physician who diagnoses autism in a child must provide to the child's family, at a follow-up appointment, a pamphlet listing autism-specific support services in the area.

DHS-OIG INVESTIGATIONS

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In the definition of "material obstruction of an investigation", defines the term to mean the intentional failure to timely report an allegation to the hotline or the interference (rather than purposeful interference) with an investigation of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation. Provides that such material obstruction may include, but is not limited to, delaying or withholding reports of allegations to the hotline for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation; the withholding or altering of documentation or recorded evidence when reporting an allegation to the hotline or during an investigation; influencing, threatening, or impeding a victim's, complainant's, or required reporter's report of an allegation to the hotline or witness testimony during an investigation; or presenting untruthful information to the hotline or during an investigatory interview. Provides that any employee who fails to cooperate with an Office of the Inspector General investigation may also result in a finding of material obstruction of an investigation. Expands the list of employee conduct during an investigation that is in violation of the Act, including the failure to timely report an incident of abuse or material obstruction of an investigation committed by another employee. Makes changes to the definition of "presenting untruthful information".

TRANSPORTATION-TECH

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Kelly M. CassidyDemocrat

JUVENILE OFFICER-TRAINING

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to conduct or approve a training program, including continuing educational requirements, for law enforcement officers of local law enforcement agencies serving as juvenile officers before an officer may serve as a juvenile officer or continue serving as a juvenile officer. Requires the Board to issue a certificate for satisfactory completion of the training program. Requires the Board to set eligibility requirements for juvenile officers. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Defines "juvenile police officer" as an eligible sworn police officer and an officer who has completed continuing educational requirements.

Maura HirschauerDemocrat

INS-PROVIDER NONDISCRIMINATION

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group health plan or an accident and health insurer offering group or individual health insurance coverage shall not discriminate with respect to participation under the plan or coverage against any health care provider who is acting within the scope of that provider's license or certification under applicable State law. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall be construed as preventing a group health plan, an accident and health insurer, or the Director of Insurance from establishing varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.

Jawaharial WilliamsDemocrat

CIVIC CENTER-BIDDING THRESHOLD

Amends the Civic Center Code. Provides that all contracts for the sale of property of the value of more than the small purchase maximum under the Illinois Procurement Code (rather than $10,000) shall be awarded to the highest responsible bidder, after advertising for bids. Provides that all construction contracts and contracts for supplies, materials, equipment and services, when the expense thereof will exceed the small purchase maximum under the Illinois Procurement Code (rather than $10,000), shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder, after advertising for bids, except in specified circumstances. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

$DCEO-JOLIET

Appropriates the sum of $20,000,000 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for expenses associated with the restoration of the property formerly operated as the Joliet Correctional Center. Effective July 1, 2026.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

FINANCIALLY EXPLOITED ADULT

Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. In provisions concerning financial exploitation of an eligible adult, provides that a court may grant a temporary injunction ex parte, pending a full hearing, and may grant such relief as the court deems proper if the court makes certain findings, including, but not limited to, that an immediate and present danger of exploitation of the eligible adult exists, there is a likelihood of irreparable harm and nonavailability of an adequate remedy at law, there is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits, and the threatened injury to the eligible adult outweighs possible harm to the respondent. Sets forth the types of injunctive relief a court might grant, including, but not limited to, freezing the eligible adult's assets or lines of credit, awarding the eligible adult temporary exclusive use and possession of his or her dwelling, if shared with the respondent, and providing directives to law enforcement. Contains provisions on the scope and effect of an ex parte temporary injunction and the grounds for its denial. Sets forth factors a court will consider to determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an eligible adult is or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of financial exploitation; notice of petition and injunction; final hearings on a petition; final cost judgments against a respondent; the transmittal of petitions, financial affidavits, hearing notices to the county sheriff or law enforcement agency; court certification of all orders issued, changed, continued, extended, or vacated subsequent to the original petition, notice of hearing, or temporary injunction; the enforcement of injunction violations through a civil or criminal contempt proceeding; judgment damages against a petitioner; modification or dissolution of injunction; substitute service for unascertainable respondent whose identity cannot be ascertained or whose identity is unknown; and other matters.

INS CD-MENTAL HEALTH-REVIEW

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, in conducting utilization review of all covered health care services for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions, an insurer shall apply the criteria and guidelines set forth in the most recent version of the treatment criteria developed by an unaffiliated professional organization (instead of an unaffiliated nonprofit professional association) for the relevant clinical specialty or, for Medicaid managed care organizations, criteria and guidelines determined by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services that are consistent with generally accepted standards of mental, emotional, nervous or substance use disorder or condition care. Provides that insurers may not apply utilization review criteria developed by any entity that has a financial stake in the outcome of the utilization review decisions. Makes changes to provisions concerning utilization review relating to level of care placement, continued stay, transfer, discharge, or any other patient care decisions that are within the scope of the specified sources.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

CHARITABLE GAMES-LICENSES

Amends the Charitable Games Act. Provides that an organization's records shall include a sworn statement that its bona fide members, volunteers, or employees have not participated in the management or operation of more than 48 (rather than 12) charitable games events conducted by any licensee in the calendar year. Prohibits the Department of Revenue from issuing a license permitting a person, firm, or corporation to sponsor a charitable games night if the premises for the conduct of the charitable games has been previously used for 48 (rather than 12) charitable games nights during the previous 12 months. Allows a provider to provide the same premises for conducting 48 charitable games nights during a 12-month period. Allows a licensee to obtain a providers' license to allow the licensee to rent or otherwise provide its premises to another licensee for the conducting of an additional 8 (rather than 4) charitable game events. Increases the number of charitable game events that may be held at any one premises to 48 (instead of 12) per calendar year. Allows a provider or supplier to promote or solicit a charitable games event on behalf of a charitable games licensee or qualified organization. Provides that an employee of a supplier may assist the charity in a charitable games event. Makes other and conforming changes.

Michael CrawfordDemocrat

INS-FAIR PLAN ASSOCIATION

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Changes the title of the Urban Property Insurance Article to the Availability of Property Insurance Article. Establishes an association, which shall be commonly referred to as the Illinois FAIR ("Fair Access to Insurance Requirements") Plan Association, of all admitted insurers engaged in writing in the State, on a direct basis, basic property insurance or any basic property insurance component in multi-peril policies, including, without limitation, excess and surplus insurers, but not including farm mutual companies. Replaces all references in the Article to Industry Placement Facility or Facility with Association and all references to Inspection Bureau with Inspector. Sets forth provisions concerning participation in and management of the Association. Makes changes to provisions concerning application procedures; authorized operations for issuing policies; approval of rates; the right to appeal; reporting requirements; making of assessments; and powers of the Director of Insurance. Provides that an insurer shall, for purposes of its annual report, premium tax calculations, and all rate-making submissions, include as direct business its proportionate share of the Association's written premium, paid losses, allocated loss adjustment expense, and operating expenses. Repeals provisions concerning the Industry Placement Program; premium financing; applications for coverage of risks by the Industry Placement Facility; the Illinois Insurance Development Fund; reimbursement of the Secretary through the Fund; insolvency of companies; and a task force that reviews policy forms and endorsements issued by the Industry Placement Facility. Effective immediately.

Bob MorganDemocrat

SCH ATHLETICS-OFFICIAL-CHECK

Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Provides that an association or other entity that has as one of its purposes promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among schools and students within the State shall require applicants for licensure as an official to authorize a fingerprint-based criminal history records check to determine if such applicants have been convicted of any disqualifying, enumerated criminal or drug offenses or have been convicted, within 7 years of the application for licensure, of any other felony under the laws of this State or of any offense committed or attempted in any other state or against the laws of the United States that, if committed or attempted in this State, would have been punishable as a felony under the laws of this State. Contains provisions concerning the fingerprint-based criminal history records check and a check of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database. Provides that pending full clearance of all check requirements, the prospective official must be supervised at all times by an individual who received a qualifying result on all check components. Effective July 1, 2027.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

CONVERSION THERAPY-NO FUNDING

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that the State shall not expend or invest any public funds in any organization, nonprofit organization, religious organization, or any other entity to be used for conversion therapy. Provides that the State shall not enter into any contract for the provision of conversion therapy. Provides that any contract entered into or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act that is used or will be used for conversion therapy shall be void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. Defines "conversion therapy".

Laura Faver DiasDemocrat

PROP TX-BOARD OF REVIEW

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning appointed boards of review in counties under township organization with less than 3,000,000 inhabitants, provides that 3 citizens of the State shall comprise the board of review (currently, 3 citizens of the county). Effective immediately.

Sharon ChungDemocrat

GENETIC INFO PRIVACY-BIOMARKER

Amends the Genetic Information Privacy Act. Provides that the use of genetic testing, biomarker testing, or both (rather than only genetic testing), and the information derived from testing, is confidential and privileged and may be released only to the individual tested and persons specifically authorized in writing by the individual tested to receive the information. Provides that an insurer may not seek information derived from genetic or biomarker testing (rather than only genetic testing) for use in connection with a policy of accident or health insurance (unless the individual voluntarily submits the results and the results are favorable to the individual), for nontherapeutic purposes, or for underwriting purposes. In provisions concerning the use of testing information by employers, provides that an employer may release genetic testing or biomarker testing information (rather than only genetic testing information) under specified circumstances. Limits an employer's use of genetic information, genetic testing, biomarkers, and biomarker testing (rather than only genetic information and genetic testing). In provisions concerning testing, provides that no person may disclose or be compelled to disclose the identity of any person upon whom a genetic test or biomarker test (rather than only genetic test) is performed or the results of a genetic test or biomarker test (rather than only a genetic test) in a manner that permits identification of the subject of the test, except to the persons specified in the Act. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Defines "biomarker" and "biomarker testing". Makes other and conforming changes.

Maurice A. West, IIDemocrat

DIGITAL FORGERIES IN POLITICS

Creates the Digital Forgeries in Politics Act. Provides that an individual depicted in a digital forgery who is an Illinois resident and a candidate for office in this State has a cause of action against any person who knowingly distributes, or enters into an agreement with another person to distribute, a digital forgery if: (1) the distribution occurs within 90 days before a regular election; and (2) the distribution is reasonably likely to harm the reputation or electoral prospects of a candidate in an election. Sets forth exceptions. Allows a court to issue a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease the display or distribution of the digital forgery. Includes additional awards to a prevailing plaintiff.

Jennifer Gong-GershowitzDemocrat

VEH-OSF CHILD HOSPITAL PLATE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows for the issuance of the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois decal. Provides that for the original issuance of the decal, a $25 fee shall be charged, with $10 to the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Provides that for the renewal of the decal, a $25 fee shall be charged, with $23 to the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Creates the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

CD CORR-SENTENCE CREDITS

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the rules and regulations of the Department of Corrections shall provide that sentence credit may be provided to an inmate who was held in pre-trial detention prior to his or her current commitment to the Department of Corrections and successfully completed a substance abuse program (rather than a full-time, 60-day or longer substance abuse program), county jail or detention facility work assignments, parenting program, or re-entry planning facilitated (rather than provided) by the county department of corrections or county jail or other provider. Provides that the rules and regulations shall also provide that sentence credit may be provided to a committed person who participated in supervised community work or activities prior to his or her commitment to the Department of Corrections. Provides that the rules and regulations shall also provide that any inmate who was held in pre-trial detention prior to his or her confinement to the Department of Corrections, engaged in self-improvement programs, volunteer work, or work assignments that are not otherwise eligible activities shall receive up to 0.5 days of sentence credit for each day in which the inmate is engaged in these activities.

Norma HernandezDemocrat

TREASURER-PRESENTMENT WARRANTY

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may bring a claim against a warrantor of a draft for breach of a presentment warranty to recover State funds in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that a claim brought by the State Treasurer is not subject to the limitations provided for in those provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that the amendatory changes are declaratory of existing law. Effective immediately.

LOW INCOME BROADBAND PROGRAM

Creates the Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program Act. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish an Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program (Program) to ensure the availability and affordability of broadband service to low income families in order to access remote learning and work platforms. Provides that the Department shall coordinate with local administrative agencies to determine eligibility for the Program, provided that eligible income shall be no more than 150% of the federal poverty level. Provides that families whose annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level shall be eligible for free broadband service. Provides that a credit of at least $9.95 a month for broadband services shall be payable monthly to: (i) families whose annual household income is above 135% of the federal poverty level but no greater than 150% of the federal poverty level; and (ii) families that include at least one adult person or dependent child who qualifies for or participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Supplemental Security Income program, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits Programs, and other specified assistance programs. Provides that the $9.95 broadband service credit may be adjusted according to family size. Provides that families who participate in the federal Lifeline program or any other State Internet service subsidy program shall not be eligible to participate in the Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program. Provides bill payment requirements. Provides for the adoption of rules.

Aarón M. OrtízDemocrat

SWITCH NETWORK SALVAGE

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning a Large Electing Provider's transition to IP-based networks and service, provides that a Large Electing Provider shall provide telecommunications service, including telecommunications service over traditional circuit switched networks, to existing business and residential end-use customers until at least December 31, 2031. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2032, a Large Electing Provider shall start the process of returning the salvage value of traditional circuit switched networks to the people of the State. Requires a Large Electing Provider to complete the salvage of the Large Electing Provider's traditional circuit switched networks by January 1, 2038. Provides that the Large Electing Provider shall document and report to the Department of Public Health and the Illinois Commerce Commission, on a quarterly basis, all activities related to the salvage of the Large Electing Provider's traditional circuit switch networks, including, but not limited to, the total realized salvage value, a per-mile salvage value, the geographic location of all salvages, and the value of such salvages. Provides that, if a Large Electing Provider retires a traditional circuit switch network, the Large Electing Provider shall, beginning on December 1, 2032 and annually thereafter, transfer the salvage value of the retired networks to the Lead Service Line Replacement Fund for the sole purpose of providing grants to municipal and private water utilities to replace lead service lines. Effective immediately.

Maurice A. West, IIDemocrat

PROP TX-ASSESSMENT LIST

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the publication of assessments, provides that, if no newspaper is published in the county, then the publication shall be printed in a public newspaper of general circulation in the county. Provides that, in counties with less than 3,000,000 inhabitants, the county assessor may, in lieu of other publication methods provided by law, publish the list of assessments on the county website. Effective immediately.

Nabeela SyedDemocrat

DCEO-TOURISM

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Sets forth the membership of the Working Group. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall review and propose a megaproject incentive framework for the State, including performance-based tax credits, capital assistance, and workforce training tools. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall continue to conduct annual international trade missions to priority markets. Provides for a statewide tourism connectivity plan. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish certain grant programs. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall monitor and annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the affordability, reliability, and capacity of energy for industrial users.

Dave VellaDemocrat

FREEDOM TO WORK-HEALTH CARE

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Provides that any covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit entered into after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall not be enforceable with respect to individuals employed by health care facilities as health care professionals in the State regardless of whether an individual is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Effective immediately.

Laura Faver DiasDemocrat

NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST

Amends the Natural Resource Restoration Trust Fund Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall establish the Natural Resource Restoration Trust Grant Program to make grants to applicants for the restoration or replacement of injured or damaged natural resources resulting from claims pursued under the laws of the United States, the laws of this State, other statutory laws, or common law. Provides that the following entities may apply for grants under the Act: (i) units of local government; (ii) soil and water conservation districts; (iii) area-wide agencies, including counties, regional planning agencies, or both; (iv) nonprofit organizations; (iv) public or private institutes of higher education; (v) port authorities; and (vi) federally recognized tribes. Provides that the Department shall issue grants if (i) the requested grant complies with the purpose for which the Department was to provide funds and is subject to the requirements of all applicable court orders and (ii) the grant complies with the criteria established by administrative rule for the issuance of the grant. Provides that grants shall not be awarded to a grantee that is responsible for the pollution event that is the subject or basis for the issuance of the grant. Effective July 1, 2027.

CIV PRO-DEFAULT JUDGMENT

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Prohibits a court from entering a default judgment against a party if the party: (1) is a pro se litigant; (2) has a specified disability or health condition; and (3) failed to appear at a hearing due to that disability or health condition. Provides that a party who meets these requirements is not required to give notice to the court of the party's inability to appear at a hearing. Provides that any default judgment entered against a party who meets these requirements shall be set aside and the party may seek relief from the default judgment. Applies to all default judgments, whether entered before, on, or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Dagmara AvelarDemocrat

$DHS-HOME ILLINOIS PROGRAM

Appropriates $352,200,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for grants and administrative expenses of the Home Illinois Program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

DCFS-CHILD DEATH REVIEWS

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that upon notification of a child's death through the State Central Register that is subsequently accepted for investigation of abuse or neglect, the Department of Children and Family Services shall conduct a formal review of all available internal records if any of the following conditions are present: (i) the deceased child was a youth in care at the time of death; (ii) the deceased child or the child's parent is or has been the subject of a permanency or intact family case with the Department; or (iii) the Department has a history of one or more prior investigations of abuse or neglect involving the deceased child or the child's parents. Requires the Department to evaluate the quality, timeliness, and appropriateness of previous actions taken and services provided to address identified safety and risk issues. Contains provisions concerning information that the Department must include in its report, including, but not limited to, the manner of the child's death, a summary of the abuse or neglect report made to the State Central Register, and other information. Requires the Department to complete its review within 10 days of receiving a case. Contains provisions requiring annual reports. Removes provisions concerning reporting requirements on cases where a child has experienced a life-threatening injury.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

DCFS-BEST PRACTICES PLANS

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Removes all references and provisions requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to develop Error Reduction Implementation Plans. Instead requires the Department to develop Strengthening Best Practices Plans, as necessary, informed by principles of safety science, for the purpose of reducing child fatalities and serious harm. Provides that these plans shall (i) be guided by patterns, findings, and recommendations, as identified in the DCFS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) death or serious injury investigations and Child Death Review Teams recommendations; and (ii) address the systemic and organizational conditions that contribute to child fatalities and serious harm. Requires the Inspector General to submit proposed Strengthening Best Practices Plans to the Department's Director for review. Requires the plans to include compliance provisions, which specify methods for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating recommendations. Requires the OIG, in collaboration with the Department, to implement training and reform protocols through incubating change in each region, Department office, or Child Welfare Contributing Agency, as required. Requires the OIG to develop and submit new Strengthening Best Practices Plans, as necessary, and to work with staff designated by the Department to deliver training curriculum in order to implement each Strengthening Best Practices Plan. Provides that the OIG shall include a review of the implementation and evaluation of the plans from the previous fiscal year, as necessary, in the OIG Annual Report provided to the General Assembly and Governor.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

COUNTIES CD-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that specified counties may acquire real property for the purpose of creating or preserving affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may enter into agreements to transfer real property with any unit of local government, any school district, or the State for the purpose of creating or preserving affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of the area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may enter into agreements to donate, lease below market rate, or sell below market rate, real property for the purpose of the creation or preservation of affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may undertake any activity permitted by the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act for the purpose of creating, developing, encouraging the development, or preservation of the development of affordable housing for persons making up to 150% of area median income annually. Provides that specified counties may select purchasers and lessors for properties held by the county, a county land bank, or county land trust. Provides that specified counties may encourage and facilitate the creation of affordable housing within the geographic boundaries of the county, including areas within municipalities, by offering financial incentives, including but not limited to grants and loans, and infrastructure improvements, including but not limited to, stormwater detention, public water and sewer improvements, and similar improvement which facilitate increasing the supply of affordable housing units shall be considered improvements for a public purpose, to developers of affordable housing units. Provides that specified counties may enter into agreements with property owners to engage in clearance and remediation activities. Provides that, as part of an agreement, or in return for an infrastructure improvement, a county may impose a restriction on the title of an affordable housing development subject to the agreement that restricts the income level of inhabitants of all or part of the development.

PEN CD-IMRF-ANNUITY SUSPENSION

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, if the retirement application of any annuitant under the Article must be retroactively denied because there was not a separation from service, and the participating municipality or participating instrumentality that employs, re-employs, or contracts with that annuitant knowingly fails to notify the Board of such service, the Board may review the totality of circumstances regarding the member not having a separation of service and assign proportionate responsibility for reimbursement of the total of any annuity payments made to the annuitant in error, as determined by the Board, between the participating municipality or participating instrumentality and the annuitant, less any amount actually repaid by the annuitant. Provides that the total amount repaid by the annuitant plus any amount reimbursed by the employer to the Fund shall not be more than the total of all annuity payments made to the annuitant in error. Adds similar provisions to a provision concerning the suspension of retirement annuities during employment, and removes language providing that those provisions shall not apply if the annuitant returned to work for the employer for less than 12 months. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat

PEN CD-IMRF-CREDITABLE SERVICE

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that one month of creditable service shall be granted for the first month of participating employment, even if earnings are not reported for that month. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat

LOC GOV FELON ELIGIBILITY

Specifies that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Public Office Eligibility and Criminal Conviction Clarification Act. Amends the Township Code. Repeals a provision that makes a person ineligible to hold any office under the Code if the person, at the time required for taking the oath of office, has been convicted of a felony. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. In a provision concerning qualification for specified elective offices, deletes provisions which prohibit a person from taking the oath of office if the person has been convicted of a felony.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

PEN CD-CTPF-TRUSTEE ELECTION

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning trustees elected by contributors who are not administrators, provides that candidacy petitions shall be filed with the recording secretary of the Fund on or before October 1st of the election year (instead of on or after September 15 of each year and not later than October 1st of that year). Effective immediately.

PEN CD-CTPF-RECORD RETENTION

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires charter schools and contract schools to retain all payroll records and contribution information for a minimum of 5 years after the payroll records and contribution information are created. Effective immediately.

KINDERGARTEN-PLAY-BASED LEARN

Amends the School Code regarding the establishment of kindergartens. With respect to a provision stating that kindergarten should provide opportunities for play-based learning, defines: (1) "play-based learning" as either guided play or student-initiated play; (2) "guided play" as intentional teacher-directed play with activities set up and led by a teacher that are aligned to learning goals or standards; and (3) "student-initiated play" as child-selected opportunities to build, pretend, create, move, or explore in an environment intentionally curated by a teacher to align with learning goals or standards.