Bills & Legislation

REGULATION-TECH

Amends the Illinois Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the applicability and scope of the Act.

Camille Y. Lilly

REGULATION-TECH

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Article regarding nonprofit risk organizations.

Lindsey LaPointe

LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH

Amends the Township Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the use of terms.

Robyn Gabel

HIGHER ED-STUDENT HLTH SERVICE

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each public institution of higher education with student health services shall provide enrolled students with access to health care professionals authorized under State law to prescribe contraception. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, if the public institution of higher education's student health services includes a pharmacy, the pharmacy on campus shall dispense contraception to enrolled students who wish to fill their prescriptions at the university pharmacy. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each public institution of higher education with student health services shall provide enrolled students with access to health care professionals authorized under State law to prescribe medication abortion. Provides that a public institution of higher education that dispenses medication abortion from the university pharmacy shall enter into a referral agreement with a tertiary care facility with obstetrics and gynecological services in the event of complication from medication abortion or suspected complicated pregnancy prior to dispensing medication abortion. Requires each public institution of higher education to report annually to the Board of Higher Education that policies under the provisions have been adopted. Requires the Board to post to its website annually each public institution of higher education's compliance with the policies under the provisions. Effective immediately.

CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS

Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that crime victims have the right to be treated with fairness and respect during the investigatory process, including the right to be free from deception and free from the knowing communication of false facts about evidence during interviews and conversations with law enforcement.

PRIVACY PROTECTION-LOCATION

Creates the Privacy Protections for Location Information Derived from Electronic Devices Act. Makes it unlawful for a covered entity to collect or process an individual's location information except for a permissible purpose. Provides that before collecting or processing an individual's location information for one of those permissible purposes, a covered entity shall provide the individual with a copy of the location privacy policy and obtain consent from that individual Authorizes a civil action in which if the plaintiff prevails, the court may award (1) actual damages including damages for emotional distress, or $5,000 per violation, whichever is greater; (2) punitive damages; and (3) any other relief. Provides that in addition to any relief awarded, the court shall award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to any prevailing plaintiff. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Ann M. Williams

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON MAIL

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall permit every committed person to receive the original, physical copy of any mail addressed to the committed person that the committed person is entitled and allowed to receive. Provides that any exceptions to the requirements of this provision must be based on evidence that complying with the requirements of this provision present a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the correctional employees or committed persons in the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must include evidence of contraband being sent through the mail, data on the number of mail items containing contraband, test results of mail tested due to suspicion of mail containing drugs, data on where inside a correctional institution or facility contraband has been found, and the method of entry of contraband into the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must be made available to the public upon request. Provides that no committed person shall be denied, or have communications limited, with an outside support person, whether by phone, mail, video, or in person visitation, as a result of a disciplinary sanction or grade level of the infraction. Provides that committed persons may contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message free of charge. Defines "original, physical copy".

Laura Faver Dias

CD CORR-UNCONDITIONAL SENTENCE

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that if the defendant has been incarcerated for a Class 4 felony or a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor and has been released from imprisonment, the court shall impose an unconditional sentence in any case in which the court is of the opinion that no proper purpose would be served by imposing any condition upon the defendant's release. Provides that when an unconditional sentence is imposed for a felony, the court shall set forth in the record the reasons for its action.

La Shawn K. Ford

NONDISCRIMINATION-STATE GRANTS

Creates the Nondiscrimination in State Contracts and Grants Act. Prohibits the State from awarding a contract or grant to any person, business, or entity that engages in discrimination as defined in the Act. Defines "discrimination" to mean if the business or entity engages in "sexual orientation change efforts" or "conversion therapy". "Sexual orientation change efforts" or "conversion therapy" means any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation, as defined by in the Illinois Human Rights Act, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings towards individuals of the same sex. "Sexual orientation change efforts" or "conversion therapy" does not include counseling or mental health services that provide acceptance, support, and understanding of a person without seeking to change sexual orientation or mental health services that facilitate a person's coping, social support, and gender identity exploration and development, including sexual orientation neutral interventions to prevent or address unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices, without seeking to change sexual orientation.

Rita Mayfield

DEPT OF AG-LOCAL FARM-MOTHER

Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Agriculture to create a grant program to award grants of up to $250,000, subject to appropriation, to cover the costs and labor of any qualified applicant farmer to distribute healthy, free food to expectant mothers in need who reside in the same county or in a municipality within 20 miles of the farmer's farm, with certain requirements. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Defines terms.

Rita Mayfield

COM COL-BACCALAUREATE DEGREE

Amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the board of trustees of a community college district to establish and offer a baccalaureate degree program and confer a bachelor's degree if the board of trustees and the program meet specified conditions. Provides for an application for approval from the Illinois Community College Board. Sets forth community college requirements and prohibitions for establishing a baccalaureate degree program. Provides that a community college district that offers a baccalaureate degree program shall submit an annual report to the Illinois Community College Board. Sets forth what that report shall include. Provides for a statewide evaluation of a baccalaureate degree program.

Tracy Katz Muhl

MHDD-OIG INVESTIGATIONS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Makes changes to a provision concerning initial Department of Human Services investigations of a facility employee's alleged abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a recipient of mental health or developmental disability services. Expands the provision to include allegations of material obstruction of an investigation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, non-de minimis financial exploitation (such as financial exploitation totaling a cumulative value equal to or greater than $100), or egregious neglect. Adds provisions concerning Department investigations where a facility employee is the perpetrator of, at most, neglect, de minimis financial exploitation (such as financial exploitation totaling a cumulative value of less than $100), or mental abuse.

LOCAL RECORDS-POLICE SCANNERS

Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act. Provides that a law enforcement agency that encrypts police scanner transmissions must provide, by license or otherwise, real-time access to those transmissions to broadcast stations, broadcasting stations, radio broadcast stations, and newspapers. Effective January 1, 2026.

La Shawn K. Ford

AI-MEANINGFUL HUMAN REVIEW

Creates the Meaningful Human Review of Artificial Intelligence Act. Sets forth provisions prohibiting a State agency, or any entity acting on behalf of an agency, from utilizing or applying any automated decision-making system, directly or indirectly, without continuous meaningful human review when performing any of the agency's specified functions. Requires impact assessments to be performed by State agencies seeking to utilize or apply an automated decision-making system with continuous meaningful human review. Provides that the impact assessment shall include a description of the objectives of the automated decision-making system; an evaluation of the ability of the automated decision-making system to achieve its stated objectives; a specified description and evaluation of the objectives and development of the automated decision-making; testing of the automated decision-making system; and the notification mechanism or procedure, if any, by which individuals impacted by the utilization of the automated decision-making system may be notified of the use of such automated decision-making system and of the individual's personal data, and informed of their rights and options relating to such use. Requires submission of impact assessments to the Governor and General Assembly.

Abdelnasser Rashid

INS OUT-OF-NETWORK EMERGENCY

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 shall provide coverage for emergency medical services delivered by an out-of-network provider on the same terms as coverage that would be provided for an in-network provider. Provides that this requirement does not apply if the services rendered are not covered for in-network providers. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under those provisions.

Harry Benton

SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Creates the Design Professional Self-Certification Act. Provides that the Executive Director of the Capital Development Board shall establish a self-certification program through which a qualified design professional within a participating municipality shall be permitted to: (1) take responsibility for a project's compliance with the baseline building code; and (2) self-certify that a permit application, plans, and specifications comply with the baseline building code. Requires the Executive Director to establish requirements for design professionals to qualify for the self-certification program. Sets forth program requirements; oversight; and recordkeeping. Effective January 1, 2026.

Anthony DeLuca

PROP TX-SENIOR EXEMPTION

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the total property tax bill for any property receiving the senior citizens homestead exemption may not exceed 101% of the tax bill for the immediately preceding taxable year.

Joe C. Sosnowski

PROP TX-GENERAL HOMESTEAD

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026 tax year (to be collected in 2027), the total tax bill for property receiving the General Homestead Exemption may not exceed 103% of the total property tax bill for the property for the immediately preceding taxable year. Contains provisions concerning the reallocation of property tax liability.

Joe C. Sosnowski

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILLING ACT

Creates the Local Government Billing Act. Provides that the corporate authorities of a unit of local government shall bill for any utility service, including previously unbilled service, within 12 months (for residential customers) or 24 months (for non-residential customers) after the provision of the utility service. Provides exceptions to the time limits for billing when the customer prevented the utility from accurately reading the meter. Provides that the corporate authorities shall not intentionally delay billing beyond the normal billing cycle, shall label amounts attributed to previously unbilled service as such, shall prorate previously unbilled service amounts to reflect varying rates during the unbilled time, and shall provide the customer with a payment arrangement option for previously unbilled service amounts. Provides that customers may be billed for unpaid amounts that were billed to a customer before the effective date of the Act for service that was supplied to the customer before January 1, 2026. Provides that customers may be billed for unpaid amounts if the customer was notified that there is an unpaid amount before the effective date of the Act for service that was supplied to the customer before January 1, 2026. Provides that there is no time limit for the corporate authorities of a unit of local government to collect previously unbilled service attributed to tampering, theft of service, fraud, or the customer preventing the utility's recorded efforts to obtain an accurate reading of the meter.

IDPH-LUNG CANCER SCREENING

Creates the Expanded Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require information and counseling concerning lung cancer screening to be made available to individuals accessing the tobacco quitline. Provides that the Department may enter into contracts and agreements and award grants to persons operating the tobacco quitline. Provides that the Department shall develop signage that discloses referral information for lung cancer screening. Provides that the Department shall develop an educational insert to accompany the sale of tobacco products and nicotine replacement therapies by retailers. Provides that a retailer of tobacco products or nicotine replacement therapies who intentionally violates these provisions is guilty of a petty offense. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules implementing this Act. Defines terms.

Kimberly Du Buclet

CRIM CD-CONTRIB DEL-VEH HIJACK

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 concerning the offense of contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor. Changes the definition of "delinquent minor" to be consistent with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the penalty for contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor, if the offense committed is vehicular hijacking, is a Class X felony for which the person shall be sentenced to not less than 12 years imprisonment and not more than 60 years imprisonment. Provides that if the offense committed is aggravated vehicular hijacking, the penalty for contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor is a Class X felony for which the person shall be sentenced to not less than 30 years imprisonment and not more than 60 years imprisonment.

Robert "Bob" Rita

REGISTERED ANESTHETISTS

Amends the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Act. Removes a provision which provides that, in ambulatory surgical treatment centers, anesthesia service shall be under the direction of a physician who has had specialized preparation or experience in the area or who has completed a residency in anesthesiology. Specifies that, with respect to anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgical treatment center, a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall seek consultation regarding development of an anesthesia plan and treatment of patients as is appropriate to the certified registered nurse anesthetist's level of expertise and scope of practice and as is warranted by the needs of the patient. Removes a requirement that an anesthesiologist participate through discussion of and agreement with the anesthesia plan and remain physically present and be available on the premises. Provides that a certified registered nurse anesthetist with clinical privileges may perform acts of advanced assessment and diagnosis and may provide such functions for which the certified registered nurse anesthetist is educationally and experientially prepared. Makes conforming changes to the Hospital Licensing Act. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a written collaborative agreement shall be adequate with respect to collaboration with certified registered nurse anesthetists if all of the following apply: (1) the agreement is written to promote the exercise of professional judgment by the certified registered nurse anesthetist commensurate with his or her education and experience; (2) the certified registered nurse anesthetist provides service based on a written collaborative agreement with the collaborating physician; and (3) methods of communication are available with the collaborating physician in person or through telecommunications for consultation, collaboration, and referral as needed to address patient care needs. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that an Illinois-licensed advanced practice registered nurse certified as a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall be deemed by law to possess the ability to practice without a written collaborative agreement. Sets forth requirements for a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Makes conforming changes in the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Effective immediately.

Anna Moeller

VIDEO GAMING-VARIOUS

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Prohibits a terminal operator from compensating a sales agent and broker based on a percentage of the after-tax profits from a video gaming terminal, the net terminal income from a video gaming terminal or attributed to licensed establishments, or any other compensation metric based upon the performance of a video gaming terminal in various licensed establishments. Provides that a terminal operator shall not enter into any contract or agreement for the sharing, splitting, or payment of net terminal income with any other person. Prohibits any contract or agreement for the sharing, splitting, or payment of net terminal income with any other person executed before January 1, 2025 from being amended, modified, or extended. Allows a terminal operator to enter into a contract or agreement for the sharing, splitting, or payment of net terminal income with any other person if such contract is approved by the Illinois Gaming Board. Prohibits a sales agent and broker from giving anything of value to a current or potential licensed establishment. Prohibits a sales agent and broker that is not an owner of a terminal operator to solicit or procure a use agreement or any other contract or agreement that purports to control or authorize the placement or operation of a video gaming terminal on behalf of a terminal operator from a current or potential licensed establishment if that person is an immediate family member of a direct or indirect owner, officer, director, manager, employee, or a person who otherwise significantly influences or controls the licensed establishment. Provides that any use agreement currently authorizing the placement and operation of video gaming may continue as a valid and enforceable use agreement through the end of the current use agreement term, but shall not be amended, modified, extended, or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Prohibits a current or potential licensed establishment from accepting anything of value from a terminal operator or sales agent and broker as any incentive or inducement to locate video gaming terminals in that establishment and licensed establishments. Makes other changes.

Robert "Bob" Rita

DESIGN BUILD-HIGHER EDUCATION

Amends the Design-Build Procurement Act. Provides that certain provisions are inoperative for public institutions of higher education on and after January 1, 2026. Removes provisions repealing the Act. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

RACING-COOK CNTY SUNSET

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that before the effective date of the amendatory Act, the additional organization license, issued by the Illinois Racing Board for standardbred racing to a racetrack located in specified townships of Cook County, shall not be issued within a 35-mile radius of another organization license issued by the Board, unless the person having operating control of such racetrack has given written consent to the organization licensee application, which consent must be filed with the Board at or prior to the time application is made. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

DCFS-FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGMNT

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to establish and administer a 5-year Biological Foster Care Case Management Pilot Program that provides a framework to prioritize reunifying children with biological parents after an appropriate stabilization period. Provides that under the pilot program, the Department shall develop individualized, time-bound reunification plans that outline steps for returning children to their parents or guardians; and promote case coordination by providing caseworkers with specialized resources to focus exclusively on building relationships with biological families for the child. Provides that program tools and services shall include mental health evaluations, family counseling, and reintegration services. Provides that for each child placed in foster care, the Department shall develop a 2-year plan involving the child, biological parents, and key stakeholders to ensure sustained family stability. Contains provisions on employment and income opportunities for parents and foster youth under the pilot program; and Department reporting requirements.

Maura Hirschauer

VID GM&CRIM CD-GAMBLING DEVICE

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "gambling device" to include any vending or other electronic machine or device, including, without limitation, a machine or device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits that offers a person entry into any contest, competition, sweepstakes, scheme, plan, or other selection process that involves or is dependent upon an element of chance for which the person may receive a gift, award, or other item or service of value if that offer is incidental to or results from: (A) the purchase of an item or service of value; or (B) the purchase or gratuitous receipt of a coupon, voucher, certificate, or other similar credit that can be redeemed for or applied towards an item or service of value from such machine or device or elsewhere. Provides that participants in a game of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate shall not be convicted of gambling except where participation in such game of skill or chance is accomplished using a gambling device prohibited by these changes to the definition. Provides that a gambling offense involving such a gambling device is a Class 4 felony. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Removes a provision allowing for the use of a game device without a license if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

PUB AID-AABD CASH ASSISTANCE

Amends the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the General Assembly finds it necessary to take measures to increase the amount of cash assistance provided to qualifying Illinoisans under the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD) program to reach a standard compatible with health and well-being. Provides that the amount of AABD aid granted to a person shall be determined by the Department of Human Services in such a manner as to produce assistance payments that bring the person's total monthly income from countable sources, as determined by the Department, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, if applicable, and AABD aid to an amount that is: (i) no less than 85% of the federal poverty level in effect for the month aid is paid, beginning July 1, 2025; (ii) no less than 90% of the federal poverty level in effect for the month aid is paid, beginning July 1, 2026; (iii) no less than 95% of the federal poverty level for the month aid is paid, beginning July 1, 2027; and (iv) no less than 100% of the federal poverty level in effect for the month aid is paid, beginning on and after July 1, 2028. Provides that the amendatory Act shall not result in any reduction in the amount of aid payable to a person determined eligible for aid prior to July 1, 2025. Effective July 1, 2025.

Camille Y. Lilly

ACCESS TO FUNDING ACT-TECH

Creates the Accountable Access to Discretionary Funding Act. Contains a short title only. Effective July 1, 2025.

Kelly M. Cassidy

CRIM CD-OBSCENITY CIVIL ACTION

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any person who is harmed by the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition of obscene material may bring a civil action against the individual or entity responsible for the violation. Provides that the prevailing plaintiff in a civil action under this provision may be entitled to compensatory damages for actual damages suffered as a result of the obscenity violation. Provides that, in addition to compensatory damages, the plaintiff may recover punitive damages as determined by the court. Provides that damages shall not exceed $10,000,000 for each count in the civil action, with each separate instance of unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition of obscene material constituting a separate count. Provides that a civil action for obscenity violations under this provision must be brought within 5 years of the discovery of the violation or the harm caused by the violation. Provides that, in any successful civil action, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees in addition to the damages awarded. Provides that a court may grant injunctive relief to prevent further violations of this provision, including the cessation of the sale, distribution, or exhibition of obscene material by the defendant. Provides that the civil action may be brought in the county where the defendant resides, where the unlawful sale, distribution, promotion, or exhibition occurred, or where the plaintiff resides, if applicable.

Robert "Bob" Rita

INC TX-HEALTH INSURANCE

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction for premiums paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year under an individual health insurance plan covering the taxpayer or the taxpayer's dependents.

Abdelnasser Rashid

INC TX-RENTER CREDIT

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for taxpayers who (1) paid rent on a personal residence in Illinois for at least 6 months during the taxable year; (2) are not claimed as a dependent on someone else's federal income taxes for the taxable year; and (3) have a federal adjusted gross income of less than $83,250, if the taxpayer is married filing a joint return, or $40,770, if the taxpayer is not married filing a joint return. Provides that, if the taxpayer is married filing a joint return, then the amount of the credit is $1,000 for both taxpayers as a single unit. Provides that, if the taxpayer is not married filing a joint return, then the amount of the credit is $500. Effective immediately.

Abdelnasser Rashid

EPA-WATER SUPPLIES

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Specifies that the Act shall not apply to non-community water supplies, except for purposes of: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency's implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act; (2) the Pollution Control Board's adoption of rules that expressly pertain to non-community water supplies or all public water supplies; or (3) any provisions of the Act or rules adopted by the Board under the Act that are referenced in, or applicable to, non-community water supplies under the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act and rules adopted by the Department of Public Health under that Act. Amends the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act. Authorizes the imposition of administrative and civil penalties. Effective immediately.

PEORIA CO-DNR LAND TRANSFER

Authorizes an exchange of real property in Peoria County between the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Thomas E. Heinz and Andrea L. Heinz. Effective immediately.

WILDLIFE CD-DOE&BUCK

Amends the Wildlife Code. Requires a person who obtains a Deer Hunting Permit or set of permits or tags, that, in sum, is for the harvesting of 2 or more deer by that person, to harvest at least one antlerless deer out of the 2 or more deer harvested, if any deer are harvested. Makes technical changes.

Travis Weaver

ETHICS-PROCUREMENT BIDS

Creates the Procurement Bid Ethics Transparency Act. Provides that no director, employee, investor, or immediate family member of any director, employee, or investor of any corporation, organization, or entity that directly or indirectly operates a procurement bid process for a unit of local government shall simultaneously submit and compete for a procurement bid in that same unit of local government unless they have formally disclosed their involvement to the Executive Ethics Commission. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

SCH CD-RAILROAD SAFETY

Amends the School Code. Requires each school district to include in its handbook for grades kindergarten through 12 railroad safety messaging. Allows a school to opt-out of the messaging requirement if the school district votes that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary.

RADIATION PROTECTION ACT

Amends the Radiation Protection Act of 1990. Provides that all intrastate and interstate shippers or carriers (rather than intrastate and interstate carriers) of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel are required to notify the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security no less than 7 days (rather than 24 hours) prior to any transportation of irradiated nuclear reactor fuel. Changes the definition of "carrier" and "irradiated reactor fuel". Adds a definition of "shipper". Provides that the Agency may collect, store, and dispose of uncontrolled sources of radiation that have entered the public domain and that the Agency considers to be a threat to public health and safety or the environment. Authorizes the Agency to assess actual costs, as appropriate, for the collection, storage, and disposal of uncontrolled sources of radiation that have entered the public domain and that the Agency considers to be a threat to public health and safety or the environment against any person that owns, owned, possesses, or is responsible for the radioactive material entering the public domain.

HEALTH CARE FUNDING ACT

Creates the Health Care Funding Act. Establishes the Health Care Funding Association for the primary purpose of equitably determining and collecting assessments for the cost of immunizations and health care information lines in the State that are not covered by other federal or State funding. Requires assessed entities, which include, but are not limited to, writers of individual, group, or stop-loss insurance, health maintenance organizations, third-party administrators, fraternal benefit societies, and certain other entities, to pay a specified quarterly assessment to the Association. Sets forth provisions concerning membership of the Association; powers and duties of the Association; methodology for calculating the assessment amount; reports and audits; immunities; tax-exempt status of the Association; an administrative allowance to the Department of Public Health; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Michael J. Kelly

CRIM CD-HARASS ELECTRON-CIVIL

Amends the Harassing and Obscene Communications Article of the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that in addition to any criminal penalties, a person who is the victim of harassment under the harassment through electronic communications statute may bring a civil action against the perpetrator of the harassment. Provides that in such an action, the victim may be awarded damages not to exceed $10,000,000 for each count of harassment. Provides that these damages may include compensation for any physical injury, emotional distress, reputational harm, or other damages directly resulting from the harassment. Provides that, in addition to compensatory damages, the court may award punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was willfully or maliciously intended to harm the victim. Provides that punitive damages may be awarded in an amount deemed appropriate by the court, not to exceed the statutory limit of $10,000,000 per count. Provides that in any civil action brought under this provision, the prevailing party may be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other expenses. Provides that the use of an end-to-end encryption messaging system or device to transmit harassing messages or communications is an aggravating factor in sentencing. Provides that a person who violates the harassment through electronic communications statute using an end-to-end encryption messaging system or device to engage in harassment is guilty of a Class 3 felony, regardless of other factors surrounding the offense. Defines "end-to-end encryption messaging system or device". Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" Rita

PROP TX-WOODED ACREAGE

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning wooded acreage assessment, provides that the assessed value of property that is subject to assessment under those provisions may not exceed the product of the assessed value of the property for the immediately preceding assessment year multiplied by 104%. Effective immediately.

Ryan Spain

IDOT-HOMELESS CAMPS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that if property other than a roadway that is owned by the Department of Transportation has been used as an encampment site for 30 days or more for people who are experiencing homelessness, the property shall be transferred within 30 days to the Department of Natural Resources and treated as a campground under the Campground Licensing and Recreational Area Act.

Ryan Spain

ELECTRIC TAX-ROAD FUND

Amends the Electricity Excise Tax Law. Provides that 100% of the funds received by the Department under the Act as a result of an electric vehicle charging station shall be deposited into the Road Fund. Effective immediately.

Ryan Spain

VEH CD-UNINSURED PENALTIES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Increases the penalties for operating a motor vehicle while uninsured as follows: a person convicted of 2 or more violations of uninsured driving that causes bodily harm is subject to a fine of $4,500 (currently $2,500); for a first or second offense, a person is subject to a fine in excess of $1,000 (currently $500) but not more than $2,000 (currently $1,000), and having his or her driving privileges suspended for 6 (currently 3) months which may only be reinstated after he or she pays a $500 (currently $100) reinstatement fee; and for a third or subsequent offense, a person is subject to a fine of $2,000 (currently $1,000), and having his or her driving privileges suspended for 12 (currently 6) months which may only be reinstated after he or she pays a $1,000 (currently $100) reinstatement fee. Provides that a person convicted of uninsured driving while driving with suspended license plates is subject to an additional fine of $2,000.

Ryan Spain

NEW OCCUPATION REGULATION

Creates the PRIOR Act. Defines terms. Provides that a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment shall be completed and presented to the General Assembly before legislation creating a new occupational regulation, expanding the scope of practice of a licensed occupation, or increasing the personal qualification for an occupational regulation can be voted on by a committee or the General Assembly. Provides that, on or before the first day of the General Assembly's legislative session, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Chair of each relevant committee shall assign to the relevant committee or legislative staff the responsibility to analyze legislation creating a new occupational regulation, expanding the scope of practice of a licensed occupation, or increasing the personal qualifications for an occupational regulation and the accompanying Pre-Regulatory Impact Application submitted by proponents of the legislation. Provides that the designated staff are responsible for (i) reviewing legislation that requires a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment to ensure the least restrictive regulation is being proposed and (ii) preparing a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment that shall be considered with the legislation by the General Assembly. Provides that a proponent of a piece of legislation shall submit a Pre-Regulation Impact Application to the designated staff. Sets forth requirements for an application. Sets forth actions that designated staff may take. Sets forth a temporary moratorium on the creation of new occupational regulations. Effective immediately.

Justin Slaughter

FUEL GAS DETECTOR ACT

Creates the Fuel Gas Detector and Alarm Act. Requires the installation of a fuel gas detector and alarm in certain buildings. Sets forth fuel gas detector and alarm standards and requirements for residential rental units. Details fuel gas detector and alarm requirements in the event of a sale or exchange of a building. Provides for a civil penalty, set by local ordinance. Limits liability. Requires noninterference with fuel gas detectors and alarms. Effective January 1, 2026.

FRAUD-HUMAN CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that a business providing customer support that uses an automated telephone answering system or an automated text interface that simulates conversation shall, during the normal hours of operation of the business, provide the customer with the option of communicating with a human representative at the beginning of the phone call or text interaction.

Kevin John Olickal

OPEN LANDS-GRANTS TO GOVTS

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is located within a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Specifies that a project that is located within a distressed community, regardless of whether the project is located within a distressed location, is eligible for assistance up to 90% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is not located in a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 75% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the making of grants under the Act for projects that are located in distressed locations and distressed communities. Sets limits on the appropriated amounts that may be used for grants to distressed communities and distressed locations. Repeals a provision that required the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report. Repeals provisions that define terms. Adds other definitions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Natural Resources.

STATE CONTRACTS-SMALL BUSINESS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create a small business financing program to provide low-interest financing to small businesses that secure State contracts to assist with the fulfilment of those contracts. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Department of Central Management Services shall, in consultation with State agencies, develop a scorecard for the assessment of bids from businesses that have annual gross sales of less than $15,000,000 as evidenced by the federal income tax return of the business. Makes changes in provisions concerning the advertisement of bids to small businesses.

William "Will" Davis

MUNI HOME RULE CHARTER ACT

Creates the Municipal Home Rule Charter Act. Provides that any home rule municipality with a population over 500,000 people may adopt a charter to govern municipal affairs. Provides that a charter shall be its organic law. Provides that a charter must be consistent with the Illinois Constitution and U.S. Constitution. Provides that, unless a State law specifically applies to home rule or charter municipalities, language in charters shall be considered supreme when in conflict with a State law. Provides that a qualifying municipality may create a charter commission by a vote of two-thirds vote of the entire legislative body of the municipality. Provides that, within one year of the first organizing meeting of the commission, the commission shall prepare a charter to be approved by a majority of commissioners. Provides that, upon adoption of a charter by the charter commission, it shall go before voters at the next regular general election. Provides that, upon receiving 60% of the vote, the charter is considered adopted. Provides that, if the charter fails, then the process is dead and a municipal legislative body must pass a new ordinance for a new commission in order to adopt a charter. Provides that, if the charter commission fails to adopt a charter, then the commission shall expire.

Kam Buckner