Bills & Legislation

VETERANS ASSISTANCE-DEFINITION

Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Defines "veteran" to mean any person who (i) served on active duty in the armed forces for at least 90 days and whose last discharge or release was under conditions other than dishonorable; or (ii) served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or (iii) served in the National Guard or as a reservist in any branch of the armed forces, including active duty solely for training purposes, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or (iv) is determined to be a veteran according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; provided, that in any case, the service of such person qualified under items (i) through (iv) was entered into or served in Illinois, or such person has resided in the State for one day, except for the purpose of determining the residential eligibility of a deceased veteran's dependents.

Dave Vella

GA OFFICE ALLOWANCE-TRANSFER

Amends the General Assembly Compensation Act. Provides that nothing prohibits a member from transferring a portion of the amount that is authorized to be expended by the member to another member for expenditure in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Dave Vella

PROP TX-CREDIT CARD PAYMENT

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that redemption payments may be made by credit card.

Dave Vella

ILLINOIS WORKS-APPRENTICES

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that, for the purpose of the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, apprenticeship programs must provide to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity evidence that the apprenticeship program has graduated, in each of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding the date on which the public works project begins, at least 2 apprentices in each construction craft to be performed at the relevant project. Provides that apprenticeship programs are not required to provide graduation information with respect to apprenticeship crafts that are dedicated exclusively to the transportation of materials and equipment to and from the project. Provides that those provisions do not apply to public works projects contracted by school districts or units of local government. Effective immediately.

Dave Vella

COMMUNITY MH-LIBRARY DISTRICTS

Amends the Community Mental Health Act. Authorizes any public library district to construct, repair, operate, maintain, and regulate community mental health facilities. Provides that a public library district authorized to levy an annual tax under the Act shall establish a community mental health board whose members are appointed by the president of the public library district's board of trustees.

Daniel Didech

IEMA-PUBLIC LIBRARY GRANTS

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Defines "public library". Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is authorized to make grants to public libraries and not-for-profit organizations (rather than just not-for-profit organizations).

Daniel Didech

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.

Kevin Schmidt

VOID THE FOID

Repeals the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

John M. Cabello

EDUCATION-TECH

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

Tom Weber

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Tom Weber

TRANSPORTATION-TECH

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

Tom Weber

EMPLOYMENT-TECH

Amends the Labor Dispute Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Tom Weber

SCH-MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM

Creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alyssa's Law. Requires, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting diverse emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. Requires, for the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education to issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system that may be used by each school district. Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2026.

Janet Yang Rohr

INC TX-PROHIBIT E-FILING FEES

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that it is unlawful for an income tax return preparer or a software company to charge a separate fee for the electronic filing of returns under the Act. Provides that it is unlawful for a software company to offer for sale a version of its tax software that charges a separate fee for the electronic filing of returns under the Act and a version of the same tax software that does not. Sets forth penalties for violations of the provisions of the amendatory Act.

Janet Yang Rohr

PUBLIC EXPRESSION PROTECTION

Creates the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. Applies the Act to a civil cause of action, including an action in federal court under its supplemental or diversity jurisdiction, against a person based on the person's: (i) communication in a legislative, executive, judicial, administrative, or other governmental proceeding; (ii) communication on an issue under consideration or review in any of these proceedings; or (iii) exercise of a right guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the Illinois Constitution on a matter of public concern. Provides that the Act does not apply to a cause of action asserted: (i) against a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting or purporting to act in an official capacity; (ii) by a governmental unit or an employee or agent of a governmental unit acting in an official capacity to enforce a law to protect against an imminent threat to public health or safety; or (iii) against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services if the cause of action arises out of a communication related to the person's sale or lease of the goods or services. Creates a procedure for a special motion for expedited relief for a party being sued for issues covered by the Act to dismiss or strike the action in whole or in part within 60 days of being sued. Requires the court to rule on a special motion for expedited relief within 60 days after a hearing, and the court must conduct a hearing not later than 60 days after the filing of such a motion unless it continues it for discovery under the Act or for other good cause. Makes other changes. Makes a conforming change in the Citizen Participation Act. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

LIQUOR-DIRECT SHIPPING

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Uniform Alcohol Direct-Shipping Compliance Act. Provides for the registration of third-party providers that ship wine to residents of this State on behalf of winery shippers. With regard to third-party providers, sets forth provisions concerning registration applications; recordkeeping; reporting; and suspending, revoking, or refusing to issue or renew a registration. Provides that a carrier may not deliver to a consumer a package known by the carrier to contain wine unless the consignor is a licensed winery shipper or registered third-party provider and the carrier has verified that license or registration for the current license period. Requires winery shippers, third-party providers, and carriers to file with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission a monthly report containing specified information concerning wine shipments. Provides that the State Commission may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a license to manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic liquor issued by the State Commission if the State Commission finds, after notice and an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, that the person holding the license has shipped alcoholic liquor into another state in violation of that state's law. Makes other changes. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.

Daniel Didech

EMPLOYMENT-TECH

Amends the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Jay Hoffman

TWSHP CD-SERVICE ON SCHOOL BD

Amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. Authorizes a supervisor or trustee of a township with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants, during the term of office for which the supervisor or trustee is elected, to hold the office of school board member for a school district. Amends the Township Code. Provides that a township board may not direct a distribution to be made from the township's general fund to a school district if a supervisor or trustee of the township is concurrently serving as a school board member of that school district. Effective immediately.

Gregg Johnson

CHICAGO MAYOR RECALL ELECTION

Amends the Revised Cities and Villages Act of 1941. Establishes a procedure for a special recall election to recall the Mayor of Chicago and the election of a successor mayor at a special successor election or special runoff election. Effective immediately.

La Shawn K. Ford

LIQUOR-FROZEN DESSERTS

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that "alcoholic liquor" does not include frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor. Provides that "frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor" means ice cream or other frozen desserts that are made with liquor, wine, beer, cider, or any combination thereof and that contain more than 0.5% but not more than 5% of alcohol by volume. Provides that no person shall sell a package of frozen desserts that contains more than 5% alcohol by volume. Provides that no person shall sell, give, or deliver frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor to a person under the age of 21. Provides that a person under the age of 21 may not purchase, possess, or consume frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor. Provides that no person shall sell a package of frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor for consumption off the premises or for consumption on the premises unless it contains specified notices and warnings. Provides that no manufacturer or distributor of frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor shall sell the product to a person intending to sell at retail individual servings of frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor or packages of frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor for consumption off the premises, unless, with each shipment, the manufacturer or distributor provides a written notice that frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor may be sold at retail only if the retailer complies with specified requirements and provides a written copy of those requirements. Provides that frozen desserts containing alcoholic liquor are subject to all applicable food safety laws, rules, standards, and requirements, including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to make a conforming change.

Katie Stuart

SCH CD-SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN

Amends the School Code. Provides that, after January 1, 2027, a school district may not procure disposable food service containers that are composed in whole or in part from polystyrene foam for use at any school and instead shall offer only compostable foodware or recyclable foodware for use at the school. Provides that, after January 1, 2028 or at the renewal of its next contract, whichever occurs later, no vendor contracted through a school district may provide a school with disposable food service containers that are composed in whole or in part from polystyrene foam at any site owned or leased by the school district and instead shall offer only compostable foodware or recyclable foodware for use at sites owned or leased by the school district.

Terra Costa Howard

RECYCLING-BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Creates the Illinois Container Fee and Deposit Act. Provides for a deposit value of 10 cents to be paid by consumers on each beverage container sold in the State by a dealer for consumption. Provides that, upon the return to a dealer or person operating a redemption center, the dealer or redemption center shall pay the value of the deposit back to the consumer as a refund. Sets forth requirements for administration of the program. Provides certain exemptions to the program. Requires that the refund value be clearly indicated on all beverage containers sold in the State. Provides for the Environmental Protection Agency to certify redemption centers. Prohibits snap-top beverage containers. Provides that persons violating the Act shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Prohibits the manufacture of certain beverage containers. Prohibits the disposal of beverage containers at sanitary landfills. Provides that deposits not passed on to the consumer through bottle redemption shall be distributed as follows: 75% to the Agency for environmental and conservation-related programs and 25% to each distributor in proportion to the number of beverage containers sold by each distributor in the State. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Container Fee and Deposit Fund. Effective immediately.

Maurice A. West, II

PREVAILING WAGE-PUBLIC WORKS

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Makes formatting changes to the definition of "public works".

Jay Hoffman

PROP TAX-CHARITABLE REHAB

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a Section regarding property tax exemptions for charitable purposes, provides that property held by a charitable organization for the purpose of constructing or rehabilitating residences for eventual transfer to qualified low-income families through sale, lease, or contract for deed is exempt from property tax as a charitable purpose. Provides that the exemption commences on the day title to the property is transferred to the organization and continues to the end of the levy year in which the organization transfers title to the property to a qualified low-income family. Effective immediately.

Maurice A. West, II

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $85,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

INC TX-NEW BUSINESSES

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for 100% of the income of a qualified new business. Provides that the term "qualified new business' means a business that has its principal place of business in the State and first begins operating in the State during the taxable year. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

CRIM CD-THEFT-LABOR-SERVICES

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the offense of theft of labor or services or use of property, provides that the notification of failure to return the vehicle, equipment, or other personal property may be made through electronic means, including email, text, or email and text. Provides that if the notification is made by electronic means, the return must be made within 24 hours after notification. Provides that the offense includes placing the vehicle, equipment, or any other personal property for sale during the rental period or thereafter. Provides that the court may order that a person convicted of the offense to reimburse the victims or the victims' representatives for court filing costs, attorney's fees, and such other related costs.

Jed Davis

CD CORR-VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that as soon as possible after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Corrections shall amend applicable administrative rules and policies in respect to restriction or termination of volunteer services to provide the following: (1) the Department shall provide the volunteer individual or group the reasons in specific detail in writing for any disapproval, restriction, or termination of volunteer services within 30 days of the action; (2) notices of the disapproval, restriction, or termination of volunteer services shall include detailed information and instruction on the process to appeal any disapproval, restriction, or termination; and (3) the individual or group shall have 90 days to appeal any action of disapproval, restriction, or termination of volunteer service. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

CD CORR-REHAB&ED PROGRAMS

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Corrections shall make available to each person within the Department's custody all rehabilitative and educational programs and services available to committed persons within that committed person's facility if the committed person is otherwise qualified for those programs and services, notwithstanding the committed person's projected release date. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

SCH CD-CHILD PLACEMENT

Amends the Children With Disabilities Article of the School Code. Allows parents or guardians to use audio recording devices during meetings with their child's individualized education program team regarding the child's placement or progress in an individualized education program. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

FIREFIGHTER-AGE RESTRICTION

Amends the Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that no person under the age of 18 (rather than 21) shall be eligible for employment as a firefighter.

Jed Davis

PROP TAX-HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, provides that the term "household" does not include an exempt family member who uses the residence as his or her principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the taxable year and that the term "household income" does not include the income of an exempt family member if the exempt family member used the residence as his or her principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the calendar year preceding the taxable year. Provides that the term "exempt family member" means the applicant's son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter and the spouse of the applicant's son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter. Effective immediately.

Jed Davis

HEALTH CARE-ACCESS TO RECORDS

Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Creates the right of each patient to request access to and be provided with an electronic record of the patient's health information free of charge. Provides that, if a request pursuant to this right is made by a patient or the patient's representative and the records are readily producible in an electronic format, the health care provider shall provide the patient or the patient's representative with access to the requested records in an electronic format.

Jed Davis

URBAN PROBLEMS-TECH

Amends the Urban Community Conservation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Veterans' Employment Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the War on Terrorism Compensation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Veterans Preference in Private Employment Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Illinois Service Member Civil Relief Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Housing for Veterans with Disabilities Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Viet Nam Veterans Compensation Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

MILITARY SERVICE-TECH

Amends the Veterans' Employment Representative Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

WAREHOUSES-TECH

Amends the Grain Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Code.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

WAREHOUSES-TECH

Amends the Grain Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Code.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

WILDLIFE-TECH

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

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

WILDLIFE-TECH

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

Emanuel "Chris" Welch

DHFS-PERSONAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish and administer a Seniors Deserve Dignity Program that provides monthly supplemental personal needs payments to persons residing in supportive living facilities who receive medical assistance and a personal needs allowance as specified in the Illinois Administrative Code. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, a qualifying person shall receive a monthly supplemental personal needs payment in the amount of $30 so that the person's total monthly personal needs allowance is no less than $120. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, a qualifying person shall receive a monthly supplemental personal needs payment in the amount of $60 so that the person's total monthly personal needs allowance is no less than $150. Requires a qualifying person's monthly supplemental personal needs payment amount to be adjusted for inflation beginning July 1, 2027 and every July 1 thereafter. Provides that the monthly supplemental personal needs payments shall not be considered income for purposes of determining eligibility or the amount of assistance for any public aid benefit provided under State law. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective July 1, 2025.

John M. Cabello

POWER AGENCY-AGGREGATION

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Removes language allowing the corporate authorities, township board, or county board to operate the aggregation program as an opt-out program for residential and small commercial retail customers.

John M. Cabello