Bills & Legislation

REPEAL-LOAN DEFAULT ACT

Repeals the Educational Loan Default Act. Effective immediately.

La Shawn K. Ford

DFPR-CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. In provisions concerning applicants with criminal convictions, requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to consider various factors when considering whether a prior conviction is directly related to the ability of an applicant to safely perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the position (instead of whether a prior conviction will impair the ability of the applicant to engage in the practice). Removes the requirement that a person who is licensed or registered to engage in any of the professions licensed or registered by the Department be of good moral character. Prohibits the Department from using a vague term in its consideration of a criminal record and decision regarding whether a criminal record is disqualifying for licensure, certification, or registration, including, but not limited to, "good moral character", "moral turpitude", or "character and fitness". Makes other changes. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that no application shall be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Provides that when determining the qualifications for a license, the Department shall include practice that is supervised by a licensee while a person is incarcerated.

ORDER OF PROTECTION-SCHOOLS

Amends the School Code. Provides that if a school district receives an order of protection protecting the identity and location of a school in which the petitioner's child or children attend, the school district must notify and deliver a copy of the order of protection to the school resource officer.

Sharon Chung

RUST BELT TO GREEN BELT PILOT

Creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Pilot Program Act. Creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Fund as a special fund in the State treasury and makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. Provides that the Fund shall be used by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to encourage and facilitate the employment of construction workforces located in underrepresented populations. Provides that applicants that are applying for a new utility-scale offshore wind project with the Illinois Power Agency shall file with the Department, as part of the applicant's application, an equity and inclusion plan. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. In provisions concerning the procurement of renewable energy credits, provides that in addition to the amount of renewable energy credits to be procured from wind projects, the Illinois Power Agency shall procure at least 700,000 renewable energy credits, delivered annually for at least 20 years, from one new utility-scale offshore wind project. In provisions concerning the development of a long-term renewable resources procurement plan, provides that the total of renewable energy resources procured under the procurement plan shall be reduced for all retail customers based on the amount necessary to limit the annual estimated average net increase due to the costs of these resources included in the amounts paid by eligible retail customers in connection with electric service to no more than 4.25% of the amount paid per kilowatthour by those customers during the year ending May 31, 2009, and to no more than 4.5% of that amount as of the billing month following the expected date that a new utility-scale offshore wind project commences commercial operations and is expected to begin delivering power to the PJM Interconnection, LLC transmission grid. Provides that the Agency shall conduct at least one new utility-scale offshore wind procurement within 360 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Defines terms. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

CD CORR-ELECTRON MONITOR-FOIA

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that "public records" includes records of the names of persons on electronic monitoring and the number of times a person on electronic monitoring has violated the terms of electronic monitoring and includes court records of that information. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of the Act to the contrary, the Act does not authorize withholding of information or limit the availability of records to the public that contain the names of persons on electronic monitoring and the number of times a person on electronic monitoring has violated the terms of electronic monitoring. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that these records are public records and subject to disclosure, inspection, and copying under the Freedom of Information Act.

Mary Gill

PROP TX-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a county opting out of the special assessment programs to reduce the assessed value of certain residential real property shall not disqualify or shorten the maximum eligibility periods for any property approved to receive a reduced valuation prior to the county opting out. Requires that the special assessment programs be available to all qualifying residential real property regardless of whether or not the property has or is currently receiving any other public financing or subsidies or subject to any regulatory agreements with any public entity, or both. If an owner is approved for the reduced valuation prior to December 31, 2037 and the provisions are not subsequently extended, this shall not disqualify or shorten the maximum eligibility periods for any property approved to receive a reduced valuation. Provides that, if the chief county assessment officer has not created application forms, the chief county assessment officer shall make publicly available and accept applications forms that shall be available to local governments from the Illinois Department of Revenue. If a county Internet website exists, the application materials, as well as any other program requirements used by the county (such as application deadlines, fees, and other procedures required by the application) must be published on that website, otherwise it must be available to the public upon request at the office of the chief county assessment officer. On an annual basis, requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to calculate and make available on its website the minimum per square foot expenditure requirements to be applicable statewide to be eligible for the reduced valuation, which shall include the historical annual expenditure requirements starting with calendar year 2021. Changes reference to improvements to existing residential real property to substantially rehabilitated residential real property. Makes other changes.

Will Guzzardi

BANKING-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Makes changes to the membership of the State Banking Board of Illinois. Provides that a bank may borrow or incur an obligation and pledge assets to secure deposits. Provides that a bank may provide data processing services to a person for profit. Provides that a bank may invest in financial futures or options transactions. Provides that the board of directors of a bank may provide by resolution that stockholders may attend, participate in, act in, and vote at any annual meeting or special meeting through the use of a conference telephone or interactive technology if specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that a person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement or false entry with intent to deceive any person or persons authorized to examine into the affairs of the bank or the subsidiary or holding company of that bank, the branch of an out-of-state bank with intent to deceive the Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate or his administrative officers in the performance of their duties under the Act shall be subject to civil penalties imposed by the Commissioner (rather than be guilty of a Class 3 felony). Provides that the Board may authorize the transfer of funds from the Bank and Trust Company Fund. Amends the Savings Bank Act. Provides that the board of directors of a savings bank may provide by resolution that members or stockholders may attend, participate in, act in, and vote at any annual meeting or special meeting through the use of a conference telephone or interactive technology if specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that a savings bank may loan funds through the purchase of fixed rate annuity contracts. Provides that a savings bank may accept deposits made by a minor and may open an account in the name of the minor, and the rules and regulations of the savings bank with respect to each deposit and account shall be as binding upon the minor as if the minor were of full age and legal capacity. Makes changes to various provisions concerning notice to allow for electronic notice. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Credit Union Act. Does not prohibit the furnishing of financial records of a deceased member to a public administrator of any county or other governmental jurisdiction for the purpose of facilitating burial of the customer. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

CRIM PRO-UNFIT DEFENDANT

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 concerning defendants found unfit to stand trial. Provides that if the defendant is remanded to the custody of the Department of Human Services for inpatient services, the defendant shall be placed in a secure setting. Provides that during the period of time required to determine bed and placement availability at the designated facility, the defendant shall remain in jail and the pretrial release provisions do not apply. Provides that no physician or other person employed by the Department of Human Services shall be ordered to perform, in the person's official capacity, an examination of the defendant's fitness. Provides that if the defendant with mental disabilities is ordered to outpatient treatment, the defendant shall be released from custody with instructions to contact the Department of Human Services to schedule the receipt of restoration services in the community. Provides that a defendant who either fails to arrange for the receipt of community restoration services or whom the Department reports has failed to comply in any other respect with the outpatient treatment order shall be remanded to the Department to receive inpatient services at a secure facility designated by the Department. Provides that the initial fitness report shall indicate what information, if any, contained in the report may be harmful to the mental condition of the defendant if made known to the defendant and the court may determine if the defendant is restricted from receiving the report. Provides that if the defendant is unfit due to a traumatic brain injury or organic brain disease such as Alzheimer's or dementia, or any other condition other than one treatable as a mental illness or developmental disability, the court may order the defendant placed in a suitable public or private treatment facility or program that has agreed to provide treatment to the defendant. Provides that no person who has not been determined to be unfit due to an identified condition may be placed in a facility operated by the Department of Human Services. Makes other changes. Defines terms.

Terra Costa Howard

CRIM REGISTRATION ACTS-NO FEES

Amends the Arsonist Registry Act, the Sex Offender Registration Act, and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act. Provides that the Illinois State Police, or any other law enforcement or registering agency, shall not impose a fee for registration on any person subject to those Acts. Effective immediately.

Will Guzzardi

CANNABIS-UNION REP

Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Provides that a union representative of an employee of any business regulated under the Acts shall not be hindered by any provision in the Acts from accessing the premises to meet with any employee that wishes to meet with that union representative.

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, provisions concerning erroneous homestead exemptions also apply to persons who received an erroneous low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption in a county with less than 3,000,000 inhabitants. Effective immediately.

Mary Gill

OPIOID PATIENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that any health care practitioner authorized by applicable law to issue prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances shall, prior to issuing an initial prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance or any other opioid pain reliever during a course of treatment for acute or chronic pain shall discuss with the patient or the patient's parent or guardian, if the patient is under 18 years of age and is not an emancipated minor, the risks associated with the drugs being described. Provides that the discussion required by this provision shall take place before issuing an initial prescription, and again prior to issuing the third prescription during a course of treatment. Provides that the prescribing health care practitioner shall include a note in the patient's medical record that the patient or the patient's parent or guardian, as applicable, has discussed with the practitioner the risks of developing a physical or psychological dependence on the controlled dangerous substance and on alternative treatments that may be available. Provides that these provisions do not apply to prescriptions for a patient who is currently in an active treatment for cancer, receiving hospice care from a licensed hospice or palliative care provider, for a patient who is a resident of a long-term care facility, or to any medications being prescribed for use in the treatment of substance abuse or opioid dependence.

Joyce Mason

GAMING DEVICES/DISPARITY

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that an applicant or licensee under the Act is not in violation of the Act or specified rules and shall not be subject to disciplinary action for operating a gaming device if operation of the gaming device is in compliance with and not considered gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Creates the Gaming Disparity Task Force to conduct a disparity and availability study. Provides that the Task Force shall compile, collect, or otherwise gather data necessary for the determination of the impact on minorities within the video gaming industry. Allows the Task Force to impose fees for the Task Force's operation collected by the Illinois Gaming Board on terminal operations that general more than $5,000,000, including for specified payments to a minority business enterprise-owed terminal operator. 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 is connected directly or indirectly to the Internet, either by cellular modem, hard wire, or wireless connection, or to a set of interconnected networked devices in order to participate in the game or contest or to receive or retrieve any data related to the device unless the connected device is a redemption vault and does not operate with a self-contained fill system that permits the operation of the device solely determined on a fee basis or the amount of revenue generated, but does not include a system based on time, number of spins or spin equivalent, or other nonrevenue based system, and automatically ceases to operate upon the completion of a pre-determined cycle. 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 law. Provides that a gambling offense involving such a gambling device is a Class 4 felony. Effective immediately.

Kam Buckner

INC TX-COVER CROPS

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to the cost incurred by the taxpayer in planting cover crops.

Amy Briel

CERTIFIED FAMILY HEALTH AIDE

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that the Act does not prohibit the practice of relevant nursing care by a legally responsible caregiver or a person designated by a legally responsible caregiver who has been certified as a certified family health aide for the specified services. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Establishes requirements for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for a Home and Community-Based Services State Plan amendment and federal waiver amendment necessary to reimburse a legally responsible caregiver or a person designated by a legally responsible caregiver who has achieved certification as a certified family health aide to perform the specified services. Creates the Certified Family Health Aide Program for Children and Adults Act. Establishes certification requirements for a certified family health aide through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that a certified family health aides must be legally responsible caregiver and 18 years or older, have a relationship with a specified family member, and be certified to perform or assist in performing the specified nursing services. Amends the Home Health, Home Services, Home Nursing Act to include a certified family health aide under a home nursing agency and provides training and recordkeeping requirements for home nursing agencies. Amends the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act and the Hospital Licensing Act to require similar training and recordkeeping requirements in children's community-based health care center and in hospitals managing the care of an individual being discharged under the care of a home nursing agency.

Anne Stava

DENTAL COVERAGE REIMBURSEMENT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Removes provision stating that fees incurred directly by a dental care provider from third parties related to transmitting an automated clearing house network claim, transaction management, data management, or portal services and other fees charged by third parties that are not in the control of the dental plan carrier shall not be prohibited. Effective immediately.

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

SM BUS FINANCING TRANSPARENCY

Creates the Small Business Financing Transparency Act. Sets forth provisions concerning disclosure requirements for sales-based financing, closed-end commercial financing, open-end commercial financing, factoring transactions, renewal financing, and other forms of financing. Provides that all commercial financing shall include a clear and conspicuous notice on how to file a complaint with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that the Department may adopt rules. Provides that upon a finding by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation that a provider has violated the provisions or rules, the provider shall be ordered to pay the Department a civil penalty for each violation of the provisions or any rule not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, or if a violation is willful, $20,000 for each violation. Sets forth provisions concerning cease and desist orders, injunctions, investigation and examination, civil actions, violations, and registration. Provides that a violation of the provisions constitutes an unlawful practice in violation of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Defines terms. Makes a conforming change in the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Effective immediately.

Dagmara Avelar

CONSUMER INSTALLMENT LOAN

Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act. Provides that a certified database provider may charge a fee not to exceed the lesser of $5 or 0.1% of the loan principal (rather than $1) for each loan entered into the certified database.

Robert "Bob" Rita

MUNI CD-END AMBULANCE SERVICE

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, if a municipality with 500 or more residents owns, operates, or maintains an ambulance department, then the municipality shall not cease the operation and maintenance of the ambulance department without a referendum. Provides that, if a majority of the votes cast on the question are in favor of dissolving the ambulance department, then the court shall enter an order discontinuing the ambulance department. Provides that the rights of the employees of the dissolved ambulance department provided by the Personnel Code, any applicable collective bargaining agreements, or under any pension, retirement, or annuity plan shall not be affected by the amendatory Act. Limits home rule powers.

Rick Ryan

TAX-TELECOM SERVICES

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the Telecommunications Excise Tax Act. Provides that prepaid telephone calling arrangements shall be subject to the tax imposed under those Acts only if the telephone or telecommunications services and the recharge of such services are obtained through the purchase of a preloaded phone, calling card, or other item of tangible personal property. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2026, "prepaid telephone calling arrangements" do not include a recharge that is not obtained through the purchase of a preloaded phone, calling card, or other item of tangible personal property. Provides that "prepaid telephone calling arrangements" include the recharge of a prepaid calling arrangement if and only if, on and after January 1, 2026, the additional telephone or telecommunications services included in the recharge are obtained through the purchase of a preloaded phone, calling card, or other item of tangible personal property.

Will Guzzardi

MOORISH-AMERICAN COMMISSION

Creates the Illinois Moorish-American Family Commission Act. Creates the Illinois Moorish-American Family Commission to advise the Governor and General Assembly, as well as work directly with State agencies, to improve and expand existing policies, services, programs, and opportunities for Moorish-American families, children, and adults and guide the efforts of and collaborate with State agencies, including, but not limited to, the Department on Aging, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Employment Security, and others. Sets forth provisions concerning the members of the Commission, funding, addresses and reports, and oversight. Provides that administrative, technical, and staffing support for the Commission shall be provided by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Effective immediately.

Justin Slaughter

INS-RATES CREDIT SCORE & AGE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, when determining rates or premiums for certain automobile insurance policies, insurance issuers may not consider or otherwise use an individual's credit-based insurance score or age if the age of the insured is 50 years of age or more. Provides that a policy of automobile insurance, including any class of motor vehicle coverage, may not be canceled by the insurer solely because the insured has reached the age of 65 years so long as the insured has a valid Illinois driver's license. Prohibits an insurer from refusing to issue a renewal policy or increasing the premium for any policy solely because an insured has attained the age of 65 years or older. Prohibits providers of automobile insurance from considering any data obtained from applications on an insured's cellular phone or that may be installed, either at the time of manufacture or later, in the insured's motor vehicle for purposes of establishing premiums or rates with the express written consent of the insured. Prohibits providers from increasing rates or premiums on the basis that express written consent of the insured is withheld.

Thaddeus Jones

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM

Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Creates the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor. Requires the Division to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides benefits to employees. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Deputy Director of the Division. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Provides that a self-employed individual may elect to be covered under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; compensation for leave; the amount and duration of benefits; payments for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund; employer equivalent plans; annual reports by the Department; hearings; penalties; notice; the coordination of leave provided under the Act with leave allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, a collective bargaining agreement, or any local county or municipal ordinance; rulemaking; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts certain documents collected by the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave from the Act's disclosure requirements. Effective immediately.

Anna Moeller

DNR-BOAT REGISTRATION/SAFETY

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Prohibits a person from falsifying information on any application to the Department of Natural Resources that is required to be provided to the Department by the Act. Provides that the navigation lights shall, at minimum, have an intensity so as to be visible at the minimum ranges as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorboat without a whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of 2 seconds or more duration and having an audible distance as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (rather than being audible for at least one-half mile). Prohibits a motorboat operator from operating a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch if the switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Prohibits a person from operating a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. Provides that a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels and proceeding downbound with a following current (rather than downstream) shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall imitate the maneuvering signals as required by law. Changes the ages at which a person may operate a motorboat based on the speed of the motorboat. Prohibits certain marijuana use within certain areas of a watercraft while upon waters in the State. Requires the Department to outline the application process for passenger-for-hire licenses or rental boat licenses by administrative rule. Makes other changes.

Michael J. Kelly

IEMA-OHS UPDATES

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Changes the name of the Act to the IEMA-OHS Act. Makes conforming changes and adds references to homeland security and the Office of Homeland Security within the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) throughout the Act. Adds and changes definitions. Deletes provisions regarding certain salaries in previous years. In provisions listing responsibilities of IEMA-OHS, adds responsibilities regarding nuclear and radiation safety and homeland security. Provides for the appointment of a Homeland Security Advisor with the advice and consent of the Senate, as well as discretionary Deputy Homeland Security Advisors, with other requirements. Establishes the Illinois Homeland Security Advisory Council, with certain requirements. Creates the Illinois Cybersecurity Commission, with certain requirements. Creates the position of Statewide Interoperability Coordinator. Makes other changes.

Rita Mayfield

MOORISH-AMERICAN MONTH

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates the month of August of each year as Moorish American Awareness Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the valuable contributions of Moorish Americans to this State and to the various aspects of American society. Effective immediately.

BHWC DATA COLLECTION

Creates the Behavioral Health Workforce Data Collection Act. Requires The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to collect data, as specified, from behavioral health professionals at the time of initial application for licensure and renewal of an active license. Requires the Department to ensure the data collection process is secure and adheres to State and federal privacy laws, including de-identification of personal data. Provides that the Department shall make the collected data publicly available in an aggregated, de-identified format. Requires the data to be published in a format that allows policy groups, advocates, and other stakeholders to monitor the diversity, linguistic capacity, and availability of the behavioral health workforce; identify regions and specialties with severe shortages; and forecast future workforce needs. Requires the Department to publish the aggregated data annually by January 31 on its website and through other accessible formats. Grants the Department rulemaking authority to implement the Act. Requires the Department to comply with applicable data privacy and confidentiality laws. Provides that, for a period of 2 years following the effective date of the Act, the Department shall submit to the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center a list of email addresses or email communications, subject to data privacy and confidentiality laws, of all licensed behavioral health professionals exclusively for purposes of collecting data related to the behavioral health workforce in Illinois. Effective immediately.

SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.

Michelle Mussman

PHARMACISTS-CONTRACEPTIVES

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that "practice of pharmacy" includes the assessment and consultation of patients and dispensing of contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than the dispensation of hormonal contraceptives). In provisions concerning the dispensation of contraceptives, changes the contraceptives dispensed to contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives). Makes conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover patient care services provided by a pharmacist for contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives). Makes conforming changes.

WHEELCHAIR RIGHT TO REPAIR

Creates the Complex Wheelchair Right to Repair Act. Provides that, for complex wheelchairs and parts for complex wheelchairs sold or used in the State, an original equipment manufacturer shall make available to an independent repair provider, solely for the purpose of repairing complex wheelchairs, on fair and reasonable terms, any documentation, parts, service access methods, and tools, including, but not limited to, any updates to information, firmware, or embedded software that is needed for purposes of repair of complex wheelchairs and training courses and materials on the operation, inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of complex wheelchairs. Provides that a violation of any of the provisions of the Act is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides for penalties. Provides that nothing in the Act shall require an original equipment manufacturer to divulge a trade secret to an independent repair provider. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2024.

Michelle Mussman

REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE

Creates the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create a program to award grants to Navigators for specified purposes, including wage reimbursements for employers that employ certain formerly incarcerated individuals. Contains provisions concerning requirements for wage reimbursements. Provides that "Navigator" means an entity that has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs for formerly incarcerated participants and is certified by the Department as a Navigator. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to adopt emergency rules to implement the Securing All Futures through Equitable Reinvestment (SAFER) Communities Act. Effective immediately.

Justin Slaughter

SEX OFFENDER REG-PROCEDURES

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall send (rather than mail) a quarterly nonforwardable verification letter or an electronic verification letter to each registered person who has been adjudicated to be sexually dangerous or is a sexually violent person and is later released, or found to be no longer sexually dangerous or no longer a sexually violent person and discharged, beginning 90 days from the date of his or her last registration. Provides that to any other person registered under the Act, the Illinois State Police shall send (rather than mail) an annual nonforwardable verification letter or an electronic verification letter, beginning one year from the date of his or her last registration. Provides that a person required to register under the Act who is sent (rather than mailed) a verification letter or an electronic verification letter shall complete, sign, and return the enclosed verification form to the Illinois State Police postmarked or time and date stamped within 10 days after the mailing date or time and date stamp of the letter. Provides that the person who is to receive the verification letter shall notify the Illinois State Police as to which method of notification the registered person receives. Provides that registration shall consist of a statement in writing signed by the person giving the information that is required by the Illinois State Police, which shall (rather than may) include the fingerprints and shall include a current photograph of the person, which shall be updated annually. Provides that moneys in the Offender Registration Fund shall be allocated pursuant to the Act and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, respectively. Effective January 1, 2026.

LOCAL REG-STATE FACILITIES

Amends the Capital Development Board Act. Provides that an ordinance of a unit of local government shall not be enforced against the construction, reconstruction, improvement, or installation of a State facility. Provides that the amendatory Act applies to the construction, reconstruction, improvement, and installation of State facilities that are either ongoing or that start on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Capital Development Board shall, to the fullest extent practicable, coordinate with local utilities regarding utility connection requirements and procedures. Defines "State facilities". Limits home rule powers.

HEALTH DATA PRIVACY ACT

Creates the Protect Health Data Privacy Act. Provides that a regulated entity shall disclose and maintain a health data privacy policy that clearly and conspicuously discloses specified information. Sets forth provisions concerning health data privacy policies. Provides that a regulated entity shall not collect, share, or store health data, except in specified circumstances. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to sell or offer to sell health data concerning an individual without first obtaining valid authorization from the individual. Provides that a valid authorization to sell individual health data must contain specified information; a copy of the signed valid authorization must be provided to the individual; and the seller and purchaser of health data must retain a copy of all valid authorizations for sale of health data for 6 years after the date of its signature or the date when it was last in effect, whichever is later. Sets forth provisions concerning the consent required for collection, sharing, and storage of health data. Provides that an individual has the right to withdraw consent from the processing of the individual's health data. Provides that it is unlawful for a regulated entity to engage in discriminatory practices against individuals solely because they have not provided consent to the processing of their health data or have exercised any other rights provided by the provisions or guaranteed by law. Sets forth provisions concerning an individual's right to confirm whether a regulated entity is collecting, selling, sharing, or storing any of the individual's health data; an individual's right to have the individual's health data that is collected by a regulated entity deleted; prohibitions regarding geofencing; and individual health data security. Provides that any person aggrieved by a violation of the provisions shall have a right of action in a State circuit court or as a supplemental claim in federal district court against an offending party. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce a violation of the provisions as an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Defines terms. Makes a conforming change in the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

Mary Beth Canty

COURT CLERKS-JUDICIAL STIPEND

Amends the Clerks of the Courts Act. Provides that in addition to the compensation provided by the county board, each clerk of the circuit court shall receive an award of $35,000 annually from the State for the additional duties imposed by Public Act 101-652. This stipend must be adjusted annually to reflect the annual cost of living adjustment in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits that are applicable.

Justin Slaughter

FOID-DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that a person charged with certain weapon-related offenses under the Criminal Code of 2012 and sentenced to the First Time Weapons Offense Program under the Unified Code of Corrections or any other court-ordered diversionary program created by law or by a court of the State of Illinois may submit an application for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card before receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program. Directs the Illinois State Police to issue a Firearm Owner's Identification Card to such a person upon receiving a court order demonstrating completion of the program, provided the person is otherwise eligible to receive a Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Specifies that a FOID application made under this provision shall be approved or denied within 10 business days of receiving a court order or written notification from a State's Attorney that the person completed a diversionary program.

Justin Slaughter

REGULATORY SUNSET REPORTS

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that, in the calendar year 2 years before a regulatory agency or program is scheduled for termination (rather than annually), the Governor's Office of Management and Budget shall study the performance of each regulatory agency and program scheduled for termination under the Act and report to the Governor the results of the study. Requires the Governor to review the report of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget and, no later than December 1st of the year preceding the year of termination (rather than in each even-numbered year), make recommendations to the General Assembly on the termination, modification, or continuation of regulatory agencies and programs.

Suzanne M. Ness

CANNABIS-PERSONAL & CAREGIVER

Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Changes the definition of "designated caregiver" to remove a requirement that the caregiver not have been convicted of an excluded offense and to raise the maximum number of patients that can be assisted to 10 patients. Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. In provisions regarding the personal use of cannabis, provides that a dwelling, residence, apartment, condominium unit, enclosed, locked space, or piece of property not divided into multiple dwelling units shall not contain more than 12 plants (rather than 5 plants).

Rita Mayfield

NET ELECTRICITY METERING

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Changes the name of the Retail Electric Competition Article to the Retail and Renewable Electric Competition Article. Changes the name of the Retail Electric Competition Act of 2006 to the Retail and Renewable Electric Competition Act of 2006. Changes the name of the Office of Retail Market Development to the Office of Retail and Renewable Market Development and the title of the head of the Office from Director to Bureau Chief. Provides that the Bureau Chief shall have the authority to employ or otherwise retain at least 2 professionals dedicated to the task of actively seeking out ways to promote distributed renewable energy generation devices and community renewable generation projects in the State to benefit all State consumers. Provides that the Office shall actively seek input from all interested parties and shall develop a thorough understanding and critical analyses of the tools and techniques used to promote development and remove barriers to development of distributed renewable energy generation devices and community renewable generation projects. Provides that the Office shall take steps for interconnections involving distributed renewable energy resources, energy storage systems, utility-scale wind projects, and utility-scale solar projects, including interconnections to a distribution system or a transmission system. Provides that the Interconnection Working Group shall determine a single standardized cost for Level 1 interconnections, which shall not exceed $200. Provides that, in collaboration with the General Counsel of the Commission, the Office shall develop policies and procedures to facilitate employees of the Office in leading the Interconnection Working Group without interference with docketed proceedings. Provides that the Office may employ, designate, or otherwise retain the services of an Ombudsperson who is responsible for oversight of a utility's compliance with the certain rules and any other utility interconnection policies or procedures. Sets forth provisions concerning the authority of the Ombudsperson and interconnection monitoring by the Office. Makes conforming and other changes.

ABLE ACCOUNT PROGRAM INFO

Amends the School Code. Provides that beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, a school district shall provide informational materials about the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program (rather than the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program) annually to the parent or guardian of a student who has a section 504 Plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, using the same distribution methods employed for other communications related to the student's section 504 Plan. Removes language providing that a school may transmit the informational material to a parent or guardian in the same manner as other documents and information related to an Individualized Education Program meeting are provided to the parent or guardian. Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act and the Early Intervention Services System Act. In provisions requiring individualized family service plans for children receiving early intervention services, provides that during the initial development of an individual family service plan and at each review meeting of the service plan, the regional intake offices shall provide the parent or guardian with informational materials about the Illinois (ABLE) account program. Requires the informational materials to include an overview of the Illinois ABLE account program, eligibility criteria, and other necessary enrollment information. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials about the Illinois ABLE account for distribution to regional intake offices which shall subsequently disseminate the informational materials to parents and guardians in the same manner as they transmit other documents to families. Makes technical changes to the State Treasurer Act to change the name of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program to the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program.

HIGHER ED-BD MEMBER COMPENSATE

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act and the Public Community College Act. Provides that a student member who serves on the Board of Higher Education or the Illinois Community College Board shall receive a scholarship award of $500 for each semester in which the student member is enrolled and serving.

Norma Hernandez

PHYSICAL THERAPY TELEHEALTH

Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that initial physical therapy evaluations without a referral or an established diagnosis may be performed by a licensed physical therapist via telehealth when the physical therapist determines that an in-person examination is not required based on the physical therapist's clinical judgment and the applicable standard of care (rather than cannot be performed via telehealth unless necessary to address a documented hardship). Provides that a physical therapist or a licensed physical therapy assistant may require the patient to undergo an in-person visit instead of providing telehealth services (rather than the use of telehealth as a primary means of delivering physical therapy must be an exception and documentation must support the clinical justification). Provides that a physical therapist providing telehealth must have the capacity to provide or be able to facilitate a referral to in-person care within the State (rather than must only have the capacity to provide in-person care). Provides that the standard of care for a patient receiving physical therapy through telehealth is equal to the standard of care for in-person care.

Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

VETERANS BILL OF RIGHTS

Creates the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to make specified efforts to: (1) increase loans to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans or service-disabled veterans; (2) increase veterans' access to health care coverage and services; (3) take specified steps toward preventing veteran suicide; and (4) develop and implement a strategy to end veteran homelessness within 3 years. Directs the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to review all State licenses for which military service members may have relevant training or experience, produce a report recommending steps that can be taken to increase recognition of military training and experience toward licensing, and take those steps within one year of issuing the report. Contains provisions regarding veterans at public institutions of higher education receiving college credit, registering for courses, and being called to active duty. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to annually review apprentice, training, and other vocational programs focused on providing job training and placement to returning military service members and veterans. Contains other provisions.

Joyce Mason

LIGHTED STOP SIGN INSTALL

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall install a lighted stop sign at any intersection where 2 stop sign violations that resulted in either a fatality or an infliction of great bodily harm have occurred within a 3-month period.

Jason R. Bunting

MUNI CD-REMOVE WASTE CONTAINER

Amends the Streets and Public Ways article of the Municipal Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of each municipality may remove containers placed by truckers in a street or a ditch for the purpose of containing human waste from streets, ditches, and other municipal property.

CRIM CD-VEHICLE FORFEITURE

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that any vessel or watercraft, vehicle, or aircraft is subject to forfeiture if the vessel or watercraft, vehicle, or aircraft is used with the knowledge and consent of the owner in the commission of or in the attempt to commit the offense of fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer.

Patrick Sheehan

REPEAL CAPITAL DEV BOARD

Amends the Capital Development Board Act. Changes the name of the Act to the State Agency Construction Act. Repeals provisions concerning the Capital Development Board Act. Provides that State agency's shall perform the functions that were previously performed by the Capital Development Board Act. Makes conforming changes. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2029.

Jeff Keicher

COSMETIC PRODUCTS ACT

Creates the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act. Prohibits the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, or offering for sale of a cosmetic product that contains specific intentionally added chemical ingredients. Exempts cosmetic products that were manufactured with an intent to comply with the Act and contain a technically unavoidable trace quantity of a prohibited chemical ingredient due to certain reasons. Defines terms.

PROP TX-ABATEMENT

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that any qualified resident of a cultural district designated by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may petition the corporate authorities of any taxing district in which the person resides to abate up to one-half of the property tax levied against homestead property occupied as a primary residence by the qualified resident.

Lilian Jiménez

$SOS

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Secretary of State for a recurring, permanent grant program for Illinois academic libraries. These grants shall be applied toward Open Education Resources. Effective July 1, 2025.

Norma Hernandez