Bills & Legislation

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON-MAIL

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall not deny the distribution of original physical mail to committed persons after such incoming mail has undergone inspection and it has been determined that the mail does not pose a threat to the security or safety of the institution or facility, personnel of the Department, or committed persons. Defines a threat to the security or safety of the institution or facility.

Kelly M. Cassidy

STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Creates the State Public Defender Act. Creates the Office of State Public Defender as an agency of State government. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be an independent agency within the judicial branch of government and the Office's records shall be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be under the supervision and direction of the State Public Defender. Sets forth the powers and duties of the State Public Defender, including the duties of the initial State Public Defender. Provides that the initial State Public Defender shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. Sets forth specified duties and responsibilities of the initial State Public Defender. Creates the State Public Defender Commission. Sets forth membership and duties of the Commission. Amends the Public Defender and Appointed Counsel Division of the Counties Code. Provides that any 2 or more counties of this State that are within the same judicial circuit may by joint resolution of the several county boards involved create a common Office of public defender for the counties so joined or allow representation in one county by the public defender appointed in the collaborating county (rather than 2 or more adjoining counties within the same judicial circuit may create a common Office of public defender). Provides that, when a vacancy occurs in the position of public defender, the State Public Defender shall nominate and the State Public Defender Commission shall appoint a properly qualified public defender using the application and selection process developed under the State Public Defender Act. Removes certain differences based upon county populations. Removes provisions relating to the Public Defender Quality Defense Task Force. Provides that a public defender may be removed only for good cause or dereliction of duty after notice and a hearing before the State Public Defender Commission (rather than by the president of the county board after a notice and hearing of the county board). Modifies how a public defender is compensated and how moneys in the Public Defender Fund may be used. Makes other changes. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes.

PRIVACY IN THE WORKPLACE

Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employer enrolled in an Employment Eligibility Verification System, including the E-Verify program, shall not impose work authorization verification or re-verification requirements greater than those required by the Employment Eligibility Verification System. Provides that, if an employer receives notification from any federal agency or other outside third party not responsible for the enforcement of immigration law of a discrepancy as it relates to an employee's individual taxpayer identification number or other identifying documents, guarantees specified rights and protections to the employee. Makes changes in provisions concerning the administration and enforcement of the Act by the Department of Labor. Sets forth provisions concerning action for civil penalties brought by an interested party; private right of action; penalties; and review under the Administrative Review Law.

Eva-Dina Delgado

JUV CT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. In the Abused, Neglected, or Dependent Minors Article of the Act, provides that an environment is injurious to the minor's welfare if conditions in the child's environment create a real, significant and imminent likelihood of harm to the child's health, well-being, or welfare and the parent or caretaker blatantly disregarded his or her parental responsibility to prevent or mitigate such harm consistent with the health, safety, and best interests of the minor to remain in the custody of a parent, guardian, or custodian who experienced domestic violence unless the court determines the parent, guardian, or custodian who experienced domestic violence has committed acts or omissions unrelated to domestic violence against that parent, guardian, or custodian resulting in a determination of abuse or neglect under the Act. Provides that in making a custody determination, the court shall presume that it is consistent with the health, safety, and best interests of the minor to remain in the custody of a parent, guardian, or custodian who experienced domestic violence, unless the court has determined that the parent, guardian, or custodian who experienced domestic violence has committed acts or omissions unrelated to domestic violence against that parent, guardian, or custodian that is sufficient to independently support a determination of abuse or neglect under the Act. Defines "domestic violence".

SCH CD-STU ACCT-UNPAID BALANCE

Amends the School Code. Removes language providing that at the end of each school year, a school district shall catalogue and report to the State Board of Education the total amount that remains unpaid by students due to a prohibition on withholding a student's grades, transcripts, or diploma because of an unpaid balance on the student's school account. Removes language providing that the prohibition is inoperative on a certain date.

Joyce Mason

CRIM PRO-SPECIAL ADVOCATES

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in a prosecution of a case involving the injury, health, or safety of a cat or dog, the court may, on its own motion or motion of any party, appoint a licensed attorney-at-law of the State or a law student authorized to provide services under Supreme Court Rule 711 as a special advocate to assist the court, as deemed appropriate by the court, and represent the interests of justice regarding the health or safety of the cat or dog. Provides that the advocate may: (1) monitor the case; (2) consult any person with information that could aid the court and review records relating to the condition of the cat or dog and the defendant's actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and police officers; (3) attend hearings; and (4) present information or recommendations to the court pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of justice, provided that information shall be based solely on the duties undertaken under this provision. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to alter the legal status of animals as a unique class of personal property.

Justin Slaughter

HOSTAGE TAX POSTPONE ACT

Creates the American Hostage Tax Liability Postponement Act. Provides that, if a person was unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage abroad, any tax liability of that person shall be postponed until 90 days after the person is no longer unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage abroad. Provides that the person shall be exempt from paying any interest or penalty that accrues while the tax liability is postponed. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

AIR PASSENGER ACCOMMODATIONS

Amends the Illinois Aeronautics Act. Requires a carrier or an indirect carrier to provide assistance to an individual with a disability in a safe, dignified, and prompt manner. Provides that whether assistance is prompt shall depend on the totality of the circumstances. Provides that carriers shall provide or ensure the provision of timely assistance requested by or on behalf of an individual with a disability, or offered by carrier or airport operator personnel and accepted by an individual with a disability, in enplaning and deplaning. Provides requirements for deplaning an individual with a disability who is in an aisle chair. Provides that carriers must timely notify an individual with a disability regarding the status of the storage of the individual's assistive device in the cargo compartment. Provides that, if an individual's wheelchair or scooter is mishandled, the carrier must immediately notify the individual of his or her rights to take certain actions. Provides that a carrier shall presume liability for the mishandling of an individual's assistive device unless the carrier can demonstrate that the circumstances that led to the mishandling of the assistive device were outside of the carrier's control. Requires carriers to take certain actions if an individual's checked wheelchair or scooter has been delayed or lost, damaged, or pilfered. Provides that, if an individual with a disability is waiting for his or her mishandled personal wheelchair or scooter to be returned, repaired, or replaced, a carrier must use its best efforts to provide an adequate loaner wheelchair or scooter. Provides that, when conducting training for personnel, a carrier that operates aircraft with 19 or more passenger seats must ensure that the training meets certain requirements for all personnel who interact with the traveling public or who handle individuals' assistive devices as appropriate to the duties of each employee or contractor. Provides training requirements for employees designated as Complaints Resolution Officials.

Yolonda Morris

DOM VIOLENCE EMERG PETITION

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that, when a petition for an emergency order of protection is filed, the petition may not be made public until the petition is served (i) on the respondent or (ii) the respondent or the respondent's counsel has filed an appearance and waiver of service.

Joyce Mason

FELONY CHARGED AS MISDEMEANOR

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a State's Attorney may charge a felony as a misdemeanor, in the State's Attorney's discretion.

Kelly M. Cassidy

GUARDIANSHIP-ALTERNATIVES

Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Requires the court at the guardianship hearing to inquire of the alleged disabled adult's interest in a supported decision-making agreement as an alternative and inform the ward of the ward's right to modify an adjudication of disability using a limited guardianship or termination of guardianship with a supported decision-making agreement. Amends the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act. Changes the applicability of the Act by deleting the requirement that the adult must have an intellectual or developmental disability. Provides that Alzheimer's or dementia, by itself, does not void the presumption that an adult has the capacity to make decisions. Provides that the execution of a supported decision-making agreement does not preclude the ability of the adult who has entered into a supported decision-making agreement to act independently of the agreement. Requires a supporter in an agreement must complete the training and education developed by the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission within 45 days of signing the consent to act as a supporter. Provides that a supported decision-making agreement is terminated if: (i) there is a restraining order against the supporter by or on behalf of the principal; (ii) the principal revokes the agreement; (iii) the supporter resigns; (iv) ordered by a court; or (v) the agreement includes a termination date. Provides that a supported decision-making agreement is suspended while: (i) the conditions of the Health Care Surrogate Act are met, (ii) a medical or psychological evaluation has concluded that the principal lacks decisional capacity but a subsequent evaluation has not yet found the principal's decisional capacity restored; or (iii) the agency established in a durable power of attorney has begun but not yet terminated. Provides that upon the filing of a petition by an interested person, a court may suspend or terminate a supported decision-making agreement if necessary to ensure the well-being and safety of the principal.

Michelle Mussman

PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE EXAM

Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. In provisions concerning the qualifications of applicants, provides that the first part of the required examination for licensure may be taken upon graduation and before completion of a postdoctoral supervised experience in clinical, school, or counseling psychology.

BOND AUTHORIZATION ACT

Amends the Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Coal Resources Development Law of 1997. Extends the repeal of the Act until December 31, 2030. Effective immediately.

PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION-SSN

Amends the Personal Information Protection Act. Provides that no data collector shall routinely collect the social security number of an Illinois resident without a specific and immediate need. Defines "specific and immediate need".

Joyce Mason

SCH CD-SPECIAL ED-IEP-GUIDANCE

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to provide regulatory guidance to relevant stakeholders regarding individualized education program evaluations.

Michelle Mussman

SCH CD-HOMELESS YOUTH FUNDING

Amends the School Code. Requires school districts to annually report to the State Board of Education the following: (1) the amount of funds received by each school district in the preceding school year; (2) the amount of funds reserved by each school district in the preceding school year to serve homeless children and youth; (3) the number of homeless children and youth identified and enrolled in each school district for that same school year; (4) the amount of such funds that were spent on homeless children and youth; (5) the activities on which such funds were spent; and (6) any auxiliary funding provided to the school district through supplemental funding. Requires the State Board to post the information on the State Board's website.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that an instructor who teaches a continuing education course or who serves as a trainer for a continuing education course required under the Act or any licensing Act administered by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall be eligible to receive the same credit for the class that a student taking the class would receive. Provides that an instructor may count the credits toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education. Provides rulemaking abilities for the Department.

Janet Yang Rohr

SCH CD-STUDENT TEACH FUNDS-FED

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board shall use the State and federal programs, grants, and subsidies that are available to assist in paying for student teachers as appropriate funds are made available.

Joyce Mason

BODY CAMERAS-FOIA REQUESTS

Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Limits disclosure of a recording made with the use of an officer-worn body camera which is flagged due to the filing of a complaint, discharge of a firearm, use of force, arrest or detention, or resulting death or bodily harm to a request made by (1) court order; (2) a person involved in the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (3) a legal representative of a person involved in the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (4) a witness of the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (5) a legal representative of a witness of the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; or (6) a representative of news media.

Justin Slaughter

SCH CD-ENERGY CONSERVATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that a duty of the regional superintendent of schools is to inspect and approve school building plans and specifications for energy conservation measures. In the Article concerning school energy conservation and saving measures, makes changes concerning definitions, the evaluation and submission of guaranteed energy savings contract proposals, performance reviews, the award of a contract, the written guarantee, installment payment contracts and lease purchase agreements, cost savings, available funds, an energy savings template, qualified providers, and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center.

Joyce Mason

CAMERA GRANT ACT-REPORTS

Amends the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Act. In provisions relating to the annual report that is required for each law enforcement agency receiving a grant for officer-work body cameras, removes requirements that the report must include specified information relating to each recording used in prosecutions of conservation, criminal, or traffic offenses or municipal ordinance violations and specified information related to recordings used in a civil proceeding or internal affairs investigation.

Justin Slaughter

TOBACCO TAX-HEMP

Amends the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. Provides that no licensee under the Act or the licensee's agent or employee shall possess, sell, offer for sale, give away, barter, exchange, or otherwise furnish on the licensed premises any cannabinoid hemp products, or engage in an act of concealment of cannabinoid hemp products on any licensed premises, within an area designated as the Midway Residential Area. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall not issue any new tobacco retailers license or renew any existing tobacco retailers license for a tobacco retailer within the Midway Residential Area.

Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

DHFS-SAFETY-NET-TRAUMA 1

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to create an add-on payment for safety-net hospitals with a Level 1 Trauma designation, equal to at least $35,000,000 per hospital, per year.

Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez

HIGHER ED-MENTAL HEALTH ACTION

Amends the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. Provides that the expert panel designated by the board of trustees to develop and implement policies and procedures shall be comprised of at least 2 administrators, 2 members of faculty, and one mental health professional. Requires each public college or university to provide at least 3 on-site licensed clinical professional counselors or licensed clinical social workers.

ID/DD FACILITY RATE REVIEW

Amends the ID/DD Community Care Act. Provides that, by no later than January 1, 2026, the Department of Public Health shall adopt and implement streamlined and person-centered procedures for appealing a resident assessment conducted by the inspection of care team. Requires the Department to adopt rules, including emergency rules, to implement the provisions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to make a conforming change. Effective July 1, 2025.

Mary Gill

SECRETARY OF STATE-CENSUS

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Directs the Secretary of State to conduct, by no later than January 1, 2027, a census of the population of the State for the purpose of determining the number of individuals who reside in the State and the number of those individuals who are United States citizens. Effective immediately.

Chris Miller

VEH CD-FIRE DEPT VEHICLES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Includes any recreational off-highway vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft that is designated or authorized by proper local authorities for fire department use in the definition of "fire department vehicle". Effective immediately.

FOID CARD DRIVER'S LICENSE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Adds an applicant's Firearm Owners Identification or Concealed Carry license number, if applicable, to the information that a driver's license shall display.

Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer

VEHICLE FEE WAIVER FOR VETERAN

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that any resident of the State who served in combat as a member of the United States Armed Services may have the vehicle registration fee waived for one license plate each year.

Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer

VEH CD-RETRO LICENSE PLATES

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Codes. Allows the Secretary of State to issue a special registration plate designated as a retro license plate. Provides that the design and color of the plates shall be a replica of the license plates issued between 1983 and 2001. Provides that there shall be an addition $40 fee for original issuance of a retro license plate and a $27 fee for renewal of a retro license plate.

ASSISTED LIVING DISASTER PLAN

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishments Act. Requires each establishment to have a written plan for protection of all persons in the event of disasters, for keeping persons in place, for evacuating persons to areas of refuge, and for evacuating persons from the building when necessary. Provides that the plan shall address the physical and cognitive needs of residents and include special staff response. Provides that the plan shall be amended or revised whenever any resident with unusual needs is admitted. Establishes additional requirements for the plan. Requires each establishment to conduct at least 6 drills per year on a bimonthly basis, and at least 2 of the drills, involving staff only, shall be conducted during the night when residents are sleeping. Provides that all drills shall be held under varied conditions to ensure that all personnel on all shifts are trained to perform assigned tasks; ensure that all personnel on all shifts are familiar with the use of the firefighting equipment in the facility; and evaluate the effectiveness of disaster plans, procedures, and training. Establishes additional drill requirements.

IDFPR-ASYNCHRONOUS EDUCATION

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to provide an applicant for licensure with an asynchronous education or training option instead of the current course of education or training requirements under each licensing Act administered by the Department. Provides that the asynchronous education option may be completed online. Provides that the provisions concerning an asynchronous education option shall not interfere with the provided time frame to complete the education or training requirements under any licensing Act administered by the Department. Provides that the Department may adopt rules for the implementation of the asynchronous education option provisions.

Adam M. Niemerg

CRIM CD-GROOMING

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that grooming includes engaging in inappropriate in-person intimate behavior with a child under 17 years of age, which may include isolating interactions, gift giving, or crossing physical boundaries.

Bradley Fritts

ROOFING LICENSING SUNSET

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Amends the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions. Adds provisions concerning an applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record. Makes changes in provisions concerning the application for a license; examinations; duties and responsibilities of a qualifying party; qualifying party termination; commercial vehicles; contracts; expiration and renewal; applicant convictions; licensure requirements; grounds for disciplinary action; subpoenas; final administrative decisions; criminal penalties; unlicensed practice; the Roofing Advisory Board; and the surrender of a license. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective immediately.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

SANCTION-VIOL-PRETRIAL RELEASE

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that sanctions for violations of pretrial release may include imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding 30 days, unless the court finds, based on the totality of the circumstances, a longer length of imprisonment in a county jail is reasonable.

Jay Hoffman

UTILITY-RECEIPT OF PAYMENT

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the date of receipt for a payment for a utility bill or invoice shall be the date a payment or payment instrument is presented to or arrives at the utility or its agent or vendor or the date the mailed payment or payment instrument is postmarked.

Jay Hoffman

GEOTHERMAL HOMES AND BUSINESS

Creates the Geothermal Homes and Business Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, the long-term renewable resources procurement plan developed by the Illinois Power Agency shall include a Geothermal Homes and Business Program for the procurement of geothermal renewable energy credits. Sets forth provisions concerning the geothermal heating and cooling system calculation methodology; Program block allocation; Program block pricing; approved vendors; contract terms; utility cost recovery; extenuating circumstances; administration of the Act by the Illinois Power Agency; and the prohibition of double claiming geothermal renewable energy credits. Effective immediately.

PUB AID-TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

Amends the Survivor Support And Trafficking Prevention Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Extends eligibility for cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes who are preparing to file an application for T Nonimmigrant status or other specified nonimmigrant status applications. Removes a provision conditioning such assistance on the availability of funding. Removes a provision excluding from cash assistance and SNAP eligibility foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes who are single adults without family members. Removes a provision excluding from SNAP eligibility foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture, or other serious crimes who reside in an institution or other setting that provides the majority of their daily meals. Effective immediately.

Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez

ELEC CD-ELEC WORKER HARASSMENT

Amends the Election Code. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to intimidate, threaten, coerce, use violence or force, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or use violence or force against: (1) an election worker in the performance or discharge of his or her election-related duties; or (2) an individual who is lawfully present at a polling place or a location where a canvass of votes is conducted. Provides that any person who violates the provision is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense committed within 3 years of a previous conviction for the same offense.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

EV REBATE ACT-ADMINISTRATION

Amends the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act. Authorizes rebates for electric vehicles that are electric motorcycles. Specifies that, for a purchaser to be eligible to receive a rebate under the Act, the purchaser must, among other things, apply for the rebate within 180 days (rather than 90 days) after purchase, during an open rebate cycle as identified by the Agency, and certify that the purchaser qualifies as low-income. Provides that amounts appropriated to and deposited into the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund from the General Revenue Fund, or any other fund, (rather than only the General Revenue Fund) shall be distributed from the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund to fund the electric vehicle rebate program established under the Act. Makes changes to definitions. Effective July 1, 2025.

Carol Ammons

ELEC CD-DECEPTIVE MATERIAL

Amends the Election Code. Provides that a person shall not distribute, or enter into an agreement with another person to distribute, materially deceptive media if: (1) the person knows the media falsely represents a depicted individual; (2) the distribution occurs within 90 days before an election; (3) the person intends the distribution to harm the reputation or electoral prospects of a candidate in an election and the distribution is reasonably likely to cause that result; and (4) the person intends the distribution to change the voting behavior of electors in an election by deceiving the electors into incorrectly believing that the depicted individual in fact engaged in the speech or conduct depicted, and the distribution is reasonably likely to cause that result. Sets forth exceptions to the provision and penalties for violations of the provision. Effective immediately.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

DIGITAL AGE ASSURANCE ACT

Creates the Digital Age Assurance Act. Provides that specified manufacturers shall take commercially reasonable and technically feasible steps to, upon activation of a device, determine or estimate the age of the device's primary user and provide websites, applications, application stores, and online services with a digital signal regarding the user's age. Sets forth requirements for any website, application, or online service that makes available mature content. Provides that a website, application, or online service with actual knowledge that a user is under 18 years of age shall, to the extent commercially reasonable and technically feasible, provide readily available features for parents or guardians to support a minor with respect to the minor's use of the website, application, or online service. Provides that specified manufacturers shall comply with the Act in a nondiscriminatory manner. Provides that the Attorney General may commence a civil action to enforce the provisions of the Act. Sets forth provisions concerning civil actions. Limits home rule. Effective January 1, 2026.

Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

PROP TX-DARK STORES

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that dark stores shall be assessed as active properties. Defines "dark store". Effective immediately.

Harry Benton

VEHICLE EMISSIONS TESTING

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that vehicles shall be inspected every 2 years on a schedule that begins either in the fifth, seventh, or later calendar year (rather than second, fourth, or later calendar year) after the vehicle model year.

Martha Deuter

OMBUDSPERSON MGT RECEIVERSHIP

Amends the Mortgage Foreclosure Law of the Code of Civil Procedure. Requires receivers of mortgaged real estate to use reasonable efforts to make repairs and improvements as necessary to comply with building, housing, or other similar codes that necessary for the safety, accessibility, and habitability of residential real estate. Creates the Residential Real Estate Ombudsperson Program of which the purpose is to ensure that tenants of residential real estate in receivership continue to have safe, habitable, and accessible homes throughout the receivership process and to facilitate communication between tenants, the receiver, and the court. Requires that in courts in counties of 50,000 or more residents must establish such a program, and in courts in counties of less than 50,000 residents may establish such a program. Provides for the powers of the Ombudsperson to include, but not be limited to, (i) taking, investigating, and making recommendations and reports of complaints of inadequate performance receivership duties relating to matters that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of tenants; (ii) entering the property under receivership at a reasonable time and with reasonable notice to the receiver or receiver's manager; (iii) communicating privately with tenants who consent to that communication; (iv) encouraging the facilitation of communication between receivers, tenants, and the court; (v) making recommendations to receivers regarding building conditions and court practices; (vi) submitting reports to the court regarding the status of the residential real estate, the receivership relationship, the use of the Ombudsperson services; and (vii) making recommendations to the court to improve the receivership relationship. Requires the Ombudsperson within 60 days of appointment to send a notice of contact information of the Ombudsperson to all known dwelling occupants of residential real estate through by posting a written notice on unit doors and in common areas. Effective January 1, 2026.

Kelly M. Cassidy

WRONGS CHILDREN-PANHANDLING

Amends the Wrongs to Children Act. Provides that it is unlawful for a child under 18 years of age to engage in panhandling unless the child is a representative of a nonprofit organization. Provides that any person under 18 years of age who engages in panhandling is guilty of a petty offense. Defines "panhandling".

Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

EDU LABOR RELATIONS-NOTICE

Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that employers shall provide the State labor organization with a copy of the information provided to the exclusive representative. Effective immediately.

INC TX-CHILD CARE

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction for individuals, corporations, and partnerships for 100% of the property taxes paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year on childcare center property.

Laura Faver Dias

CIV PRO-GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Creates the Gender-Based Violence Article. Provides that the Article applies to any motion to dispose of a civil action claim that is based on, relates to, or is in response to a reporting of gender-based violence. Provides that if court finds that the moving party reported gender-based violence as the basis of the civil action against it, the court must grant a motion to dispose of the civil action unless it finds that the responding party has produced clear and convincing evidence that the moving party's report was done with actual malice. Provides for an award of attorney's fees for the prevailing party under certain conditions. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Mary Beth Canty

UTILITY DATA ACCESS ACT

Creates the Utility Data Access Act. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to enact the following procedures: (1) a utility shall retain all consumption data for a period of not less than 2 years; (2) a qualified utility shall retain monthly consumption data used for billing for a period of not less than 15 years; (3) a utility shall honor an account holder's request to transmit the account holder's covered usage data held by the utility to any entity designated by the account holder; (4) a qualified data recipient with respect to a qualified building or qualified property may request that a qualified utility provide aggregated usage data for the qualified building or qualified property; (5) a utility shall deliver requested data on a schedule set by the Commission; and (6) the account holder request process and utility delivery of requested data shall be convenient and secure. Establishes requirements for: the Commission's participation in a stakeholder process; the form and timeline in which covered usage data is provided to the data recipient; entry of data into the benchmarking tool; and the provision of covered usage data to recipients upon account holder authorization. Provides that, except in cases where the utility has not followed processes established by the Act or the utility is grossly negligent, the utility shall be held harmless for third-party misuse of data shared under the Act and no cause of action may be initiated against the utility for such subsequent misuse. Provides that prior to filing for cost recovery, a qualified utility must first demonstrate good faith efforts to secure federal, State, or other relevant funding options. Sets forth provisions regarding funding for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under the Act and the Commission selecting and engaging outside consultants with experience in benchmarking and utility data access. States findings. Defines terms.