Bills & Legislation

CIV PRO-DISCOVERY LIMITED

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that in any action seeking damages for personal injury against an operator of a motor vehicle, no discovery may be taken by the plaintiff if the total damages sought is equal to or less than the amount of minimum liability insurance required by the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that in such cases, each party must disclose to all other parties all documents each party intends to introduce into evidence at trial. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act apply to actions commenced or pending on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Rick Ryan

PROP TX-ASSESSMENT LIMIT

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the assessed value of residential property in any general assessment year shall not exceed the assessed value of the property in the last general assessment year multiplied by one plus the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index during the 12-month calendar year immediately preceding the general assessment year for which the reassessment is conducted. Provides that the limitation does not apply if the increase in assessment is attributable to an addition, improvement, or modification to the property. Preempts the power of home rule units to tax. Effective immediately.

Rick Ryan

CONVERSION THERAPY PROHIBITION

Amends the Youth Mental Health Protection Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Conversion Therapy Prohibition Act. Provides that the General Assembly finds and declares Illinois has a compelling interest in protecting the physical and psychological well-being of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in this State and in protecting such individuals against exposure to serious harms caused by sexual orientation change efforts, also known as conversion therapy. Provides that under no circumstances shall a mental health provider engage in sexual orientation change efforts with any person in this State. Provides that any sexual orientation change efforts attempted on any person in this State by a mental health provider may be considered unprofessional conduct. Provides that mental health providers found to have engaged in a sexual orientation change effort on a patient may be subject to discipline by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the disciplinary review board with competent jurisdiction. Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, refuse to renew, or take any other disciplinary action it deems warranted with regard to the license of any mental health provider issued by the Department upon a finding that the mental health provider offers or conducts conversion therapy services in violation of the Conversion Therapy Prohibition Act.

Rita Mayfield

CD CORR-DEPT OMBUDSPERSON

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections Ombudsperson Bureau is established as a separate bureau within the Department of Corrections. Provides that the Governor shall appoint a Director of the Bureau within 30 days of the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Ombudsperson may receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints that the Department: (1) violated a specific law, rule, or Department written policy; or (2) endangered the health or safety or any person. Provides that if the Ombudsperson discovers evidence that the Ombudsperson reasonably believes constitutes the commission of a crime, the Ombudsperson immediately shall, if the Ombudsperson considers it appropriate, inform the Director of the Department, who shall conduct an investigation. Provides that an Ombudsperson shall be given: (1) appropriate access to the records of an offender who files a complaint; and immediate access to any correctional facility administered or supervised by the Department. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Creates the offense of obstruction of the Ombudsperson. Provides that the offense is a Class A misdemeanor. Makes other changes.

Rita Mayfield

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING-CANNABIS

Amends the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act. Provides that employers that are licensed under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act or the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act and labor organizations may, anywhere within the entire State of Illinois, execute and apply agreements requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment.

Gregg Johnson

COSMETOLOGY-HYDRODERMABRASION

Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that the use of hydrodermabrasion devices such as the Hydrafacial machine, when done for cosmetic or beautifying purposes and not for the treatment of disease or of a muscular or nervous disorder, constitutes the practice of cosmetology and the practice of esthetics. Effective immediately.

Margaret Croke

$IDPH-STATE HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Appropriates $750,000 to the Department of Public Health for costs associated with developing and implementing the State Health Improvement Plan and the State Health Assessment. Effective July 1, 2025.

Nicolle Grasse

RIFL ACT

Creates the Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act. Establishes a firearms manufacturer licensing program in the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, with certain requirements, including that the sum of all fees for firearms manufacturer licenses shall be equal to the public health costs and financial burdens from firearm injuries and deaths. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2028, a manufacturer of firearms may not operate in this State without a license from the Department and that a manufacturer who violates this provision is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000,000 per month. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2028, a retailer may not sell a firearm to a consumer in this State from a manufacturer who does not have a license from the Department and that a retailer who violates this provision is subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, with certain requirements. Establishes the RIFL Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, with certain limitations. Provides that the proceeds from fees under the licensing program shall be deposited into the RIFL Fund. Establishes a financial assistance program in the Department with moneys from the RIFL Fund for financial assistance to victims of firearms and for other purposes. Provides that the Department shall contract with a program administrator to administer the financial assistance program, with certain requirements. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules for financial assistance to victims of firearms, with certain requirements, including regarding exemption from certain State taxes. Provides that the Department may contract with a program administrator to implement or administer any part of the Act, with certain requirements. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall report certain information to the Department. Provides that the Department may provide for other civil penalties of no more than $1,000 per violation. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce the Act. Makes other provisions. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes.

Kevin John Olickal

FIRST RESPONDER FUNERALS

Creates the Honorable Funerals for First Responders Act. Provides that a first responder killed in the line of duty shall receive an honorable funeral. Defines "honorable funeral" as a funeral that respects the wishes of the deceased first responder and the family of the deceased first responder and includes religious observances desired by the deceased first responder and the family of the deceased first responder. Provides that an elected official may not attend the funeral of a first responder killed in the line of duty if the elected official knows, or has reason to know, that the family of the first responder killed in the line of duty does not wish the elected official to attend the funeral. Provides that in no case shall any elected official be required to attend the funeral of a first responder killed in the line of duty. Provides that the family of the first responder killed in the line of duty shall have sole discretion over which elected official may attend the funeral of a first responder killed in the line of duty. Provides that, before an elected official attends the funeral of a first responder killed in the line of duty, the elected official must make reasonable efforts to learn if the family of the first responder killed in the line of duty would like the elected official to attend the funeral. Defines other terms.

Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar

MUNI CD/CTY CD-SOLAR RIGHTS

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to prohibit a county or municipality from adopting any ordinance or resolution that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system or low voltage solar powered device. Provides that, in any litigation arising under the Act or involving the application of the Act, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Exempts from the Act any building that: (1) is greater than 60 feet in height or (2) has a shared roof and is subject to a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act may apply to a shared roof if: (1) the solar energy system is located entirely within that portion of the shared roof owned and maintained by the property owner and (2) all property owners sharing the shared roof are in agreement to install a solar energy system. Amends the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act to make the same changes. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that residential and small commercial customers of an electric cooperative and municipal utility system have the right to interconnect renewable energy systems sized up to and including 25 kW AC. Provides that the policies of municipal utility systems and electrical cooperatives regarding self-generation and credits for excess electricity shall be consistent with specified standards. Requires each electric cooperative and municipal utility system to update its policies to comply with the standards within days after the amendatory Act. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

DEPT OF AG-LOCAL FARM-MOTHER

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

INC TX-WAGERING LOSSES

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the taxpayer's losses from certain wagering transactions. Effective immediately.

Daniel Didech

INS CD-STUTTERING COVERAGE

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 that provides coverage for: habilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental; rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering; or habilitative services and rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental, and shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering. Sets forth requirements and limitations for the coverage. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under those provisions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective January 1, 2027.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

METRA-NALOXONE REQUIREMENT

Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that all Commuter Rail Board trains shall carry naloxone or another opioid antagonist in case of an emergency. Provides that the opioid antagonist shall be stored in easily accessible places throughout the train cars. Provides that train conductors or others trained in the use of opioid antagonists are the only people authorized to administer the medication. Provides that the Commuter Rail Board shall adopt rules to implement the provisions. Amends the Good Samaritan Act. Provides that a Commuter Rail Board train conductor or other individual trained in the use and administration of opioid antagonists who in good faith dispenses or administers an opioid antagonist under the provisions in the Regional Transportation Authority Act is not liable for civil damages as a result of the conductor's or other individual's acts or omissions, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the conductor or other individual, in dispensing or administering the opioid antagonist. Effective January 1, 2027.

Martha Deuter

IDEC-EIS-PREMATURE INFANTS

Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. Expands the definition of "eligible infants and toddlers" to list infants having a birth weight less than 1,000 grams. Requires the Department of Early Childhood, as the designated lead agency to administer the system of early intervention services on and after July 1, 2026, to develop informational materials and handouts for hospitals to distribute to the parents or legal guardians of severely premature infants, explaining that infants having a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams automatically qualify for early intervention services up until their 3rd birthday. Provides that the informational materials and handouts shall also contain information on the benefits of early intervention services for severely premature infants, the website addresses and phone numbers that parents and legal guardians can access to obtain more information on early intervention services, and the contact information of the early intervention regional intake entity designated to coordinate services for eligible infants. Requires the statewide system of coordinated, comprehensive, interagency and interdisciplinary early intervention programs to include in its public awareness program, a special focus on the early identification of infants who automatically qualify for early intervention services on account of having a birth weight less than 1,000 grams. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Requires hospitals to distribute, free of charge, to the parents or legal guardians of each severely premature infant having a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams informational materials and handouts developed by the Department of Early Childhood on the availability of early intervention services for severely premature infants. Requires a nurse or physical therapist to review the proffered materials with the infant's parents or legal guardians prior to discharge and explain that premature infants having a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams automatically qualify for early intervention services up until their 3rd birthday, including speech, physical, occupational, and other therapies.

ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA ASSESS

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Requires individual residents to be assessed prior to admission using assessment tools that are approved or recommended by recognized Alzheimer's and dementia care experts, ensuring that the tools are validated for accurately identifying and evaluating cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Provides that these tools shall be reviewed and updated as needed to align with current best practices and clinical standards in dementia care.

LIMITATIONS-ADULT SEX OFFENSES

Amends the Limitations Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that every civil claim or cause of action brought against any party alleging intentional or negligent acts or omissions by a person for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered as a result of conduct which would constitute a sex offense under the Criminal Code of 2012 committed against a person who was 18 years of age or older, or incest committed against such person who was 18 years of age or older, which is barred as of the effective date of the amendatory Act because the applicable period of limitation has expired, is revived, and action thereon may be commenced not earlier than 6 months after, and not later than 18 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Sonya M. Harper

UNEMPLOYMENT INS-ACADEMICS

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that, with respect to a week of unemployment beginning on or after June 1, 2025, benefits shall be payable to an individual on the basis of wages for employment in other than an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity performed for an educational institution or an educational service agency, as long as the individual is otherwise eligible for benefits. Effective immediately.

Jay Hoffman

GEOLOGY ACT SUNSET EXTENSION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Professional Geologist Licensing Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record; the inclusions of the applicant's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on an application; and placing a license on inactive status. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions; restrictions and limitations; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists; applications for original license; examinations; qualifications for licensure; endorsement; expiration and renewal of license; returned checks and fines; disciplinary actions; injunctive actions; investigations; findings and recommendations by the Board; rehearings; appointments of hearing officers; surrender of license; violations; and confidentiality. Makes other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

CD CORR-SENTENCING REVIEW

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person under 21 years of age at the time of the commission of an offense or offenses, other than first degree murder, shall be eligible for sentencing review after serving 10 years or more of his or her sentence or cumulative sentences. Provides that a person under 21 years of age at the time of the commission of first degree murder shall be eligible for sentencing review after serving 20 years or more of his or her sentence or cumulative sentences, except for those subject to a term of natural life imprisonment under the Code or any person subject to sentencing for first degree murder for killing certain victims committed when the person was under 18 years of age, who shall be eligible for sentencing review after serving 30 years or more of his or her sentence or cumulative sentences. Establishes procedures for filing petitions for sentencing review and the manner in which hearings on those petitions are held. Provides that the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council shall report on the impact of resentencing motions on the prison population contingent on having sufficient reliable data to support the analysis. Provides that the report shall be due 3 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Theresa Mah

NO MUNICIPAL OUTSIDE COUNSEL

Amends the Municipal Code. Provides that, if a municipality employs a municipal officer with the purpose of providing legal counsel to the corporate authorities of the municipality or to represent the municipality in legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, a city attorney, then the corporate authorities of the municipality shall not employ or seek outside counsel to represent the municipality. Provides that, the corporate authorities of a municipality may seek outside counsel if the corporate authorities believe in good faith that there is a conflict of interest with regard to the municipal officer with the purpose of providing legal counsel to the corporate authorities of the municipality or to represent the municipality in legal proceedings.

Thaddeus Jones

HUBZONE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

Creates the HUBZone Center of Excellence Act. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create the HUBZone Center of Excellence. Provides that the HUBZone Center of Excellence shall serve as a center for HUBZone business development and provide sustainable opportunities for underserved communities. Provides that the HUBZone Center of Excellence shall prioritize creating wealth and sustainability in HUBZones through economic development, education, and strategic RFP development processes. Sets forth provisions concerning the duties of the Center and the creation of an operational plan. Effective immediately.

Thaddeus Jones

INS CD-WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual plan of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2026 that provides coverage for prescription insulin drugs shall limit the total amount that an insured is required to pay for a 30-day supply of covered prescription weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Moujaro, to an amount not to exceed $200, regardless of the quantity or type of covered prescription weight loss drug used to fill the insured's prescription. Provides that an insurer is not prohibited from reducing an insured's cost sharing by an amount greater than the specified amount. Grants the Department of Insurance rulemaking and enforcement authority. Provides that, on January 1 of each year, the limit on the amount that an insured is required to pay for a 30-day supply of a covered prescription insulin drug shall increase by a percentage equal to the percentage change from the preceding year in the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Illinois Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under those provisions.

Thaddeus Jones

ELECTION INCOME TAX REBATE

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall create a payment system to collect fees from any prospective candidate for elected office in a consolidated or general election in the State. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall deposit all moneys collected under the provision into the Election Income Tax Rebate Fund. Provides that, beginning in 2027, the Department of Revenue shall pay an annual rebate to each individual taxpayer who files an Illinois income tax return with the moneys in the Election Income Tax Rebate Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Election Income Tax Rebate Fund.

Thaddeus Jones

ILLIANA TSK FORCE-FIREARM VIOL

Creates the Illiana Task Force Act. Creates the Illiana Task Force, consisting of 24 police officers, appointed by the Director of the Illinois State Police. Provides that the members of the Task Force shall select a chairperson. Provides that members of the Task Force shall receive no compensation for their service on the Task Force but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties from appropriations made by the General Assembly for that purpose. Provides that the Task Force shall meet at least once monthly to study ways to reduce violence in local communities caused by the illegal use of firearms and to make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on suggested legislative solutions to this problem. Provides that the Task Force shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before December 31 of each year and a final report 5 years after the creation of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall be dissolved 6 years after its creation. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2032. Effective immediately.

Thaddeus Jones

REVENUE-PROP TX REPLACE

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Revenue, in consultation with the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of eliminating, by no later than January 1, 2030, the property tax system in the State and replacing that revenue with income tax receipts.

Thaddeus Jones

ROAD CAMERA-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts images from cameras under the Expressway Camera Act and all automated license plate reader (ALPR) information used and collected by the Illinois State Police from inspection and copying. Amends the Expressway Camera Act. Provides that, as used in the Act, "forcible felony" means trafficking in persons and involuntary servitude (in addition to other specified offenses). Includes the counties of Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside in the program to increase cameras along expressways and the State highway system. Provides that images from the cameras, including, but not limited to, images of license plates collected by state-operated cameras and cameras operated by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, may be used by any law enforcement agency conducting an active law enforcement investigation. Removes provision allowing images from the cameras to be used by any law enforcement agency conducting an active law enforcement investigation. Provides that all images from the cameras that are exported through a law enforcement database shall be deleted from that law enforcement database within 120 days, unless the images are relevant to an ongoing investigation or pending criminal trial. Provides that any forcible felony, gunrunning, or firearms trafficking offense, as specified, respectively, committed on an expressway monitored by a camera system funded by money from the Road Fund or money from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and investigated by officers of the Illinois State Police may be prosecuted by the Attorney General or the State's Attorney where the offense was committed. Provides that the Act supersedes provisions in the Toll Highway Act regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information obtained through electronic toll collection systems. Provides that the Act is repealed on July 1, 2028 (rather than July 1, 2025). Effective immediately.

PROP TX-REDUCTION PILOT PRG

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 through 2031, the total property tax liability for any parcel of residential property in Bloom, Rich, Bremen, Thornton, or Calumet township for any of those taxable years shall be limited to the lesser of (i) the actual property tax liability for the property or (ii) $5,000.

Thaddeus Jones

INS-DEPT/MARKET CONDUCT STUDY

Amends the Department of Insurance Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall file any market conduct studies seeking to levy fines against an insurance company with the General Assembly before each legislative session and the General Assembly must approve before any fines are leveled. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall conduct a hearing with the House Insurance Committee and Senate Insurance Committee before any further proceedings occur. Provides that before the release of announcements of the fines to the public, there shall be an appeal process scheduled within 30 days after the committee hearings.

Thaddeus Jones

CALUMET COMMUNITY MED DIST

Creates the Calumet City Community Medical District Act. Creates the Calumet City Community Medical District with boundaries coterminous with the boundaries of Calumet City. Creates the Commission of the District with 9 appointed commissioners and 3 ex officio commissioners. Contains provisions related to the operation of the District, rights and powers of the District and Commission, acquisition, management, and disposition of property, and other provisions. Amends the Eminent Domain Act and State Finance Act making conforming changes. Amends the Court of Claims Act replacing a reference to a dissolved medical district commission with the Calumet City Community Medical District Commission and the other existing medical district commissions. Effective immediately.

Thaddeus Jones

ACUPUNCTURE TELEMEDICINE

Amends the Telehealth Act. Adds acupuncturist to providers included in the meaning of "health care professional". Amends the Acupuncture Practice Act. Provides that the standard of care for a patient under the Act shall be the same whether a patient is seen in person, through telemedicine, or through another method of electronically-enabled health care. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, by rule, to determine the appropriate acupuncture services allowed via telemedicine in consultation with the Board of Acupuncture. Provides that a person who engages in the practice of telemedicine without a license issued under the Act shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Act. Provides that, if the Department has reason to believe that a person has violated the provisions regarding telemedicine, the Department may issue a rule to show cause stating the reasons why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against the person. Provides that the rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall provide the person with a period of 7 days after the date of the rule to file an answer to the satisfaction of the Department. Provides that failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued immediately. Provides that a person residing out-of-state that provides services through telemedicine to a patient residing in the State submits himself or herself to the jurisdiction of the Department and the courts of the State.

ACUPUNCTURE LICENSURE

Amends the Acupuncture Practice Act. Provides that "acupuncture" also includes ordering laboratory tests in accordance with State law to check, track, evaluate, and monitor the status and effectiveness of pain management, herbal medicinal plans, dietary and exercise plans, and orders as may be provided to the patient from a physician licensed under the Medical Practice Act. Removes the provision that states that an acupuncturist licensed under the Act who is not also licensed as a physical therapist under the Illinois Physical Therapy Act shall not hold himself or herself out as being qualified to provide physical therapy or physiotherapy services.

Theresa Mah

HEARING INSTRUMENT EXTENSION

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. Amends the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act. Provides that an applicant for a license to dispense, test, select, recommend, fit, or service prescription hearing aids may take the written licensing examination no more than 4 times in any consecutive 12-month period. Allows a trainee license to be renewed once for an additional 6 months (was non-renewable). Provides that the changes to the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

DAY CARE HOME CAPACITY

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Directs the Department of Children and Family Services to amend its rules establishing licensing standards for group day care homes to provide a revised maximum authorized extended capacity for group day care homes that is applicable through July 1, 2027. Provides that the revised maximum extended capacity rules adopted by the Department shall, at a minimum, allow one caregiver and 2 assistants to have the option of caring for 2 additional children who are 30 months of age or older, as well as 2 additional children who are attending school full-time, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act. Requires the revised rules not only to provide that the second full-time assistant shall be present at all times when there are more than 12 children in the home, but also to prohibit the total capacity of the group day care home from exceeding 16 children. Effective immediately.

Suzanne M. Ness

OMA-DFPR LICENSING BOARD

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that a public body that is a licensing board authorized by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may conduct a public meeting through an interactive video or telephone system without any members being present at any physical meeting location, provided that a quorum of members is participating and the public body provides public notice and public access consistent with the requirements of the Act.

Sharon Chung

CRIM CD&CD CORR-ACCOUNTABILITY

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person found legally accountable for the conduct of another when either before or during the commission of an offense, by taking deliberate action (deletes and with the intent) to promote or facilitate that commission, he or she solicits, aids, abets, agrees, or attempts to aid that other person in the planning or commission of the offense shall be sentenced pursuant to the Unified Code of Corrections, except when: (1) the person initiated the commission of the offense; or (2) the person expressly directed another person to engage in conduct that constituted an element of the offense. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person convicted under such an accountability theory shall be sentenced according to the provisions of the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that no separate sentence shall be imposed for the offense in which the conduct of another person satisfied an element of the offense for which the individual has been found guilty. Establishes penalties for being legally accountable for the conduct of another under such an accountability theory. Effective immediately.

Lisa Davis

POWERING UP ILLINOIS ACT

Creates the Powering Up Illinois Act. Defines terms. Sets forth findings. Requires an electric utility that operates within the State to (i) upgrade the State's electrical distribution systems as needed and in time to achieve the State's decarbonization goals, and implement federal, State, regional, and local air quality and decarbonization standards, plans, and regulations, (ii) conduct sufficient advance planning, engineering, and construction of increased distribution of system capacity by advance ordering transformers and other needed equipment so that customers can be energized without substantial delay, (iii) promptly energize new customers, including by ensuring that new housing, new businesses, and new charging for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and off-road vehicles, vessels, trains, and equipment can be used without delay caused by a failure of the utility to implement energization projects, (iv) promptly upgrade service when needed by customers, (v) allow customers seeking energization to choose an optional flexible connection agreement, which shall provide a tariffed, voluntary utility offering that requires customers to agree to specified service levels as a requirement of energization or interconnection through the use of demand response technology that limits the net import and export of electricity at the point of common coupling to remain within the rated capacity limits of a customer's existing service connection or distribution circuit, either on a permanent basis or to allow for immediate project operations before service or distribution system upgrades are completed, and (vi) recruit, train, and retain an adequately sized and qualified workforce to carry out the planning, engineering, and construction of electrical distribution systems needed to promptly serve customers seeking energization and service upgrades without sacrificing other necessary activities of the workforce. Sets forth provisions concerning: the staffing of an electrification team; electric utility requirements; recovery of costs; and safety standards. Effective immediately.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

PATIENT ACCESS 340B PHARMACY

Creates the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act. Defines terms. Provides that no person, including a pharmaceutical manufacturer, may deny, restrict, prohibit, condition, or otherwise interfere with, either directly or indirectly, the acquisition of a 340B drug by, or delivery of a 340B drug to, a 340B covered entity or a 340B contract pharmacy authorized to receive 340B drugs on behalf of the 340B covered entity unless such receipt is prohibited by federal law. Provides that no person, including a pharmaceutical manufacturer, may impose any restriction on the ability of a 340B covered entity to contract with or designate a 340B contract pharmacy including restrictions relating to the number, location, ownership, or type of 340B contract pharmacy. Provides that no person, including a pharmaceutical manufacturer, may require or compel a 340B covered entity or 340B contract pharmacy to submit or otherwise provide ingredient cost or pricing data pertinent to 340B drugs unless required by State or federal law; institute requirements in any way relating to how a 340B covered entity manages its inventory of 340B drugs that are not required by a State or federal agency, including requirements relating to the frequency or scope of audits of inventory management systems of a 340B covered entity or a 340B contract pharmacy; or submit data or information that is not required by State or federal law as a condition for a 340B covered entity, its 340B contract pharmacy, or a location otherwise authorized by a 340B covered entity to receive 340B drugs. Sets forth provisions concerning enforcement of this Act; preemption of this Act; and severability of this Act. Effective immediately.

Anna Moeller

SCH CD-VOTER REGISTRATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that each required civics class shall guide students through the voter registration process, and if the student is of eligible age, allow students to preregister to vote. Allows a student or the student's parent or legal guardian to opt the student out of preregistration.

Janet Yang Rohr

SCH CD-WORK PREP COURSE

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district that maintains any of grades 9 through 12 and offers school facilitated employment, career pathways, or internship experiences shall provide to students participating in the program (rather than may include in its high school curriculum): (1) instruction on workplace preparation that covers legal protections in the workplace; and (2) protection against sexual harassment and racial and other forms of discrimination.

PROP TX-HOMESTEAD

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2026, any bill to amend an existing homestead exemption or to create a new homestead exemption shall include the submission of an impact statement prepared by the sponsor of the bill. Provides that the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption shall be $85,000 for taxable year 2025 and shall be subject to a cost-of-living adjustment in subsequent years. Provides that, for any tax certificates held by a county, the county clerk may create and administer a payment plan during the redemption period. Amends the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act. Makes changes concerning the maximum household income. Effective immediately.

Mary Beth Canty

INC TX-PERFORMING ARTISTS

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction in an amount equal to the qualified expenses paid or incurred by a qualified performing artist in connection with the performances by the qualified performing artist in the performing arts as an employee. Effective immediately.

Hoan Huynh

PUBLIC SAFETY BENEFITS-SPOUSES

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.

PEOPLE OVER PARKING ACT

Creates the People Over Parking Act. Provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Act, a unit of local government may not impose or enforce any minimum automobile parking requirements on a development project if the project is located within one-half mile of a public transportation hub. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Defines terms. Effective June 1, 2025.

Kam Buckner

HGWY-TOURIST ORIENTED SIGNS

Amends the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 and the Illinois Highway Code. Allows the Department of Transportation to post tourist oriented directional signs at intersections in rural areas at all sections of rural non-freeways except those passing through urban areas with populations of 7,000 or more.

Brad Halbrook

POW AG-DIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Removes language regarding: diversity requirements related to the design of all programs and procurements; the development of methods that optimize procurement of renewable energy credits from proposed utility-scale projects that are located in communities eligible to receive Energy Transition Community Grants; diversity requirements related to the eligibility criteria for the selection as a supplier of renewable energy credits; the assessment of fees to recover specified costs incurred by the Illinois Power Agency; diversity requirements related to the criteria for an owner to receive grants from the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Initiative Fund; the provision of information on renewable energy company diversity reporting via the Agency's public facing online tool; and diversity, equity, and inclusion plans.

Brad Halbrook

MULTI-COUNTY VET ASSISTANCE

Amends the Military Veterans Assistance Act. Expands the Act to allow for the formation of multi-county Veterans Assistance Commissions. Provides that veteran service organizations located in 2 or more adjacent counties having a population of 60,000 or less may enter into an agreement to come together and jointly form a multi-county Veterans Assistance Commission to serve the adjacent counties in accordance with the Act. Provides that a multi-county Veterans Assistance Commission may also be formed under an agreement between an existing county Veterans Assistance Commission and a veteran service organization located in an adjacent county that is without a veterans assistance commission and has a population of 60,000 or less. Requires an agreement to form and maintain a multi-county Veterans Assistance Commission to set forth: (i) the distribution of funding with respect to each member county; (ii) the location of the Commission's office; (iii) the type of services provided; (iv) the superintendent selection or appointment process; (v) Commission rules and policies; and (vi) the composition of delegates and alternates on the Commission. Provides that multi-county Veterans Assistance Commissions shall have the same powers and duties under the Act as Veterans Assistance Commissions that serve one county. Makes corresponding changes in the Counties Code, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Drug Court Treatment Act, the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act, and the Mental Health Court Treatment Act. Effective immediately.

Brad Halbrook

TWP CODE-PARTY CAUCUS NOTICE

Amends the Township Code. In provisions concerning caucuses held by the voters of each established political party in a township to nominate its candidates for various offices, requires notice of the caucus to be given at least 20 days (rather than 10 days) before the caucus is held. Provides that, not less than 45 days (rather than 30 days) before the caucus, the township clerk shall notify the chairman or membership of each township central committee by first-class mail of the chairman's or membership's obligation to report the time and location of the political party's caucus. Provides that, not less than 30 days (rather than 20 days) before the caucus, each chairman of the township central committee shall notify the township clerk by first-class mail of the time and location of the political party's caucus.

Brad Halbrook

USE/OCC TAX-SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Creates a sales tax holiday period for school supplies from August 1, 2025 through August 31, 2025 and from August 1 through August 31 of each year thereafter. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Brad Halbrook

CHILD ADVOCACY-VIDEO-INTERVIEW

Amends the Children's Advocacy Center Act. Provides that a person charged with a criminal offense involving abuse or neglect of a child does not have standing to object to the failure to comply with the electronic recording requirement of a forensic interview. Provides that it is not a violation of the Act if a forensic interview is not recorded because: (1) the recording equipment malfunctions and the malfunction is not the result of a failure to maintain the equipment or provide adequate supplies for the equipment; or (2) due to circumstances that could not have been reasonably foreseen by the interviewer, the interviewer does not have the necessary recording equipment.

Patrick Sheehan