Bills & Legislation

VEH CD-THIRD DIVISION

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Divides vehicles into 3 (instead of 2) divisions. Provides that a third division motor vehicle is a vehicle which is designed for the carrying of more than 10 persons and not more than 15 persons and which is designed or used only as a multifunction school-activity bus. Provides that the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the State Board of Education, shall develop a separate classroom course and refresher course for operation of vehicles of the third division being operated as multifunction school-activity buses.

Michael CrawfordDemocrat

METRO & REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTH

Creates the Road Usage Charge Act. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to guide the development and evaluation of the road usage charge pilot program and to assess the potential for mileage-based revenue as an alternative to the current system of taxing highway use through motor fuel taxes. Sets forth the membership and duties of the committee. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and based on the recommendations of the Committee, to implement a statewide pilot program by January 1, 2026 to assess a user fee on owners of motor vehicles that is based on the number of miles traveled on public roadways in this State by those vehicles. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on and after February 1, 2026, the Chicago Transit Board shall have 8 members (currently 7 members). Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes by Directors required to issue bonds. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Annual Budget and 2-Year Financial Plan must show that the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from fares and charges for mass transportation provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards received in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 shall equal at least 25%, and in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 and every year thereafter at least 15%, of the aggregate cost of providing such public transportation in those fiscal years. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority shall be the sole agency responsible for the management and oversight of the fare collection systems used on all public transportation provided by the Service Boards. Makes changes to the membership of the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board. Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes required by the Directors of the Authority to approve decisions regarding the strategic plan, coordination of fares and service, appointment of officers and employees, paratransit services, powers of the Commuter Rail Board, labor, budget, taxes, distribution of revenues, issuing and pledging bonds and notes, budget review powers, the annual capital improvement plan, and rate protection contracts. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

SCH CD-CELL PHONE RESTRICTIONS

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall establish appropriate rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student, including rules that restrict the use of cellular radio telecommunication devices during instructional time (instead of providing that the school board may establish appropriate rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student). Provides that a school board may create exceptions to these rules, including exceptions for school-based emergencies, individual student and family emergencies, and individualized education program and federal Section 504 plan accommodations and to allow for teacher discretion.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

CRIM CD-LOST FIREARMS

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that, if a firearm that has been lost or stolen is found by a law enforcement officer, whether or not the firearm has been reported by its previous possessor as lost or stolen to the local law enforcement agency within the time period required by this provision, the law enforcement agency, upon the identification of the previous possessor of the firearm, shall issue a citation for which a penalty shall be set at $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second offense. Provides that, if the offender fails to pay the fine, the offender forfeits the lost or stolen firearm and the offender's Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license, if any have been issued to the offender, are revoked. Provides that after 3 lost or stolen firearms, the court shall revoke the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license if issued to the person. Provides that any person whose Firearm Owner's Identification Card or concealed carry license is revoked as a result of this provision shall surrender all the person's firearms, the person's Firearm Owner's Identification Card, and the person's concealed carry license to the local law enforcement agency. Allows mitigating circumstances to be considered when imposing penalties.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

SCH CD-CONSOLIDATION ANALYSIS

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to analyze the use of grant fund requests for a consolidation analysis or consolidation expenses in relation to the School District Reorganization Feasibility Studies. Requires the State Board to create a list of overlapping or bordering school districts with the most similar operating tax rates and percentage of adequacy funding per pupil. Requires the State Board to communicate to the superintendents and school boards of those school districts on the list that the State Board's analysis makes the school district a good candidate for the grant funds. Requires the school board to hold a public hearing to review the State Board's written communication and decide whether to apply for the grant funds. Requires the State Board to report to the General Assembly as to whether the school districts on the list applied for the grant funds, whether a grant was awarded, and what, if any, State Board action was taken in response to the grant-funded consolidation analysis. Requires the State Board to also provide to interested school districts a list of neutral parties to conduct an independent consolidation analysis with the grant funds.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

HIGHER ED-MISCONDUCT SURVEY

Amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. Requires each higher education institution to biennially (rather than annually) conduct a sexual misconduct climate survey of all students at the institution. Adds the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board, members appointed by the Board of Higher Education, and members appointed by the Illinois Community College Board to the Task Force on Campus Sexual Misconduct Climate Surveys. Removes some members of the Task Force who were appointed by the Governor. Requires the Task Force to meet to recommend updates and revisions to the base survey (rather than to review the results of the survey and to implement updates and improvements). Removes the civil fine imposed upon an institution that violates the provisions or fails to carry out the provisions. Makes other changes.

Terra Costa HowardDemocrat

TRANSFER REFORM-VARIOUS

Amends Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Defines "transfer articulation agreement". Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Provides that a State university shall (rather than the General Assembly encourages State universities) to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits toward a baccalaureate degree. Provides that a State university shall enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the community college district to provide a seamless pathway for transfer. Provides that if, within 180 calendar days of the community college's initial request to enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the State university, the community college and State university do not reach agreement on the transfer articulation agreement, then the community college and State university shall jointly implement the provisions of the Model Transfer Articulation Agreement. Provides that a Model Transfer Articulation Agreement shall be developed through a Transfer Articulation Committee by December 31, 2025. Requires each community college and State university to publish the institution's process and timeline for reviewing and making decisions regarding transfer credit requests on the institution's website. Removes language regarding the Board of Higher Education's reviews and reports. Provides instead that, by May 1, 2026, and May 1 of each subsequent year, each State university shall report to the Board of Higher Education specified information. Effective immediately.

Terra Costa HowardDemocrat

DA BEARS STADIUM OVERSIGHT ACT

Creates the Balanced Earnings And Record Standards (BEARS) and Stadium Oversight and Expectations Act. Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Defines terms. Provides that, to be eligible for public financing, a professional sports team must have achieved a 0.500 record in at least 3 out of the last 5 regular seasons. Provides that the eligibility requirement applies to all requests for public financing related to: (1) stadium construction; (2) stadium renovation; and (3) stadium maintenance. Provides that teams that have been in existence for fewer than 5 years are exempt from the eligibility requirement but must demonstrate competitive performance by achieving a 0.500 or above record in at least 2 out of the team's first 5 seasons before applying for additional public financing. Provides that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority shall issue a public report confirming the team's eligibility before any consideration of public financing by the State or a unit of local government. Provides that, prior to any public hearing on a proposal for public financing, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority shall publish a report detailing: (1) the team's performance record over the last 5 seasons; (2) the total amount of public financing requested; and (3) the projected economic impact of the proposed financing on the local community. Requires the report to be made publicly available on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority website at least 30 days prior to the public hearing. Provides that any team found to have intentionally misrepresented its performance record or eligibility criteria shall be subject to: (1) a fine of up to $500,000; and (2) a ban on applying for public financing for a period of 5 years. Allows the Attorney General to pursue legal action to enforce the penalties. Includes a severability clause. Effective immediately.

Bob MorganDemocrat

SCH CD-REMOVE/DISMISS TEACHERS

Amends the School Code. Allows a teacher to grieve the issuance of a warning regarding causes that are considered remediable pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement to determine whether the school district had just cause in issuing the warning. Requires notice of remedial warnings to be narrowly specify the nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied. Provides that general allegations of unprofessional conduct are insufficient to link together otherwise unrelated offenses as related. Provides that under no circumstances shall a notice of remedial warning remain effective or within a teacher's personnel file or record for longer than 3 years from the date of the occurrence which gave rise to the issuance of the notice of remedial warning. Effective immediately.

Anna MoellerDemocrat

CHARTER SCHOOL-FEES

Amends the Charter Schools Article of the School Code. Provides that that for charter schools authorized by a local school district, administrative fees withheld from a charter school for the purpose of conducting administrative duties related to the administration of charter school contracts, oversight, and authorizing services shall be capped at 3% or less of the total annual public dollars allocated to the charter school. Provides that the 3% total administrative fee collected from a charter school shall include a 2% or less administrative fee collected by a local school district for the purpose of conducting administrative duties related to the administration of charter school contracts, oversight, and authorizing services and 1% to a statewide charter school membership association for the purpose of administering state mandated board governance training. Allows the State Board of Education to withhold up to a 3% administrative fee as the sole statewide charter school authorizer for the purpose of conducting administrative duties related to the administration of charter school contracts, oversight, and authorizing services. Requires that principal metric a district shall consider for a charter school renewal to be academic achievement. Provides that a local school district authorizer shall grant renewal terms of no fewer than 5 years upon renewal of a charter agreement if the charter's average annual summative designation over the term of the contract is in the top 3 summative designations on the State Report Card.

Angelica Guerrero-CuellarDemocrat

OMA-POLICE OFFICERS PENSION

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that requirements that a quorum be physically present at the location of an open meeting shall not apply to committees of the Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund.

Michael J. KellyDemocrat

IPLRA-PUB DEF

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Defines "public sector attorney" as any of the following attorneys who are not managerial employees: Assistant State's Attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders, Assistant Appellate Defenders, Assistant Appellate Prosecutors, and attorneys in the office of the Cook County Public Guardian. Provides that public sector attorneys may not strike. Provides that, if there is an impasse between a unit of public sector attorneys and a public employer, the parties shall submit the dispute to interest arbitration. Effective December 1, 2026.

Kam BucknerDemocrat

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TESTING

Creates the Illinois Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program Act. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall lead the Illinois Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program to promote the development, testing, and deployment of CAV technologies and related infrastructure and data needs with the State. Requires the Department to create a registration system with the State for entities wishing to conduct safe pilots or tests of CAVs. Provides that a participating entity in the Program shall maintain compliance with specific requirements. Provides that the Department shall make the notification form for testing entities available on the Program's website. Provides that the Department shall assist in the identification of appropriate communities to conduct testing. Authorizes the Department to suspend an entity's participation in the Program if there is clear evidence that the technology used by a particular vehicle or tested by a particular entity is unsafe for testing on public roads or violates the requirements of the Program. Provides that the Department shall submit to the Governor and General Assembly a report on the status of the Program on or before every December 31 and June 30. Effective January 1, 2026.

Curtis J. Tarver, IIDemocrat

SCH CD-NO CELL PHONE IN SCHOOL

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to prohibit a student from using a cellular telephone in a school or on school property. Provides that the restriction shall not apply during lunch, recess, passing periods, or emergency situations. Repeals provisions allowing a school board to establish rules and disciplinary procedures governing the use or possession of cellular radio telecommunication devices by a student.

Curtis J. Tarver, IIDemocrat

SCH CD-STUDENT ABSENCE-PARENT

Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. Allows a child to be absent from a public school on a particular day or days or at a particular time of day to attend the ceremonial induction into office of the child's parent or legal guardian, anyone in the child's household, the child's grandparents, siblings, or a close friend of the child as a newly elected government official. Provides that the student and parent or legal guardian are responsible for obtaining assignments from the student's teacher prior to the period of excused absence and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by the student prior to the student's return to school from that period of excused absence.

Nicholas K. SmithDemocrat

MUNI CD-EMS VEHICLE FUNDS

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality must set aside, in a dedicated account, 10% of the funds the municipality receives from an insurer on account of ambulance or fire services provided by the municipality. Provides that the municipality may only use the funds in the dedicated account for purchasing and maintaining ambulances, fire engines, and other vehicles used to provide emergency services.

Mary GillDemocrat

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE LEAVE

Creates the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act. Provides that an employee of an employer with 16 or more employees and no more than 50 employees shall be entitled to use a maximum of 10 days of unpaid neonatal intensive care leave while any child of the employee is a patient in a neonatal intensive care unit. Provides that an employee of an employer with 51 or more employees shall be entitled to use 20 days of unpaid neonatal intensive care leave while a child of the employee is a patient in a neonatal intensive care unit. Provides that, upon the conclusion of leave taken under the Act, an employee shall be reinstated to his or her former position or a substantially equivalent one with no loss of benefits held or accrued prior to taking leave. Sets forth provisions concerning unlawful employer practices; Department of Labor responsibilities; and enforcement. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Fund.

Laura Faver DiasDemocrat

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT-PROCEDURES

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Changes the procedure for charges alleging a violation of the Act in employment, financial credit, public accommodations, education, and other civil rights violation. Tolls the 2-year statute of limitation for filing a charge with the Department of Human Rights or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if extended by an enforceable tolling or standstill agreement between the parties. Changes the procedure and time periods for an aggrieved party to respond to review the EEOC's determination of a charge or a pending motion to reconsider the determination. Provides that if the aggrieved party files a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commences a civil action, the aggrieved party shall notify the Department that a complaint has been filed and serve a copy of the complaint on the Department on the same date that the complaint is filed with the Commission or in circuit court. Repeals the requirement that the aggrieved party notify the Department that a civil action has been filed by serving a copy of the complaint on the chief legal counsel of the Department within 21 days from the date that the complaint in court. Provides that if the aggrieved party files a complaint with the Commission, the aggrieved party may not commence a civil action later in circuit court. Provides that the changes made to the amendatory Act apply to changes filed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Will GuzzardiDemocrat

CYCLE RIDER SAFETY-VARIOUS

Amends the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act. Removes motor driven cycle and moped from the definition of "cycle". Defines "Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Provider" and "Provider" as a for-profit or nonprofit business, community agency, community organization, community college, or State university that is capable of providing courses. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall put out notices to the public seeking Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Providers to provide courses in the State, and that such courses shall be open to all residents of the State who hold a currently valid driver's license and who have reached their 16th birthday before the first day of the course to be held. Allows providers to charge a nominal registration fee set by the Department. Provides that responses from potential providers shall include the location where classes are to be held at, the number of students they intend to train, whether they would be providing motorcycles or using motorcycles owned by the Department, and the cost for courses provided on a per student basis. Provides that contracts shall be awarded by the Department to providers based on training needs and cost effectiveness of each bid or proposal. Provides that a provider shall only be paid grant funds under one of the following conditions: a course was held; expenses submitted related to the maintenance of department owned equipment; or submitting other non-personnel expenses. Provides that a provider awarded a contract with grant funding shall: submit proof that each instructor employed by the provider meets the qualifications to teach the curriculum for the courses; have at least one employee on staff certified to do quality assurance or quality control visits where instructors are evaluated per curriculum standards on teaching; perform at least one quality assurance or quality control visit on each instructor employed during the year and submit the results of those visits to the Department; maintain appropriate liability insurance to cover training activities; submit requests for payment in a timely manner; and adhere to additional program rules and regulations. Prohibits a provider awarded a contract with grant funding from adopting any policy, requirement, or expectation regarding employee's manner of dress outside of the employee's scheduled work hours. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Bradley FrittsRepublican

SCH CD-TRANSFER REPORT

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school report card must include data related to: (1) the total student capacity for each school in the school district; (2) the number of student transfers enrolled in each receiving school in the receiving school district; (3) the number of requests for transfer received; and (4) the number of requests for transfer denied and the reasons supporting the denial of any request for transfer. Provides that on or before the first day of each semester, it shall be the duty of the superintendent of the receiving school district to file with the State Board of Education showing the total number of students granted transfers into or within the receiving school district, and their respective school sites and grade levels. Requires the State Board to submit an annual report available to the public, on or before July 1st, on their website that includes for each school district: (1) the number of students in the school year seeking admission to transfer to or within a school district; (2) the number of rejected transfer requests in the school year; (3) the reason or reasons why each rejected transfer request was rejected in the school year; and (4) the total number of students that into or within each district. Provides that each year the State Board shall randomly select 20 of the school districts in the State to conduct an audit of each district's approved and denied transfers based on the provisions of the policies adopted by the respective school district. Amends the State Mandates Act. Provides that no reimbursement by the State is required for the implementation of any mandate created by the amendatory Act.

William "Will" DavisDemocrat

MINIMUM WAGE-GRATUITIES

Amends the Minimum Wage Law. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2027, an employer shall not be entitled to an allowance for gratuities and shall pay each employee no less than the applicable minimum wage rate, including any minimum wage rate established by a municipality that is higher than the minimum wage rate provided in the Act. Provides for additional notice requirements that employers must provide to employees who receive gratuities. Provides that any employer or his agent, or the officer or agent of any private employer who violates that provision shall be liable to the Department of Labor for a penalty of up to $1,500 per day for each violation, payable to the Department's Wage Theft Enforcement Fund. Provides that every employer shall provide each employee who receives gratuities a notice containing specified information concerning the rate of pay. Amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Provides that no employer shall withhold from gratuities paid by credit card any credit card processing fees that the employer must pay in connection with the transaction. Provides that any service charge imposed by an employer on a customer shall be a gratuity and is the property of the employees. Effective July 1, 2025.

Elizabeth "Lisa" HernandezDemocrat

TRANSPORTATION-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires the Secretary of State to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians in the Illinois Rules of the Road Publication. Provides that an applicant for a school bus driver permit or commercial driver's license with a school bus driver endorsement is not required to pass a written test if the applicant holds a valid commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's license that expired in the preceding 30 days issued by another state with a school bus and passenger endorsements. Requires all driver education courses to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians. Provides that the examination to test an applicant's ability to read and understand official traffic control devices and knowledge of safe driving practices and traffic laws may be administered at a Secretary of State facility, remotely via the Internet, or in a manner otherwise specified by the Secretary of State by administrative rule. Allows the Secretary to destroy a driving record created 20 or more years ago for a person who was convicted of an offense and who did not have an Illinois driver's license if the record no longer contains any convictions or withdrawal of driving privileges due to the convictions. Provides that the application for an instructor for a driving school must be accompanied by a medical examination report completed by a competent medical examiner (rather than a competent physician). Provides that the restricted commercial driver's license issued for farm-related service industries may be available for periods not to exceed a total of 210 (rather than 180) days in any 12-month period. Removes some of the duration limitations for suspended licenses. Provides that the traffic-control signals also apply to bicyclists. Restricts a person from driving a motor vehicle on a bicycle lane, trail, or path designated by an official sign or marking for the exclusive use of bicycles or pedestrians. Makes other changes. Amends the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Edgar González, Jr.Democrat

BIPA-NEURAL DATA

Amends the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Defines "biometric identifier" to include neural data. Defines "neural data" as information that is generated by the measurement of activity of an individual's central or peripheral nervous system, and that is not inferred from non-neural information.

Anne StavaDemocrat

IL WORKS-APPRENTICE

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the term "community-based organization" includes a high-school based program. Provides that funding from the Illinois Works Fund shall be categorized based on Illinois Department of Transportation regions. Adds a member to the Illinois Works Review panel who shall be a representative of a community-based organization that addresses high school-based workforce programs. Makes other changes.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

HOLOCAUST COMM-SCHOOLS-MISC

Amends the Holocaust and Genocide Commission Act to make changes concerning Commission members. Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall have departments (rather than divisions) within the State Board. Makes changes concerning block grants for Chicago. Removes language encouraging the State Superintendent of Education to establish a program of academic credit for Tech Prep work-based learning for secondary school students with an interest in pursuing such career training. With respect to a school district's required account audit, provides that the auditing firm for each school district shall file with the State Board the Annual Financial Report no later than February 15 following the end of each fiscal year and makes other changes. With respect to a school financial condition statement, removes language providing that any district from which a report is not received when required shall have its portion of the distributive fund withheld for the next ensuing year until the report is filed and makes other changes. Makes changes concerning a statement of affairs and a report on contracts. Removes language providing for enrollment of an English learner in a program in transitional bilingual education for a period of 3 years. Repeals provisions concerning: the Mathematics and Science Block Grant Program Article; rewards; the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program; the Continued Reading Improvement Block Grant Program; the School STEAM Grant Program; and civic education advancement. Makes conforming and other changes in the School Code and the Bikeway Act. Repeals the Illinois Summer School for the Arts Act and the Interagency Board for Children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and have an Emotional or Behavioral Disorder Act.

Diane Blair-SherlockDemocrat

WAREHOUSE TORNADO PREPAREDNESS

Creates the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act. Provides that all operators of a warehouse within this State shall prepare a tornado safety plan for each warehouse they operate within 120 days after the effective date of the Act for each existing warehouse or, for warehouses opened on or after 120 days after the effective date of the Act, no later than 7 days after the warehouse becomes operational. Provides that each plan shall be specific to the warehouse it was prepared for and must be reviewed and updated at least once per year or upon any significant change to the operations of the warehouse that affects the applicability or accuracy of the information in the plan. Specifies what the plan must contain. Requires each warehouse facility to have designated or constructed sufficient shelter space for at least 125% of persons who regularly work in the warehouse at the same time, including persons who are at the warehouse temporarily, such as delivery drivers. Requires each warehouse to maintain specified emergency supplies in its tornado shelter. Effective immediately.

Katie StuartDemocrat

$ILSAC/DHS-SOCIAL WORK

Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the School Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program and the Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarship. Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Human Services for the Nonprofit Clinical Supervision Program grant. Effective July 1, 2025.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

USE/OCC TX-HOLIDAY

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Creates a sales tax holiday period for school supplies each year during the 10-day period that begins on the first Monday in August. Effective immediately.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

VIDEO GAMING-HOME RULE UNIT

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Prohibits a home rule unit of local government with a population of over 1,000,000 from enforcing any local ordinance passed prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act prohibiting the operation of video gaming terminals within the corporate limits of the municipality. Prohibits a home rule unit of government with a population of over 1,000,000 from imposing any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 per year.

Michael J. KellyDemocrat

DCEO-TOURISM GRANTS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, in Fiscal Year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Department shall advance grant funds to certified tourism and convention bureaus that received grant funding in the prior fiscal year. Provides that the advanced amount shall be equal to 50% of the total grant awarded to each bureau in the prior fiscal year. Effective immediately.

Terra Costa HowardDemocrat

HOPE PILOT PROGRAM

Creates the Healing Opportunities through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act. Details findings, purposes, statutory construction, and definitions. Establishes the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides duties of the Board. Provides that the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Illinois State Police, and the Department of Revenue have certain duties, functions, and powers under the Act. Provides for a program development period, with certain requirements. Provides for different types of licenses starting on or before July 1 of the year 3 years after the effective date of the Act, with certain requirements. Provides immunity from certain criminal civil liability for a licensee or licensee representative with respect to manufacture, delivery, and possession of psilocybin products. Provides requirements for psilocybin services. Provides for discipline of licensees. Provides for civil and criminal penalties for violations. Provides for certain administrative hearings. Limits home rule. Imposes a tax upon purchasers for the privilege of using psilocybin at a rate of 15% of the purchase price. Establishes the Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund and the Illinois Psilocybin Fund as special funds in the State Treasury for certain purposes. Makes other provisions. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt certain information under the Healing Opportunities through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act from disclosure. Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal Act of 2012 to make conforming changes. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to add psilocybin or psilocin as defined in the Healing Opportunities Through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act to provisions regarding driving while under the influence. Effective immediately.

Theresa MahDemocrat

DHFS-COMM MENTAL HLTH PROVIDER

Amends the Rebuild Illinois Mental Health Workforce Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, for each State fiscal year, a monthly directed payment shall be paid to each community mental health provider of community support individual services based on the number of Medicaid users of community support individual services documented by Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care encounter claims delivered by the provider in the base year. Sets forth how the monthly directed payment shall be calculated. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adjust and pay community mental health providers for any payments authorized for all services from a community mental health provider which have been paid by a Medicaid managed care organization but no encounter claim has been recorded in the Departments' Enterprise Data Warehouse. Provides that the Department must develop a process for community mental health providers to reconcile these payments and submit claims for which the Department has not used for making payments. Permits the Department to sanction Medicaid managed care organizations for services not received by the Department.

Lindsey LaPointeDemocrat

MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Provides those entitled to inspect and copy a recipient's record include the parent or guardian of a minor, regardless of the minor's age, who is involved in special education services under the School Code or the "designated representative" of a student over the age of 18 involved in special education services under the School Code.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

SCH-MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATION

Amends the School Code. Provides that notification of the alleged misconduct and available resources shall also be provided to the employee, agent of the school, or contractor of the school who is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Requires the governing body of each school district, charter school, or nonpublic school to implement an investigation procedure under which an employee, agent of the school, or contractor of the school is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct. Provides that any adverse determination issued to an employee, agent of the school, or contractor of the school for events that occurred prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be considered null and void only if any and all investigations conducted by a regulatory third party entity resulted in a finding that the allegation was false, unfounded, indeterminable, or unsubstantiated or a previous finding was otherwise overturned or expunged on appeal. Requires the adverse determination and related documents to be removed from the applicable personnel records within 14 business days after written notice. Makes other changes.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

PROP TX-CELL TOWERS

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that wireless telecommunication towers that are not otherwise exempt under a specific provision of the Code are subject to local property taxes and shall be valued according to policies adopted by the chief county assessment officer. Effective immediately.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

SCH CD-ARAB AMERICAN HISTORY

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Arab American history, including the history of Arab Americans in the State and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Arab Americans from the 19th century onward. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials, including those established by the Public Broadcasting Service, that may be used as guidelines for the development of the unit of instruction. Provides that each school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction. Provides that the regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the curricular requirements during the regional superintendent's annual compliance visit. Provides that a school may meet the requirements through an online program or course. Effective immediately.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

ELECTIONS-PUBLICATION/LOCAL

Amends the Election Code. Provides that all local election authorities shall post requirements and qualifications for running for local offices and petition filing deadlines on the website of the local election authority.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

LOCAL ZONING-MANUFACTURED HOME

Amends the Counties Code, Township Code, and Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a zoning ordinance or other zoning regulation may not prohibit or restrict the erection of an industrialized residential structure or a manufactured home on real property if: (1) the industrialized residential structure or manufactured home is compatible with the character of the respective area; (2) an ordinance or regulation imposes the same aesthetic compatibility requirements on the industrialized residential structure or manufactured home as those that are applicable to all other residential structures in the respective area; and (3) the industrialized residential structure or manufactured home meets applicable standards for the exterior design of buildings and structures. Prohibits restrictions based upon the age of a manufactured home. Provides that a person who is the owner of real property or who has a right to the use of real property may install and occupy a pre-owned manufactured home on the property if the pre-owned manufactured home complies with specified provisions and is on property that is zoned for residential use. Provides that a county, township, or municipality may establish health and safety standards for pre-owned manufactured homes that are relocated from one location to another location and an inspection program for those pre-owned manufactured homes. Provides that the county, township, or municipality and the individual performing an inspection are not liable for any injuries to a person resulting from any defects or conditions in the pre-owned manufactured home. Specifies that the provisions of the amendatory Act are not intended to limit the powers of a home rule unit. Defines "pre-owned manufactured home".

Norine K. HammondRepublican

SCH CD-IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning identification cards and suicide prevention information, provides that each school district that serves pupils in any of grades 6 through 12 and that issues an identification card to school employees serving any of grades 6 through 12 shall provide on the identification card the same contact information concerning suicide prevention that is required to be provided on a pupil's identification card.

Norine K. HammondRepublican

IDOT-BRIDGE RESTORE PROJECTS

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that if the Department of Transportation is conducting a bridge restoration project and the municipality in which the bridge is located wants to engage in a beautification project of the bridge, then the Department shall work with the municipality to aid in the beautification of the bridge. Provides that the municipality shall use its own funds to invest in the beautification of the bridge.

Nabeela SyedDemocrat

UTIL-BOARD ELECT PLANNING

Creates the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act. Sets forth legislative findings and objectives. Provides that beginning on November 1, 2025, and every 3 years thereafter on November 1, all electric cooperatives with members in the State, municipal power agencies, and municipalities shall file with the Illinois Power Agency an integrated resource plan. Includes provisions regarding the purposes and available resources for the integrated resource plan and rulemaking powers of the Agency. Requires the Agency to maintain a list of qualified experts or expert consulting firms for the purpose of developing integrated resource plans. Sets forth meeting requirements for an electric cooperative and publishing and posting requirements for specific information related to an electric cooperative. Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that a public body may hold closed meetings to consider the operation by a municipality of a municipal utility or the operation of a municipal power agency or municipal natural gas agency when the discussion involves certain topics. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Allows any additional municipality which operates an electric utility system to join a municipal power agency consistent with the bylaws of the municipal power agency, and upon payment of any termination obligations. Outlines a number of requirements for a municipal power agency. Makes other changes. Amends the Public Utilities Act. In a provision regarding net electricity metering, defines "electricity provider" and "electric utility". Makes other changes. Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Provides that for all acquisitions where the property, or any right or interest in property, is to be used for utility purposes, and where the condemning authority is an entity required to submit an integrated resource plan under the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act, the rebuttable presumption that such acquisition of that property is primarily for the benefit, use, or enjoyment of the public and necessary for a public purpose shall only apply if the most recent integrated resource plan filed by the condemning authority identified the facility or articulated a need for a facility similar capacity and type to the facility for which the property or right or interest is sought. Effective immediately.

Janet Yang RohrDemocrat

USE/OCC TX-COMMON SCHOOL

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, of the remainder of the moneys received under the Acts after certain deposits have been made, 75% shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund and 25% shall be deposited into the Common School Fund (currently, 75% shall be paid into the State Treasury and 25% shall be reserved in a special account and used only for the transfer to the Common School Fund as part of a specified monthly transfer). Effective immediately.

Fred CrespoDemocrat

HEALTH CARE TRANSPARENCY

Creates the Health Care Transparency Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall identify reproductive health care services, LGBTQ health care services, and end-of-life health care services that are or may be subject to denial of care for nonmedical reasons in the State and develop a clear and simple disclosure form for the purpose of conveying to patients and to the public which of the identified health care services are and are not generally available, are subject to restriction for nonmedical reasons, and are subject to restrictions on referral by each covered entity. Requires the Department to publish and maintain on its public-facing website a current list of covered entities and provide for public access to the disclosure form submitted by each covered entity; adopt rules implementing the Department's duties; and develop and administer to the public an education and awareness program regarding how denial of care may negatively impact health care access and quality, may be avoided, and affects vulnerable people and communities. Establishes disclosure requirements for covered entities. Effective immediately.

Dagmara AvelarDemocrat

MENTAL HLTH-HOME SERVICES

Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. In provisions limiting the funding amount for home-based services provided by the Department of Human Services to an adult with a mental disability, provides that, subject to appropriation for these purposes, the Department may exceed such funding limits for an adult with a mental disability whose service and support needs require a higher level of funding based on a determination of need administered by the Department or its service coordination agent. Provides that such service and support needs must be incorporated into the service plan of the adult with a mental disability and must align with criteria adopted by the Department. Permits the Department to limit the use of the funds to services and supports the adult with a mental disability requires to continue to live in the community. Permits the Department to adopt rules. Effective immediately.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

VEH CD-SEAT SAFETY BELTS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the failure to wear a seat safety belt or the misuse of a seat safety belt by a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle may be considered evidence of negligence and may diminish any recovery from damages, but shall not limit the liability of an insurer.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

CHILD WELFARE DISCLOSURE ACT

Creates the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents and Caregivers Act. Provides that it is the policy of the State that parents receiving intact family services or reunification services from the Illinois child welfare system have specified rights, including, but not limited to, the right to: (1) be treated with dignity and respect and as a valued member of the child welfare team; (2) be consulted about relative placement options for their children prior to placement in a foster home; (3) be notified and considered as a placement resource, as the noncustodial parent, prior to protective custody; (4) receive timely visitation with their children; (5) be provided a copy of the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents and Caregivers Act at the time of case opening for intact family services or reunification services; (6) participate in the development of the hair care plan for their child; and other enumerated rights. Effective immediately.

Michael CrawfordDemocrat

CHILD CARE BACKGROUND CHECK

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that day care homes, group day care homes, and day care centers may hire on a probationary basis any employee or volunteer who authorizes a criminal background investigation and who meets the initial requirements set out by the Department of Children and Family Services or the Department of Early Childhood and any applicable federal laws or regulations. Provides that, pending completion of all of the background check requirements, the probationary employee or volunteer must be supervised at all times by an individual who received a qualifying result on all background check components.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

HUMAN RTS-LANGUAGE CITIZENSHIP

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Changes the Public Accommodations and Financial Credit Articles to prohibit discrimination on the basis of citizenship, primary language, or immigration status that includes discrimination against a person because of the person's actual or perceived characteristic or characteristics within the listed categories or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any particular characteristic or characteristics within the listed categories. "Citizenship" means the status of being: (i) a born U.S. citizen; (ii) a naturalized U.S. citizen; or (iii) a U.S. national. "Immigration status" means citizenship of some country other than the United States, including stateless persons, and the specific authority, or lack thereof, to reside in or otherwise to be present in the United States. "Primary language" means a person's preferred language for communication. Provides that it is not a civil rights violation to verify immigration status or any discrimination based upon verified immigration status if required by federal law. Nothing in the Act may be construed to require the provision of services or documents in a language other than English beyond that which is otherwise required by other provisions of federal, State, or local law. Provides that a civil rights violation for a violation of Articles 4 and 5 may include statutory damages of 3 times the amount of actual damages sustained or $8,000, whichever is the greater.

Kevin John OlickalDemocrat

MEDICAID-STRIVE CALCULATIONS

Provides that, if and only if House Bill 4907 of the 103rd General Assembly becomes law, then the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by adding new provisions concerning PDPM Strive staffing ratio calculations for nursing facilities. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, the staffing percentage used in the calculation of the per diem staffing add-on shall be its PDPM STRIVE Staffing Ratio. Sets forth how to calculate a nursing facility's PDPM STRIVE Staffing Ratio, PDPM STRIVE Staffing Target, Illinois Adjusted Facility Case-Mix Hours Per Resident Per Day, and STRIVE staffing fee schedule. Effective immediately or on the date House Bill 4907 of the 103rd General Assembly takes effect, whichever is later.

Anna MoellerDemocrat

ELEC CD-DUAL-PURPOSE APP

Amends the Election Code. For specified applications, change of address forms, or recertifications of a driver's license or State identification card, provides that the application, form, or recertification shall serve as a dual-purpose application when the applicant presents specified identification (rather than meets the requirements of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005). Modifies requirements of the dual-purpose application. Modifies the content of the written notice required to be given by the Office of the Secretary of State to each applicant and requires the Office of the Secretary of State to determine whether each applicant is currently registered to vote in Illinois and the applicant's registration address. Provides that, if an applicant provides the Secretary of State with an identification document which demonstrates that the applicant is not a United States citizen, the application shall not serve as a dual-purpose application. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to make conforming changes. Provides that changes made by the amendatory Act that require implementation shall be implemented no later than January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat