Bills & Legislation

SHORT LINE RAILROAD ACT

Creates the Short Line Railroad Infrastructure Modernization Act. Provides that (i) any railroad company that is located wholly or partly within the State and that is classified by the United States Surface Transportation Board as a Class II or a Class III railroad and (ii) any owner or lessee of a rail siding, industrial spur, or industry track located on or adjacent to any railroad in the State may apply to the Department of Transportation for an income tax credit. Provides that the amount of the credit shall be equal to 50% of the qualified railroad reconstruction or replacement expenditures incurred by the eligible taxpayer during the taxable year, but not to exceed certain specified limitations. Provides that the credit may be transferred to an eligible transferee. Amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Charles MeierRepublican

PROCUREMENT-SMALL BUSINESS

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning small business set-asides, provides that the maximum number of employees and the maximum dollar volume that a small business may have shall mirror the United States Small Business Administration's Table of Small Business Size Standards. Effective immediately.

Charles MeierRepublican

MHDD FACILTY-EMPLOYEE OVERTIME

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall require facilities under its jurisdiction to consider the class or school schedule of employees who are continuing their education before mandating overtime work hours.

Charles MeierRepublican

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department of Agriculture.

Charles MeierRepublican

VEH CD-AIR MEDAL SPECIAL PLATE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates designated as Air Medal plates to residents of this State who meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Secretary of State. Provides that the plates shall display the Air Medal. Provides that in all other respects, the design, color, and format of the plates shall be within the discretion of the Secretary.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

PEN CD-CHI FIREFIGHTER-SALARY

Amends the Chicago Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that "salary" means the actual salary attached to the exempt rank position held by the fireman, if specified contributions have been made and the fireman has held one or more exempt positions for at least 3 years (instead of 5 consecutive years) and has held the rank of battalion chief, field officer, captain, ambulance commander, lieutenant, or paramedic-in-charge for at least 3 years (instead of held the rank of battalion chief or field officer for at least 5 years) during the exempt period. Removes a provision that limits application of that salary definition to firemen born before 1955. Makes conforming changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

La Shawn K. FordDemocrat

BIPA-SECURITY PURPOSES

Amends the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Changes the definition of "biometric identifier". Defines "biometric lock", "biometric time clock", "person", and "security purpose". Waives certain requirements for collecting, capturing, or otherwise obtaining a person's or a customer's biometric identifier or biometric information under certain circumstances relating to security purposes. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to apply to information captured by a biometric time clock or biometric lock that converts a person's biometric identifier or biometric information to a mathematical representation. Provides that any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act has a right of action in State court or federal court within one year from its occurrence. Requires the aggrieved person to provide the private entity 30 days a written entity alleging the specific provisions of the Act that have been violated. Provides the private entity 30 days to cure the noticed violation. Exempts a private entity if its employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that provides for different policies regarding the retention, collection, disclosure, and destruction of biometric information. Effective immediately.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

CONSOLIDATE RTA SERVICE BOARDS

Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on January 1, 2026 the Chicago Transit Authority shall become a division of the Regional Transportation Authority. Abolishes the Chicago Transit Board and provides that the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority will serve as the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that, on January 1, 2026 the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board are abolished and that the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority will directly operate the Suburban Bus Division and the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transit Authority. Creates various committees composed of Directors of the Board of the Regional Transportation Authority, including committees to oversee the operations of each Division of the Authority. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Open Meetings Act, State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, and the Illinois Municipal Code making conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

WORKERS COMP-FEE SCHEDULE

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Makes existing medical fee schedules inoperative after August 31, 2026. Provides that the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission shall establish new medical fee schedules applicable on and after September 1, 2026 in accordance with specified criteria. Provides for 4 non-hospital fee schedules and 14 hospital fee schedules applicable to different geographic areas of the State. Sets forth a procedure for petitioning the Commission if a maximum fee causes a significant limitation on access to quality health care in either a specific field of health care services or a specific geographic limitation on access to health care. Effective immediately.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

REGULATION-TECH

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning definitions.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

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

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

PUBLIC AID-TECH

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning construction of the Code.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

NOTICES-TECH

Amends the Notice By Publication Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

REGULATION-TECH

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Daniel J. UgasteRepublican

FRANCHISE TAX-REPEAL

Amends the Business Corporation Act of 1983. Provides that, in the case of a domestic or foreign corporation, no payment is required for a franchise tax that would have been due and payable on or after January 1, 2026. Provides that all amounts remaining in the Corporate Franchise Tax Refund Fund shall be transferred to the General Revenue Fund no later than December 31, 2026. Makes changes in provisions concerning the statute of limitations. Repeals provisions concerning franchise taxes payable by domestic and foreign corporations on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Jeff KeicherRepublican

INC TX-EMPLOYMENT DISABILITIES

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that a taxpayer who employs a person with a developmental disability or a severe mental illness, as certified by the Department of Human Services, during the taxable year is entitled to an income tax credit in an amount equal to 25% of the wages paid by the taxpayer to the person with a developmental disability or severe mental illness, but not to exceed $6,000 in wages paid during the taxable year to any single qualified employee. Effective immediately.

Nicole La HaRepublican

EDUC-SCH SUPPORT PERSONNEL

Amends the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall establish a program of paid internships for students enrolled in educator preparation programs in the school support personnel endorsement areas of school social worker, school psychologist, school counselor, school nurse, and speech-language pathologist. Sets forth provisions concerning the program. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall establish and maintain a mentorship and recruitment program to develop and maintain interest in the school support personnel endorsement areas of school social worker, school psychologist, school counselor, school nurse, and speech-language pathologist. Sets forth provisions concerning the program. Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall establish a school support personnel educator preparation scholarship program to annually award up to 250 scholarships for school psychology, school counseling, school nursing, and school speech-language pathology. Sets forth provisions concerning the scholarship program. Provides that, to encourage Illinois students to enter the fields of school psychology, school counseling, school nursing, and school speech-language pathology and to continue to work in those fields in public schools in this State, the Commission shall, each year, receive and consider applications for loan repayment assistance under a School Support Personnel Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program. Sets forth provisions concerning the Program. Effective immediately.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

MOBILE HOME-UTILITIES

Amends the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act. Provides that a park owner is prohibited from requiring a tenant to pay for utility service in which the public utility company charging for those services includes any service to common areas, other mobile homes, areas used or occupied by persons other than the individual tenant, and persons occupying the same mobile home with the tenant. Provides that a park owner may not request or cause a change in billing in metered utilities during the term of a lease (i) from a tenant to the park owner or landlord or (ii) from the park owner to a tenant. Requires the park owner to provide a minimum of 90 days' notice to each affected tenant before changing the service but no less than 90 days before the expiration of a lease. Allows the park owner and tenant to agree to amend the lease to effect such a change as long as the amendment is in writing and signed by both parties. Provides that any term or condition in a rental agreement between the park owner and the tenant that is inconsistent with the Act is void and unenforceable. Requires park owners to provide detailed copies of monthly utility bills to tenants for utilities paid by the park owner regardless of the metering arrangement.

STUDENT LOAN SERVICING RIGHTS

Amends the Student Loan Servicing Rights Act. Creates within the Act an Article concerning educational income share agreements. Contains provisions concerning: monthly payment affordability; maximum annual percentage rates; limits on the duration of income share agreements; risk sharing; limits on covered income; fees; restrictions on security interests; discharge of obligations; prohibitions on cosigners; limits on acceleration; assignment of wages; limitations on garnishment; use of multiple agreements; required disclosures; early completion of the agreement; assumption of increases in future income; receipts; and adjustment of dollar amounts. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce a violation of the Educational Income Share Agreements Article of the Student Loan Servicing Rights Act as an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Makes other changes. Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act and the Interest Act to make conforming changes. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are severable. Effective immediately.

Maurice A. West, IIDemocrat

VEH CD-UNLICENSED DEALERS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if a vehicle is displayed for sale or for transfer of ownership with a vehicle identification number that has been destroyed, removed, covered, altered, or defaced, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. Prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or person acting as a motor vehicle dealer from parking a motor vehicle for the primary purpose of displaying the vehicle for sale or for transfer of ownership on: (1) a public street or highway; (2) a public parking lot; (3) any other public property; or (4) any private property if the public may lawfully drive a motor vehicle on the property. Creates the Unlicensed Motor Vehicle Dealer Enforcement Task Force to: (1) meet at least quarterly to review unlicensed motor vehicle dealer enforcement activities in the State; and (2) submit a report to the Secretary of State at least quarterly that contains the status of the Task Force's findings and provide a copy of the report to the General Assembly. Allows the license of a person to be denied, revoked, or suspended if the licensee has offered for private sale a motor vehicle in the licensee's or exhibitor's inventory. Increases the administrative penalties for violation of certain provisions from $50 per violation to not less than $1,000 and no more than $3,000 per violation. Provides that if the Secretary of State has reasonable cause to believe from information furnished to the Secretary or from an investigation made by a Secretary of State Police that a person is engaged in a regulated business without being licensed as required by law, the Secretary shall immediately issue and serve on the person a cease and desist order requiring the person to immediately cease and desist from further engaging in the business and shall notify the person that the person has the right to contest the cease and desist order in proceedings before the Secretary of State's Department of Administrative Hearings and that penalties may be imposed.

PEN CD-MEETINGS-A/V CONFERENCE

Amends the Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that meetings of committees of the board may be conducted by audio or video conference, without the physical presence of a quorum of the members if the chairperson of the board determines that an in-person meeting would pose a risk to the health or safety of members of the board or the public and that conducting a meeting by an audio or video conference is in the best interest of the board and the public. Sets forth provisions concerning notice, public participation, voting, verbatim records, and costs.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

PROP TX-PAYMENTS

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants in which the accelerated method of billing and paying taxes is in effect, if the tax bill setting out the first installment of taxes is not mailed by January 31, then (i) the first installment of unpaid taxes shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest after April 1 (instead of March 1) and (ii) the second installment shall be deemed delinquent and shall bear interest after September 1 (instead of August 1). Effective immediately.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

MUNI CD-ZONING-VOTING

Amends the Zoning Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that all municipal executives, including mayors, village presidents, and chief executive officers, shall have the right to vote in all council or board decisions affecting the zoning of the municipality. In certain provisions concerning voting on zoning regulations, provides that adopting or changing a zoning ordinance requires the approval of a simple majority (rather than a two thirds majority) of the municipal executives, alderpersons, trustees, or board members.

REVENUE-VARIOUS

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day in honor and remembrance of Emmett Till.

ISP-ACTIVE SHOOTER ALRT SYSTEM

Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall develop a coordinated program for an emergency alert system to notify people when an active shooter situation is occurring in the State. Provides that, on the request of a local law enforcement agency or as the Illinois State Police determines appropriate to assist a local law enforcement agency regarding an active shooter, the Illinois State Police shall activate the alert system and notify appropriate participants in the alert system if the local law enforcement agency or the Illinois State Police determines that the situation meets certain specified criteria. Provides that the Illinois State Police may adopt rules to implement the provisions.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

Creates the Chicago Downtown Revitalization Task Force Act. Includes legislative findings. Creates the Chicago Downtown Revitalization Task Force. Includes provisions on Task Force membership, meetings, compensation, and administrative support. Requires the Task Force to (1) conduct an analysis of all taxes and economic incentives, monetary or otherwise, that impact downtown Chicago, including analyzing all taxes and incentives levied or administered directly by the State of Illinois as well as those authorized by State law but are implemented by units of local government, including the City of Chicago; (2) research and review trends impacting downtown Chicago, including, but not limited to, population growth, office occupancy rates, commercial office vacancy and valuation figures, retail sales, restaurant sales, hotel occupancy rates, and cultural event attendance; (3) examine national best practices in the area of post-pandemic revitalization of large urban centers and consider the applicability of such policies to downtown Chicago; (4) assess existing and potential industry clusters based on current and anticipated trends to consider policy solutions that may optimize the marketability and overall appeal of downtown Chicago to potential growth sectors; and (5) make recommendations regarding changes to existing policy or the implementation of new policies to enhance economic activity in and increase the overall vitality of downtown Chicago. Requires the Task Force to submit a report no later than 12 months after the effective date of the Act and periodically thereafter. Dissolves the Task Force 5 years after the effective date of the Act. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2032.

ELEC CD-VOTER PREREGISTRATION

Amends the Election Code. Provides that voter preregistration may be completed on a paper application provided by the State Board of Elections. Provides that, if an election authority receives a paper application for preregistration, it shall promptly forward the application to the State Board of Elections for processing.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS

Creates the Student Bill of Rights Act. Provides that the State Board of Education and the Board of Higher Education shall jointly establish, no later than January 1, 2026, a student bill of rights to outline that students in public schools and public institutions of higher education have a right to educational equity and to be free from discrimination based on race, sex, gender, socioeconomic status, and mental or physical ability. Provides that the State Board of Education and the Board of Higher Education shall publish the student bill of rights on their Internet websites and make a handout available. Provides that each public institution of higher education, the Illinois Community College Board, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall have on their Internet websites a link to the student bill of rights published on the Board of Higher Education's Internet website. Effective immediately.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

COMMISSION ON TOURISM

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Commission on Tourism to develop a statewide travel and tourism strategy. Identifies the members of the Commission. Sets out requirements for the statewide travel and tourism strategy and meetings of the Commission. Requires the Commission to file a statewide travel and tourism strategy with the Governor and General Assembly by no later than 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act and by no later than January 1 of each year thereafter. Specifies that members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. Directs the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide administrative and other support to the Commission.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

SPORTS WAGERING ACT-LICENSEES

Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Provides that, if a public entity that owns a sports facility does not apply for a master sports wagering license, a professional sports team that (i) plays the majority of its home contests at the sports facility and (ii) has received written authorization from the public entity may apply to the Illinois Gaming Board for a master sports wagering license in place of the public entity and shall be deemed to be a sports facility for the purposes of the Act. Requires a professional sports team granted a license under the provisions to operate through a designee. Sets the initial license fee for a master sports wagering license for a professional sports team at $1,000,000, but adjusts the amount 12 months after the professional sports team licensee begins sportsbook operations based on 5% of its handle from the first 12 months of sportsbook operations. Provides that the master sports wagering license is valid for 4 years. Allows the Board to adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

SCH CD-MINIMUM EMPLOYEE SALARY

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that in fixing the salaries of employees, a school board or the governing board of a joint agreement shall pay to employees an hourly rate of not less than (i) $20 for the 2026-2027 school year, (ii) $21 for the 2027-2028 school year, and (iii) $22 for the 2028-2029 school year. Provides that the minimum hourly rate for each school year thereafter shall equal the minimum salary rate for the previous school year increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the previous school year. Provides that "employee" means any employee of a school district or joint agreement who provides educational support services to the district or joint agreement, including, but not limited to, custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, administrative staff, or paraprofessional educators. Provides that an employee's salary shall include any amount paid by the school district or joint agreement on behalf of the employee, as employee contributions, to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Effective immediately.

Maura HirschauerDemocrat

ELEC CD-APPLY FOR VOTE BY MAIL

Amends the Election Code. Provides that specified applications processed by the Secretary of State shall also serve as applications to apply for permanent vote by mail ballot status. Makes conforming changes.

Nabeela SyedDemocrat

CD CORR-EARNED REENTRY

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in specified provisions of law, a person serving a term of imprisonment, including terms of natural life, in a Department of Corrections institution or facility is eligible for earned reentry. Provides that for the first year following the effective date of the amendatory Act, a person is eligible for earned reentry if he or she has served a term of imprisonment of at least 35 consecutive years. Provides that for the second year following the effective date of the amendatory Act, a person is eligible for earned reentry if he or she has served a term of imprisonment of at least 25 consecutive years. Provides that for the third year following the effective date of the amendatory Act and each year thereafter, a person is eligible for earned reentry if he or she has served a term of imprisonment of at least 20 consecutive years. Provides that hearings for earned reentry shall be administered by the Prisoner Review Board. Establishes procedures for the hearing. Removes provision that no person serving a term of natural life imprisonment may be paroled or released except through executive clemency. Provides that if any incarcerated person is released on earned reentry, his or her sentence shall be considered complete after the term of mandatory supervised release. Applies retroactively. Provides that nothing in the provision shall be construed to delay parole or mandatory supervised release consideration for petitioners who are or will be eligible for release earlier than the provision provides. Provides that nothing in the provision shall be construed as a limit, substitution, or bar on a person's right to sentencing relief, or any other manner of relief, obtained by order of a court in proceedings other than as provided in the provision. Contains a severability provision. Defines "earned reentry". Effective January 1, 2026.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

PEN CD-DEFERRED RETIRE OPTION

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Creates the Deferred Retirement Option Article. Provides a deferred retirement option plan (DROP) for certain participants under the Downstate Teacher Article who are eligible to retire and meet other criteria. Provides that a participant in the DROP may elect to participate for up to 5 years. Provides that on the effective date of the member's election, the System shall credit the member's account on a monthly basis, for as long as the member participates in the DROP, an amount equal to the monthly amount of retirement annuity the member would otherwise be eligible to receive had the member retired on the date of the election. Provides that the DROP member shall be considered in active service for purposes of participation in a collective bargaining agreement, for health care benefits, and for other purposes. Establishes a DROP administered by the State Treasurer for pension funds or retirement systems that are required to establish a DROP and elect to transfer administrative responsibility for the DROP to the State Treasurer. Sets forth provisions concerning interest on the account; termination of the DROP; contributions; administrative costs; and a DROP advisory board. Effective immediately.

Jackie HaasRepublican

INS CD-REBATE PAYMENT & ACCEPT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that nothing in provisions prohibiting the payment or acceptance of rebates shall prevent the offer or provision by insurers or producers, by or through employees, affiliates, or third-party representatives, of value-added products or services at no or reduced cost when such products or services are not specified in the policy of insurance, so long as the product or service relates to the insurance coverage and is primarily designed to satisfy specified criteria. Sets forth provisions concerning the requirements for insurers or producers offering non-cash gifts, items, or services or conducting raffles or drawings. Provides that an insurer, producer, or representative of an insurer or producer may not offer or provide insurance as an inducement to the purchase of another policy or otherwise use the words "free", "no cost", or words of similar import in an advertisement.

Jeff KeicherRepublican

REVENUE-E-FILE

Amends the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that certificates of registration shall be issued in the form and manner required by the Department of Revenue. Provides that certificates of registration shall be displayed in the manner and form as the Department of Revenue may require by rule. Amends the Cigarette Machine Operators' Occupation Tax Act, the Cigarette Tax Act, the Cigarette Use Tax Act, and the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. Provides that certain returns and supporting schedules shall be filed and payments shall be made by electronic means. Effective immediately, except that provisions amending the Cigarette Machine Operators' Occupation Tax Act, the Cigarette Tax Act, the Cigarette Use Tax Act, and the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995 take effect January 1, 2026.

Joe C. SosnowskiRepublican

COUNTY/MUNI-NATURAL GAS

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county or municipality may not adopt any regulation that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the use of natural gas in new construction without a referendum. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers.

Jackie HaasRepublican

MEDICAL LICENSE REVIEW

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall review an applicant's application for a license to practice medicine under the Act concurrently with the applicant's application for a controlled substances registration. Requires the Department to issue an applicant's license and controlled substances registration concurrently. Effective immediately.

William E HauterRepublican

ELEC CD-VOTE CENTERS

Amends the Election Code. Provides that, in addition to required vote centers, election authorities may establish additional vote centers under a specified model. Sets forth provisions concerning the number and location of additional vote centers.

Maurice A. West, IIDemocrat

DPH-CERTIFICATE FEES

Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health is authorized, upon request, to issue certificates of free sale, health certificates, or an equivalent, to Illinois food, dairy, drug, cosmetic, or medical device manufacturers, processors, packers, or warehousers for a fee of $65 (rather than $10).

IL SPORTS FACILITIES AUTHORITY

Amends the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act. Modifies legislative findings. Provides that "facility" includes stadiums, arenas, or other structures for the holding of athletic contests and other events and gatherings, including, without limitation, professional women's sports. Provides that a person may not, on the basis of sex, be prohibited from participating in or receiving any of the benefits of programs or activities at facilities funded under the Act, including facilities established or supported by bonds issued under the Act. Requires the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to report to the Governor and the General Assembly on any male or female professional sports projects brought to the Authority by a professional sports team in the State. Provides that the Authority shall notify the Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate, and Minority Leader of the Senate of the proposal within 2 weeks of receiving a formal request or inquiry. Provides that, before the General Assembly authorizes the issuance of additional bonds under the Act to fund facilities for professional men's sports teams, each chamber of the General Assembly may hold a hearing to publicly review any proposal submitted to the Authority. Repeals provisions relating to a dissolved advisory board. Effective immediately.

NURSING HOME TRANSCRIPT FEE

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall furnish the record of all specified proceedings to an interested party at $3 per page (instead of 70 cents) for each original transcript and 75 cents per page (instead of 25 cents) for each certified copy. Provides that the charge for any part of the transcript ordered and paid for previous to the writing of the original record shall be 75 cents (instead of 25 cents) per page.

Barbara HernandezDemocrat

DHS-STATEWIDE DV HOTLINE

Amends the Domestic Violence Shelters Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall be responsible for the provision of a single, easy to use telephone number for public access to information and referral for domestic violence services. Authorizes the Department to identify and enter into a contract with a lead entity to provide governance and oversight, including the ability to design, implement, support, and coordinate a State-wide Domestic Violence Hotline system. Provides that the lead entity must: (i) have the ability to provide statewide, toll-free, 24-hour, 7 day-a-week, multi-lingual, confidential referral services to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and information to people calling on behalf of a victim, including friends or family of the domestic violence victim and first responders such as the police; (ii) have a record of providing effective, victim-centered referral services to victims of domestic violence for at least 2 years prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act; (iii) be an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit agency or organization; (iv) provide the most up-to-date technology to increase access to domestic violence services for the deaf and hard of hearing; and (v) have other specified qualifications. Requires the lead entity to provide periodic programmatic and fiscal reports on activities, accomplishments, and other issues to the Department. Requires the Department to ensure, prior to awarding a contract, that the Domestic Violence Hotline lead entity has the organizational capacity to carry out the terms of the contract.

INS CD-MEDICARE SUPP POLICIES

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an issuer of a Medicare supplement policy shall not deny coverage to an applicant who voluntarily switches from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare plan under Parts A, B, or D, or any combination of those plans, so long as the application for a Medicare supplement policy is submitted within 30 calendar days after the first effective day of the new plan. Provides that when such an application for a Medicare supplement policy is submitted, the issuer of the Medicare supplement policy may not charge a higher cost than what is normally offered to applicants who have become newly eligible for Medicare, nor raise costs or deny coverage for a preexisting condition.

Martha DeuterDemocrat

DHFS-LTC PROVIDER ASSESSMENTS

Amends the Long-Term Care Provider Funding Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any increase in any authorized long-term care provider assessment must: (1) comply with all federal regulations for provider assessments; (2) require that all revenues from an increase in the assessed rates are applied to nursing facility rates for staffing incentives and to improve the quality of care as described in specified provisions under Article V of the Code; (3) not increase the assessed rate of $7 per occupied bed day for non-profit nursing facilities without Medicaid-certified beds or any nursing facility owned and operated by a county government; (4) maintain the 2.1 to 1 ratio between the highest tax rate and lowest tax rate; and (5) not increase any tax rate proportionally more than any other tax rate. Effective immediately.

Eva-Dina DelgadoDemocrat

PERS CD-VA APPOINTMENTS

Amends the Personnel Code. Provides that certain provisions related to probationary separation, term appointments, and veterans hospital visits are subject to Jurisdiction B. Changes references to veterans hospital visits to references to veterans medical appointments. Provides that an employee who is also a veteran shall be permitted 4 days per year to receive medical care authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at any type of health care provider or health care facility (rather than permitted 4 days per year to visit a veterans hospital or clinic), for examination or treatment (rather than for examination) of a military service-connected condition (rather than service-connected disability).

BD HIGHR ED-FINANCIAL LITERACY

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Board of Higher Education shall award a grant to a statewide association of public pension funds affiliated with a public institution of higher education to develop and deliver an in-person financial literacy training program for public employees. Provides that the program shall consist of in-person training regarding retirement income, including pension benefits, Social Security benefits, and employer-sponsored deferred compensation and retiree healthcare savings plans and shall also include instruction in financial planning and important elements of consumer finance, such as debt, educational savings, budgeting, and related subjects. Provides that the program shall include recorded programs to assist public employees who work on nontraditional shift assignments.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

PEN CD-POLICE & FIRE-VARIOUS

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a Tier 2 investigator for the Department of the Lottery is entitled to an annuity under the alternative retirement annuity provisions only if the person has withdrawn from service with not less than 20 years of eligible creditable service and has attained age 55. Authorizes an investigator for the Department of the Lottery to establish eligible creditable service under the alternative retirement annuity provisions. Provides that a specified educational requirement for persons employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice shall no longer determine eligibility to earn eligible creditable service under the alternative retirement annuity provisions and authorizes the conversion of service credit to eligible creditable service. Establishes a deferred retirement option plan for certain police officers, firefighters, sheriff's law enforcement employees, and deputy sheriffs in the Cook County Police Department who are otherwise eligible to retire under which a participant may continue in active service for up to 5 years while having his or her retirement pension paid into a special account. Provides that the election to participate in the deferred retirement option plan must be made before January 1, 2030. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, and Chicago Firefighter Articles. In the Chicago Teacher Article of the Code, makes changes to how days of validated service are computed. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Makes other changes.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat