Bills & Legislation

INC TX-VEHICLE LOANS

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that each individual taxpayer who incurs debt that does not exceed $60,000 in connection with the financing of a qualified motor vehicle is entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the interest paid on the qualified motor vehicle loan during the taxable year. Effective immediately.

Dave SyversonRepublican

CMS-MEDICARE AUDIT

Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Disability Benefits Maximization Program. Provides that, within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Central Management Services, in conjunction with the 5 State-funded retirement systems, shall enter into a contract with an administrator to establish and conduct a Disability Benefits Maximization Program to identify individuals eligible for but not enrolled in Medicare, and to assist those individuals with enrolling in Social Security and Medicare. Provides that the Disability Benefits Maximization Program shall conduct an annual audit of the State health benefits program for everyone covered under the State Employees Group Insurance Program, the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program, and the College Insurance Program for the purpose of identifying participants and their dependents who are eligible for Medicare under federal law and shall also ensure that those annuitants, retirees, benefit recipients, survivors, and dependents who are eligible for Medicare are enrolled in Medicare with Medicare as their primary health care benefits coverage and the State health benefits program being the secondary provider of their health care benefits coverage. Provides that the Disability Benefits Maximization Program shall assist annuitants, retirees, benefit recipients, and their survivors and dependents who become disabled and are not enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare with enrolling in and obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Provides that the administrator of the Disability Benefits Maximization Program shall provide the Department, the 5 State-funded retirement systems, and the General Assembly with an annual report. Effective January 1, 2027.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

INC TAX-COMBINED REPORTING

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that provisions of the Act that provide that a taxpayer's unitary business group does not include members whose business activity outside the United States is 80% or more of the member's total business activity apply only for taxable years ending before January 1, 2026. Makes corresponding changes to deductions and addition modifications concerning those members of the unitary business group. Provides that, with respect to the term "foreign person", "United States" means the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, the territories and possessions of the United States, and any area over which the United States has asserted jurisdiction or claimed exclusive rights with respect to the exploration for or exploitation of natural resources. Adds provisions concerning joint and several liability of members of a combined reporting group. Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

WEATHER RADAR-WIND TURBINES

Creates the Weather Radar Interference Mitigation Act. Provides that, if a National Weather Service Forecast Office issues a winter storm advisory, a winter storm watch, a winter storm warning, a blizzard warning, a severe thunderstorm watch, a severe thunderstorm warning, a tornado watch, or a tornado warning for an area within the State and if a wind turbine operator owns, operates, or manages a wind turbine located within 40 miles of the weather radar station operated by that National Weather Service Forecast Office, then the wind turbine operator shall pause operation of that wind turbine during the inclement weather alert. Provides that, beginning August 1, 2027, no person shall construct a wind turbine within 7 miles of a weather radar station operated by a National Weather Service Forecast Office or a wind turbine with a height that is greater than 60 meters within 10 miles of a weather radar station operated by a National Weather Service Forecast Office. Provides that a wind turbine owner or operator who knowingly violates the Act after receiving a written warning is guilty of a business offense and subject to a fine in excess of $1,000 but not exceeding $5,000. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

PROHIBITED PROP OWNERSHIP

Amends the Property Owned By Noncitizens Act. Provides that a prohibited foreign-party-controlled business may not acquire by grant, purchase, devise, descent, or otherwise any interest in public or private land in the State. Provides that a prohibited foreign-party-controlled business entity in violation of the provisions has 2 years to divest of the public or private land, and if a prohibited foreign-party-controlled business entity does not divest the public or private land, the Attorney General shall commence an action in the circuit court within the jurisdiction of the public or private land. Provides that a prohibited foreign party may not acquire by grant, purchase, devise, descent, or otherwise any interest in agricultural land in the State regardless of whether the prohibited foreign party intends to use the agricultural land for nonfarming purposes. Provides that a prohibited foreign party who is a resident alien of the United States has the right to acquire and hold agricultural land in the State upon the same terms as a citizen of the United States during the continuance of residence in the State, but if a prohibited foreign party is no longer a resident alien, that party has 2 years to divest of the agricultural land, and that if the prohibited foreign party does not divest of the agricultural land as required, the Attorney General shall commence an action in circuit court within the jurisdiction of the agricultural land. Provides that if a prohibited foreign party that owns agricultural land or a prohibited foreign-party-controlled business violates any of the Act's provisions, that violation may be a Class 4 felony punishable by not more than 2 years' imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections or a $15,000 fine, or both. Creates the Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to collect and analyze information concerning the unlawful sale or possession of agricultural land by prohibited foreign parties and administer and enforce the provisions of the Act.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

JUDICIAL PRIVACY ACT

Amends the Judicial Privacy Act to expand coverage to federal judicial officials and State judicial officials that includes judges and clerks of the State and federal judicial system. Amends "personal information" that may be protected to include financial, date of birth, race and ethnicity, and biometric information. Provides the method of making a written request to protect personal information by a federal and State judicial official. Creates form for the written request. Allows a court file or document to be sealed. Makes other changes.

Sally J. TurnerRepublican

SCH CD-TECHNOLOGY GUIDANCE

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education may provide statewide guidance to school districts concerning a workforce development curriculum or programming or both that can be adopted at the school district, school, or classroom level and that provides best practices for teaching artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other types of rapidly growing technologies as deemed necessary, in a manner that prepares students for workforce, job, and career competencies in the future and informs students of new or growing job or career opportunities in these new fields. Provides that the State Board shall prepare a comprehensive review of any workforce development preparation curriculum and programming specifically designed around technology implemented or considered in other states through other state actions, policies, pilot programs, or school-based programs implemented or tested on a statewide or school-district basis. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may convene meetings with stakeholders from the public or private sector in preparing the guidance and may allow for the submission of public comments from individuals, organizations, or other entities prior to finalizing the prepared guidance.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

$DCEO-CONSERVATION CORPS

Appropriates $780,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to the Cook County Forest Preserve District for the administration and operation of Greencorps Chicago and the Forest Preserve Experience Program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

PROP TX-FORCED SALE

Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning tax sales, provides that, for tax sales that occur on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the redemption period shall be 5 years (instead of 2.5 years). Provides that a tax deed grantee may file a petition in the circuit court of the county in which the property is located forcing a judicial sale of the property. Contains provisions concerning the distribution of surplus funds. Effective immediately.

Willie PrestonDemocrat

ID CARD-GENDER DESIGNATION

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female", or "X" (rather than "male", "female", or "non-binary") on an application for an identification card, driver's license, or permit. Provides that an applicant who wants to change the sex listed on an issued identification card, driver's license, or permit must submit a gender designation form. Sets forth the requirements of the gender designation form.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

UTILITY-RECOVERABLE EXPENSES

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning expenses that are recoverable by a public utility, provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not consider as an expense of any public utility company, for the purpose of determining any rate or charge, any amount expended for political activity or lobbying, any amount expended for contributions to a trade association or a chamber of commerce, and any amount expended by a public utility for director and officer liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance. Provides that, in determining whether the purchase of other types of insurance by a public utility is recoverable, the Commission shall determine whether the specific type of insurance is financially beneficial to the public utility's ratepayers or the public utility's shareholders. Provides that, if the Commission determines that the insurance purchased by the public utility is financially beneficial to its shareholders, then the purchase of the insurance shall not be a recoverable expense. Provides that goodwill or institutional advertising shall not be a recoverable expense by a public utility. Provides that the Commission shall deem as a nonrecoverable expense by a public utility (rather than the Commission shall specifically assess the justness and reasonableness of) any amount expended by a public utility to compensate attorneys or technical experts to prepare and litigate a general rate case filing. Provides that the amount that is deposited into the Consumer Intervenor Compensation Fund by a public utility shall not be a recoverable expense by the public utility. Provides that the computation of compensation awarded from the Fund shall take into consideration the market rates paid to persons of comparable training and experience who offer similar services, but may not exceed the comparable market rate for services paid by the public utility as part of its nonrecoverable rate case expense reported to the Commission (rather than as part of its rate case expense). Makes other changes.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

ESTATE SALE LICENSES

Amends the Auction License Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Auction and Estate Sale License Act. Provides that "estate sale" means the sale of personal property for a principal that is conducted on premises or online, where items are offered to the public at posted, fixed prices (rather than a sale for liquidation of personal property of an estate owned by one or more individuals, families, or legal representatives of the estate that is advertised and scheduled for a predetermined amount of time and to which the public is invited to participate in a negotiation or bid for the purchase of the personal property). Provides that every person who desires to obtain an estate sale license under the Act shall perform certain actions. Provides that any corporation, limited liability company, or partnership who desires to obtain an estate sale license shall, in addition to other requirements, perform certain actions. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall not require applicants to report certain information and shall not consider certain criminal history records in connection with an application for licensure. Provides that an applicant or licensee shall report to the Department, in a manner prescribed by the Department, within 30 days after the occurrence if, during the term of licensure, certain judicial or administrative actions occur against the applicant or licensee. Provides that persons, corporations, limited liability companies, or partnerships who conduct estate sales on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act must apply for an estate sale license no later than 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Requires the Department to waive the written examination for applicants under the Act who demonstrate active operation for 24 months before June 1, 2026. Provides that estate sale licensees shall not conduct competitive bidding. Provides that, if an estate sale licensee intends to auction specific high-value items, the licensee shall co-sign those items to a licensed auctioneer. Makes other changes. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Township Code, the Real Estate License Act of 2000, the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the Ticket Sale and Resale Act to make conforming changes.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

CAPITAL AREA TOURISM ACT

Creates the Capital Area Tourism Authority Act. Establishes the Capital Area Tourism Authority as a political subdivision and unit of local government for the benefit of the general public and for the promotion of business, industry, commerce, and tourism in the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, and the State of Illinois. Provides that, if and only if the Sangamon County Board, by ordinance, imposes a tax under a specified provision of the Counties Code on all hotel operators who engage in business as a hotel operator within a STAR bond district that is established in the territory of the Authority and if the Sangamon County Board also resolves that all of the revenue generated from that tax, as well as all of the tax receipts generated from local sales tax within such a STAR bond district, shall be dedicated to the payment of the project costs for any STAR bond project in such a district and shall be considered pledged STAR revenues under the Statewide Innovation Development and Economy Act, then the Authority may exercise certain economic development powers. Contains provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Authority; the membership of the Board of the Authority; meetings and records of the Board of the Authority; the use of pledged tax revenue; ownership and control of projects financed by the Authority; the investigatory authority of the Board of the Authority; and other matters. Contains legislative findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Doris TurnerDemocrat

AOIC GRANTS-LEGAL DESERTS

Creates the Legal Deserts Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts may establish a program to provide grants or reimbursements to compensate an individual lawyer or law firms that relocate or open an office within a geographic area for the purpose of providing legal services to individuals residing within a legal desert. Provides that the grants or reimbursements may cover marketing expenses, compensation for an attorney or up to 2 attorneys per firm, or other eligible expenses identified by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.

Javier L. CervantesDemocrat

CORP OWNERSHIP REAL ESTATE

Creates the Restock the Block Act. Imposes on a "covered entity" an annual fee of 10% of the property value of each residential property owned by the covered entity in excess of 10 single family homes or 8 multi-family homes. Provides that this fee is to be deposited into the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund with the purpose of funding public housing projects and developments and providing rental and mortgage assistance. Provides that a "covered entity" is an institutional real estate investor or an entity that receives funding from an institutional real estate investor for the purchase of a residential property. Makes exceptions. Provides that an "Institutional real estate investor" is an entity or combined group that, directly or indirectly (1) owns 10 or more single-family homes or 8 or more multi-family homes; (2) manages or receives funds pooled from investors and acts as a fiduciary one or more investors; and (3) has $30,000,000 or more in net value or assets under management on any day during the taxable year. Provides that it is unlawful for a covered entity to purchase, acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire any interest in residential property unless the residential property has been listed for sale to the general public for at least 90 days. Provides that a covered entity that violates these provisions may be subject to civil damages and penalties in an amount not to exceed $250,000. Requires that the covered entity is required to submit to the seller or anyone acting as an agent for the seller a form stating that the purchaser is a covered entity and file that form within 3 days with the Department of Human Services. Makes conforming changes to the Illinois Affordable Housing Act.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

AI PRODUCT LIABILITY ACT

Creates the Artificial Intelligence Design Requirements Act. Sets forth provisions concerning product liability actions brought against a developer of an artificial intelligence system for defective design, failure to contain adequate instructions or warnings, and failure to conform to an express warranty. Provides that a deployer of an artificial intelligence system shall be deemed to be liable as a developer for harm caused by a product if: (1) the deployer makes material and substantial change to the product or (2) the deployer intentionally misuses the product contrary to the express warranty and that use was the proximate cause of harm to the plaintiff. Sets forth provisions concerning applicability and enforcement.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

SCH CD-FOOD SERVICE CONTRACTS

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning the award of certain contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, provides that a contract for goods, services, or management in the operation of a school's food service entered into between a school board and a food service management company shall (1) be for a duration of no longer than one year, with options for yearly renewal of the contract not exceeding 4 additional years and (2) include a termination clause whereby either party may cancel for cause after a 60-day notification. Provides that all competitive bids for a contract for goods, services, or management in the operation of a school's food service entered into between a school board and a food service management company are subject to standardized evaluation criteria created by the State Board of Education for scoring that have been published on the State Board's website in advance. Provides that the school board shall maintain a record of the evaluation scoring, to be disclosed to all bidders within 10 days after the date of the award of the contract.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

RENTAL PAYMENT INFO-REPORTING

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Provides that any landlord of a dwelling unit of residential real property must offer any tenant the option of having the tenant's rental payment information reported to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency as long as the consumer reporting agency resells or otherwise furnishes rental payment information to a nationwide consumer reporting agency. "Rental payment information" means information regarding a tenant's complete, timely payments of rent. Requires that before reporting a tenant's rental history information, the landlord must first provide written notice of the offer and obtain written authorization from the tenant electing to have the rent reported. Specifies what information the notice must contain. Provides that if a tenant elects to have that tenant's rental payment information reported to a consumer reporting agency, the landlord may require that the tenant pay a fee not to exceed the actual cost to the landlord to provide the service plus $5 per month. Provides that the payment or nonpayment of this fee by the tenant may not be reported to a consumer reporting agency. Exempts a landlord of a residential rental building that contains 15 or fewer dwelling units, unless the landlord: (1) owns more than one residential rental building, regardless of the number of units in each building; and (2) is a corporation, limited liability company in which at least one member is a corporation or a real estate investment trust. Makes other changes.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

INS CD-PUBLIC ADJUSTERS & FEES

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Increases one of the fees allowed as part of the taxable costs in a specified action to $240,000 (instead of $60,000). Provides that it shall be unlawful for any company transacting insurance business in this State to pay a claim of an insured property owner for loss by fire or explosion to a structure located in this State where the amount recoverable for loss to the structure under a policy exceeds $100,000 (instead of $25,000), until the insurance company receives the required certificate. Sets forth provisions concerning adjustment and settlement of first party property insurance losses based on replacement cost. Requires the insurer to replace items with material of like kind and quality so as to conform to a reasonably uniform appearance, including interior and exterior covered losses, when a covered loss for real property requires the replacement of an item or items and the replacement item or items do not match adjacent items in quality, color, or size. Excludes expenses to be reimbursed to the public adjuster from the 10% cap on a public adjuster's salary, fee, commission, compensation, or consideration. Sets forth provisions concerning direction to pay letters and payments to public adjusters. Provides that the policies must be individually underwritten for personal, family, or household use. Provides that expenses to be reimbursed to the public adjuster are not limited to emergency mitigation expenses, and requires expenses to be reimbursed to the public adjuster regardless of whether the expense is covered by the applicable insurance policy. Includes the named insured's public adjuster and the named insured's attorney as designees.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

CONT SUB-PMP-SCHEDULE II&IV

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that each prescriber or the prescriber's designee shall document an attempt to access patient information in the Prescription Monitoring Program to assess patient access to controlled substances when providing a (rather than an initial) prescription for Schedule II and IV controlled substances (rather than narcotics such as opioids), except for prescriptions for oncology treatment or palliative care, or a 7-day or less supply provided by a hospital emergency department when treating an acute, traumatic medical condition.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

ELEC CD-GENERAL ELEC HOLIDAY

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the date of the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even-numbered years shall be a State holiday known as General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State. Requires the State Board of Elections, in conjunction with election authorities, to implement a secure, free access system available to voters by January 1, 2026. Provides that the system shall allow a voter to track receipt of the voter's vote by mail ballot and check the ballot's status with the election authority. Provides that an election authority shall allow any voter who is in line to vote at the time an early voting polling place closes to cast a ballot. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code, School Code, and State Universities Civil Service Act making conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

FISH CD-ADMINISTRATIVE CLEANUP

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. In provisions concerning fishing licenses, provides that the holder of a lifetime fishing or hunting license or a lifetime sportsmen's combination license that was purchased on or after January 1, 2027 must pay the corresponding resident or non-resident fee when purchasing any permits or stamps required under the Code or the Wildlife Code based on the license holder's current permanent abode when purchasing the permit or stamp. Further provides that, if the lifetime license holder does not live in Illinois at the time of application for any lotteries, drawings, permits, or stamps that are issued or held pursuant to the Code, the Wildlife Code, or any administrative rules issued pursuant to the Code or the Wildlife Code, that lifetime license holder shall be considered a non-resident for purposes of all lotteries, drawings, permits, or stamps issued or held pursuant to the Code, the Wildlife Code, or any administrative rules issued pursuant to the Code or the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall suspend the privileges of any person who pleads guilty to, is found guilty of, or receives court supervision for a violation of provisions concerning fee fishing areas. Provides that the Department may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke any license issued under the Code if the Department finds that the licensed area or its operator is not in compliance with these requirements. Makes other changes.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

PROP TAX-ADMIN SALE IN ERROR

Amends the Property Tax Code and the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Enforcement Act. Provides that, when the holder of the certificate of purchase is the county as trustee for taxing districts, upon request of or consent by the county as trustee, the county collector may declare an administrative sale in error at any time and for any reason. Provides that the declaration shall state the reason why the sale should not have occurred.

Celina VillanuevaDemocrat

CDB-PUBLIC-PRIVATE CONTRACTS

Amends the Capital Development Board Act. Provides that the Capital Development Board may enter into contracts and manage construction projects pursuant to a public-private partnership agreement on behalf of an institution of higher education or a State agency, excluding the Department of Corrections, if the State agency or institution of higher education is authorized by statute or otherwise permitted to enter into a public-private partnership agreement.

Steve StadelmanDemocrat

PROP TX-CHARITABLE PURPOSES

Amends the Property Tax Code. In a provision concerning the exemption for property used for charitable or beneficent purposes, provides that the term "institution of public charity" includes a not-for-profit organization that is organized and operated primarily as an entrepreneurial support organization and that supports, mentors, and trains entrepreneurs, if the applicant provides: (i) affirmative evidence that the organization is an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or its successor and (ii) affirmative evidence that the property is used for the provision of services typically provided by entrepreneurial support organizations. Provides that an entrepreneurial support organization shall satisfy the conditions for a property tax exemption with respect to any of its properties and shall be issued a charitable exemption for that property if the value of charitable services or activities provided by the entrepreneurial support organization using the property during the relevant year equals or exceeds the estimated property tax liability of the property for the year for which an exemption is sought. Specifies that the provisions of the amendatory Act are declarative of existing law and are to be given retroactive effect.

Celina VillanuevaDemocrat

CD CORR-FIREARM CRIME-SENTENCE

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Restores provisions regarding sentencing guidelines for individuals with prior felony firearm-related or other specified convictions that were repealed on January 1, 2004. Applies to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Eliminates sunset provision. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to make conforming changes.

Patrick J. JoyceDemocrat

PROCUREMENT-NO DEFORESTATION

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Creates the Deforestation-Free Illinois Law within the Code. Provides that neither the State nor any State agency shall allow any person having a contract with the State or with a State agency to purchase, at wholesale or retail, or obtain any tropical hardwood or tropical hardwood product for use in completing a contract with the State or with any State agency, subject to certain exceptions. Requires contractors who enter into contracts with the State to certify that the commodity furnished to the State was not extracted from, grown, derived, harvested, reared, or produced on land where deforestation or primary forest and old-growth forest degradation occurred. Effective immediately.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

$PUBLIC HEALTH-CLINICS

Appropriates $15,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Public Health for continued funding to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Effective July 1, 2026.

Karina VillaDemocrat

IDOT-SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that sovereign immunity from civil suit in federal court is waived consistent with specified provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code and limited to the compliance, discharge, or enforcement of a responsibility assumed by the Department of Transportation under the Law. Provides that the provision applies only to actions that are authorized under the law and does not create liability that exceeds the liability created under specified provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRACTICE

Amends the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a physician assistant may prescribe, dispense, order, administer, and procure drugs and medical devices without delegation of authority by a physician. Provides that a physician assistant may practice without a written collaborative agreement. Provides that a physician assistant who files with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation a notarized attestation of completion of at least 250 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 or equivalent continuing medical education or training and at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience in the specific field in which the physician assistant intends to practice after first attaining national certification shall not require a written collaborative agreement to practice. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; physician assistant title; collaboration requirements; written collaborative agreements, prescriptive authority, and physician assistants in hospitals, hospital affiliates, or ambulatory surgical treatment centers; inactive status; limitations; and grounds for disciplinary action. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to make corresponding changes.

Javier L. CervantesDemocrat

DNR-STATE MUSEUM TRUST FUND

Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Creates the Illinois State Museum Collection Trust Fund as a nonappropriated trust fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Illinois State Museum Collection Trust Fund shall receive all moneys from the deaccession of objects of scientific, historic, and artistic value in the possession of the State Museum and may receive moneys from other sources. Provides that the moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the State Museum to purchase and maintain objects for the State Museum. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Exempts from specified requirements of the Code expenditures from the Illinois State Museum Collection Trust Fund that are authorized by the Department. Makes other changes.

David KoehlerDemocrat

UTILITY-EXPEDITED ACQUISITION

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning the valuation of water and sewer utilities, provides that a large public utility that acquires a water or sewer utility may recommend that the large public utility adopt the existing rates of the water or sewer utility. Provides that the contractor or subcontractor shall submit evidence of meeting the requirements to be a responsible bidder to the large public utility (rather than water or sewer utility). Provides that the provisions are repealed on June 30, 2038 (rather than June 1, 2028). Provides that a large public utility, in its application to acquire a water or sewer utility or any other application requesting approval of an acquisition of a water or sewer utility, may request that the Illinois Commerce Commission expedite its review and issue an order within an expedited timeframe. Provides that, if, in its application, a large public utility requests an expedited review, the Commission shall issue a ruling approving or denying expedited review within 30 days of the filing of the application if the large public utility provides ample evidence supporting the need for expedited review. Provides that the large public utility, in its application, shall establish evidence that the expedited review is necessary which may include certain factors. Provides that, upon granting expedited review, and subject to the Commission's rules on interlocutory review, the Commission shall issue its final order no later than 5 months after the date the expedited review was granted. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

David KoehlerDemocrat

INC TX-STANDARD EXEMPTION

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the additional standard exemption for taxpayers who have attained the age of 65 before the end of the taxable year and their spouses is $2,000 (currently, $1,000). Effective immediately.

Sue RezinRepublican

GROCERY-ONLINE MARKETS

Amends the Grocery Initiative Act. Provides that the Act also includes grants and financial assistance for mobile farmers markets and online farmers markets. Provides that, in addition to other purposes, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may award grants under the Act for technology upgrades, including software and point-of-sale systems.

John F. CurranRepublican

DHS-DSP WAGE&CILA RATE INCREAS

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to file an amendment to the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' average wage increases and who work in residential and community day services settings. Provides that for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027, the rates shall include adjustments to employment-related expenses as defined by rule by the Department. Requires the Department to adopt rules, including emergency rules, to implement the rate increases. Contains provisions on benchmark rates for therapy and counseling for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; tiered rates for community day services; community integration supports for community day services; and benchmark rates for CILA transportation cost and for the supported employment program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to submit a Title XIX State Plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide for a wage rate of 150% of the statewide, regional, or local minimum wage for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027, for all direct support personnel and all other frontline personnel at ID/DD and MC/DD facilities. Provides that the State Plan amendment shall provide wage increases for all residential non-executive direct care staff. Effective immediately.

David KoehlerDemocrat

CTY CD-COMPETITIVE BIDS

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that any purchase by a county with fewer than 2,000,000 inhabitants, or an elected official in a county with fewer than 2,000,000 inhabitants, including an elected official with control of the internal operations of the office, of services, materials, equipment, or supplies in excess of $60,000 (rather than $30,000), other than professional services, shall be contracted (1) by a contract let to the lowest responsible bidder after advertising for bids in a newspaper published within the county or, if no newspaper is published within the county, then a newspaper having general circulation within the county; (2) by a contract let without advertising for bids in the case of an emergency if authorized by the county board; or (3) by a contract let without advertising for bids in the case of the expedited replacement of a disabled, inoperable, or damaged patrol vehicle of the sheriff's department if authorized by the county board.

David KoehlerDemocrat

FINANCE-TECH

Amends the Public Radio and Television Grant Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

PEN CD-ACCEL BENEFIT PAYMENT

Amends the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, Chicago Firefighter, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), Chicago Municipal, and Chicago Laborers Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment in lieu of any pension benefit under which an eligible person may elect to receive an amount determined by the Fund to be equal to 60% of the present value of his or her pension benefits in lieu of receiving any pension benefit. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment for a reduction in annual retirement annuity and survivor's annuity increases, as applicable, under which a Tier 1 member may elect to receive an accelerated pension benefit payment equal to 70% of the difference of the present value of the automatic annual increases to a Tier 1 member's retirement annuity and survivor's annuity using the formula applicable to the Tier 1 member and the present value of the automatic annual increases to the Tier 1 member's retirement annuity using a specified formula and survivor's annuity using a specified formula. Amends the General Obligation Bond Act to authorize $700,000,000 to be sold to pay for the accelerated pension benefit payments. Provides that the Comptroller shall deduct the amount for the payment of principal and interest due on Local Pension Obligation Acceleration Bonds from any payment out of the Local Government Distributive Fund to the employer and shall pay the amount so deducted toward the principal and interest due on Local Pension Obligation Bonds. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Chris BalkemaRepublican

REGULATORY SUNSET REPORTS

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

Chris BalkemaRepublican

REVENUE-LIVING WAGE STUDY

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Revenue shall conduct a study to determine the living wage in the State and shall make recommendations concerning how to increase the minimum wage to ensure residents of the State earn a living wage. Provides that, no later than July 1, 2027, the Department shall submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. Repeals the provision on January 1, 2028.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

GINSENG HARVESTING-FORFEITURE

Amends the Ginseng Harvesting Act. Makes changes to definitions. Adds prohibitions against attempted violations in provisions concerning a harvest license and in provisions concerning trespass to harvest ginseng. Requires a person with a harvest license, grower's license, or dealer license to immediately produce the license when requested to do so by an officer or authorized employee of the Department of Natural Resources or any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or any other peace officer. Provides that the Department may suspend a person who violates the Act or commits other specified violations from engaging in any activity requiring a license under the Act for a period of time according to rules adopted by the Department (rather than not to exceed 5 years following the revocation). Provides that any device or equipment, including vehicles and conveyances, used or operated in violation of the Act or rules adopted under the Act or attempted to be used in violation of the Act or rules adopted under the Act is subject to seizure and confiscation by the Department. Lists procedures for seizure, notice, court adjudication, and sale of property. Provides for return of lost property to its rightful owner. Directs that proceeds of sales shall be deposited into the Wildlife and Fish Fund. Requires reporting under the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act and makes conforming changes in that Act.

John F. CurranRepublican

VEH-AUTO TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a municipality with a population of 1,000,000 or more to use an automated traffic law enforcement system to record and enforce violations related to traffic obstruction. Provides that for each violation recorded by an automated traffic law enforcement system, the municipality having jurisdiction shall issue a written notice of violation to the registered owner by mail within 30 days after the Secretary of State identifies the owner, but no later than 90 days after the violation. Sets forth defenses for a violation. Provides that unless the driver received a Uniform Traffic Citation from a police officer at the time of the violation, the motor vehicle owner is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $100, or the completion of a traffic education program, or both, plus an additional penalty of not more than $100 for failure to pay the original penalty or complete a required program in a timely manner. Requires each intersection monitored by an automated traffic law enforcement system to have a posted sign visible to approaching traffic indicating that automated enforcement is in use. Provides that compensation paid for an automated traffic law enforcement system must be based on the value of the equipment or services provided and may not be based on the number of citations issued or the revenue generated. Prohibits a member of the General Assembly and officer or employee of a municipality or county from knowingly accepting employment or receiving compensation or fees for services from a vendor that provides automated traffic law enforcement system equipment or services to municipalities or counties. Allows the Secretary to adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions. Makes other changes.

Celina VillanuevaDemocrat

CAP CITY REDEVELOPMENT ZONE

Creates the Capital City Redevelopment Zone Act. Sets forth qualifications for an area to be designated as a Capital City Redevelopment Zone. Provides procedures and requirements for the initiation of a Capital City Redevelopment Zone by a municipality. Requires a municipality that has adopted an ordinance designating an area as a Capital City Redevelopment Zone to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for certification of the zone. Sets forth requirements for certification. Provides for procedures and requirements for the review of Capital City Redevelopment Zone applications and the certification, amendment, and decertification of a Capital City Redevelopment Zone. Provides for adoption of tax increment financing. Describes the powers and duties of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides requirements for administration of a Capital City Redevelopment Zone. Provides requirements for notice of cessation of business operations for businesses within a Capital City Redevelopment Zone. Provides for an income tax deduction. Sets forth accounting requirements regarding tax exemptions and other benefits under the Act. Provides for a capital city construction jobs income tax credit. Specifies the requirements that apply to taxpayers seeking capital city construction job tax credits. Creates the Capital City Development Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides for grants to eligible developers. Makes findings. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes. Adds references to the Capital City Redevelopment Zone Act in the Corporate Accountability for Tax Expenditures Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, the Property Tax Code, and the Environmental Protection Act. Effective immediately.

Doris TurnerDemocrat

DCEO-VARIOUS

Repeals the Opportunities for At-Risk Women Act. Amends the Illinois Council on Women and Girls Act. Provides that the Council on Women and Girls may create the Opportunities for At-Risk Women Subcommittee to research and analyze organizations that support at-risk women in the State. Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that provisions requiring the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's official website to contain a comprehensive list of State, local, and federal economic benefits available to businesses in each of the State's counties and municipalities are repealed on July 1, 2026. Provides that the following reports shall be filed on or before January 31 of each year (instead of January 1): a report on entrepreneurial assistance centers; reports on the Enterprise Zone Loan Fund and the Large Business Attraction Fund; and reports concerning cannabis social equity. Amends the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority Act. Makes changes concerning the membership of the Board of the Southeastern Illinois Economic Development Authority. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Extends the sunset for the apprenticeship education expense tax credit, the research and development tax credit, the angel investment tax credit, and the River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit. Effective immediately.

Doris TurnerDemocrat

ILAPA-JCAR-UNRESPONSIVENESS

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. In provisions regarding the second notice period for rulemaking, provides that the second notice period shall be extended for a period not to exceed an additional 45 days if the agency has received a statement of unresponsiveness from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Lists the requirements for a statement of unresponsiveness. Provides that failure to provide a substantive response within 7 days after a statement of unresponsiveness is issued shall constitute a withdrawal of the rulemaking. In provisions regarding the contents of the written notice to the Joint Committee, requires a statement certifying that no procedure, policy, schedule, or other feature of the agency will prevent the agency from substantively engaging with the Joint Committee regarding suggestions made during the second notice period. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

VID GM&CRIM CD-GAMBLING DEVICE

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "gambling device" to include any vending or other electronic machine or device, including, without limitation, a machine or device that awards credits and contains a circuit, meter, or switch capable of removing and recording the removal of credits that offers a person entry into any contest, competition, sweepstakes, scheme, plan, or other selection process that involves or is dependent upon an element of chance for which the person may receive a gift, award, or other item or service of value if that offer is incidental to or results from: (A) the purchase of an item or service of value; or (B) the purchase or gratuitous receipt of a coupon, voucher, certificate, or other similar credit that can be redeemed for or applied towards an item or service of value from such machine or device or elsewhere. Provides that a person shall not be convicted of gambling if the person participates in a game of skill or chance where money or other things of value can be won but no payment or purchase is required to participate, except where conducted through the use of a gambling device or by means of the Internet. Provides that a gambling offense involving such a gambling device is a Class 4 felony. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Removes a provision allowing for the use of a game device without a license if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective immediately.

Bill CunninghamDemocrat

CIV PRO-AFFIDAVIT OF MERIT

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that a defendant in an action alleging malpractice or negligence against an architect, engineer, or surveyor may request an affidavit of merit within 56 days after the complaint or notice of the action is served on the defendant. Provides that within 56 days after a request for an affidavit of merit is made, the plaintiff in the action shall file an affidavit of merit signed by an individual who the plaintiff reasonably believes meets certain requirements. Provides that the court may grant one extension of time for filing an affidavit of merit. Provides for the dismissal of an action, with or without prejudice. Provides that a defendant's objection to an affidavit of merit shall be raised in a motion filed within 90 days after the affidavit of merit is served. Provides that if the court determines that an affidavit of merit does not fully comply with the requirements, the court shall allow the plaintiff 56 days to file one or more affidavits of merit that correct the deficiencies identified by the court. Provides that a defendant shall participate in discovery in the action as required by court rules. Provides that an affidavit of merit is not required in an action for breach of contract against an architect, engineer, or surveyor that does not involve the standard of care.

Donald P. DeWitteRepublican

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 and after January 1, 2029. 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, 2030. Makes changes in provisions concerning the statute of limitations. Repeals provisions concerning franchise taxes payable by domestic and foreign corporations on January 1, 2030. Effective immediately.

Dave SyversonRepublican