Bills & Legislation

UTILITIES-VARIOUS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning virtual power plant programs, provides that, in setting the values of upfront payment and performance payment compensation under the provisions, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall set values for eligible systems that include energy storage that are, taking into account the time value of money, not less than: (A) for an eligible system that did not receive and agrees not to apply for a rebate for its storage component under specified provisions, $250 per kilowatt-hour nameplate capacity paid on the date the system is placed in service; or (B) for an eligible system that received a rebate for its storage component under specified provisions, $0 per kilowatt-hour. In provisions concerning distributed generation and storage rebates, provides that, until the later of December 31, 2029 or the threshold date (rather than until December 31, 2029), the value of specified rebates shall be $300 per kilowatt of nameplate generating capacity, measured as nominal DC power output, of the distributed generation. Amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning setback distances for commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities, specifies that the ability of a county to require a reasonable setback distance between fencing and public rights-of-way if the requirement is not specific to commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities and does not preclude the development of commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities or the ability of commercial wind energy facilities or commercial solar energy facilities to comply with the requirements set forth in the provisions shall not exceed 50 feet between fencing and public rights-of-way. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that a "community renewable generation project" means an electric generating facility that, among other things, is limited in nameplate capacity to less than or equal to 5,000 kilowatts (rather than 10,000 kilowatts). Makes other changes.

Steve StadelmanDemocrat

IDFPR-VARIOUS LICENSES

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, the Boxing and Full-contact Martial Arts Act, the Massage Therapy Practice Act, the Medical Practice Act of 1987, and the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act to January 1, 2032 (rather than January 1, 2027). Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning written collaborative agreements; temporary authorization of practice by persons licensed in other jurisdictions; and disciplinary action. Amends the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions and restrictions and limitations. Amends the Massage Therapy Practice Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning licensure requirements and grounds for discipline. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Makes changes in provisions concerning certain permits; disciplinary action; and physician delegation of authority. Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Makes changes in provisions concerning permitted activities and grounds for disciplinary action. Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning exempt activities. Amends the Boxing and Full-contact Martial Arts Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the authorization to conduct contests; professional or amateur contests; and medical suspension. Amends the Sex Offender Evaluation and Treatment Provider Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning qualifications for licensure and the appointment of a hearing officer. Repeals provisions concerning a roster of names maintained by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Makes changes in provisions concerning the requisites for ownership or operation of salons and shops. Amends the Electrologist Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions. Amends the Professional Service Corporation Act. Makes changes in the definition of "related professional services". Amends the Professional Limited Liability Company Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning the nature of business. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Suzy Glowiak HiltonDemocrat

CHILD CARE-TERMINOLOGY

Amends various Acts by replacing the terms "day care", "daycare", and "day-care", in relation to the care of a child, with the term "child care". Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Makes changes in provisions concerning the definitions of "day care center", "part day child care facility", and "day care agency"; the prohibition of unlicensed practice; criminal background investigations; and advertisements. Repeals provisions concerning an exemption from licensure for day care homes and group day care homes serving children of military personnel and a child from a foreign state or country. Effective July 1, 2026.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Amends the Adult Education Act and the Public Community College Act. With respect to the annual report on adult education for the preceding school year by the Illinois Community College Board, removes the requirement to include a summary of State reimbursement for adult basic education, adult secondary education, English language acquisition, high school credit, integrated English literacy and civics education, and bridge and integrated education and training programs in coordination with vocational skills training. Provides that any public community college district maintaining adult educations classes for the instruction of those persons who, among other requirements, are 17 (rather than 16) years of age or older are entitled to claim an apportionment of State reimbursement. Allows classes in adult education to include digital literacy. Removes language providing that the maximum generation rate for reimbursement per credit hour or per unit of instruction shall be equal to the community college system reimbursement rate for adult education divided by one-third. Provides that State adult education funds, other than matching funds, are not subject to the authorizing federal law. Removes language providing that approved programs for adult education may assess students up to $6 per credit hour or unit of instruction per semester per student. Removes language requiring an education plan to be established for each adult learning participating in the instructional programs. Requires each adult learner participating in the instructional programs to complete an assessment of foundational skills to appropriately place the adult learner in an instructional program. Makes other and conforming changes.

Graciela GuzmánDemocrat

FEDERAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that information reported to the Illinois State Police under the Act is confidential and shall not be released unless expressly permitted by State or federal law. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall conduct a criminal history background check on an applicant if a qualified entity submits (1) a request to the Illinois State Police to perform a State and national background check on the applicant in a form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police that includes a statement containing the name, address, and date of birth appearing on a valid identification card or document issued by the State to the applicant; (2) a waiver on a form approved by the Illinois State Police that is signed by the applicant allowing the release of the State and national criminal history record information to the qualified entity; (3) the applicant's fingerprints in an electronic format that complies with the form and manner for requesting and furnishing criminal history record information prescribed by the Illinois State Police; and (4) any fee prescribed by the Illinois State Police. Provides that, upon positive identification, the Illinois State Police shall provide the qualified entity with records of the applicant's conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is a felony or any crime directly related to providing care, treatment, education, training, instruction, supervision, or recreation to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Provides that any information received by a qualified entity under the provisions shall be used solely for internal purposes in determining the suitability of an applicant. Provides that a background check conducted under the provisions does not constitute compliance with any background check required by law. Provides that, if the Illinois State Police determines that the Illinois records provided to a qualified entity were inaccurate, then the Illinois State Police shall provide updated records to the qualified entity and the applicant. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Linda HolmesDemocrat

WILDLIFE CD-LANDOWNER PERMIT

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that deer, turkey, and combination permits shall be issued to specified Illinois resident landowners and tenants without charge. Provides that the total number of deer, turkey, and combination permits that may be issued by the Department of Natural Resources and its fee shall be set by rule. Provides that Illinois resident that wish to hunt only on the land of which they are resident tenants, shall be issued deer permits without charge for Illinois land located in a county where the Department of Natural Resources has positively identified chronic wasting disease cases in the deer herd. Provides that no person shall be issued more than (i) one either-sex deer permit and one antlerless-only deer permit for the deer firearm season and (ii) one either-sex deer permit and one antlerless-only deer permit for the deer archery season under this amendatory Act. Defines terms and adds tenants, bona fide current income beneficiaries of a trust, and bona fide landowners to certain provisions. Requires permits under the amendatory Act to be on a hunter's person at all times while hunting.

Patrick J. JoyceDemocrat

REDUCING BARRIERS TO LICENSURE

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; oaths, subpoenas, and penalties; applicants with criminal convictions; qualification for licensure or registration; health care worker licensure actions; automatic suspension of a health care worker's license; the publication of disciplinary actions; and records of Department actions. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. In provisions concerning required licensure, provides that an application shall not be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Amends the Health Care Professional Credentials Data Collection Act. In provisions concerning licensure records, provides that licensure records designated confidential and considered sealed (rather than expunged) for reporting purposes by the licensee are not reportable under the Act. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. In provisions concerning loss and restoration of rights, provides that no application for specific licenses granted under the authority of the State shall be denied to (rather than denied by reason of) an eligible offender who has obtained a certificate of relief from disabilities, having been previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses (rather than or by reason of a finding of lack of "good moral character"), when the finding is solely based upon the fact that the applicant has previously been convicted of one or more criminal offenses, except for certain circumstances. Repeals provisions concerning the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's annual report to the General Assembly. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

GUARDIANSHIP-VARIOUS

Amends the Guardianship and Advocacy Act. Changes references from the federal Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act to the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Provides that a majority of members of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, excluding vacancies, (instead of 6 members of the Commission) constitute a quorum. In a provision concerning regional authorities making their findings and recommendations public, provides that it shall include in any such public statement any reply made by the State agency, service provider, or other person investigated, if requested by the provider. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Makes changes to the definitions of "guardian" and "mental illness" and adds a definition of "under guardianship". Changes references from the Guardianship and Mental Health Advocacy Commission to the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

AUTO CONTRACT-SIMPLE CANCEL

Amends the Automatic Contract Renewal Act. Provides that any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation that sells or offers to sell any products or services to a consumer pursuant to a contract, where such contract automatically renews, shall provide the consumer with the option to cancel the contract, at any time, using a simple cancellation mechanism in the same medium that the consumer used to consent to the contract. Provides that an entity shall provide a clear and conspicuous notice, in a manner that may be retained by the consumer, of any material change to the terms of a contract containing an automatic renewal offer at least 3 days prior to the change to the terms. Sets forth additional requirements concerning the cancellation of automatic renewal offers, continuous service offers, and free trial or promotional period offers entered into online, including requiring an entity to provide a one-step online cancellation link. Makes other changes.

Michael E. HastingsDemocrat

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

VEH CD-ALTER SPEED LIMITS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. With regard to automated speed enforcement systems in safety zones, provides that "safety zone" does not include any roadway in which the 30 mile per hour speed limit is decreased by local ordinance without an engineering or traffic investigation. Provides that a local authority or park district shall determine and declare by ordinance a reasonable and safe absolute maximum speed which: decreases the limit within an urban district which shall not require an engineering or traffic investigation to a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour, but not less than 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed limit of 10 miles per hour in an alley; increases the limit within an urban district, but not to more than 55 miles per hour, if after increasing the limit within an urban district an engineering or traffic investigation is required to decrease the limit; or decreases the limit within a residence district which shall not require an engineering or traffic investigation to a maximum speed limit of 20 (rather than not to less than 25) miles per hour. Requires a park district, city, village, incorporated town, or county board to post a sign designating the new speed limit. Makes other changes.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

MINE SUBSIDENCE INSURANCE FUND

Amends the Mine Subsidence Insurance Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that the moneys in the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund shall be derived primarily from premiums for mine subsidence insurance ceded by insurers to the Fund pursuant to the Article and from investment income. In establishing mine subsidence insurance premium rates, provides that the Fund shall give due consideration to factors reasonably considered by an insurer when setting premium rates and to the fact that the Fund does not receive taxpayer funding or have the ability to issue assessments to the insurance industry to support its long-term financial viability. Changes terms related to the appointment of directors in provisions concerning management of the Fund and establishes 3-year staggered terms for the directors. Provides that all directors shall be independent and owe a duty of care and duty of loyalty to the Fund. In provisions concerning mine subsidence coverage, provides that the loss covered shall be the loss in excess of any applicable deductible or retention in the policy, subject to the limit of insurance for mine subsidence damage stated in the policy. For all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, provides that there shall be no deductible or retention applicable to mine subsidence damage. For all policies issued or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, provides that the maximum amount of reinsured loss per residence, per commercial building, and per living unit shall be the amounts established by the Fund and approved by the Director. Provides that the residential and living unit coverage provided under the Article may also cover specified costs of debris removal, moving and storage of contents, and repair or replacement of landscaping. Makes changes in provisions concerning division of the Fund; exemptions; rights of insurers to refuse to provide mine subsidence coverage; arbitration; reinsurance agreements; distribution of premiums; reporting requirements; right of recourse and setoffs; subrogation; and powers of the Director of Insurance.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

PLUG-IN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "plug-in solar energy system". Provides that an electricity provider shall not require an eligible customer who uses, or intends to install and use, a plug-in solar energy system to do certain actions. Provides that an eligible customer may, but shall not be required to, conform the eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system to the interconnection requirements under provisions concerning net metering and any rules adopted pursuant to those provisions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system that does not interconnect to the electrical system in a manner that is consistent with the applicable rules adopted by the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not be eligible for net electricity metering. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system shall not qualify for any distributed generation rebate. Provides that an electricity provider shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused by an eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system. Provides that homeowners' associations, common interest community associations, and condominium unit owners' associations shall not adopt or enforce any covenant, bylaw, regulation, or other rule that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less. Provides that landlords shall not adopt or enforce any lease or contract that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less.

Rachel VenturaDemocrat

PEN CD-ACCELERATED BENEFIT

Amends the General Obligation Bond Act. Authorizes an additional $700,000,000 of State Pension Obligation Acceleration Bonds. Makes a conforming change. Amends the State Employees, State Universities, and Downstate Teachers Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Extends the option for a participant to receive an accelerated pension benefit payment in lieu of any pension benefit or for a reduction in the increases to his or her annual retirement annuity and survivor's annuity to June 30, 2028 (instead of June 30, 2026). Effective immediately.

Robert F. MartwickDemocrat

TIF-BIG ISLAND RIVER DISTRICT

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a redevelopment project area and any amendment adding an additional area to any existing redevelopment project areas created under the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Municipal Code may include areas within the Big Island River Conservancy District created under the River Conservancy Districts Act only if the municipality receives unanimous consent from both (1) the board of trustees of the Big Island River Conservancy District and (2) the joint review board created to review the proposed redevelopment project area and any proposed amendment of any existing redevelopment area. Amends the River Conservancy Districts Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Michael W. HalpinDemocrat

NORTH SHORE WATER CONNECTIONS

Amends the North Shore Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that the president of the board of trustees of a sanitary district created under the Act shall not receive more than $21,750 (rather than $18,000) per year, and each other member of the board of trustees of a sanitary district created under the Act shall not receive more than $18,750 (rather than $15,000) per year. Provides that an ordinance adopted by the board of trustees may provide for a fine for each offense of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 or the amount provided in the Environmental Protection Act for the offense, whichever is greater (rather than a fine for each offense of not less than $100 or more than $1,000). Provides that the board of trustees of a sanitary district may order a party responsible for discharging effluent, gaseous wastes, sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes into a sewerage system in violation of an ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted by the board of trustees to pay court reporter costs and hearing officer fees in an amount not to exceed the actual costs of the reporter costs and hearing officer fees (rather than an amount not to exceed $3,000). Provides that a private or governmental entity may not connect or remain connected to a sanitary district sewer system unless written authorization to connect has been obtained from the sanitary district. Provides that, at the time or before incurring any indebtedness, the board of trustees of a sanitary district shall provide for the collection of revenue (rather than a direct annual tax) sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal thereof as the same shall fall due, and at least within 40 (rather than 20) years from the time of contracting the same. Provides that the owner of territory eligible to annexed into a sanitary district may petition the board of trustees of the sanitary district to annex the territory. In provisions concerning the procedures for assessing civil penalties, provides that electronically recorded testimony may be transcribed into written form if there is an appeal of any decision after a hearing. Makes other changes.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

VEH CD-PLATE REASSIGNMENT

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person may reassign his or her registration plate to another person. Provides that, if a person who has a registration plate in his or her name seeks to reassign the registration plate to another person (rather than his or her spouse or child), the Secretary of State shall waive any transfer fee or vanity or personalized registration plate fee.

Paul FaraciDemocrat

MEDICAID-SCHOOL DENTAL PGRAM

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to administer and regulate an All Kids Dental School Program, requires the Department to include certain program requirements, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) all participating dentists must be enrolled in the Department's provider enrollment system within the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology System; (2) each dental entity must complete the All Kids School-Based Dental Program Provider Registration Application; (3) all dental providers approved must be able to render the full scope of preventative school-based services for an out-of-office setting, including a Caries Risk Assessment; and (4) each dental entity approved must obtain a signed consent form from each student's parent or guardian prior to providing services. Removes language prohibiting the preemption of a home rule unit's or school district's authority to establish, change, or administer a school-based dental program in addition to, or independent of, the school-based dental program administered by the Department. Requires the Department to coordinate with the Chicago Public Schools on which schools will participate in the school-based dental program and then oversee the allocation of schools in the metropolitan Chicago area to dental providers. Requires schools to be assigned to dental providers on a first-come, first-served basis or put on a wait list if no schools are available at that time. Provides that no more than 80 schools per provider shall be allowed; and that providers may subcontract with other approved providers to render services. Effective immediately.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

GENETIC INFORMATION PRIVACY

Amends the Genetic Information Privacy Act. Removes language exempting insurers that are issuing a long-term care policy from specified provisions. Provides that, with regard to any policy, contract, or plan offered, entered into, issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 by a health insurer, life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer authorized to transact insurance in this State, a health insurer, life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer may not: (1) cancel, limit, or deny coverage or establish differentials in premium rates based on a person's genetic information; or (2) require or solicit an individual's genetic information, use an individual's genetic test results, or consider an individual's decisions or actions relating to genetic information or a genetic test in any manner for any insurance purpose. Provides that the provisions may not be construed as: (1) preventing a life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer from accessing an individual's medical record as part of an application; or (2) prohibiting a life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer from considering a clinical diagnosis, such as a manifest disease or disorder, included in an individual's medical record for insurance purposes to the extent otherwise allowable by law. Effective July 1, 2026.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

DHS-HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In provisions concerning death reports investigated by the Department of Human Services' Office of Inspector General, provides that death reports with no allegation of abuse or neglect shall only be released to the Secretary of Human Services and to the director of the facility or agency when a recommendation is made. Provides that unredacted investigative reports may be shared with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall operate and maintain an Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood for the education of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind and are seeking competitive integrated employment. Makes conforming change to the School Code. Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. Removes all references regarding the operation of community-integrated living arrangements for the supervision of persons with mental illness. Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Extends early intervention services to children who have been found eligible for early childhood special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and have an individualized education program. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Adds physician assistance to the list of medical professionals listed under the definition of "qualified examiner". Adds advanced practice psychiatric nurse to several provisions listing medical professionals making mental health determinations. Makes conforming changes to the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Removes a requirement that a person witness the signing of a consent form. Repeals provisions in the Department of Human Services Act, the State Finance Act, and the Illinois Income Tax Act concerning the Autism Research Checkoff Fund. Effective immediately.

Mattie HunterDemocrat

INSURANCE-VARIOUS

Amends the Burn Victims Relief Act. Dissolves the George Bailey Memorial Fund on June 30, 2025, or as soon thereafter as practical, and assigns any future deposits due to that Fund to the General Revenue Fund. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires every company licensed to do business in this State that is transacting the kind or kinds of business under Class 1, 2, or 3, as defined in the Code, to establish a customer affairs and information department to respond to policyholder inquiries and complaints. In provisions concerning kinds of agreements requiring approval, provides that the Director of Insurance has the right to request additional filing review and approval of all contracts that contribute to the statutory threshold trigger. Removes provisions concerning a working group related to the treatment and coverage of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders. Makes other changes. Amends the Dental Care Patient Protection Act. Makes changes concerning preemption of provisions. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act. Provides that health maintenance organizations are subject to provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code requiring coverage for certain at-home pregnancy tests and certain medically necessary treatments to address a major injury to the jaw. Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act to make technical and combining changes to conform the changes made by Public Act 103-777 and 103-650. Amends the Limited Health Service Organization Act to make conforming changes. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the definition of "insurance company". Effective immediately, except that certain changes to the Illinois Insurance Code are effective January 1, 2026 and certain other changes to the Illinois Insurance Code are effective 60 days after becoming law.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

CERTIFIED FAMILY HEALTH AIDE

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that the Act does not prohibit the practice of relevant nursing care by a legally responsible caregiver or a person designated by a legally responsible caregiver who has been certified as a certified family health aide for the specified services. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Establishes requirements for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for a Home and Community-Based Services State Plan amendment and federal waiver amendment necessary to reimburse a legally responsible caregiver or a person designated by a legally responsible caregiver who has achieved certification as a certified family health aide to perform the specified services. Creates the Certified Family Health Aide Program for Children and Adults Act. Establishes certification requirements for a certified family health aide through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that a certified family health aides must be legally responsible caregiver and 18 years or older, have a relationship with a specified family member, and be certified to perform or assist in performing the specified nursing services. Amends the Home Health, Home Services, Home Nursing Act to include a certified family health aide under a home nursing agency and provides training and recordkeeping requirements for home nursing agencies. Amends the Alternative Health Care Delivery Act and the Hospital Licensing Act to require similar training and recordkeeping requirements in children's community-based health care center and in hospitals managing the care of an individual being discharged under the care of a home nursing agency.

Karina VillaDemocrat

UNI DIRECT ADMISSION PROGRAM

Creates the Public University Direct Admission Program Act. Provides that, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the Board of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and the State Board of Education, shall establish and administer a direct admission program. Requires each public university in the direct admission program to identify and provide its grade point average standards for general admission for first time admission and for transfer students to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission by March 1 of each year. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026 and each July 1 thereafter, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall use data collected from school districts to determine which students meet the standards for general admission and provide the data to the Board of Higher Education. Provides that, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the Board of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the State Board of Education, shall develop, in consultation with the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a preselection outreach campaign to encourage qualifying State high school juniors and seniors to apply to the University of Illinois at Chicago or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Requires the Board of Higher Education to submit a report on the direct admission program and the preselection outreach campaign to the Governor and General Assembly by August 1, 2029 and each August 1 thereafter. Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to provide access to high school student directory information and each student's email address and grade point average to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and each public institution of higher education for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

INS-SURPRISE BILL PROTECT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to create the Consumer Protection from Surprise Health Care Billing Act. Provides that, on or after July 1, 2025, notwithstanding any other applicable provision, when a beneficiary, insured, or enrollee receives services from a nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider, the health insurance issuer shall ensure that the beneficiary, insured, or enrollee shall incur no greater out-of-pocket costs than the beneficiary, insured, or enrollee would have incurred with a participating ground ambulance service provider. Provides that any cost-sharing requirements shall be applied as though the services provided by the nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider had been provided by a participating ground ambulance service provider. Sets forth provisions concerning payment for ground ambulance services; calculating the recognized amount; limitations for the cost sharing amount for any occurrence in which a ground ambulance service is provided to a beneficiary; appeals for payments made by health insurance issuers; the maximum allowable payment amounts, by individual service types, for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned, operated, or controlled by a private organization; and payments to nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned, operated, or controlled, by a unit of government which participates in the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation program administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Makes conforming changes. Provides that the failure by a health insurance issuer to comply with the specified requirements constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and enforcement authority is granted to the Attorney General. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make corresponding changes. Effective July 1, 2025.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT PROGRAM

Amends the Transportation Benefits Program Act. Provides that the Act does not apply to a covered employer in the construction industry with respect to employees with whom the covered employer has entered into a bona fide collective bargaining agreement. Makes changes to definitions.

Ram VillivalamDemocrat

INS CD-AUTOMOBILE THEFT

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that any policy of automobile insurance that carries comprehensive coverage may not exclude theft coverage for lack of evidence of forcible entry or for the insured leaving the vehicle unlocked or leaving a key or key fob in the vehicle. Provides that nothing in the provisions prohibits a company from investigating and denying a claim due to fraudulent acts. Effective January 1, 2026.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

IEMA-OHS UPDATES

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Changes the name of the Act to the IEMA-OHS Act. Makes conforming changes and adds references to homeland security and the Office of Homeland Security within the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) throughout the Act. Adds and changes definitions. Deletes provisions regarding certain salaries in previous years. In provisions listing responsibilities of IEMA-OHS, adds responsibilities regarding nuclear and radiation safety and homeland security. Provides for the appointment of a Homeland Security Advisor with the advice and consent of the Senate, as well as discretionary Deputy Homeland Security Advisors, with other requirements. Establishes the Illinois Homeland Security Advisory Council, with certain requirements. Creates the Illinois Cybersecurity Commission, with certain requirements. Creates the position of Statewide Interoperability Coordinator. Makes other changes.

Mike PorfirioDemocrat

HAIR BRAIDING LICENSURE REPEAL

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Hair Braiding Opportunity Act. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Changes the short title to the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 and changes corresponding references to the Act throughout the statutes. Repeals provisions concerning hair braiding licenses, and removes references to licensed hair braiding throughout the Act. Makes conforming changes. Makes changes to the membership of the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Board. Provides that no application shall be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Provides that the Department shall consider practice supervised by a licensee while a person is incarcerated in determining qualifications for a license. Effective immediately.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

NET ELECTRICITY METERING

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Changes the name of the Retail Electric Competition Article to the Retail and Renewable Electric Competition Article. Changes the name of the Retail Electric Competition Act of 2006 to the Retail and Renewable Electric Competition Act of 2006. Changes the name of the Office of Retail Market Development to the Office of Retail and Renewable Market Development and the title of the head of the Office from Director to Bureau Chief. Provides that the Bureau Chief shall have the authority to employ or otherwise retain at least 2 professionals dedicated to the task of actively seeking out ways to promote distributed renewable energy generation devices and community renewable generation projects in the State to benefit all State consumers. Provides that the Office shall actively seek input from all interested parties and shall develop a thorough understanding and critical analyses of the tools and techniques used to promote development and remove barriers to development of distributed renewable energy generation devices and community renewable generation projects. Provides that the Office shall take steps for interconnections involving distributed renewable energy resources, energy storage systems, utility-scale wind projects, and utility-scale solar projects, including interconnections to a distribution system or a transmission system. Provides that the Interconnection Working Group shall determine a single standardized cost for Level 1 interconnections, which shall not exceed $200. Provides that, in collaboration with the General Counsel of the Commission, the Office shall develop policies and procedures to facilitate employees of the Office in leading the Interconnection Working Group without interference with docketed proceedings. Provides that the Office may employ, designate, or otherwise retain the services of an Ombudsperson who is responsible for oversight of a utility's compliance with the certain rules and any other utility interconnection policies or procedures. Sets forth provisions concerning the authority of the Ombudsperson and interconnection monitoring by the Office. Makes conforming and other changes.

Laura EllmanDemocrat

BENEFITS EXCHANGE EASY ENROLL

Amends the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Law. Provides that the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange shall allow a special enrollment period for an uninsured taxpayer and the uninsured taxpayer's qualified dependents, if applicable, if the uninsured taxpayer requested health insurance benefit information through the easy enrollment program under the Illinois Income Tax Act and the uninsured taxpayer and the uninsured taxpayer's qualified dependents, if applicable, are eligible to enroll in a qualified health plan through the Exchange. Establishes notification requirements for the Exchange. Provides that the uninsured taxpayer and the uninsured taxpayer's dependents shall have 60 days from the date of the letter to select and enroll in a qualified health plan. Provides that coverage shall be effective the first day of the month that follows the plan selection. Grants the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services rulemaking authority to implement an easy enrollment special enrollment period. Effective immediately.

Julie A. MorrisonDemocrat

SCH CD-RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

Amends the School Code. Provides that, by July 1, 2027, the school board of each school district in the State that offers its employees a retirement savings plan established under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may enter into a contract with one or more vendors to provide participants with plan investments options. Provides that a vendor selected under after the effective date of the Act must be mutually agreed upon by the affected collective bargaining unit or units and the school board must ensure that the vendor follows the specified investment guidelines. Permits a specified vendor offering a plan to charge an investment advisory representative fee not to exceed 0.50% annually. Provides that, if a new vendor is chosen to administer a retirement saving plan that is offered by the specified school board of a school district, an employee of the school district may opt out of having the employee's individual 403(b) assets transferred to that new vendor. Limits applicability of the provisions to contracts entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act.

Karina VillaDemocrat

EVICTION-IMPOUNDING COURT FILE

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that in the Eviction Article, the term "impounded" has the meaning ascribed to the term in the Court Record and Document Accessibility Act. In that Article, replaces the term "seal" with "impound" and provides that a court may order that a file may be impounded by agreement of the parties. In the expungement provisions of the Criminal Identification Act, modifies the definitions of "expunge" and "seal" and removes a definition of "impounded". Makes conforming changes, including in the Court Record and Document Accessibility Act. Changes "court" to "circuit court clerk" relating to some court duties.

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.Democrat

PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION ACT

Creates the Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction Act. Defines terms. Prohibits, starting July 1, 2026, a retail mercantile establishment from offering or making available a single-use checkout bag to consumers at the point of sale. Allows a retail mercantile establishment to offer a recycled paper bag or reusable bag to consumers. Requires a fee of at least $0.10 per recycled bag to be retained by the retail mercantile establishment. Exempts bags for certain governmental food assistance programs. Limits use of the fee with respect to credit card and other fees. Provides for educational material and signage. Provides for enforcement, including civil penalties. Limits home rule powers.

Cristina CastroDemocrat

VEH CD-SPEED ENFORCE SYSTEMS

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. In provisions concerning automated speed enforcement systems in safety zones, provides that such provisions apply to home rule municipalities with over 35,000 or more inhabitants in a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more. Effective immediately.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

INCARCERATED-DISABILITIES

Creates the Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act. Provides that reasonable accommodations for incarcerated individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability shall include a waiver of any requirement that the individual take the Test of Adult Basic Education and receive a passing score, or take and receive a passing score on any other examination or test that the Department may require to determine academic achievement or access to educational programs, work assignments, and vocational programs. Provides that participation in these programs through the Test of Adult Basic Education waiver and other reasonable accommodations shall qualify individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability to earn earned sentence credit, consistent with opportunities provided to other incarcerated individuals. Provides that Department of Corrections staff, including educational personnel, shall receive annual training on: (1) identifying individuals who have an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; (2) providing accommodations and supports to an individual with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability in educational, employment. and vocational settings; and (3) administering appropriate alternative assessments. Provides that staff training programs shall be developed in collaboration with disability advocacy organizations and educational institutions. Provides that the Department shall ensure compliance with federal disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act of 1973, through the implementation of the Act. Provides that individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability who are denied access to programs or accommodations under the Act may file a grievance through the Department's established grievance procedures. Effective immediately.

Adriane L. JohnsonDemocrat

MENTAL HLTH CAREER SCHOLARSHIP

Creates the Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship Act. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to create the Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship Program to award scholarships to Illinois students pursuing a mental health professional career in order to increase diversity rates by recruiting individuals to work in mental health fields in the public sector or mental health jobs that have a high demand for new employees and retain those individuals. Sets forth provisions concerning the selection of recipients, the amount of assistance, applications for assistance, the payment of assistance, administering the scholarship program, and rulemaking.

Javier L. CervantesDemocrat

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE BENEFITS-TECH

Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a retirement annuity following nonoccupational disability benefits.

Don HarmonDemocrat

PREVAILING WAGE-FED PROJECT

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that the definition of "public works" includes all federal construction projects administered or controlled by a public body if the prevailing rate of wages is equal to or greater than the prevailing wage determination by the United States Secretary of Labor for the same locality for the same type of construction used to classify the federal construction project. Makes a conforming change. Effective July 1, 2025.

Christopher BeltDemocrat

STUDENT INVESTMENT ACCOUNT

Amends the Student Investment Account Act. Allows the State Treasurer to originate, guarantee, acquire, and service refinance loans; invest in, and enter into contracts with, institutions that provide refinance loans; deposit funds with financial institutions that provide refinance loans; establish specific criteria governing the eligibility of entities to participate in the making of refinance loans; charge and collect premiums for insurance on refinance loans; and deduct from a State employee's salary, wages, commissions, and bonuses the recovery of a refinance loan debt. Removes language allowing the State Treasurer to: enter into income share agreements with participants, facilitate income share agreements between participants and eligible income share agreement providers, and perform other acts as may be necessary or desirable in connection with income share agreements; enter into contracts and guarantee agreements as necessary to operate the Student Investment Account with income share agreement providers or qualified income share agreement organizations; establish specific criteria governing the eligibility of entities to participate in the making of income share agreements; pay income share agreement providers or qualified income share agreement organizations an administrative fee in connection with services provided pursuant to the Student Investment Account; charge and collect premiums for insurance on income share agreements; and deduct from a State employee's salary, wages, commissions, and bonuses the recovery of an income share agreement. Allows (rather than requires) the State Treasurer to establish fees to cover the costs of administration, recordkeeping, marketing, and investment management related to the Student Investment Account. Removes language allowing moneys in the Student Investment Account Assistance Fund to be used to provide assistance to income share agreement participants. Makes conforming changes.

Omar AquinoDemocrat

UTILITIES-WATER ACQUISITION

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that 20% of the lesser of (rather than the lesser of): (i) the purchase price or (ii) the fair market value shall constitute the rate base associated with the water or sewer utility as acquired by and incorporated into the rate base of the district designated by the acquiring large public utility, subject to any adjustments that the Illinois Commerce Commission deems necessary to ensure such rate base reflects prudent and useful investments in the provision of public utility service. Provides that the difference between the rate base and the purchase price or fair market value shall be borne by the shareholders of the acquiring large public utility. In provisions concerning the acquisition of a water or sewer utility, provides that, at the next election following the public meeting and notice requirements, a referendum shall be placed on the ballot for all electors within the area the water or sewer utility operates. Provides that, if a majority of the electors voting on the referendum within the service area of the water or sewer utility vote in favor of the referendum, then the acquisition may continue. Provides that, if less than a majority of the electors voting on the referendum within the service area of the water or sewer utility vote in favor of the referendum, the Commission shall not approve the large public utility's acquisition of the water or sewer utility. Removes a provision that provides that the Commission may authorize a water or sewer utility to file a surcharge which adjusts rates and charges to provide for recovery of costs associated with an investment in qualifying infrastructure plant, independent of any other matters related to the utility's revenue requirement. Makes other changes.

Laura M. MurphyDemocrat

COUNTIES CD-COUNTY LIBRARY

Amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning county law libraries, provides that county law libraries shall be open whenever the court house is open, unless the law library is closed based on operational necessity or as determined by the county board. Authorizes other appropriate county offices (rather than only the county treasurer) to retain fees and charges of the clerk in a County Law Library Fund and disburse those funds when ordered to do so.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

SCH CD-ADULT WORKFORCE DIPLOMA

Amends the School Code. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall establish an outcome-based Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program to allow eligible students to qualify for enrollment in the Program, and, upon successful completion of the Program, to be awarded a high school diploma. Sets forth requirements for approved Program providers and Program funding. Requires each approved Program provider to submit an annual report to the Board regarding the Program. Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the Program. Repeals the provisions on June 30, 2030.

Edgar González, Jr.Democrat

AG-FALL COVERS SPRING SAVINGS

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program in the Department of Agriculture to provide crop insurance premium discounts for cover crops. Directs the Department to award grants in specified amounts to Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Creates the Cover Crop Insurance Premium Discount Fund. Provides for requirements for the Program. Directs the Department to adopt rules.

Sonya M. HarperDemocrat

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONER PAY

Amends the Illinois Drainage Code. Provides that each commissioner of a drainage district shall receive for the commissioner's services either (i) a sum not to exceed $30 per day for each day the commissioner is actually engaged in the business of the commissioner's office or (ii) a fixed monthly payment in an amount that is set by the county board and that does not exceed $30 multiplied by the number of business days in the applicable month (rather than a sum not to exceed $30 per day for each day the commissioner is actually engaged in the business of the commissioner's office).

Amy ElikRepublican

PEN CD-IMRF-ANNUITY PAYMENT

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, if the payment of a retirement annuity is made to an annuitant more than one month after that retirement annuity payment became payable, then the Fund shall pay interest to the annuitant in an amount equal to 6% of that payment of the retirement annuity. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning the municipal employee's continuance privilege, provides that if an employee has elected to have the monthly premium deducted by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund from the employee's monthly pension payment, then the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund shall promptly remit the premium payments to the insurance company, regardless of whether the employee's monthly pension payment has been paid to the employee. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

Tom WeberRepublican

WAGES-TERMINATION PAYMENTS

Amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Provides that it is unlawful to include in any employment contract, or to require an employee to execute as a condition of employment or a work relationship, a contract that: (1) requires the employee to pay an employer, training provider, or debt collector for a debt if the employee's employment or work relationship with a specific employer is terminated; (2) authorizes the employer, training provider, or debt collector to resume or initiate collection of or to end forbearance on a debt if the employee's employment or work relationship with a specific employer is terminated; (3) imposes any penalty, fee, or cost on an employee if the employee's employment or work relationship with a specific employer is terminated. Provides that the provision applies to contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that a contract entered into in violation of the provision is void and unenforceable. Sets forth exceptions. Effective immediately.

Jennifer Gong-GershowitzDemocrat

HIGHER ED-HUMAN SERVICES LOAN

Amends the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program Act. Provides that a recipient may receive an award through the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program for a maximum of 4 years. With regard to eligibility for the Program, requires, among other criteria, (i) an applicant to be a full-time employee for at least 24 consecutive months as a human services professional at the time of application, (ii) an applicant to remain a full-time employee as a human services professional in the same community-based human services agency for at least 12 months follow the initial application for (rather than after receiving) the grant, and (iii) an applicant seeking a renewal award to be employed by the same community-based human services agency at the time of application and to provide evidence of continuous employment for the 12 months preceding the application for renewal. Defines "human services agency". Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

Camille Y. LillyDemocrat

EPA-USED TIRES-IDPH-TICKS

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2027, an amount equal to 10 cents of every fee collected for the sale of new or used tires at retail shall be allocated to the Department of Public Health for a grant to the Illinois Lyme Association's Tick Research, Education, and Evaluation project. Increases an extra fee collected for the sale of new or used tires at retail for the Emergency Public Health Fund, beginning July 1, 2027, from 50 cents per tire to 60 cents per tire.

Gregg JohnsonDemocrat