IL bill #HB3483 • Last Action 03/21/2025

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act, establishing a comprehensive paid leave system for workers in Illinois. Beginning January 1, 2028, employees will be eligible for up to 18 weeks of paid leave for various reasons, including caring for a family member with a serious health condition, bonding with a new child, addressing personal medical needs, reproductive health care, and dealing with domestic or sexual violence. The program will be funded through a combined premium contribution of 1.12% of wages, with employees paying 40% and employers with 25 or more employees paying 60% of the contribution. Employees will receive 90% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,200 per week, which will be adjusted annually. The bill creates a Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor to administer the program, establishes a Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund, and provides job protection for employees who take leave. Self-employed individuals may also opt into the program. The legislation aims to support working families by providing financial support during significant life events, addressing the lack of mandatory paid leave in the United States, and helping workers balance work and family responsibilities.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Creates the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor. Requires the Division to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides benefits to employees. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Deputy Director of the Division. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Provides that a self-employed individual may elect to be covered under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; compensation for leave; the amount and duration of benefits; payments for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund; employer equivalent plans; annual reports by the Department; hearings; penalties; notice; the coordination of leave provided under the Act with leave allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, a collective bargaining agreement, or any local county or municipal ordinance; rulemaking; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts certain documents collected by the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave from the Act's disclosure requirements. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Anna Moeller (D)*, Harry Benton (D), Kevin Olickal (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Labor & Commerce Committee Hearing (08:00:00 3/21/2025 Room 114)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3309 • Last Action 03/21/2025

EDU LABOR RELATIONS-NOTICE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act to require employers to provide a copy of certain employee information to the statewide labor organization affiliated with the exclusive representative, in addition to providing that information to the exclusive representative itself. Specifically, the bill mandates that employers share details such as employee names, job titles, work locations, contact information, and hire dates with both the exclusive representative (typically a union representing a specific bargaining unit) and the broader state-level labor organization. The bill builds upon existing provisions that already require employers to provide detailed employee information to exclusive representatives at the start of each school term and within 10 days of new employee hires. The change aims to enhance communication and transparency between educational employers, employee representatives, and their affiliated state labor organizations, while maintaining existing protections around sensitive personal information. The bill takes effect immediately, signaling its urgency and importance to educational labor relations in Illinois.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that employers shall provide the State labor organization with a copy of the information provided to the exclusive representative. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Marcus Evans (D)*, Michael Crawford (D), Dan Didech (D), Hoan Huynh (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Labor & Commerce Committee Hearing (08:00:00 3/21/2025 Room 114)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2582 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPEN MEETINGS ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to make several changes to how public bodies, specifically Chicago Police District Councils, can conduct meetings. For 3-member bodies, the bill establishes that 2 members constitute a quorum and can adopt motions or resolutions. The bill allows Chicago Police District Councils to hold closed meetings to discuss sensitive public safety matters, such as ongoing law enforcement investigations or situations where an open discussion could pose a risk to an investigation or individuals' safety. The legislation also modifies meeting notice requirements, stipulating that public bodies must post meeting agendas at their principal office (if one exists) and on their website, with a specific provision for bodies without a physical office allowing them to satisfy notice requirements through website posting. Additionally, the bill excludes certain gatherings of two Police District Council members from being considered a "meeting" and permits these councils to hold meetings via audio or video conference, with some exceptions for regularly scheduled meetings. These changes aim to provide more flexibility in meeting procedures while maintaining transparency in public governance.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that for a 3-member body, 2 members of the body constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of 2 members is necessary to adopt any motion, resolution, or ordinance unless a greater number is otherwise provided. Provides that a Chicago Police District Council may hold a closed meeting involving public safety concerns to discuss (i) an ongoing, prior, or future law enforcement or official misconduct investigation or allegation thereof involving specific individuals or (ii) other topics that if discussed in an open meeting would pose an unreasonable risk to an ongoing criminal investigation or an unreasonable risk to the safety of specific individuals. Provides that an agenda for each regular meeting of a public body must be posted the principal office of the public body if such an office exists. Provides that if a public body has a website that is maintained by its full-time staff but does not have a principal office or single building where meetings are regularly held, that body is deemed to have complied with the requirement to post physical notice at the office or building of the meeting if the notice is timely posted on the public body's website. Excludes from the definition of "meeting" for a Chicago Police District Council a gathering of 2 members, except if gathered for a regularly scheduled meeting or otherwise gathered to adopt any motion, resolution, or ordinance. Provides a Chicago Police District Council may hold meetings by audio or video conference without the physical presence of the members under certain conditions except for required regularly scheduled meetings.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Ann Williams (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1701 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption by introducing an automatic annual adjustment to the maximum income limitation for the exemption. Specifically, starting in taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation will be increased each year by the annual cost of living adjustment in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Prior to this change, the maximum income limitation was set at a fixed $65,000 for taxable years 2018 through 2025. The exemption is available to homeowners who are 65 years or older, have a household income below the specified limit, and are liable for property taxes. This adjustment is designed to help senior citizens keep pace with rising costs by allowing the income threshold for the property tax exemption to automatically increase with Social Security and SSI cost of living adjustments, thereby potentially helping more seniors qualify for the tax relief as their fixed incomes gradually increase.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption shall be increased in each taxable year by the annual cost of living adjustment, if any, in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits that takes effect in that taxable year. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/24/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Nabeela Syed (D)*, Camille Lilly (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 18
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB0047 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TAX-SR FREEZE-MEDICARE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption by introducing a new provision that, beginning in taxable year 2026, allows senior citizens to reduce their household income calculation by the amount of Medicare premiums they have paid during the calendar year. This means that when determining eligibility for the property tax exemption, seniors can subtract their Medicare premium expenses from their total household income, potentially making it easier for them to qualify for the exemption. The bill aims to provide additional financial relief for low-income senior homeowners by effectively lowering their reported income through the deduction of Medicare expenses. The exemption is designed to help seniors 65 years and older who meet certain income limitations maintain their homestead property tax assessment at a frozen level, and this amendment provides an additional method to potentially qualify for or maximize the exemption by accounting for healthcare-related expenses.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. In a provision concerning the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, provides that, beginning in taxable year 2026, the taxpayer's annual household income for purposes of determining eligibility for the exemption shall be reduced by any amounts paid by the taxpayer as Medicare premiums during the calendar year. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Kevin Schmidt (R)*, Tony McCombie (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1826 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase and adjust the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. Specifically, for the 2026 taxable year, the maximum income limitation will be raised from $65,000 to $75,000. Beginning in 2027, the maximum income limitation will be automatically increased each year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index-U, which is a measure of the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by urban consumers, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This exemption allows seniors 65 years and older with lower incomes to freeze the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes, helping to protect them from rising property tax burdens as property values increase. The bill aims to provide continued financial relief for senior homeowners by incrementally adjusting the income threshold to keep pace with inflation, ensuring that more seniors can benefit from this property tax exemption.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 (currently, $65,000). Provides that, beginning in taxable year 2027, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption shall be increased each year by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Jay Hoffman (D)*, Camille Lilly (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1777 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPEN MTGS-REGIONAL ASSOCIATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which public bodies can hold closed meetings when discussing self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics. Specifically, the bill modifies existing language to allow closed meetings not just when meeting with a representative of a statewide association, but now also when meeting with a representative of a regional association of which the public body is a member. The change broadens the scope of permissible closed-door discussions for public bodies, giving them more flexibility in how they can privately discuss internal operational matters. By adding the term "regional" alongside "statewide", the bill acknowledges that public bodies may be members of regional organizations and should have similar meeting confidentiality privileges when discussing organizational self-assessment and professional standards. This modification is relatively narrow in scope but provides public bodies with slightly more discretion in managing their internal discussions and evaluations.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that a public body may hold closed meetings to consider self evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics, when meeting with a representative of a statewide or regional association (rather than only a statewide association) of which the public body is a member.

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• Introduced: 01/27/2025
• Added: 01/27/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/27/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1757 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to provide additional flexibility for low-income senior citizens seeking a property tax assessment freeze homestead exemption. Specifically, beginning in taxable year 2025, if a senior who previously qualified for the exemption experiences a temporary increase in household income that pushes them above the maximum income limitation, they can still receive a partial exemption for the current year and the three subsequent years. The exemption amount will be gradually reduced each year, starting at 80% of the original exemption amount in the first year and decreasing to 20% in the fourth year. If the senior's income returns to below the maximum limitation in any of those years, they can receive the full exemption as calculated under the existing rules. This provision helps protect seniors who may experience a one-time income increase from losing their property tax assessment freeze, providing a gradual phase-out of the exemption instead of an immediate disqualification. The bill aims to offer more stability and financial protection for senior homeowners who might otherwise be priced out of their homes due to a temporary increase in income.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that property that receives a low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption may continue to receive a partial exemption for each of the 4 succeeding taxable years even if the applicant for the exemption would not otherwise qualify for the exemption in the current taxable year because the applicant's household income for the current taxable year exceeds the maximum income limitation. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 19 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*, Nicolle Grasse (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Barbara Hernandez (D), Norma Hernandez (D), Terra Costa Howard (D), Dee Avelar (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Joyce Mason (D), Lisa Davis (D), Martha Deuter (D), Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D), Yolonda Morris (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Theresa Mah (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Maura Hirschauer (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 35
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1330 • Last Action 03/20/2025

AGING-CCP-DIRECT SRVCE WORKER

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Act on the Aging to improve compensation and working conditions for direct service workers in the Community Care Program. Starting January 1, 2026, the bill mandates that rates for in-home services will increase to $32.75 to support a minimum wage of $20 per hour for direct service workers. To receive this rate, providers must certify compliance with the wage increase and submit cost reports. The bill introduces a requirement that beginning January 1, 2028, each in-home service provider must spend at least 80% of their total payments for homecare aide services on total compensation for direct service workers. This includes wages, benefits, and employer payroll taxes. Providers will be required to submit annual cost reports documenting their spending, and the Department of Aging can sanction providers who fail to meet these requirements. The bill explicitly states that fringe benefits cannot be reduced in relation to these rate increases, and it defines various excluded costs such as training expenses, travel costs, and personal protective equipment. The overall goal is to sustain and improve the direct care workforce by ensuring fair compensation and transparency in service provider spending.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program, provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2026, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $32.75 to sustain a minimum wage of $20 per hour for direct service workers. As a condition of their eligibility for the $32.75 in-home services rate, requires in-home services providers to (i) certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers and (ii) submit cost reports. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases. Provides that beginning January 1, 2028, the Department shall ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 80% of total payments the provider receives for homecare aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires the Department to adopt rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs. Authorizes the Department to sanction a provider that fails to meet the requirements of the amendatory Act. Defines terms.

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• Introduced: 01/14/2025
• Added: 01/15/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 26 : Mary Beth Canty (D)*, Katie Stuart (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Maurice West (D), Anna Moeller (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Hoan Huynh (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Lindsey LaPointe (D), Ann Williams (D), Justin Slaughter (D), Michael Crawford (D), Marcus Evans (D), Sue Scherer (D), Joyce Mason (D), Jehan Gordon-Booth (D), La Shawn Ford (D), Sonya Harper (D), Suzanne Ness (D), Tracy Katz Muhl (D), Abdelnasser Rashid (D), Aarón Ortíz (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Norma Hernandez (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 38
• Last Amended: 01/14/2025
• Last Action: Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee Hearing (08:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 413 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1756 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for taxable years 2026 and thereafter. The exemption is designed to help senior citizens aged 65 and older who have limited household incomes by freezing the assessed value of their primary residence for property tax purposes. Currently, seniors who meet the income and age requirements can apply for this exemption, which prevents their property's assessed value from increasing beyond a base year value. The bill simply raises the maximum income threshold, making the exemption available to more seniors with slightly higher incomes. This change could provide additional financial relief to elderly homeowners by helping them manage their property tax expenses as they live on fixed incomes. The bill takes effect immediately and will benefit seniors in future tax years by expanding the income eligibility for this assessment freeze homestead exemption.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 (currently, $65,000). Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1755 • Last Action 03/20/2025

AGING-BENEFITS ACCESS PROGRAM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Aging-Benefits Access Program, which replaces the existing Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. The program creates a new framework for providing benefits to seniors and individuals with disabilities, with specific eligibility criteria and income limits. Under the program, eligible individuals who are 65 years or older or have a qualifying disability can receive reduced fees for vehicle registration, free public transportation, and other benefits. To qualify, individuals must be Illinois residents with household incomes below specified thresholds: less than $33,562 for an individual, less than $44,533 for a two-person household, or less than $55,500 for households of three or more people. The Department on Aging will be responsible for implementing and administering the program, including establishing application processes, verifying eligibility, and creating rules for automatic renewals and appeal rights. The bill removes several existing provisions related to senior services, such as requirements for studying employment plans and developing multilingual pamphlets, and instead adds a requirement for the Department to implement the Older Americans Act. The legislation also removes the existing Community Care Program Medicaid Enrollment Oversight Subcommittee and makes corresponding changes to various other state laws to align with the new Benefits Access Program.

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Bill Summary: Repeals the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act and removes all cross-references to the Act in various statutes. Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Requires the Department on Aging to implement and administer the Benefits Access Program and to establish the eligibility criteria under the program for: (1) the Secretary of State with respect to reduced fees paid by qualified vehicle owners under the Illinois Vehicle Code; (2) special districts that offer free fixed route public transportation services for qualified older adults under the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act; and (3) special districts that offer transit services for qualified individuals with disabilities under the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Sets forth household income eligibility limits and other eligibility requirements under the program. Authorizes the Department to adopt rules concerning automatic renewals and appeal rights under the program. Makes corresponding changes concerning the program to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act, the Local Mass Transit District Act, the Regional Transportation Authority Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Older Adult Services Act, and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Further amends the Illinois Act on the Aging by removing a requirement that the Department: (i) study the feasibility of implementing an affirmative action employment plan for the recruitment, hiring, and training of persons 60 years of age or older; and (ii) develop a multilingual pamphlet to assist physicians, pharmacists, and patients in monitoring prescriptions provided by various physicians and to aid persons 65 years of age or older in complying with directions for proper use of pharmaceutical prescriptions. Adds a requirement that the Department implement the Older Americans Act. Removes provisions requiring a Community Care Program Medicaid Initiative and a Community Care Program Medicaid Enrollment Oversight Subcommittee. Makes other changes.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Michelle Mussman (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Human Services Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 115)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1500 • Last Action 03/20/2025

DNR-PORE SPACE COMPENSATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act to modify provisions related to integrating and compensating pore space owners for underground carbon dioxide sequestration projects. The bill changes how compensation is calculated for nonconsenting pore space owners, requiring that they receive compensation no less than the average total payment package provided to similarly situated consenting pore space owners, without excluding initial incentives or signing bonuses. The legislation allows a sequestration operator to petition the Department of Natural Resources to issue an order requiring pore space owners to integrate their interests if the operator has obtained rights from owners of at least 75% of the surface area above the proposed sequestration facility. The bill maintains detailed requirements for the petition, including identifying all pore space owners, demonstrating good faith efforts to negotiate, and providing a comprehensive plan for pore space use. It also mandates public notice and hearings, ensures that nonconsenting owners receive just compensation, and includes provisions for handling unknown or nonlocatable pore space owners. Additionally, the bill requires the sequestration operator to provide alternative water supplies if groundwater monitoring indicates drinking water has been compromised, emphasizing environmental and community protection in carbon sequestration projects.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act. In provisions regarding integration and unitization of ownership interests and just compensation for nonconsenting pore space owners, provides that such compensation shall be no less than the average total payment package provided to similarly situated consenting pore space owners (rather than provided in agreements during the previous 365 days to similarly situated pore space owners). Removes provisions requiring the compensation to exclude incentives provided to consenting pore space owners prior to the initiation of injection. Removes provisions requiring the compensation to include any operations term or injection term payments made upon or after the initiation of injection provided to consenting pore space owners in consideration of allowing use of their pore space for sequestration of carbon dioxide.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Mike Halpin (D)*, Graciela Guzmán (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Energy and Public Utilities Committee Hearing (10:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2417 • Last Action 03/20/2025

AUDIOLOGY&SPEECH PATH COMPACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, a comprehensive agreement designed to facilitate professional practice across state lines for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The compact creates a framework that allows licensed professionals to practice in multiple member states under a "compact privilege" by maintaining an active license in their home state and meeting specific qualification requirements. Key provisions include establishing a national commission to oversee implementation, creating a centralized data system for tracking licensure and disciplinary information, and standardizing professional practice standards across participating states. The compact aims to improve public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services, support military families by allowing easier professional relocation, and enable telehealth practice across state boundaries. Professionals must meet educational, examination, and background check requirements, and will be subject to the practice laws of the state where services are provided. The compact will become effective once enacted by ten member states, and provides mechanisms for interstate collaboration, dispute resolution, and disciplinary action while maintaining each state's regulatory authority to protect public health and safety.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Act. Enters into the compact, which may be entered into by any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America, in order to facilitate interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology with the goal of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services, along with other stated objectives. Defines terms. Provides that a license issued to an audiologist or speech-language pathologist by a home state to a resident in that state shall be recognized by each member state as authorizing an audiologist or speech-language pathologist to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, under a privilege to practice, in each member state. Contains other provisions relating to: state participation in the compact; compact privilege, including practicing telehealth; designation of home state by active military or their spouses; taking adverse actions against audiologists and speech-language pathologists; creation of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission, including rulemaking authority; database and reporting system; oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement; construction and severability; and the binding effect of compact and other laws. Provides that the Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact is enacted into law in the 10th member state, commonwealth, district, or territory. Amends the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act. Provides that, if the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact becomes law, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall revise its rules related to implementing and enforcing the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act to be in conformance with the Compact, if necessary. Provides that the Department shall also make recommendations in a report to the General Assembly as to what portions of the Act and other laws should be modified, if at all, to be consistent with the Compact.

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• Introduced: 01/31/2025
• Added: 02/01/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Jay Hoffman (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 01/31/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 118)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1295 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PFAS-PRODUCT BAN

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the PFAS Reduction Act to establish comprehensive regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of fluorinated chemicals known for their persistent environmental and potential health risks. The bill requires manufacturers to submit detailed information about products containing intentionally added PFAS by January 1, 2027, including product descriptions, PFAS purpose, quantity, and manufacturer contact details. Starting January 1, 2026, the bill prohibits the sale of numerous product categories containing intentionally added PFAS, such as carpets, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products, and food packaging. The Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to waive or extend information submission requirements, coordinate enforcement with other state agencies, and establish fees for implementing these regulations. By January 1, 2033, the bill aims to broadly prohibit PFAS in products unless the Pollution Control Board determines the use is currently unavoidable, with exceptions for certain products like used items and those already governed by federal regulations. The legislation represents a significant effort to reduce PFAS exposure by requiring transparency from manufacturers and progressively eliminating PFAS from consumer products.

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Bill Summary: Amends the PFAS Reduction Act. Requires, on or before January 1, 2027, a manufacturer of a product sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the State that contains intentionally added PFAS to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency specified information. Allows the Agency to waive the submission of information required by a manufacturer or extend the amount of time a manufacturer has to submit the required information. Provides that, if the Pollution Control Board has reason to believe that a product contains intentionally added PFAS and the product is being offered for sale in the State, the Board may direct the manufacturer of the product to provide the Board with testing results that demonstrate the amount of each of the PFAS in the product. Provides that, if testing demonstrates that the product does not contain intentionally added PFAS, the manufacturer must provide the Board with a certificate attesting that the product does not contain intentionally added PFAS. Restricts the sale of specified products beginning January 1, 2026 if the product contains intentionally added PFAS. Allows the Agency to establish a fee payable by a manufacturer to the Agency upon submission of the required information to cover the Agency's reasonable costs to implement the provisions. Allows the Agency to coordinate with the Board, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Public Health to enforce the provisions. Sets forth products that are exempt from the provisions.

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• Introduced: 01/13/2025
• Added: 01/14/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Michael Kelly (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 01/13/2025
• Last Action: Energy & Environment Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 114)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2452 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR HOMESTEAD

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill modifies the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption and Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption provisions of the Property Tax Code, primarily focusing on expanding tax relief for senior homeowners. Specifically, the bill changes the maximum homestead exemption amount to $8,000 for all counties starting in the 2026 tax year (previously, some counties had a lower $5,000 exemption). Additionally, the bill increases the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for taxable years 2026 and thereafter. These changes aim to provide more consistent and expanded property tax relief for senior citizens across different counties, regardless of population size, and allow seniors with slightly higher incomes to qualify for the assessment freeze exemption. The bill is effective immediately and ensures that seniors 65 years and older who meet certain income and residency requirements can receive these property tax benefits.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum reduction under the senior citizens homestead exemption is $8,000 in all counties (currently, $8,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and counties that are contiguous to a county of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and $5,000 in all other counties). Provides that the maximum income limitation for the senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 (currently, $65,000). Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/03/2025
• Added: 02/03/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Amy Elik (R)*, Travis Weaver (R), Tony McCombie (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 15
• Last Amended: 02/03/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1827 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-INCOME PROPERTY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to establish new requirements for income-producing properties in Illinois counties, focusing on the submission of annual income and expense data to county assessment officers. Specifically, in counties with 3 million or more inhabitants (like Cook County), property owners or lessees must submit detailed income and expense data to the chief county assessment officer by July 1 each year, with the first submission due by September 1 following the bill's enactment. In counties with fewer than 3 million inhabitants, the county board may opt to require similar submissions by March 31. The bill provides comprehensive definitions for terms like "income-producing property," "expenses," and "income," and establishes specific exemptions, such as properties with a market value of $500,000 or less, residential properties with 6 or fewer units, and certain types of hospital and healthcare facilities. The legislation mandates electronic submission of data, imposes penalties for non-compliance (up to $10,000 per property), and includes strict provisions for data privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, the bill requires chief county assessment officers to compile and anonymize the submitted data for use in mass property appraisals and to produce annual reports documenting the impact of this new data collection process on property assessments.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, taxpayers of income-producing property shall submit income and expense data annually to the chief county assessment officer on or before July 1 of each year. Provides that, in counties of fewer than 3,000,000 inhabitants, the county board may provide by ordinance or resolution that taxpayers of income-producing property shall submit income and expense data annually to the chief county assessment officer on or before March 31 of each year. Contains certain exceptions. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Will Davis (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1697 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CARBON CAPTURE-COMPENSATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act and the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act to modify regulations surrounding carbon dioxide pipelines and carbon sequestration projects. The bill delays the Illinois Commerce Commission's ability to issue certificates of authority for carbon dioxide pipelines until July 1, 2026, and removes previous language about conditional approval after that date. It introduces comprehensive provisions for compensating landowners affected by pipeline construction, including detailed guidelines for calculating damages to crops, soil, drainage systems, and other property features. The bill requires pipeline applicants to provide reasonable compensation for surface damages, with specific methodologies for valuing crop losses, restoring land to its original condition, and addressing soil compaction and drainage issues. Landowners are entitled to compensation for various impacts, and the bill establishes a process for resolving disputes, including the potential for legal action and recovery of attorney's fees. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions for integrating and unitizing pore space for carbon sequestration, changing how compensation is calculated for nonconsenting pore space owners by considering the total payment package provided to similarly situated consenting owners and including operations and injection term payments in the compensation calculation.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not issue any certificate of authority under the Act before July 1, 2026. Removes language providing that if, after July 1, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has not adopted final revisions to specified pipeline safety rules, the Commission may only approve a certificate of authority if it finds that the applicant has met all of the requirements of the Act, has already acquired all of its other necessary approvals, and is compliant with any requirements or conditions adopted by the Commission. Provides that a nonconsenting pore space owner's compensation shall include just compensation and any operations term or injection term payments made upon or after the initiation of injection provided to consenting pore space owners in consideration of allowing use of their pore space for sequestration of carbon dioxide. Provides that a nonconsenting pore space owner's compensation shall be no less than the average total payment package, considered as a whole with respect to an individual owner, provided in agreements to similarly situated consenting pore space owners for use of their pore space by the same sequestration operator for the same sequestration project (instead of provided in agreements during the previous 365 days to similarly situated consenting pore space owners). Amends the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act. Provides that an affected landowner is entitled to reasonable compensation from an applicant that has been granted a certificate of authority under this Act for damages resulting from access to the landowner's property for required activities taken to construct the pipeline, including, but not limited to, compensation for specified damages. Sets forth provisions concerning payment of the compensation; attorney's fees; and an applicant entering into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture that governs the mitigation of agricultural impacts associated with the construction of the proposed pipeline. Makes other changes.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Laura Fine (D)*, Graciela Guzmán (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Energy and Public Utilities Committee Hearing (10:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1829 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-INCOME PROPERTY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Property Tax Code to establish new requirements for income-producing property owners regarding property descriptions and information disclosure. Specifically, in counties where the county board adopts an ordinance, owners of income-producing properties (defined as non-owner-occupied properties intended to generate income) will be required to file detailed physical descriptions of their properties with the chief county assessment officer when requested. The physical description must include specific details depending on the property type, such as land size, construction details, number of units, amenities, and other relevant characteristics. The bill defines income-producing properties with several exemptions, including properties valued under $500,000, residential properties with fewer than 7 units, and certain types of institutional properties. Property owners will receive a notice specifying existing information and have 90 days to respond or confirm the details. Failure to respond may result in a penalty of up to 0.025% of the property's prior year market value, not exceeding $1,000 per property. The bill also modifies the Freedom of Information Act to exempt financial records and data related to real estate income, expenses, and occupancy submitted to county assessment officers from public disclosure, except when submitted as part of an assessment appeal. The provisions will be implemented gradually, with different timelines for counties based on their population size, and the requirements are set to be adopted no later than December 31, 2029.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, in counties in which the county board so provides, by ordinance or resolution, owners of income-producing properties in the county shall file physical descriptions of their properties with the chief county assessment officer upon request of the chief county assessment officer. Sets forth the period of time during which those provisions apply. Provides that the request for information shall include an individualized statement specifying all physical description information that the assessor's office has on record or recorded against the property and shall contain a statement that the owner may confirm the information if no changes are required. Imposes certain penalties if the property owner fails to respond to a request for information. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to provide that financial records and data related to real estate income, expenses, and occupancy submitted by or on behalf of a property owner to a chief county assessment officer, except if submitted as part of an assessment appeal, are exempt from disclosure. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 14 : Justin Slaughter (D)*, Edgar González (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Abdelnasser Rashid (D), Tracy Katz Muhl (D), Yolonda Morris (D), Mary Beth Canty (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Omar Williams (D), Barbara Hernandez (D), Hoan Huynh (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Will Guzzardi (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 30
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1706 • Last Action 03/20/2025

NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill ratifies and approves the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), a multi-state agreement designed to streamline nursing licensure across participating states. The compact allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in any participating state without obtaining additional licenses, facilitating greater mobility for healthcare professionals. Key provisions include establishing requirements for obtaining a multistate nursing license, such as passing the NCLEX exam, having an unencumbered license, and undergoing a criminal background check. The bill mandates that nurses complete 20 hours of continuing education every two-year license renewal cycle, including specific mandatory courses like mandated reporter training, Alzheimer's disease education, implicit bias training, and sexual harassment training. Employers must provide opportunities for nurses to complete these continuing education requirements. The compact creates an Interstate Commission to oversee implementation, coordinate licensure information, and handle dispute resolution between states. Importantly, the bill specifies that the compact does not supersede existing state labor laws and does not apply to advanced practice registered nurses. The compact aims to protect public health by ensuring uniform licensure standards, facilitating information sharing between states, and maintaining accountability for nurses practicing across state lines.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Ratifies and approves the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows for the issuance of multistate licenses that allow nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states. Provides that the Compact does not supersede existing State labor laws. Provides that the State may not share with or disclose to the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators or any other state any of the contents of a nationwide criminal history records check conducted for the purpose of multistate licensure under the Nurse Licensure Compact. Provides that an employer who employs nurses, as defined in the Article, shall provide the nurses under its employment with the opportunity to obtain the required continuing education hours. Requires that nurses subject to the Nurse Licensure Compact complete 20 hours of approved continuing education per every 2-year license renewal cycle. Provides that the Nurse Licensure Compact does not apply to an advanced practice registered nurse. Adds provisions concerning employer attestations.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/24/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 22 : Yolonda Morris (D)*, Sharon Chung (D), Terra Costa Howard (D), Jed Davis (R), Norine Hammond (R), Laura Faver Dias (D), Will Davis (D), Suzanne Ness (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Michael Crawford (D), Camille Lilly (D), Jehan Gordon-Booth (D), Amy Elik (R), Sonya Harper (D), Rita Mayfield (D), Tony McCombie (R), Thaddeus Jones (D), La Shawn Ford (D), Bob Rita (D), Travis Weaver (R), Lisa Davis (D), Barbara Hernandez (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 36
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 118)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1193 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE-CPI

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption. Specifically, for the 2026 tax year, the maximum income limitation will be raised from $65,000 to $73,700 for all qualified properties. Starting in 2027, the bill introduces an annual adjustment mechanism where the maximum income limitation will be increased each year based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is an economic indicator that measures the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by urban consumers. This means the income threshold will be automatically updated annually to account for inflation, helping to ensure that more senior homeowners can continue to benefit from this property tax exemption as living costs rise. The exemption is available to homeowners who are 65 years or older, have a household income below the specified limit, and meet other eligibility criteria, providing financial relief for low-income seniors by freezing their property's assessed value for tax purposes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the senior freeze shall be $73,700 for all qualified property (currently, $65,000). Provides that the maximum income limitation shall be adjusted each year according to the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/09/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Steve Reick (R)*, Regan Deering (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 01/09/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2576 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-TRAFFIC CRASH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to create a specific provision for attorneys seeking unredacted traffic crash reports. Under the proposed change, when an attorney provides a written request and an affidavit confirming they are representing an individual involved in a traffic crash, the public body (such as a local government agency) must disclose the full, unredacted traffic crash report. Currently, FOIA allows public bodies to redact certain information from records, particularly those related to law enforcement, to protect personal privacy or ongoing investigations. This bill specifically carves out an exception for attorneys, ensuring they can access complete traffic crash reports for their legal representation purposes. The bill aims to facilitate legal processes by providing attorneys with comprehensive information about traffic incidents while maintaining the existing FOIA framework that protects sensitive information in other contexts.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, upon written request for a traffic crash report by an attorney who provides an affidavit confirming representation of an individual in the traffic crash, the public body from whom the traffic crash report is requested shall disclose an unredacted copy of the traffic crash report to the requesting attorney.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Jay Hoffman (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1836 • Last Action 03/20/2025

EAVESDROP-STATEWIDE GRAND JURY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill modifies several areas of Illinois law to expand investigative and prosecutorial capabilities. It amends the Criminal Code to allow methamphetamine trafficking cases to be tried in any county, and updates provisions related to eavesdropping. The bill permits the Attorney General or an authorized Assistant Attorney General to approve eavesdropping requests from law enforcement, expanding the previous authority that was limited to State's Attorneys. Additionally, the Statewide Grand Jury's jurisdiction is broadened to investigate and prosecute a wider range of offenses, including theft, retail theft, Internet offenses, continuing financial crimes enterprise, vehicular hijacking, burglary, and home invasion, provided these offenses involve acts occurring in multiple counties. The legislation also adds some specific criminal offenses that can be investigated by the Statewide Grand Jury, such as non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit digital images. These changes are designed to provide law enforcement and prosecutors with more flexibility in investigating complex, multi-county criminal activities, particularly those involving organized crime, technology-facilitated offenses, and various forms of theft and financial crimes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that the offense of methamphetamine trafficking may be tried in any county. Permits the Attorney General to authorize certain eavesdropping requests from law enforcement. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Permits the Attorney General or an Assistant Attorney General authorized by the Attorney General to authorize an application to a circuit judge or an associate judge assigned by the Chief Judge of the circuit for, and such judge may grant in conformity with the Judicial Supervision of the Use of Eavesdropping Devices Article of the Code, an order authorizing or approving the use of an eavesdropping device by a law enforcement officer or agency having the responsibility for the investigation of any felony under Illinois law where any one party to a conversation to be monitored, or previously monitored in the case of an emergency situation, has consented to such monitoring. Amends the Statewide Grand Jury Act. Provides that a Statewide Grand Jury may investigate, indict, and prosecute theft, retail theft, Internet offenses, continuing financial crimes enterprise, vehicular hijacking, aggravated vehicular hijacking, vehicular invasion, burglary, residential burglary, and home invasion if the offense involves acts occurring in more than one county of the State.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Mary Beth Canty (D)*, Justin Slaughter (D), Margaret Croke (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1851 • Last Action 03/20/2025

AFN COMMITTEE TELECONFERENCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act to modify the rules for meetings of the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Advisory Committee. Specifically, the bill allows committee members to attend meetings remotely via video or audio conference, with all attending members counting toward the meeting's quorum, while still requiring at least one member to be physically present at the publicly posted meeting location. The bill maintains the committee's existing structure and responsibilities, which include coordinating quarterly meetings, researching and recommending strategies for supporting people with disabilities during emergencies, and providing annual reports to the General Assembly, Governor's Office, and Illinois Emergency Management Agency. The committee is composed of state agency representatives and appointed members from various backgrounds, including people with different types of disabilities, local emergency management coordinators, and first responders. The bill essentially provides more flexibility for committee members to participate in meetings while maintaining the committee's core mission of improving emergency preparedness and response for individuals with access and functional needs.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. In provisions regarding the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee, provides that the Advisory Committee shall comply with all provisions of the Open Meetings Act except that the Advisory Committee is exempt from the provisions that specifically require a quorum of members of a public body to be physically present at the location of an open meeting. Allows Advisory Committee members to attend meetings of the Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee remotely by video or audio conference with all attending members counting toward a quorum, provided there is at least one member in physical attendance at the publicly posted physical location of the meeting.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Natalie Manley (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1420 • Last Action 03/20/2025

COUNTY WIND/SOLAR FACILITIES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Counties Code to establish standardized guidelines for how counties can regulate commercial wind and solar energy facilities. The bill defines key terms like "commercial wind energy facility" (wind energy systems of 500 kilowatts or more) and "commercial solar energy facility," and provides a comprehensive framework for county-level permitting and siting of these renewable energy projects. Counties are now allowed to establish standards for these facilities, but cannot create overly restrictive regulations. The bill requires counties to hold public hearings before approving such facilities, with opportunities for public comment and evidence presentation. It also sets specific requirements for setback distances from residential buildings, community structures, property lines, and roads, and provides guidelines on issues like sound limitations, vegetative screening, and environmental impact assessments. Importantly, the bill prevents counties from completely prohibiting wind or solar facilities in areas zoned for agricultural or industrial uses, ensures permit fees are reasonable, and mandates that facility owners enter into agricultural impact mitigation agreements and repair any agricultural drainage systems damaged during construction. The legislation aims to balance the development of renewable energy infrastructure with protecting local community interests and agricultural lands.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county may consider public comment concerning commercial wind energy facilities and commercial solar energy facilities.

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• Introduced: 01/16/2025
• Added: 01/17/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dave Vella (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 01/16/2025
• Last Action: Counties & Townships Committee Hearing (10:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 115)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3702 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PRISONER REVIEW BOARD-DUTIES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several significant changes to the Illinois criminal justice system, with a particular focus on enhancing victims' rights and reforming the Prisoner Review Board. The bill establishes a new Director of Victim and Witness Services position under the Prisoner Review Board, creates the Survivor Safety and Support Fund to assist victims, and mandates comprehensive training for Prisoner Review Board members. The bill expands victims' rights by requiring the Prisoner Review Board to publish information about how to submit victim impact statements and to consider statements from registered victims, including those with protective orders. Board members must now complete extensive training on topics such as domestic violence, rehabilitative corrections, and trauma, with a focus on understanding systemic biases and the impacts of gender-based violence. The bill also introduces new guidelines for parole and medical release hearings, requiring more transparent decision-making processes and comprehensive consideration of an individual's rehabilitation potential, background, and personal circumstances. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Corrections to run LEADS reports when releasing individuals and to notify them of any existing protective orders, and mandates the creation of a more detailed annual report on medical release and parole review processes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall publish on its official public website and provide to registered victims information regarding how to submit a victim impact statement. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall consider victim impact statements from any registered victims. Provides that any registered victim, including a person who has had a final, plenary, non-emergency, or emergency order of protection granted under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 or under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, may present victim statements that the Prisoner Review Board shall consider in its deliberations. Provides that all victim statements shall be redacted from any transcripts or recordings of hearings that are provided to anyone other than Board members and the petitioner or parole candidate. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that each member and commissioner of the Prisoner Review Board shall be required to complete a training course developed and administered in consultation with the Department of Corrections. Provides that the training shall be provided to new members and commissioners of the Prisoner Review Board within 30 days of the start of their service and before they take part in any hearings. Establishes the requirements of that training. Establishes a Director of Victim and Witness Services under the jurisdiction of the Prisoner Review Board. Creates the Survivor Safety and Support Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Fund shall be used to support survivors who have been found to be a party of an ongoing criminal or civil case against a petitioner or parole candidate or are registered victims through the Prisoner Review Board or Department of Corrections. Provides that before the Board makes a decision on whether to revoke an offender's parole or mandatory supervised release, the Prisoner Review Board must run a LEADS report. Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Pension Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Kelly Cassidy (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2388 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $85,000 for taxable years 2026 and thereafter. The exemption is designed to help senior citizens aged 65 and older who have low household incomes by freezing the assessed value of their primary residence for property tax purposes. Currently, the income limitation has varied over the years, with the most recent limit being $65,000. The new legislation raises this threshold to $85,000, which means more senior homeowners will be eligible for the assessment freeze, potentially providing financial relief to a broader range of low-income seniors. The bill takes effect immediately and does not require additional state reimbursement, meaning counties will implement the change using their existing administrative processes. This exemption allows qualifying seniors to have their property's assessed value remain stable at a base year level, which can help protect them from increasing property taxes as home values rise.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Increases the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption from $65,000 to $85,000. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/31/2025
• Added: 01/31/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Harry Benton (D)*, Camille Lilly (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 01/31/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3641 • Last Action 03/20/2025

POLICE-ENFORCEMENT UNIT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Police Training Act to enhance the oversight and accountability of law enforcement officers. The bill establishes a Statewide Enforcement Unit within the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board that will be responsible for investigating matters related to the automatic and discretionary decertification of full-time and part-time law enforcement officers. The bill introduces more rigorous background check requirements for law enforcement officer applicants, including reviewing criminal history, national decertification indices, disciplinary records, and social media activity. Law enforcement agencies must now conduct comprehensive background investigations that include checking for affiliations with terrorist organizations, criminal groups, or hate groups, and examining an applicant's past statements or social media posts that might indicate bias or support for unlawful activities. The bill also creates a more structured process for decertification, including formal complaint hearings, the ability to surrender certification, and provisions for appealing decertification decisions. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of public and confidential databases to track law enforcement officer conduct, investigations, and certification status, and requires an annual report to be submitted detailing the number of complaints, investigations, hearings, and decertifications. The overall aim is to improve the professionalism and integrity of law enforcement by implementing more stringent screening, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall determine whether an applicant has met the requirements of the Act and is qualified to be employed as a law enforcement officer and issue a certificate to applicants qualified to be employed as a law enforcement officer. Provides that the Board may hire investigators for the purposes of complying with the Act. Provides that the Board's investigators shall be law enforcement officers. Provides that the Board shall not waive the training requirement unless the investigator has had a minimum of 5 years experience as a sworn law enforcement officer in the State. Provides that any complaint filed against the Board's investigators shall be investigated by the Illinois State Police. Provides that the Board shall create, within the Board, a Statewide Enforcement Unit. Provides that the Statewide Enforcement Unit shall be responsible for the investigation of matters concerning automatic and discretionary decertification of full-time and part-time law enforcement officers, and the prosecution of matters under those provisions. Provides that before a law enforcement agency may appoint a law enforcement officer or a person seeking a certification as a law enforcement officer in the State, the chief executive officer, sheriff, appointing authority, or designee must: (1) perform a criminal background check including reviewing criminal history and national decertification indices, and all disciplinary records by any previous law enforcement or correctional employer, including complaints or investigations of misconduct, including the outcome of any investigation regardless of the result, and the reason for separation from employment; (2) check the Officer Professional Conduct Database; (3) verify from the local prosecuting authority in any jurisdiction in which the applicant has served as to whether the applicant is on any impeachment disclosure lists; and (4) inquire into whether the applicant has any past or present affiliations with terrorist organizations. Makes other changes.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Justin Slaughter (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB0048 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-TOURISM/CONVENTION BDS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to expand existing provisions related to meeting participation for local workforce investment areas to also include tourism boards, convention center boards, and civic center boards. Specifically, the bill allows these boards to establish a quorum through interactive video conferencing across multiple public building locations, and permits their members to attend meetings remotely under certain conditions. The bill updates terminology, replacing references to "local workforce innovation areas" with "local workforce investment areas" and provides these boards with similar flexibility in meeting attendance as other public bodies with jurisdiction over large geographic areas. Key provisions include allowing board members to participate remotely due to personal illness, employment obligations, family emergencies, or unexpected childcare needs, while requiring advance notification to the recording secretary and adherence to specific procedural rules adopted by the board. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for these types of public bodies in conducting their meetings while maintaining transparency and public access.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. In a provision permitting an interactive video conference in establishing a quorum for a local workforce investment area in an open meeting of that public body, with certain conditions, adds that a tourism board, convention center board, or civic center board also is permitted to use an interactive video conference in establishing a quorum, with the same conditions. In a provision exempting a local workforce innovation area, with certain conditions, from requirements to be physically present at the location of a closed meeting, adds the same exemption for a tourism board, convention center board, or civic center board, with the same conditions. In a provision exempting a local workforce innovation area, with certain conditions, from limitations regarding attendance by members of a public body by a means other than physical presence, adds the same exemption for a tourism board, convention center board, or civic center board, with the same conditions. Replaces references to "local workforce innovation areas" with references to "local workforce investment areas" in provisions regarding exemptions from requirements to be physically present at the location of a closed meeting and exemptions from limitations regarding attendance by other than physical presence.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : David Friess (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1856 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-JUDICIAL RECORDS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand the definition of "public body" to include judicial bodies of the State and adds a new exemption for judicial records. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing law to explicitly include judicial bodies within the definition of public bodies that are subject to FOIA regulations. The bill creates a new exemption that protects preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records expressing opinions or formulating policies specifically related to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders. Additionally, the bill exempts judicial records that are already subject to fees under the Clerks of Courts Act, ensuring that these records remain available through their existing access mechanisms. The changes aim to clarify the scope of FOIA, providing additional protection for internal judicial decision-making processes while maintaining transparency in government records. The bill preserves the fundamental principle of public access to government records, but recognizes the unique nature of judicial deliberations and the need to protect the independence of the judicial process.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "public body" includes judicial bodies of the State. Exempts preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda and other records in which opinions are expressed, or policies or actions are formulated, that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders. Exempts judicial records already subject to fees imposed under the Clerks of Courts Act.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Curtis Tarver (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2421 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-CRIM JUSTICE AGENCY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand an existing exemption for law enforcement records contained in shared electronic record management systems. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing language to allow a criminal justice agency (in addition to a law enforcement agency) to be exempt from disclosing a record that it did not create, did not participate in or have a role in the events described in the record, and only has access to the record through a shared electronic record management system. This means that if a law enforcement or criminal justice agency receives a public records request for a document that is part of a shared electronic system but was created by another agency and is unrelated to the receiving agency's own work, that agency can choose not to disclose the record. The amendment provides additional protection for agencies that might have peripheral access to records through interconnected electronic systems, preventing them from being obligated to release documents they did not originally generate or have direct involvement in creating.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from inspection and copying a law enforcement record created for law enforcement purposes and contained in a shared electronic record management system if the law enforcement agency or criminal justice agency (rather than only the law enforcement agency) that is the recipient of the request did not create the record, did not participate in or have a role in any of the events which are the subject of the record, and only has access to the record through the shared electronic record management system.

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• Introduced: 01/31/2025
• Added: 02/01/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Natalie Manley (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/31/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3713 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON MAIL

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to enhance mail and communication rights for incarcerated individuals. It requires all Department of Corrections institutions to permit committed persons to receive the original, physical copy of mail addressed to them, with specific exceptions only allowed if there is clear evidence of a genuine safety threat. To justify limiting mail, facilities must provide detailed documentation about contraband, including data on mail containing contraband, drug test results, and specific information about how and where contraband enters the facility. The bill also mandates that such evidence must be publicly available upon request. Additionally, the legislation prohibits limiting an incarcerated person's communication with outside support persons as a disciplinary action and ensures that committed persons can contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message at no charge. The bill defines "original, physical copy" as a letter, card, or document delivered by postal or delivery services, excluding scanned or photocopied documents. By providing these provisions, the bill aims to protect incarcerated individuals' communication rights while maintaining institutional safety.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall permit every committed person to receive the original, physical copy of any mail addressed to the committed person that the committed person is entitled and allowed to receive. Provides that any exceptions to the requirements of this provision must be based on evidence that complying with the requirements of this provision present a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the correctional employees or committed persons in the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must include evidence of contraband being sent through the mail, data on the number of mail items containing contraband, test results of mail tested due to suspicion of mail containing drugs, data on where inside a correctional institution or facility contraband has been found, and the method of entry of contraband into the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must be made available to the public upon request. Provides that no committed person shall be denied, or have communications limited, with an outside support person, whether by phone, mail, video, or in person visitation, as a result of a disciplinary sanction or grade level of the infraction. Provides that committed persons may contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message free of charge. Defines "original, physical copy".

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Laura Faver Dias (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2752 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PEN CD-MEETINGS-A/V CONFERENCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Pension Code to allow committees of the Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund board to conduct meetings via audio or video conference without physically gathering all members in one location. The bill permits such virtual meetings only when the board chairperson determines that an in-person meeting would pose a health or safety risk and that a remote meeting is in the best interest of the board and public. To ensure transparency and accessibility, the bill mandates several key requirements: all participating members must be able to hear each other, public members must have a way to hear discussions and votes, at least one board member or administrative officer must be physically present at the meeting location, all votes must be conducted by roll call, and 48 hours' notice must be given with specific details about how to access the virtual meeting. For emergency meetings, slightly different notice requirements apply, and the presiding officer must state the nature of the emergency. The bill aims to provide flexibility for board meetings while maintaining public access and accountability, particularly in situations where physical gathering might be challenging or unsafe.

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

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Bob Rita (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2465 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-SERVICE MEMBER ATTENDANCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to allow a member of a public body to attend meetings remotely if they are prevented from physically attending due to active military duty as a service member. Specifically, the bill defines "active military duty" by referencing the Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and defines a "service member" as a resident of Illinois who is a member of any component of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard. If a quorum of the public body is physically present, a majority of the body can permit a member to attend via video or audio conference when serving on active military duty. The member must notify the recording secretary or clerk before the meeting unless advance notice is impractical. The public body must adopt rules governing such remote attendance, which can further limit or specify conditions for remote participation. This provision aims to accommodate public officials who are actively serving in the military, ensuring they can continue to participate in government meetings despite their military commitments.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that, if a quorum of the members of the public body is physically present, a majority of the public body may allow a member of that body to attend the meeting by other means if the member is prevented from physically attending because of performance of active military duty as a service member. Defines "active military duty" and "service member".

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• Introduced: 02/03/2025
• Added: 02/04/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Stephanie Kifowit (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/03/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1099 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TAX-HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption by clarifying definitions related to household and household income. Specifically, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the bill defines an "exempt family member" as the applicant's son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter and their respective spouses. The bill stipulates that if an exempt family member uses the residence as their principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the taxable year, they will not be considered part of the household. Similarly, the income of an exempt family member who resided in the property for less than 12 months in the preceding calendar year will not be included in the calculation of household income. This change allows senior citizens who may have adult children temporarily living with them to potentially qualify for the property tax exemption without being penalized by the additional household income or occupancy requirements. The bill is effective immediately, providing flexibility for senior homeowners in managing their household composition while maintaining eligibility for the tax exemption.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, provides that the term "household" does not include an exempt family member who uses the residence as his or her principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the taxable year and that the term "household income" does not include the income of an exempt family member if the exempt family member used the residence as his or her principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the calendar year preceding the taxable year. Provides that the term "exempt family member" means the applicant's son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter and the spouse of the applicant's son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Jed Davis (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 18
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2518 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-CONSUMER FRAUD EXEMPTION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to provide additional protections for investigative materials gathered by the Attorney General or State's Attorneys during consumer fraud investigations. Specifically, the bill creates a new exemption that prevents information and documentary materials obtained during these investigations from being disclosed under FOIA, except to authorized law enforcement personnel. The bill expands the Attorney General's investigative powers by allowing them to require written answers under oath to interrogatories and grants the Attorney General discretion to use investigation materials for various law enforcement purposes, such as interviewing potential witnesses, including the information in legal complaints, and presenting it in court proceedings. The new provisions aim to protect the confidentiality of investigative materials and provide more flexibility for consumer protection investigations, ensuring that sensitive information collected during these inquiries cannot be easily accessed by the public without consent from the individuals who originally produced the documents.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Exempts from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act information and documentary materials obtained by the Office of the Attorney General or a State's Attorney under certain provisions of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Adds a power of the Attorney General with respect to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to require written answers under oath to written interrogatories. Provides that certain materials are not available for examination, except by authorized employees of the Attorney General and authorized law enforcement, without the consent of the persons who produced the materials. Provides that the Attorney General may, in the Attorney General's discretion, use information and documentary materials obtained in the course of an investigation under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act for law enforcement purposes, including, but not limited to, interviewing or questioning potential witnesses and consultants, in a complaint or other pleading, and in court proceedings.

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• Introduced: 02/03/2025
• Added: 02/04/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Tracy Katz Muhl (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/03/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1877 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. Specifically, for the 2026 tax year, the maximum income limitation will rise from $65,000 to $75,000, providing additional financial relief for senior homeowners. Beginning in 2027, the bill introduces an annual adjustment mechanism where the maximum income limitation will be increased each year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index-U, which is a measure of the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by urban consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means the income threshold will automatically adjust for inflation, helping seniors maintain their property tax exemption eligibility as living costs rise. The exemption is designed to help low-income seniors aged 65 and older by freezing the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes, thereby protecting them from rising property tax burdens as property values increase.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 (currently, $65,000). Provides that, beginning in taxable year 2027, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption shall be increased each year by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 01/29/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2520 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify the definition of "household" for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. Currently, "household" includes the applicant, the applicant's spouse, and all persons using the applicant's residence as their principal place of residence. Starting in taxable year 2026, the bill restricts the definition of "household" to only the applicant and the applicant's spouse, effectively removing other residents from the household calculation. This change could impact how household income is determined for seniors seeking this property tax exemption, potentially making it easier or harder for some seniors to qualify depending on their living situation. The exemption is designed to help low-income seniors aged 65 and older by freezing the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes, which can help prevent property tax increases that might otherwise make homeownership challenging for seniors on fixed incomes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the purpose of the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, the term "household" includes only the applicant and the applicant's spouse (currently, the applicant, the spouse of the applicant, and all persons using the residence of the applicant as their principal place of residence). Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/03/2025
• Added: 02/04/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 9 : Maura Hirschauer (D)*, Lilian Jiménez (D), Lisa Davis (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Joyce Mason (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Michael Crawford (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 21
• Last Amended: 02/03/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1897 • Last Action 03/20/2025

EPA-RENEWABLE FUELS PROGRAM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFI Program) to provide grants for improving fuel infrastructure, specifically focusing on equipment for storing and dispensing higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program, creating a special Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Fund in the state treasury that will receive $3,000,000 quarterly from the Underground Storage Tank Fund (from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027), but only if the Underground Storage Tank Fund maintains a balance above $75,000,000. Eligible grant recipients are limited to private sector entities like petroleum marketers and terminal operators, with strict funding restrictions: no single company can receive more than $1,000,000 in total grants, no more than $100,000 per site, and recipients must cover at least 50% of equipment installation costs. Public bodies are explicitly excluded from receiving funding. The bill also creates a Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Task Force composed of 10 members representing petroleum industry and agricultural groups, which will annually review the program's effectiveness and provide non-binding recommendations. Eligible expenditures include tank modifications, tanks, piping, fuel dispensers, and other equipment deemed necessary by the Department of Agriculture. The program aims to support infrastructure for renewable fuel alternatives.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Creates the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure program. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall provide grants to petroleum marketers, petroleum terminal operators, and any other companies that the Department of Agriculture determines are eligible for grant funding. Provides that eligible expenditures include tank modifications, tanks, piping, and fuel dispensers. Provides that an eligible grant recipient shall not receive more than $1,000,000 in grant funding. Provides that no funding under the program shall be made available to a public body. Creates the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that, from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026, the Comptroller shall order transferred, and the Treasurer shall transfer, $3,000,000 each calendar quarter from the Underground Storage Tank Fund to the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Fund, unless the Underground Storage Tank Fund has a balance at or below $75,000,000. Creates the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Task Force. Sets forth membership and duties of the Task Force. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Gregg Johnson (D)*, Kevin Olickal (D), Amy Briel (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 15
• Last Amended: 01/29/2025
• Last Action: Energy & Environment Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 114)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2530 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption by allowing seniors to deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses from their household income when determining eligibility for the property tax exemption, starting in taxable year 2026. The exemption is designed to help low-income seniors aged 65 and older who own or have a legal interest in a residential property by freezing their property's assessed value for tax purposes. Currently, the maximum income limitation for qualifying is $65,000, and the exemption reduces the property's taxable assessed value based on a base year value. The bill specifically adds a provision that allows seniors to subtract medical and dental expenses from their income calculation, potentially helping more seniors qualify for the tax relief by effectively lowering their reported household income. This change aims to provide additional financial assistance to seniors by acknowledging the potentially significant healthcare expenses they may incur.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the amount of unreimbursed medical and dental expenses incurred by members of the applicant's household during the taxable year may be deducted from the applicant's income for the purpose of determining eligibility for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/04/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2334 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-CYBERSECURITY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to address cybersecurity concerns related to electronic records requests. Specifically, it requires that electronic requests for public records must be submitted entirely within the body of the electronic submission, preventing requesters from using attachments or hyperlinks to provide request details. As a cybersecurity measure, the bill stipulates that public bodies are not obligated to open or access files or links attached to electronic requests. This change aims to reduce potential security risks associated with electronic document submissions by ensuring that all request information is directly visible in the main text of the submission. The bill maintains the existing provisions of FOIA regarding public records access, including the requirement for public bodies to respond to requests within 5 business days and the ability to extend response times under certain circumstances. The modification is intended to provide public bodies with additional protection against potential cybersecurity threats while preserving the fundamental transparency goals of the Freedom of Information Act.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that electronic requests for public records must appear in their entirety within the body of the electronic submission and that no public body shall be required to open electronically attached files or hyperlinks to view or access the details of such a request. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/30/2025
• Added: 01/30/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D)*, Dan Didech (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 01/30/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2536 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, primarily focusing on counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants. The bill allows the Chief County Assessment Officer to request full social security numbers or individual taxpayer identification numbers for all household members applying for the exemption. Additionally, the bill permits the Chief County Assessment Officer to renew the exemption without requiring a new application each year, provided they can confirm that the applicant still owns and resides in the property and that the household income continues to qualify. If the exemption is renewed without a new application, the Chief County Assessment Officer must notify the applicant of the renewal and remind them of their ongoing duty to report any changes that might affect their eligibility. The bill aims to simplify the renewal process for senior citizens receiving this property tax exemption while maintaining appropriate verification mechanisms to ensure only eligible homeowners receive the benefit.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption, provides that the Chief County Assessment Officer in a county with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants may request full social security numbers or individual taxpayer identification numbers for all members of the applicant's household. Provides that the Chief County Assessment Officer may renew the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption without a new application if the Chief County Assessment Officer is able to confirm both that the applicant still owns and resides in the property and that applicant's household income qualifies for the exemption. Provides that a Chief County Assessment Officer who renews a low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption without an annual application shall notify the applicant of both the decision to renew the exemption and the applicant's ongoing duty to report changes in the eligibility of the property to receive the exemption.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/04/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 14 : Fred Crespo (D)*, Anna Moeller (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Yolonda Morris (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Omar Williams (D), Tracy Katz Muhl (D), Rick Ryan (D), Ann Williams (D), Harry Benton (D), Will Guzzardi (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Michael Crawford (D), Dee Avelar (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 26
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB0023 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPN MTG-EMERGENCY DEFINED

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to clarify and expand provisions related to meeting attendance and emergency situations. It introduces two new definitions: "bona fide emergency," which means a disaster, act of terror, or any occurrence that threatens governmental operations or public safety, and "exigent circumstances," which refers to situations requiring immediate attention such as injury, sickness, loss of life, or property damage. The bill modifies the existing language to allow a member of a public body to attend a meeting by alternative means (like video or audio conference) if they are prevented from physically attending due to exigent circumstances concerning a family member, replacing the previous broader language of "a family or other emergency." The legislation provides more specific guidelines for when and how public bodies can conduct meetings remotely, particularly during emergency situations, including requirements for public notice, ensuring public access, conducting roll call votes, and maintaining verbatim records. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for public bodies while maintaining transparency and accessibility during challenging circumstances.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Defines the terms "bona fide emergency" and "exigent circumstances". Provides that, if a quorum of the members of a public body is physically present at a meeting, a majority of the public body may allow a member of that body to attend the meeting by other means if the member is prevented from physically attending because of, among other things, exigent circumstances concerning a family member (rather than because of, among other things, a family or other emergency). Makes technical changes.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2568 • Last Action 03/20/2025

TRUST CODE-UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Trust Code and Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to introduce several key changes. For trustees, the bill now requires maintaining a copy of the governing trust instrument for at least 7 years after the trust's termination. In the realm of unclaimed property, the bill reduces the period after which certain tax-deferred accounts (like health savings accounts) are presumed abandoned from 30 to 20 years. The bill introduces new requirements for state agencies to report final compensation of deceased state employees to the Treasurer's Office as unclaimed property. It establishes that property presumed abandoned must be held in trust by the holder for the State Treasurer's benefit and creates a new licensing process for "finders" who help locate unclaimed property. The bill also grants the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation additional authority to order regulated persons to report and remit unclaimed property if necessary to protect owners' interests. Furthermore, it sets limits on fees that finders can charge (no more than 10% of the amount collected) and establishes detailed qualifications and regulations for obtaining a finder's license. The bill aims to improve transparency, protect property owners' interests, and streamline the process of managing unclaimed property in Illinois.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Trust Code. Requires a trustee to maintain, for a minimum of 7 years after the termination of the trust, a copy of the governing trust instrument under which the trustee was authorized to act at the time the trust terminated. Amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Provides that property held in an account or plan, including a health savings account, that qualifies for tax deferral under the United States income tax law, is presumed abandoned 20 years after the account was opened. Requires State agencies to report final compensation due a State employee to the Treasurer's Office as unclaimed property if the employee dies while employed. Requires a holder who holds property presumed abandoned to hold the property in trust for the benefit of the State Treasurer on behalf of the owner from and after the date the property is presumed abandoned. Requires that the State Treasurer provide written notice to a State agency and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget of property presumed to be abandoned and allegedly owned by the State agency before it can be escheated to the State's General Revenue Fund if the property remains unclaimed after one year. Creates authority for the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to order a regulated person under the Act to immediately report and remit property subject to the Act if the Secretary determines that the action is necessary to protect the interest of an owner. Establishes a procedure regulating agreements between an owner or apparent owner and a finder to locate or recover property held by the State Treasurer. Requires a finder to be licensed by the State Treasurer and creates qualifications to be so licensed. Makes definitions. Makes other changes. The Treasurer is authorized to adopt rules as necessary to implement the Act. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/04/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Diane Blair-Sherlock (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Civil Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 114 and Virtual Room 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3779 • Last Action 03/20/2025

UTIL-TIME-OF-USE PRICING

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: Here is a summary of the bill: This bill creates the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act, which requires electric cooperatives, municipal power agencies, and municipalities to file integrated resource plans with the Illinois Power Agency every three years beginning in 2025. The plans must provide a comprehensive description of the utility's current electricity generation portfolio, forecast future load changes, and outline steps to reduce customer costs and environmental impacts. Key provisions include: 1. Utilities must conduct stakeholder meetings and provide public notice before submitting their plans. 2. The plans must include detailed information about existing generation facilities, power purchase agreements, demand-side programs, transmission facilities, and capital expenditures. 3. Utilities must develop a 5-year action plan for meeting forecasted load while minimizing costs and environmental impacts. 4. Utilities must develop plans to increase renewable energy resources, with goals of 25% renewable energy by 2026, increasing to 40% by 2030, and 100% renewable energy by 2045. 5. The plans must include strategies for worker transition and minimizing economic impacts when retiring generation resources. 6. Utilities must identify available federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act and describe plans to utilize them. 7. The bill also includes provisions for stakeholder engagement, public comment periods, and independent evaluation of the plans. The goal is to increase transparency, promote long-term planning, and support the transition to clean energy while considering economic and workforce impacts.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act. Provides that, by November 1, 2025, and by November 1 every 3 years thereafter, all electric cooperatives with members in the State, municipal power agencies, and municipalities shall file with the Illinois Power Agency an integrated resource plan. Sets forth provisions concerning the plan. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Authorizes the Illinois Power Agency to develop capacity procurement plans and conduct competitive procurement processes for the procurement of capacity needed to ensure environmentally sustainable long-term resource adequacy across the State at the lowest cost over time. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Changes the cumulative persisting annual savings goals for electric utilities that serve less than 3,000,000 retail customers but more than 500,000 retail customers for the years of 2025 through 2030. Provides that the cumulative persisting annual savings goals beyond the year 2030 shall increase by 0.9 (rather than 0.6) percentage points per year. Changes the requirements for submitting proposed plans and funding levels to meet savings goals for an electric utility serving more than 500,000 retail customers (rather than serving less than 3,000,000 retail customers but more than 500,000 retail customers). Provides that an electric utility that has a tariff approved within one year of the amendatory Act shall also offer at least one market-based, time-of-use rate for eligible retail customers that choose to take power and energy supply service from the utility. Sets forth provisions regarding the Illinois Commerce Commission's powers and duties related to residential time-of-use pricing. Provides that each capacity procurement event may include the procurement of capacity through a mix of contracts with different terms and different initial delivery dates. Sets forth the requirements of prepared capacity procurement plans. Requires each alternative electric supplier to make payment to an applicable electric utility for capacity, receive transfers of capacity credits, report capacity credits procured on its behalf to the applicable regional transmission organization, and submit the capacity credits to the applicable regional transmission organization under that regional transmission organization's rules and procedures. Makes other changes.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 5 : Ann Williams (D)*, Lisa Davis (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Joyce Mason (D), Margaret Croke (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Energy & Environment Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 114)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1595 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-IMRF BENEFITS POSTING

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to increase transparency around employee compensation for employers participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Currently, employers must post on their website the total compensation package for employees whose compensation exceeds certain thresholds. The bill raises these thresholds from $75,000 to $125,000 for annual budget postings, and from $150,000 to $200,000 for individual employee compensation packages. Employers must post this information within 6 business days of approving a budget or at least 6 days before approving an individual employee's compensation package. If an employer doesn't have a website, they must post a physical copy of the compensation information at their principal office. The bill defines "total compensation package" comprehensively, including salary, health insurance, housing and vehicle allowances, clothing allowances, bonuses, loans, and granted vacation and sick days. This increased transparency aims to provide the public with more detailed information about government employee compensation. The bill will become effective on January 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that, within 6 business days after an employer participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund approves a budget, that employer must post on its website the total compensation package for each employee having a total compensation package that exceeds $125,000 (rather than $75,000) per year. Provides that, at least 6 days before an employer participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund approves an employee's total compensation package that is equal to or in excess of $200,000 (rather than $150,000) per year, the employer must post on its website the total compensation package for that employee. Effective January 1, 2026.

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• Introduced: 01/22/2025
• Added: 01/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Laura Faver Dias (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/22/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2690 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill proposes several significant changes to how Illinois law addresses child sexual abuse material and related offenses. Here is a comprehensive summary: This bill updates multiple sections of Illinois law to replace the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material", reflecting a more accurate description of the nature of these criminal acts. The bill makes several key changes across various legal domains: 1. Definitional Changes: - Introduces a new definition for "unable to give knowing consent" in sexual offense contexts, which includes situations where a victim is asleep, unconscious, or surprised. - Expands the definition of "family member" to include siblings and individuals who have resided in a household for at least 3 months. 2. Sexual Exploitation and Grooming: - Modifies the sexual exploitation of a child statute to include enticing a child to participate in recording sexual acts. - Changes grooming provisions to require the offender to be either 5 years or more older than the child or in a position of trust, authority, or supervision. 3. Statute of Limitations: - Extends the statute of limitations for grooming offenses, allowing prosecution within 10 years after the victim turns 17. 4. Sentencing and Penalties: - Establishes specific sentencing guidelines for various child sexual abuse material offenses. - Introduces enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and cases involving victims under 13 years old. 5. Registration and Reporting: - Updates sex offender registration requirements to reflect the new terminology and offense definitions. - Modifies reporting requirements for professionals who encounter potential child sexual abuse material. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive protection for children, clearer legal definitions, and more robust prosecution of sexual offenses against minors. By replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material", the legislation emphasizes the traumatic nature of these crimes and signals a more victim-centered approach to legal language and prosecution.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the statute of limitations for grooming to provide that when the victim is under 17 years of age at the time of the offense, a prosecution for grooming may be commenced within 10 years after the victim or the person with a disability attains 17 years of age. Changes the name of the offense of child pornography to child sexual abuse material. Deletes references to criminal transmission of HIV in various statutes. In the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012, provides a definition for "unable to give knowing consent" and changes the definition of "family member" to include a sibling and an accused who has resided in the household for at least 3 (rather than 6) months. Provides that a person commits sexual exploitation of a child if in the presence or virtual presence, or both, of a child and with knowledge that a child or one whom he or she believes to be a child would view his or her acts, that person knowingly entices, coerces, or persuades a child to participate in the production of the recording or memorializing a sexual act of persons ages 18 or older. Provides that a violation of this provision of sexual exploitation of a child is a Class 4 felony. Provides that a defendant, in order to commit grooming, must be 5 years or more older than the groomed child, or hold a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the child at the time of the offense. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the court may set any conditions it finds just and appropriate on the taking of testimony of a victim or witness who is under 18 years of age or an intellectually disabled person or a person affected by a developmental disability (rather than a victim who is a child under the age of 18 years or a moderately, severely, or profoundly intellectually disabled person or a person affected by a developmental disability) involving the use of a facility dog in any criminal proceeding. Makes other changes concerning the admissibility of evidence in cases involving involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, and trafficking in persons. Amends various Acts to change references from "child pornography" to "child sexual abuse material".

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Mary Beth Canty (D)*, Justin Slaughter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB0026 • Last Action 03/20/2025

REMOTE MEETINGS-SEVERE WEATHER

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to conduct meetings via audio or video conference without a physical quorum present specifically during severe weather events. Under the new provisions, if the National Weather Service has issued a severe weather alert covering all or part of the public body's jurisdiction on the day of the meeting, the body can convene remotely. To ensure transparency, the bill requires that all participating members can hear each other, the public can access the meeting (either in person or through alternative means like a phone number or web link), and all votes must be conducted by roll call. The bill also mandates that at least one member, legal counsel, or administrative officer be physically present at the regular meeting location when feasible, and requires 48 hours' notice before such a meeting, with some exceptions for emergencies. Additionally, the meeting must be verbatim recorded and made available to the public. This change provides flexibility for public bodies to continue conducting essential business during severe weather conditions while maintaining open government principles.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that an open or closed meeting subject to the Act may be conducted by audio or video conference, without the physical presence of a quorum of the members, if the National Weather Service has determined that all or part of the jurisdiction of the public body is located within an area that is subject to a severe weather alert on the day of the meeting. Makes conforming changes. Makes other technical changes.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1572 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-DEFAULT RULES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to modify rules about public meeting attendance, expanding flexibility for government bodies. Specifically, the bill allows members of a public body to participate in open meetings either by being physically present at the meeting location or by video or audio conference. For a member to be considered "present" via video or audio conference, they must be able to both hear and be heard by all other members participating in the meeting. The bill requires that if a member wants to attend a meeting remotely, they should notify the recording secretary or clerk before the meeting, unless providing advance notice is impractical. The bill removes previous provisions that had limited remote participation for certain types of public bodies with specific geographic jurisdictions, effectively creating a more uniform standard for meeting attendance across different government entities. This change provides greater accessibility for public officials who may have difficulty physically attending meetings while maintaining the principle of transparency in government proceedings.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Act or any other Illinois statute (rather than except as otherwise provided in the Act), a quorum of members of a public body must be physically present at the location of an open meeting or present by video or audio conference at the open meeting (now, members must be physically present at the meeting). Provides that a member is present by video or audio conference at an open meeting if the member can hear and be heard by all other members of the body who are participating in the meeting. Specifies that, if a member wishes to attend a meeting by video or audio conference, the member must notify the recording secretary or clerk of the public body before the meeting, unless providing that advance notice is impractical for the member. Repeals existing provisions concerning the participation of public body members in open meetings by video conference or other means.

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• Introduced: 01/22/2025
• Added: 01/22/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Maurice West (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/22/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2343 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CANNABIS SOCIAL EQUITY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends existing cannabis-related laws to enhance social equity provisions in Illinois' cannabis industry. It allows the Departments of Financial and Professional Regulation and Agriculture to share licensee information with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support social equity programming. The bill expands the Cannabis Business Development Fund's purposes to include providing financial assistance and facilitating access to facilities for Qualified Social Equity Applicants and Social Equity Lottery Licensees. It introduces a new definition for "Social Equity Lottery Licensee" and provides the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with expanded powers to offer financial support, including the ability to enter into financial intermediary agreements. The bill also allows for loan distribution by lottery if funding is insufficient and removes certain federal registration requirements for grant applicants. Additionally, the bill provides more flexibility in loan and grant programs, with provisions for loan forgiveness and competitive criteria for assistance. The legislation aims to support individuals and businesses from communities disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis-related laws by creating more pathways to enter and succeed in the legal cannabis industry.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Department of Agriculture may share with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity any licensee information necessary to support the administration of social equity programming. Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Adds a definition. In various provisions, adds Social Equity Lottery Licensees to provisions that include Social Equity Applicants. Provides that the Cannabis Business Development Fund shall be exclusively used for certain purposes, to include providing financial assistance to support lending to, or private investment in, Qualified Social Equity Applicants and Social Equity Lottery Licensees, or to facilitate access to the facilities needed to commence operations as a cannabis business establishment. In provisions regarding loans and grants to Social Equity Applicants, adds financial assistance to provisions that include loans and grants. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has the power to enter into financial intermediary agreements to facilitate lending to or investment in Qualified Social Equity Applicants, Social Equity Lottery Licensees, or their subsidiaries or affiliates, to ensure the availability of facilities necessary to operate a cannabis business establishment. Provides that certain loans made shall contain terms and provisions with respect to forgiveness. Provides that those loans also may be distributed by lot if the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity determines that the amount of funding available is insufficient. Provides that, to the extent registration with the federal System for Award Management requires a grant applicant to certify compliance with all federal laws, the grant applicants shall not be required to register for a unique entity identifier through the federal System for Award Management. Makes other and conforming changes.

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• Introduced: 01/30/2025
• Added: 01/31/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Marcus Evans (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/30/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2370 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-FAIR TRIAL EXEMPTION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify the exemptions for records created during administrative enforcement proceedings or by law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the bill changes the standard for withholding records that might impact a fair trial from "substantial likelihood" to "reasonable inference" that a person would be deprived of a fair trial or impartial hearing. This means that public bodies can more easily protect records that could potentially prejudice legal proceedings. The amendment applies to various types of records, including those from administrative, law enforcement, and correctional agencies. By lowering the threshold from "substantial likelihood" to "reasonable inference," the bill makes it easier for agencies to prevent the disclosure of sensitive documents that could potentially compromise ongoing investigations or judicial processes. This change aims to provide greater protection for the integrity of legal proceedings while maintaining the general principles of transparency in public records.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure records in the possession of any public body created in the course of administrative enforcement proceedings, and any law enforcement or correctional agency for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that disclosure would do one of a number of things, including create a reasonable inference (rather than substantial likelihood) that a person will be deprived of a fair trial or an impartial hearing.

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• Introduced: 01/31/2025
• Added: 01/31/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/31/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1092 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $85,000 for taxable years 2026 and thereafter. The exemption is designed to help senior citizens (aged 65 and older) with lower incomes by freezing the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes. Specifically, the bill raises the income threshold that determines eligibility for the exemption, which means more senior homeowners will potentially qualify for this tax relief. The exemption applies to a senior's primary residence and helps protect them from increasing property assessments that could lead to higher property taxes. The change aims to provide additional financial support to senior homeowners by making the income limit more generous, potentially helping seniors on fixed incomes to better manage their property tax burden. The bill takes effect immediately and will impact property tax assessments starting in the 2026 tax year.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $85,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Jed Davis (R)*, Regan Deering (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1746 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-HOMESTEAD EXEMPT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to modify homestead exemptions for low-income senior citizens and general homestead properties. For taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption will be the greater of either $80,000 or $80,000 adjusted by the consumer price index-u (a measure of average price changes for urban consumer goods and services). The Department of Revenue is required to calculate and publish this indexed maximum income limitation by January 31st of each year and transmit it to county clerks and treasurers. Additionally, for taxable years 2026 and beyond, the general homestead exemption's maximum reduction will be $10,000 in all counties, regardless of the county's population. The bill also introduces a definition for "consumer price index-u" and establishes a mechanism for annually adjusting the maximum income limitation to account for inflation, ensuring that the exemption's value keeps pace with rising living costs.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the term "maximum income limitation" for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption means the greater of (i) $80,000 or (ii) $80,000 adjusted by certain increases in the consumer price index-u. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall, not later than January 31 of each calendar year, calculate, publish, and transmit to all county clerks and county treasurers the indexed maximum income limitation number. In provisions concerning the general homestead exemption, provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum reduction is $10,000 in all counties.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Joe Sosnowski (R)*, Charlie Meier (R), Kevin Schmidt (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2640 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for taxable years 2026 and thereafter. The exemption is a property tax relief program designed to help low-income seniors (aged 65 and older) by freezing the assessed value of their home at a base year value, which helps prevent property tax increases as home values rise. The bill specifically modifies the existing law by adding a new provision that sets the maximum income limitation at $75,000 for all qualified properties starting in 2026. To qualify for the exemption, seniors must meet several criteria, including having a household income below the specified threshold, being liable for property taxes, and either owning the property or having a legal interest in it. This change will allow more senior homeowners to benefit from the assessment freeze, potentially providing financial relief to an expanded group of low-income seniors.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 (currently, $65,000). Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Marty McLaughlin (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1078 • Last Action 03/20/2025

LIQUOR-DIRECT SHIPPING

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill, known as the Uniform Alcohol Direct-Shipping Compliance Act, introduces comprehensive regulations for shipping wine directly to consumers in Illinois, with a particular focus on third-party providers. The bill establishes a registration system for third-party providers that ship wine, requiring them to register with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, pay a $50 fee, and provide detailed information about their business operations. Registered third-party providers must maintain accurate records, submit monthly reports detailing wine shipments, and consent to state commission inspections and jurisdiction. Carriers are prohibited from delivering wine packages unless the shipper is a licensed winery or registered third-party provider. The bill also empowers the state commission to suspend or revoke licenses of businesses that ship alcohol illegally into other states and mandates that winery shippers and third-party providers file monthly reports with specific shipment details. Additionally, the bill adds provisions to the Freedom of Information Act to protect the confidentiality of these reports while allowing limited disclosure for enforcement purposes. The legislation aims to maintain control over alcohol distribution, prevent youth access to alcohol, and ensure compliance with interstate shipping regulations.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Uniform Alcohol Direct-Shipping Compliance Act. Provides for the registration of third-party providers that ship wine to residents of this State on behalf of winery shippers. With regard to third-party providers, sets forth provisions concerning registration applications; recordkeeping; reporting; and suspending, revoking, or refusing to issue or renew a registration. Provides that a carrier may not deliver to a consumer a package known by the carrier to contain wine unless the consignor is a licensed winery shipper or registered third-party provider and the carrier has verified that license or registration for the current license period. Requires winery shippers, third-party providers, and carriers to file with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission a monthly report containing specified information concerning wine shipments. Provides that the State Commission may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a license to manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic liquor issued by the State Commission if the State Commission finds, after notice and an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, that the person holding the license has shipped alcoholic liquor into another state in violation of that state's law. Makes other changes. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2027.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB0069 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for all qualified property, starting in taxable year 2025. The exemption is designed to help seniors aged 65 and older who meet certain income requirements by freezing the assessed value of their home for property tax purposes. Specifically, the bill modifies an existing program that provides property tax relief to low-income seniors by raising the income threshold, which means more seniors may be eligible for the exemption. The exemption applies to a senior's primary residence and is intended to help older homeowners on fixed incomes manage their property tax burden by preventing increases in the assessed value of their home for tax calculation purposes. This change will allow seniors with household incomes up to $75,000 to qualify for the tax assessment freeze, potentially providing financial relief to a broader group of senior homeowners.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $75,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 20 : Diane Blair-Sherlock (D)*, Jaime Andrade (D), Maura Hirschauer (D), Suzanne Ness (D), Dee Avelar (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Katie Stuart (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Joyce Mason (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Lisa Davis (D), Amy Briel (D), Anna Moeller (D), Lindsey LaPointe (D), Harry Benton (D), Michael Crawford (D), Lilian Jiménez (D), Larry Walsh (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 37
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2722 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-PRELIMINARY DRAFT-STUDY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify exemptions related to draft documents and studies. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision that allows certain draft records to remain exempt from public disclosure, with an important caveat: if a draft record has been in draft form for more than 12 months and was funded by public money from a local government unit, it can no longer be considered exempt from disclosure. The exemption applies to a wide range of draft materials, including studies, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records in which opinions are expressed or policies are formulated. This change aims to balance the need for confidentiality during the development of official documents with the public's right to access information, particularly when substantial public resources have been invested in creating the document. By setting a 12-month time limit on draft document exemptions for locally funded studies, the bill seeks to increase transparency and accountability in local government decision-making processes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure any studies, drafts, notes, recommendations, memoranda, and other records in which opinions are expressed, or policies or actions are formulated, except that a specific record or relevant portion of a record is not exempt if the record has remained in draft form for more than a 12-month period and public dollars were spent by a unit of local government to conduct such a study.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Harry Benton (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1563 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE-CPI

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for taxable year 2026. Starting in taxable year 2027, the bill introduces an annual adjustment mechanism where the maximum income limitation will be increased each year based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a measure of the average change in prices of goods and services purchased by urban consumers. The CPI adjustment will be calculated by multiplying the previous year's limitation by the percentage increase in the CPI during the 12-month period ending in September of the preceding year, with the result rounded to the nearest $100. This exemption is designed to help low-income senior citizens (aged 65 and older) by freezing the assessed value of their homes for property tax purposes, which can help prevent property taxes from increasing as home values rise. The bill aims to provide continued financial relief for senior homeowners by updating the income threshold and creating a mechanism for future adjustments that keep pace with inflation.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the senior freeze shall be $75,000 for all qualified property (currently, $65,000). Provides that the maximum income limitation shall be adjusted each year according to the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/21/2025
• Added: 01/22/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Charlie Meier (R)*, Tony McCombie (R), Regan Deering (R), Kevin Schmidt (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 20
• Last Amended: 01/21/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3711 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes comprehensive reporting requirements for professional misconduct across various healthcare professions in Illinois. It defines "reportable misconduct" as a broad range of inappropriate behaviors by health professionals, including sexual misconduct, physical abuse, and other serious ethical violations. The bill requires health professionals and health institutions to report such misconduct to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation within 24 hours of becoming aware of it. Reporting is mandatory for witnessing misconduct, receiving direct reports of misconduct, or learning about investigations related to potential misconduct. The reports must include detailed information about the incident, the individuals involved, and any relevant context. Law enforcement agencies and state's attorneys are also required to report criminal investigations and convictions involving licensed professionals. The bill adds failure to report misconduct as a grounds for disciplinary action across multiple professional licensing acts, with potential consequences including fines up to $10,000, license suspension, or revocation. Additionally, the bill creates confidentiality protections for these reports, ensuring they can only be used for professional regulation purposes. The legislation aims to enhance patient safety by creating a more comprehensive and prompt reporting system for serious professional misconduct in healthcare settings.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Defines "reportable misconduct" as specified sexual and violent misconduct. Requires health professionals and health institutions to report reportable misconduct to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sets forth provisions concerning time lines for reporting, contents of the report, and confidentiality. Permits the Department to adopt rules to implement, administer, and enforce the reporting requirements, including, but not limited to, rules that define terms and are necessary and appropriate to interpret and implement provisions concerning health professionals and health institutions. Provides that a law enforcement agency shall make a report to the Department within 30 days after opening an investigation into, making an arrest of, or bringing charges of a felony or Class A misdemeanor violation against a person who is licensed or registered by the Department. Provides that the State's Attorney shall report to the Department within 5 days after the conviction for a felony or Class A misdemeanor of a person who is licensed or registered by the Department. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Adds reporting requirements for specified serious incidents or events. Creates the Sexual Assault Survivors Fund. Makes changes in provisions concerning the posting of information; reports to the Department; penalties for failure to comply with the Act; and patient protection from abuse. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Illinois Adverse Health Care Events Reporting Law of 2005. Makes changes in provisions concerning the establishment of a reporting system. Amends various Acts pertaining to health professionals and health institutions. Adds the failure to report reportable misconduct to the causes that allow the Department to take disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Department with regard to a license. Makes conforming and other changes.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 27 : Kelly Cassidy (D)*, Theresa Mah (D), Curtis Tarver (D), Kam Buckner (D), Marcus Evans (D), Jehan Gordon-Booth (D), Abdelnasser Rashid (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Mary Beth Canty (D), Justin Slaughter (D), Kevin Olickal (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Lindsey LaPointe (D), Dee Avelar (D), Sharon Chung (D), Will Guzzardi (D), Joyce Mason (D), Maura Hirschauer (D), Katie Stuart (D), Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D), Harry Benton (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Lilian Jiménez (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Maurice West (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Laura Faver Dias (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 32
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 118)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1867 • Last Action 03/20/2025

REVENUE-SENIOR FREEZE-LIHEAP

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends two existing laws to adjust income limitations for senior citizens and low-income households. First, for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, the bill modifies the maximum income limitation for taxable years 2026 and thereafter by tying it to the annual cost of living increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. The Department of Revenue will calculate and publish the new maximum income limitation each year. Second, regarding the Energy Assistance Act, the bill establishes new guidelines for setting eligibility limits for energy assistance programs starting in calendar year 2026. These limits cannot exceed either 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the state median income (whichever is higher), or the previous year's limit increased by the annual Social Security and Supplemental Security Income cost of living adjustment. The goal of these changes is to help seniors and low-income households keep pace with rising costs by automatically adjusting income thresholds for assistance programs based on annual cost of living increases.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the maximum income limitation under the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption shall be adjusted each year by the annual cost of living increase, if any, in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits that took effect during the immediately preceding calendar year. Amends the Energy Assistance Act. Provides that eligibility limits under the energy assistance program may not exceed the greater of (1) 150% of the federal nonfarm poverty level as established by the federal Office of Management and Budget or 60% of the State median income for the current State fiscal year as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whichever is higher; or (2) the eligibility limit for the immediately preceding calendar year, increased by the annual cost of living increase, if any, in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits that took effect during the immediately preceding calendar year. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Lisa Hernandez (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 01/29/2025
• Last Action: Tax Policy: Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing (14:08:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2764 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CD CORR-EARNED REENTRY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill introduces a new earned reentry mechanism for individuals serving long-term prison sentences in Illinois, including those with life sentences. The bill creates a gradual implementation schedule where eligibility for earned reentry begins with prisoners who have served 35 consecutive years in the first year, then reduces to 25 years in the second year, and 20 years in the third year and thereafter. The Prisoner Review Board will conduct hearings to determine if an incarcerated person can obtain earned reentry, considering factors such as rehabilitation, likelihood of recidivism, disciplinary record, participation in educational and vocational programs, and future community reintegration plans. Importantly, the bill removes previous restrictions that prevented individuals serving life sentences from being paroled, and it applies retroactively to currently incarcerated individuals. The legislation is rooted in addressing systemic racism, reducing mass incarceration, and aligning with the state constitutional mandate to restore incarcerated individuals to useful citizenship. Victims and their families will be notified and given an opportunity to participate in the hearings, and while the bill provides an opportunity for review, it does not guarantee release. Prisoners are allowed to bring legal counsel or an advocate to their hearing and will be provided access to their master record file prior to the hearing.

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

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 7 : Carol Ammons (D)*, Kelly Cassidy (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Barbara Hernandez (D), Marcus Evans (D), Rita Mayfield (D), Theresa Mah (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB0021 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA/LOCAL RECORDS-JUNK MAIL

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Local Records Act to define and exclude "junk mail" from public records. Specifically, the bill defines "junk mail" as any unsolicited commercial mail or electronic communication sent to a public body that is not responded to by an official, employee, or agent of that public body. Under the new provisions, such unsolicited commercial communications would no longer be considered public records, which means they would not be subject to public records requests or preservation requirements. The bill aims to reduce administrative burden by preventing public bodies from having to maintain or respond to irrelevant commercial communications. By explicitly defining and excluding junk mail from the definition of public records, the legislation provides clarity for government agencies about what types of incoming communications they are legally required to retain and potentially disclose under public records laws.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Local Records Act. In the definition provisions of those Acts, defines the term "junk mail" and specifies that the term "public record" does not include junk mail.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2792 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-USER VERIFICATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill proposes an amendment to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that requires public bodies using electronic systems for submitting FOIA requests to implement user verification measures, specifically a CAPTCHA test or similar technology. A CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a challenge-response test designed to determine whether the user is a human or an automated bot. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent automated systems from flooding public agencies with electronic FOIA requests, which could potentially disrupt government information processing or be used maliciously. By mandating human verification, the bill aims to ensure that electronic FOIA requests are genuine, manageable, and submitted by actual individuals seeking public information, while potentially reducing the administrative burden on government agencies caused by automated request systems.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, if a public body uses an electronic system for the submission of requests under the Act, then it shall employ a CAPTCHA test or other similar measures to verify that those electronically submitted requests are being made by a human.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Suzanne Ness (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1855 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-JUDICIAL BRANCH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand the definition of "public body" to include the judicial branch and its components, which were previously excluded from the Act's requirements. The bill explicitly exempts records related to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders from public disclosure, protecting the confidentiality of judicial decision-making processes. Additionally, the bill removes the jurisdiction of the Public Access Counselor over denials of record requests from the judicial branch, meaning that judicial branch entities will not be subject to the same review process as other public bodies when they refuse to release records. This change effectively creates a special carve-out for the judicial branch, giving them more discretion in handling public records requests while maintaining the privacy and independence of judicial deliberations. The modifications aim to balance transparency with the need to protect the judicial process from undue external interference or scrutiny of internal decision-making materials.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "public body" includes the judicial branch and components of the judicial branch of the State. Exempts records that pertain to the preparation of judicial opinions and orders. Excludes denials of requests of records from the judicial branch or components of the judicial branch from the jurisdiction of the Public Access Counselor.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Curtis Tarver (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2888 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-FEES AND COSTS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by modifying the provisions related to fees for public records requests. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement for public bodies to provide an accounting of personnel hours when charging fees for voluminous electronic record requests. Under the current law, when a public body imposes fees for large electronic record requests (based on data size and format), they must provide a detailed breakdown of fees, costs, and personnel hours. The new version eliminates the mandate to report personnel hours, while still requiring an accounting of fees and costs. The bill maintains existing provisions that allow public bodies to charge for the actual cost of purchasing recording media, with some protections for requesters such as no charge for the first 50 pages of black and white copies and no fees for the first 8 hours of personnel search time. The changes aim to simplify the fee accounting process for public bodies when responding to large electronic record requests, particularly those with a commercial purpose.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. In provisions regarding the authority to charge fees and the imposition of a fee for a voluminous request, removes requirements for an accounting of all personnel hours in connection with the request for public records.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2862 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FUEL RECOVERY FEE PROHIBITION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill prohibits the Illinois Commerce Commission from authorizing any charges based on changes in fuel costs for public utilities. Specifically, the bill removes existing provisions that allowed the Commission to adjust utility rates based on fluctuations in fuel costs for electric power generation, purchased power, or purchased gas. Previously, utilities could use "fuel adjustment clauses" to pass changes in fuel costs directly to customers, but this bill eliminates that mechanism. The legislation effectively prevents utilities from automatically adjusting their rates to reflect fuel price changes, which could provide more rate stability for consumers but potentially reduce utilities' flexibility in managing fuel cost variations. By marking several subsections as "(Blank)," the bill comprehensively removes the previous framework for fuel cost adjustments, representing a significant change in how utility rates are determined in Illinois. The bill appears to be part of a broader effort to control utility pricing and protect consumers from potentially volatile fuel cost increases.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not authorize any charges based upon changes in the cost of fuel. Removes provisions concerning the Commission's ability to authorize the increase or decrease of a public utility's rates and charges based upon changes in the cost of fuel used in the generation or production of electric power, changes in the cost of purchased power, or changes in the cost of purchased gas through the application of fuel adjustment clauses or purchased gas adjustment clauses and based upon expenditures or revenues resulting from the purchase or sale of emission allowances through such fuel adjustment clauses as a cost of fuel. Removes provisions concerning a public utility's ability to, at any time during the mandatory transition period, file with the Commission proposed tariff sheets that establish the rate of the provided utility to be applied pursuant to the public utility's fuel adjustment clause at the average value for such rate during the preceding 24 months, provided that such average rate results in a credit to customers' bills, without making any revisions to the public utility's base rate tariffs.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Amy Elik (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Energy & Environment Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 114)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2578 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-PERSON

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by modifying the definition of "person" and introducing a new verification process for public records requests. Specifically, the bill allows a public body to request verification that the requester is indeed a "person" within 5 business days of receiving a request if the public body reasonably believes the request may not have been submitted by a person. If the requester is asked to verify their status as a person, the deadline for the public body to respond to the request will be paused until verification is provided. If the requester fails to verify their status within 30 days of the public body's request, the public body may then deny the request. The definition of "person" is also slightly expanded to include individuals acting as agents of corporations, partnerships, firms, organizations, or associations. This change appears to provide public bodies with additional discretion in processing FOIA requests and addressing potential non-genuine or problematic request submissions, while maintaining the overall framework of public access to government records.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Changes the definition of "person". Allows, within 5 business days after its receipt of the request, a public body that has a reasonable belief that a request was not submitted by a person to require the requester to verify orally or in writing that the requester is a person. Provides that the deadline for the public body to respond to the request shall be tolled until the requester verifies that he or she is a person. Provides that, if the requester fails to verify that he or she is a person within 30 days after the public body requests such a verification, then the public body may deny the request.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Didech (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2890 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPEN MTGS-NOTICE OF CHANGES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to simplify and modernize the requirements for notifying the public about changes to regular meeting dates. Currently, public bodies are required to provide notice of meeting date changes by publishing in a newspaper or, for smaller local governmental units, by posting notices in at least three prominent places. The bill eliminates these existing notification methods and instead mandates that public bodies post notices of meeting date changes on their official websites. The bill maintains the existing requirement of providing at least 10 days' notice before changing a regular meeting date and continues to require that notice be posted at the public body's principal office or the building where the meeting will be held. This change aims to make meeting information more accessible by leveraging digital platforms, potentially reducing administrative costs associated with newspaper publications while ensuring that the public can more easily find up-to-date information about government meetings.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. In provisions regarding notice of changes to regular meeting dates, deletes requirements for publication in a newspaper or, in certain cases, posting in at least 3 prominent places within the governmental unit. Adds a requirement that notice of changes to regular meeting dates shall also be posted on the website of the public body.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2887 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-RECURRENT REQUESTERS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify the definition and treatment of "recurrent requesters" - individuals who submit a high volume of public records requests. Specifically, the bill reduces the thresholds for being classified as a recurrent requester from 50 to 40 requests in 12 months, from 15 to 10 requests in a 30-day period, and from 7 to 5 requests in a 7-day period. The bill extends the response time for public bodies when dealing with recurrent requesters from 21 to 30 business days and specifies that notice of recurrent requester status only needs to be provided once every 30 days. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision making it a violation of the Act for designated recurrent requesters to knowingly obtain public records without disclosing their status. These changes aim to balance the public's right to access information with the administrative burden on public bodies caused by frequent, extensive record requests. The bill maintains existing exemptions for news media, non-profit, scientific, and academic organizations when their requests are primarily for informational, research, or educational purposes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Reduces the number of record requests that must be made for a person to be considered a recurrent requester under the Act. Provides that public bodies must respond to requests from recurrent requesters with 30 (rather than 21) days after receipt of a request. Specifies that notice that requests are being treated as recurrent requests must be provided only once every 30 days. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for persons designated as recurrent requesters to knowingly obtain a public record without disclosing their status as recurrent requesters.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3580 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-SENIOR FREEZE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Property Tax Code to increase the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $65,000 to $75,000 for all qualified property in taxable years 2026 and thereafter. The exemption is designed to help senior citizens aged 65 and older who have limited household income by providing a property tax assessment freeze. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing law to extend the income threshold, allowing more senior homeowners to qualify for property tax relief. The exemption applies to a senior's primary residence and is calculated by subtracting the base year's assessed value from the current year's assessed value, effectively preventing the property's assessed value from increasing for tax purposes. Seniors who meet the age, income, and property ownership requirements can apply for this exemption through their county's assessment office, which helps protect seniors on fixed incomes from escalating property taxes by maintaining their base property assessment value.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Jennifer Sanalitro (R)*, Brad Halbrook (R), Mike Coffey (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Income Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:02:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3592 • Last Action 03/20/2025

POLICE-MISCONDUCT DATABASE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends three key pieces of legislation to increase transparency around police officer professional conduct records in Illinois. Specifically, it requires the Illinois State Police Merit Board to publish the Officer Professional Conduct Database on its website in a fully searchable, downloadable format that can be viewed by the entire public as a CSV file. The bill removes previous confidentiality provisions that prevented public disclosure of these records, effectively eliminating language that had kept police misconduct information hidden from public view. By amending the Freedom of Information Act, the Illinois State Police Act, and the Illinois Police Training Act, the legislation ensures that details about police officer misconduct, including sustained complaints, reasons for discharge or dismissal, and certification status, will now be readily accessible to the public. The goal appears to be increasing accountability and transparency in law enforcement by allowing citizens to easily review records of police officer professional conduct and disciplinary actions.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Deletes a provision that exempted from disclosure under the Act records contained in the officer professional conduct database established under the Illinois Police Training Act. Amends the Illinois State Police Act. Requires the Illinois State Police Merit Board to publish the officer professional conduct database on its website so that it is both searchable and viewable in its entirety by the public and can be downloaded in its entirety as a Comma-Separated Values (CSV) file. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to ensure that the officer professional conduct database established under the Act is available to the public. Deletes a provisions which specifies that information submitted to the officer professional conduct database is confidential.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Justin Slaughter (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3524 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OFFICER-WORN CAMERA EXCEPTIONS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act by adding a new provision that allows officer-worn body cameras to be turned off when an executive branch constitutional officer requests that the camera be turned off, specifically when that request is made to the officer's on-duty and assigned security detail. The bill modifies existing guidelines for body camera usage, which already include several circumstances where cameras can be turned off, such as when a crime victim or witness requests it, when interacting with a confidential informant, or when in certain facilities with existing camera systems. The new provision expands these exceptions to include requests from high-level government officials, potentially providing more privacy and discretion for executive branch constitutional officers during interactions with law enforcement. This change is part of the ongoing efforts to balance transparency in law enforcement with individual privacy concerns, particularly for government officials who may require additional security or confidentiality during certain interactions.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that the written policy that must be adopted by each law enforcement agency that employs the use of officer-worn body cameras must require cameras to be turned off when, among other things, an executive branch constitutional officer requests that the camera be turned off and that request is made to the executive branch constitutional officer's on-duty and assigned security detail.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Justin Slaughter (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3611 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-NUCLEAR SECURITY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to add a new exemption for certain nuclear security-related documents. Specifically, the bill creates an exemption for documents that have been determined to be security sensitive under a 1987 Agreement between the State of Illinois and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and in accordance with the National Materials Program. These exempt documents include information classified as safeguards, safeguards-modified, and sensitive unclassified nonsafeguards information, as identified in NRC regulatory information summaries, security advisories, and other related communications or regulations. By adding this exemption, the bill prevents these potentially sensitive nuclear-related documents from being subject to public inspection and copying under the Freedom of Information Act, with the goal of protecting critical nuclear security information from potential disclosure that could compromise safety or security.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that documents that have been determined to be security sensitive under certain requirements related to the U.S. Nuclear Regulation Commission and National Materials Program are exempt from inspection and copying under the Act.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Will Davis (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2827 • Last Action 03/20/2025

HOMESCHOOL ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Homeschool Act to establish a structured framework for homeschooling in Illinois. Beginning August 1, 2026, homeschool administrators (parents or guardians responsible for a child's education) must submit a Homeschool Declaration Form annually to the principal or school district where the child would normally attend school. The form requires basic information about the child and the administrator, including proof that the administrator has a high school diploma. If a homeschool administrator fails to submit this form, the child will be considered truant and subject to penalties. The bill requires homeschool programs to provide instruction in core subjects like language arts, mathematics, and sciences, and prohibits individuals with certain criminal backgrounds from administering homeschool programs. Additionally, if a homeschooled child wants to participate in public school activities, they must provide proof of required immunizations and health examinations. The State Board of Education will create the declaration form and maintain resources to help homeschool administrators understand their responsibilities. The bill also mandates annual reporting on homeschooling data and ensures the confidentiality of personal information submitted through the Homeschool Declaration Form, reflecting a balanced approach to monitoring homeschool education while protecting family privacy.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Homeschool Act. Requires the State Board of Education to create a Homeschool Declaration Form to be used by a homeschool administrator to submit information indicating that a child is enrolled in a homeschool program to the principal of the public school or to the school district that the homeschooled child would otherwise attend. Provides that a student enrolled in a homeschool program in which the homeschool administrator has not notified the public school or school district with the Homeschool Declaration Form is considered truant, with penalties applying. Provides that if a child in a homeschool program seeks to enroll part time in a public school or participate in any public school activities taking place on or off of school grounds, the homeschool administrator must submit proof that the child has received all required immunizations and health examinations or a signed Certificate of Religious Exemption. Sets forth requirements for homeschool administrators and programs and reporting requirements. Makes conforming and other changes in the Freedom of Information Act, the School Code, and the Illinois School Student Records Act, including requiring (rather than allowing) nonpublic schools to register with the State Board of Education.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 16 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Michelle Mussman (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Katie Stuart (D), Mary Beth Canty (D), Janet Yang Rohr (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Margaret Croke (D), Joyce Mason (D), Michael Crawford (D), Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D), Lisa Davis (D), Kevin Olickal (D), Will Guzzardi (D), Kam Buckner (D), Hoan Huynh (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 25
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Education Policy Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 122 and Virtual Room 3)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3286 • Last Action 03/20/2025

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE-RECORDS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends three different confidentiality acts to allow staff and members of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Ad Hoc Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, and regional domestic violence fatality review teams to access and share confidential records for the purpose of conducting domestic violence fatality reviews. Specifically, the bill enables these individuals to receive, inspect, copy, and share HIV-related information and mental health records of individuals involved in domestic violence near-fatalities or fatalities, while ensuring that the disclosed information remains subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act. The changes are made to the Substance Use Disorder Act, the AIDS Confidentiality Act, and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. By expanding access to these typically protected records, the bill aims to support comprehensive reviews of domestic violence incidents, potentially helping to prevent future fatalities by allowing a more thorough investigation and understanding of such cases. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Provides that disclosure of nonexempt records protected under the Act may be disclosed for research activities under the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act. Amends the AIDS Confidentiality Act and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Provides that staff and any designee of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, members of the Ad Hoc Statewide Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Board, and the regional domestic violence fatality review teams are entitled to receive, inspect, copy, and share HIV-related information of any person subject to a domestic violence fatality review as part of and in accordance with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act. Provides that the information disclosed is subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Maurice West (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Public Health Committee Hearing (08:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3273 • Last Action 03/20/2025

DHFS-HOSPITAL RATE PAY SYSTEM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Hospital Services Trust Fund Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code to modify how hospitals are reimbursed for inpatient and outpatient services. Specifically, the bill requires the use of All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Grouping (APR-DRG) software, version 30, for inpatient services and Enhanced Ambulatory Procedure Grouping (EAPG) software, version 3.7, for outpatient services, both distributed exclusively by Solventum (previously known as 3M Health Information System), unless Solventum is unable to meet operational or contractual terms. The bill establishes that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services will set Medicaid weighting factors, standardized amounts, and various adjusters for hospital reimbursements. It also introduces a hospital and health care transformation program to provide financial assistance to hospitals, with a focus on addressing health care disparities in underserved communities. The program aims to support innovative partnerships that improve healthcare delivery, access, and equity, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with an annual transformation funding pool of up to $150 million pending federal matching funds.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Hospital Services Trust Fund Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the hospital rate reform payment system, provides that reimbursement for inpatient general acute care services shall utilize the All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Grouping (APR-DRG) software, version 30, distributed by Solventum previously known as 3MTM Health Information System. Provides that Solventum shall be the exclusive provider of this software unless the Department of Healthcare and Family Services determines that Solventum is unable to meet the required operational or contractual terms. Provides that only under such circumstances may an alternative authorized provider of the software be considered. Adds corresponding provisions regarding software used to process reimbursements for outpatient services.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Jay Hoffman (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Human Services Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 115)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3515 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to make several key changes. The bill expands the definition of "commercial purpose" to include any use that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester. It also narrows the definition of "news media" by excluding internet sites and social media channels that post law enforcement videos in exchange for compensation based on view count. For audio and video records, the bill allows public bodies to charge up to $40 per hour for personnel time spent searching, retrieving, reviewing, redacting, and reproducing records, with the first 3 hours (previously 8 hours) of search and retrieval time being free. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions of the Body Camera Act to exclude requests for body camera footage made for commercial purposes from mandatory disclosure requirements. These changes aim to provide more clarity and control over public records access, particularly for commercial requesters, while potentially limiting the ability of some online platforms to monetize law enforcement video content.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "commercial purpose" includes any use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf a request is made. Provides that, for purposes of the Act, "news media" does not include Internet sites, social media channels, or other sites or applications that post law enforcement videos in exchange for compensation based on the number of views. Provides that a public body may charge up to $40 for each hour spent by personnel in searching for, retrieving, reviewing, redacting, and reproducing audio and video records except for the first 8 hours spent by personnel in searching for or retrieving a requested record. Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that requests for a commercial purpose, as defined in the Freedom of Information Act, are not subject to provisions of the Act requiring the release of body-camera footage that has been flagged for specified reasons.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2884 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-CLOSED MTG MINUTES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify the process for filing lawsuits related to denied public records requests, specifically for minutes or verbatim records of closed meetings. Under the new provision, if a requester is denied access to minutes from a closed meeting that have not been previously made public, they must wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit. This 60-day waiting period begins either when the public body receives the request or after the Public Access Counselor issues a binding or non-binding opinion, whichever occurs later. The waiting period is intended to provide an opportunity for the requested records to be reviewed according to the Open Meetings Act. This change aims to create a more structured and deliberative process for resolving disputes over access to government meeting records, giving public bodies additional time to review and potentially release documents before litigation begins.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, if the denial of a request includes a request for minutes or a verbatim record of a meeting of the public body closed to the public as provided in the Open Meetings Act that have not been previously made available for public inspection, suit may be filed under a specified provision only after a 60-day period following (i) the receipt of the request by the public body or (ii) the issuance of a binding or non-binding opinion from the Public Access Counselor, whichever is later, to allow for review of the requested records as provided under the Open Meetings Act.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2886 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPEN MTGS-ATTENDANCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which members of a public body can attend meetings remotely (referred to as "other means" in the bill, specifically by video or audio conference). The bill broadens the existing reasons for remote attendance, which previously included personal illness, disability, employment purposes, business of the public body, family emergencies, and unexpected childcare obligations. The new version adds a catch-all provision allowing remote attendance for "any other reason" designated in rules adopted by the public body. The bill requires that a majority of the public body must be physically present, and a member seeking to attend remotely must notify the recording secretary or clerk before the meeting when possible. Public bodies are required to adopt specific rules governing remote attendance that can further limit or define the conditions for such attendance. The legislation maintains existing exceptions for certain types of public bodies with large jurisdictional areas and includes provisions for conducting meetings remotely during public health disasters, ensuring public access, roll call voting, and verification of participants. This change aims to provide more flexibility for public body members while maintaining transparency and public access to government meetings.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Allows attendance by a means other than physical presence under certain circumstances if a member of a public body is prevented from physically attending because of any reason designated in rules adopted by the public body in accordance with certain provisions in the Act.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2883 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-PUBLIC INFORMATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to change how public bodies must make certain information available to the public. Specifically, the bill requires each public body to post a brief description of itself on its website, instead of displaying this information at its administrative or regional offices. The description must include details such as the body's purpose, organizational structure, total operating budget, number and location of offices, approximate number of employees, and information about any advisory boards, commissions, or committees that guide or oversee its operations. If a public body does not have a website, it must continue to display this information at its administrative or regional offices. The goal of this amendment appears to be increasing public access to information about government entities by leveraging online platforms, making it easier for citizens to learn about the structure and function of various public bodies.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides the each public body shall post a brief description of itself and other specified information on its website (rather than at each of its administrative or regional offices). Provides that, if a public body does not maintain a website, it shall also post that information at each of its administrative or regional offices.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2885 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-EMPLOYEE LIABILITY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand liability protection for public bodies and their employees when disclosing records. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 9.5 of the existing law to clarify that not only public bodies, but also individual officers and employees of public bodies, are immune from legal liabilities when they disclose records in accordance with an opinion issued by the Attorney General's Public Access Counselor. This provision means that if a public body or its staff release documents following a formal opinion from the Attorney General about the appropriateness of disclosure, they cannot be sued or penalized for that disclosure. The bill provides additional protection for government employees who might otherwise be hesitant to release public records due to potential personal legal risks. The change reinforces the Act's goal of promoting transparency by reducing potential personal legal barriers to information disclosure while ensuring that such disclosures are guided by official legal interpretations.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that a public body and any officer or employee of a public body (rather than only a public body) that discloses records in accordance with an opinion of the Attorney General is immune from all liabilities by reason thereof and shall not be liable for penalties under the Act.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2992 • Last Action 03/20/2025

HOPE PILOT PROGRAM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Healing Opportunities through Psilocybin Equity Pilot Program Act, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for psilocybin services in Illinois. The legislation aims to address the state's mental health crisis by creating a regulated system for psilocybin-assisted therapy, focusing on therapeutic access, harm reduction, and equity. Key provisions include establishing an Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board to oversee the program, creating a licensing system for psilocybin product manufacturers, service centers, and facilitators, and implementing strict guidelines for psilocybin services. The bill requires a multi-step process for psilocybin use, including mandatory preparation sessions, supervised administration sessions, and integration sessions. It imposes a 15% tax on psilocybin purchases and creates special funds to support program implementation. The legislation also sets age restrictions (21 and older), mandates extensive safety protocols, and provides immunity from criminal prosecution for licensed participants. Notably, the bill emphasizes cultural responsiveness, community healing, and addressing mental health disparities, particularly for veterans and underserved communities. The program will have a development period of up to 24 months before full implementation, during which various state agencies will collaborate to establish comprehensive guidelines and standards for psilocybin services.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 13 : Theresa Mah (D)*, La Shawn Ford (D), Lindsey LaPointe (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Harry Benton (D), Yolonda Morris (D), Sonya Harper (D), Anna Moeller (D), Hoan Huynh (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Rick Ryan (D), Gregg Johnson (D), Justin Slaughter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3041 • Last Action 03/20/2025

DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Illinois Data Privacy and Protection Act, which establishes comprehensive regulations for how businesses collect, process, and transfer personal data. The bill requires covered entities (businesses that determine the purposes of data collection) to collect only data that is reasonably necessary and proportionate, obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or transferring their sensitive data, and provide clear privacy policies. Key provisions include giving individuals the right to access, correct, delete, and export their personal data, with special protections for minors and sensitive information like biometric data, precise location information, and financial details. The bill mandates that businesses implement robust data security practices, prohibits discrimination in data usage, and restricts targeted advertising to minors. Large data holders must designate privacy officers, conduct regular privacy impact assessments, and have executive officers certify compliance annually. Enforcement mechanisms include the ability for the Attorney General, State's Attorneys, or municipalities to bring civil actions against violators, as well as allowing individuals to sue for damages. Small businesses are given some exemptions to reduce compliance burdens, and the Attorney General is empowered to create rules and adjust thresholds to keep the law current with technological changes. The act will become effective 180 days after becoming law.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Illinois Data Privacy and Protection Act. Provides that a covered entity (any entity or any person, other than an individual acting in a non-commercial context, that alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of collecting, processing, or transferring covered data) may not collect, process, or transfer covered data unless the collection, processing, or transfer is limited to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate. Provides that a covered entity and a service provider shall establish, implement, and maintain reasonable policies, practices, and procedures concerning the collection, processing, and transferring of covered data. Contains provisions concerning retaliation; transparency; individual data rights; consent; data protection for children and minors; civil rights; data security; small business protections; executive responsibility; service providers and third parties; enforcement; severability; and rulemaking. Effective 180 days after becoming law.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Abdelnasser Rashid (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, & IT Committee Hearing (10:00:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3443 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-COUNCIL DEV DISAB

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends two laws to provide more flexibility for members of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) in attending meetings. Specifically, the bill changes the Open Meetings Act to exempt the ICDD from the requirement that a quorum of members must be physically present at meetings. Additionally, the bill modifies the ICDD Law to allow council members to request permission to attend meetings via video or audio conference under certain circumstances. These circumstances include being prevented from physically attending due to personal illness or disability, or needing to provide care to a family member with a disability. The chairperson must grant such a request, and the member will be counted toward the meeting's quorum. This change aims to make council meetings more accessible for members who may have mobility challenges or caregiving responsibilities, ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities or their representatives can more easily participate in important policy-making discussions. The bill is effective immediately upon becoming law.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that the requirement that a quorum be physically present at the location of an open meeting shall not apply to the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. Amends the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Law. Provides that a member of the Council may request permission of the chairperson to attend a meeting by video or audio conference, and that request shall be granted if the member is prevented from physically attending due to personal illness or disability or if the member is required to provide care to a family member who has a disability. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Maurice West (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3465 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CD CORR-ELECTRON MONITOR-FOIA

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Unified Code of Corrections to expand public access to records related to electronic monitoring. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that explicitly defines "public records" to include the names of individuals on electronic monitoring and the number of times those individuals have violated the terms of their electronic monitoring. The bill also clarifies that these records are subject to inspection and copying under FOIA, even if they are maintained in a judicial office or by a judicial official. A key aspect of the legislation is that it prevents any other provisions of the Act from being used to withhold or limit access to these specific types of electronic monitoring records. The bill aims to increase transparency around electronic monitoring by ensuring that such information is readily accessible to the public, potentially allowing for greater scrutiny of electronic monitoring practices and individual compliance.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that "public records" includes records of the names of persons on electronic monitoring and the number of times a person on electronic monitoring has violated the terms of electronic monitoring and includes court records of that information. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of the Act to the contrary, the Act does not authorize withholding of information or limit the availability of records to the public that contain the names of persons on electronic monitoring and the number of times a person on electronic monitoring has violated the terms of electronic monitoring. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that these records are public records and subject to disclosure, inspection, and copying under the Freedom of Information Act.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Mary Gill (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3032 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPEN MEETINGS-ADVISORY BODY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to clarify and expand the conditions under which advisory bodies can conduct meetings remotely. The bill introduces new definitions for "advisory body" (a public body that supports and advises on policy implementation but does not make final decisions) and "decision-making body" (a public body that makes decisions to implement legislation or policy). The key provision allows advisory bodies to conduct open or closed meetings by audio or video conference without a physical quorum, provided they meet several conditions: the body must vote to conduct the meeting remotely, provide additional public notice, ensure all members can hear each other and be verified, allow public access to the meeting (either in-person or through alternative means like a phone or web link), and have at least one member, legal counsel, or administrator physically present at the regular meeting location (if feasible). The bill aims to provide more flexibility for advisory bodies in conducting meetings, particularly in situations where physical gathering might be challenging, while maintaining transparency and public access to governmental proceedings.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that an advisory body may conduct an open or closed meeting by audio or video conference without the physical presence of a quorum of its members if certain conditions are met. Defines "advisory body" and "decision-making body". Makes technical changes.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2882 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-RESPONSE PERIODS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to modify response time requirements for public records requests. Currently, public bodies must respond to a records request within 5 business days, but the bill extends this to 15 business days. Additionally, the time for extending a response is increased from 5 to 10 business days. The bill allows extensions for various reasons, such as records being stored in multiple locations, requiring extensive search efforts, needing review by specialized personnel, or requiring consultation with other public bodies. For commercial requests, the response time is extended from 21 to 30 business days. The bill maintains provisions that if a public body fails to respond within the specified timeframes, they cannot charge fees for providing the records and cannot claim the request is unduly burdensome. These changes aim to provide public bodies more flexibility in processing complex or voluminous records requests while still maintaining transparency and accountability in government record access.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that each public body shall, promptly, either comply with or deny a request for public records within 15 business days (rather than 5 business days) after its receipt of the request, unless extended for an additional 10 business days (rather than 5 business days) for specified reasons. Provides that commercial requests must be responded to within 30 business days (rather than 21 working days).

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*, Martha Deuter (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3363 • Last Action 03/20/2025

STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the State Public Defender Act, establishing a comprehensive new framework for public defender services across Illinois. The bill creates an Office of State Public Defender as an independent agency within the judicial branch, led by a State Public Defender who will be initially appointed by the Supreme Court for a two-year term and subsequently appointed by a newly created State Public Defender Commission for six-year terms. The legislation recognizes high-quality legal representation as a constitutional right and aims to ensure such representation is available regardless of a person's ability to pay. Key provisions include creating a State Public Defender Commission with 11 members from diverse backgrounds, establishing procedures for appointing and overseeing county public defenders, and developing standards for public defense services. The bill empowers the State Public Defender to provide resources to county public defender offices, create regional offices, develop training programs, and establish advisory boards to improve legal representation. It also modifies how public defenders are appointed, compensated, and regulated, with an emphasis on ensuring quality, consistent legal representation across different counties and judicial circuits. The legislation represents a significant restructuring of public defense services in Illinois, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness and fairness of criminal, juvenile, and dependency legal representation.

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Bill Summary: Creates the State Public Defender Act. Creates the Office of State Public Defender as an agency of State government. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be an independent agency within the judicial branch of government and the Office's records shall be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that the Office of State Public Defender shall be under the supervision and direction of the State Public Defender. Sets forth the powers and duties of the State Public Defender, including the duties of the initial State Public Defender. Provides that the initial State Public Defender shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. Sets forth specified duties and responsibilities of the initial State Public Defender. Creates the State Public Defender Commission. Sets forth membership and duties of the Commission. Amends the Public Defender and Appointed Counsel Division of the Counties Code. Provides that any 2 or more counties of this State that are within the same judicial circuit may by joint resolution of the several county boards involved create a common Office of public defender for the counties so joined or allow representation in one county by the public defender appointed in the collaborating county (rather than 2 or more adjoining counties within the same judicial circuit may create a common Office of public defender). Provides that, when a vacancy occurs in the position of public defender, the State Public Defender shall nominate and the State Public Defender Commission shall appoint a properly qualified public defender using the application and selection process developed under the State Public Defender Act. Removes certain differences based upon county populations. Removes provisions relating to the Public Defender Quality Defense Task Force. Provides that a public defender may be removed only for good cause or dereliction of duty after notice and a hearing before the State Public Defender Commission (rather than by the president of the county board after a notice and hearing of the county board). Modifies how a public defender is compensated and how moneys in the Public Defender Fund may be used. Makes other changes. Amends various Acts to make conforming changes.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Dave Vella (D)*, Kevin Olickal (D), Lindsey LaPointe (D), Kelly Cassidy (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3380 • Last Action 03/20/2025

BODY CAMERAS-FOIA REQUESTS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to modify the rules regarding the disclosure of body camera recordings. Specifically, the bill limits the disclosure of recordings that have been "flagged" - meaning they involve a complaint, firearm discharge, use of force, arrest, detention, or incident resulting in death or bodily harm. Under the new provisions, such recordings can only be disclosed through a court order, or to specific parties including: the person involved in the encounter, their legal representative, a witness to the encounter, the witness's legal representative, or a news media representative. The bill maintains existing protections for recordings, such as the requirement to retain recordings for 90 days and to keep flagged recordings for at least two years. The changes aim to balance transparency with privacy concerns by creating a clear framework for when and how body camera footage can be accessed, while still allowing important recordings to be reviewed by relevant parties. The bill does not fundamentally change the existing requirements for when officers must use body cameras or how they must be maintained, but instead focuses on refining the rules around recording access and disclosure.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Limits disclosure of a recording made with the use of an officer-worn body camera which is flagged due to the filing of a complaint, discharge of a firearm, use of force, arrest or detention, or resulting death or bodily harm to a request made by (1) court order; (2) a person involved in the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (3) a legal representative of a person involved in the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (4) a witness of the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; (5) a legal representative of a witness of the encounter that resulted in the recording being flagged; or (6) a representative of news media.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Justin Slaughter (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3420 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PHYSICAL THERAPY COMPACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, a comprehensive interstate agreement designed to streamline physical therapy practice across multiple states. The bill requires physical therapist and physical therapist assistant applicants to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks and creates a mechanism for licensed physical therapists to practice in multiple member states more easily. The Compact aims to improve public access to physical therapy services while maintaining each state's regulatory authority to protect public health and safety. Key provisions include establishing a data system to track licensure and disciplinary information, creating a Physical Therapy Compact Commission to oversee implementation, and setting standards for interstate practice. The Compact will become effective once ten states have enacted it and will allow physical therapists to obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in other member states, provided they meet specific requirements such as holding an unencumbered license, having no recent adverse actions, and paying applicable fees. The bill also includes detailed provisions for dispute resolution, enforcement, rulemaking, and the potential withdrawal of member states, ensuring a comprehensive and flexible framework for interstate physical therapy practice.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Adds a provision requiring that applicants for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall submit their fingerprints for the purpose of criminal history records background checks. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may adopt rules necessary to implement the amendatory provisions. Provides that the State of Illinois ratifies and approves the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Provides that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services, and states that the Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. In the Compact, contains provisions concerning definitions, state participation in the Compact, active duty military personnel and their spouses, adverse actions, establishment of the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, a data system, rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement, date of implementation, withdrawal, construction, and severability.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Kevin Olickal (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 118)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3435 • Last Action 03/20/2025

HEALTH CARE VIOLENCE PREVENT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Health Care Violence Prevention Act and the Freedom of Information Act to enhance workplace safety protections for health care workers. The bill requires health care providers to develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs that include detailed risk assessments, reporting mechanisms, and investigation procedures for violent incidents. These programs must identify potential hazards, establish systems for reporting risks, and include protocols for emergency response and post-incident support. Health care providers must now submit their workplace violence prevention programs to the Department of Public Health for approval and are prohibited from discouraging workers from reporting violent incidents to law enforcement or the department. The bill mandates annual reporting of violent incidents, including details such as the number of incidents, injuries, and response measures. Health care providers must conduct thorough investigations of workplace violence incidents within 48 hours, documenting findings and recommendations. The bill also adds workplace violence records to the list of confidential documents exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Failure to comply with the new requirements can result in significant daily penalties, starting at $500 per day for not submitting a workplace violence prevention program within six months of the act's effective date.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Health Care Violence Prevention Act. Makes changes to defined terms. In provisions concerning workplace safety, provides that a health care worker may not be discouraged from contacting law enforcement or the Department of Public Health regarding workplace violence, and a health care provider may not hold a policy that limits such contact. Adds additional requirements to the workplace violence prevention program, including reporting requirements and identifying the need for additional security and alarms, adequate exit routes, monitoring systems, barrier protections, lighting, entry procedures, and systems to identify and flag persons who have previously committed violent acts in the health care provider space. Sets forth provisions concerning violent incident investigations, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements for health care providers regarding violent incidents. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with the Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from public disclosure workplace violence records maintained by health care providers as required under a specified provision of the Health Care Violence Prevention Act.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Natalie Manley (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Licenses Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 118)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3362 • Last Action 03/20/2025

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON-MAIL

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to establish clear guidelines for handling physical mail in correctional institutions. Specifically, the bill requires that all Department of Corrections institutions and facilities allow committed persons (inmates) to receive original physical mail after a thorough inspection, as long as the mail does not pose a security or safety threat. The bill precisely defines what constitutes a security or safety threat, which includes letters containing physical harm threats, plans for criminal activity, blackmail, attempts to send contraband, coded messages, violations of departmental rules, unauthorized correspondence with other incarcerated individuals, or contents that violate state or federal law. The legislation aims to ensure that inmates' communication rights are preserved while maintaining institutional safety, providing a structured approach to mail screening that balances personal communication access with facility security concerns. By explicitly defining what can be considered a threat, the bill seeks to create a more transparent and standardized process for mail inspection in correctional facilities.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall not deny the distribution of original physical mail to committed persons after such incoming mail has undergone inspection and it has been determined that the mail does not pose a threat to the security or safety of the institution or facility, personnel of the Department, or committed persons. Defines a threat to the security or safety of the institution or facility.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Kelly Cassidy (D)*, Will Guzzardi (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Criminal Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3253 • Last Action 03/20/2025

PROP TX-HOMESTEAD

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several changes to property tax laws in Illinois, focusing on homestead exemptions and tax deferrals for seniors. Specifically, the bill introduces a new requirement that starting July 1, 2026, any proposed bill to create or modify a homestead exemption must include an impact statement prepared by the bill's sponsor. This statement must outline the policy purpose, explain potential effects on different taxing districts, and suggest optional funding sources to replace any additional taxpayer burdens. For the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, the bill increases the maximum income limitation to $85,000 for the 2025 tax year and establishes a cost-of-living adjustment mechanism for subsequent years, using the Consumer Price Index with a cap of 3% annual increase. The bill also allows county clerks to create and administer payment plans for tax certificates during the redemption period, potentially waiving interest penalties. Additionally, the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act is amended to adjust maximum household income limits, raising the threshold to $95,000 for the 2025 tax year and implementing a similar cost-of-living adjustment for future years. These changes aim to provide more flexible and accessible property tax relief for senior citizens in Illinois.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 11 : Mary Beth Canty (D)*, Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Lilian Jiménez (D), Lisa Davis (D), Abdelnasser Rashid (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Jen Gong-Gershowitz (D), Anna Moeller (D), Camille Lilly (D), Dee Avelar (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Property Tax Subcommittee Hearing (14:03:00 3/20/2025 Room D-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2972 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-POLICE OFFICERS PENSION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to modify the rules regarding meeting attendance for certain public bodies. Specifically, the bill exempts committees of the Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund from the requirement that a quorum (the minimum number of members needed to conduct official business) must be physically present at a meeting location. Currently, most public bodies must have members physically present at their meetings, with only a few exceptions for large geographic jurisdictions or specific types of organizations. By adding the Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund committees to the list of exceptions, the bill allows these committees to conduct meetings through video or audio conferencing without needing all members to be in the same physical location. This change provides more flexibility for the pension fund's committees to meet and conduct their work, potentially making scheduling and participation easier for committee members.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Michael Kelly (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3494 • Last Action 03/20/2025

HEALTH DATA PRIVACY ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes comprehensive protections for individual health data privacy in Illinois, requiring regulated entities to be transparent about their data collection, use, and sharing practices. The bill mandates that companies must obtain explicit, informed consent from individuals before collecting, processing, or selling their health data, and provides individuals with rights to confirm what data is being collected, request deletion of their data, and withdraw consent at any time. Companies are prohibited from using discriminatory practices against individuals who choose not to provide consent, and they must create clear, plain-language privacy policies that detail exactly how health data will be used. The bill also restricts geofencing around health service providers, limits government access to health data, and provides individuals with a private right of action to sue for violations, with potential damages ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, depending on whether the breach was negligent or intentional. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce the law, and the bill includes numerous exceptions and protections to ensure it does not conflict with existing healthcare privacy laws like HIPAA.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Protect Health Data Privacy Act. Provides that a regulated entity shall disclose and maintain a health data privacy policy that clearly and conspicuously discloses specified information. Sets forth provisions concerning health data privacy policies. Provides that a regulated entity shall not collect, share, or store health data, except in specified circumstances. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to sell or offer to sell health data concerning an individual without first obtaining valid authorization from the individual. Provides that a valid authorization to sell individual health data must contain specified information; a copy of the signed valid authorization must be provided to the individual; and the seller and purchaser of health data must retain a copy of all valid authorizations for sale of health data for 6 years after the date of its signature or the date when it was last in effect, whichever is later. Sets forth provisions concerning the consent required for collection, sharing, and storage of health data. Provides that an individual has the right to withdraw consent from the processing of the individual's health data. Provides that it is unlawful for a regulated entity to engage in discriminatory practices against individuals solely because they have not provided consent to the processing of their health data or have exercised any other rights provided by the provisions or guaranteed by law. Sets forth provisions concerning an individual's right to confirm whether a regulated entity is collecting, selling, sharing, or storing any of the individual's health data; an individual's right to have the individual's health data that is collected by a regulated entity deleted; prohibitions regarding geofencing; and individual health data security. Provides that any person aggrieved by a violation of the provisions shall have a right of action in a State circuit court or as a supplemental claim in federal district court against an offending party. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce a violation of the provisions as an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Defines terms. Makes a conforming change in the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Ann Williams (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary - Civil Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/20/2025 114 and Virtual Room 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3165 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OPEN MEETING/SCH CD-LSC

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act and the Chicago School District Article of the School Code to provide new guidelines for local school council meetings. Specifically, it allows local school councils to conduct meetings by audio or video conference without the physical presence of a quorum of members, subject to certain conditions such as verifying all participants, ensuring public access to the meeting, and conducting roll call votes. At the annual organizational meeting, local school councils must now vote on whether meetings will be held in-person or remotely, but any gubernatorial or public health declaration limiting in-person gatherings will supersede the council's decision. The bill also adds a new power for local school councils: they can now pass resolutions requesting action from a board member representing their school and forward these resolutions to that member. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that required new local school council elections for schools on probation that fail to make adequate progress, and changes the deadline for delivering criteria for school probation from October 31 to August 1 each year. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for local school councils in conducting meetings and participating in school governance, particularly in response to potential public health emergencies or other circumstances that might make in-person meetings challenging.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides if a public body is a local school council organized under the Chicago School District Article of the School Code, then, subject to certain requirements, an open or closed meeting subject to the Act may be conducted by audio or video conference, without the physical presence of a quorum of the members, as long as specified conditions are met. Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that at a local school council's annual organizational meeting, the local school council shall take a vote to determine if meetings shall be held in-person or remotely; however, provides that a declaration by the Governor or Director of Public Health limiting the size of or prohibiting an in-person meeting shall supersede a local school council's vote to meet in-person. Provides that a local school council has the power and duty to pass resolutions requesting action from a member of the Chicago Board of Education representing the school, and to forward such resolutions to the member. Removes language providing that a school placed on probation that fails to make adequate progress in correcting deficiencies is subject to new local school council elections. Provides that the criteria for determining whether a school should remain on probation or the criteria for determining when a school is in educational crisis shall be delivered to each local school council on or before August 1 (rather than October 31) of each year. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Theresa Mah (D)*, Michael Crawford (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2881 • Last Action 03/20/2025

FOIA-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expand the definition of "commercial purpose" in public records requests. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing definition to clarify that a commercial purpose includes not only selling or advertising records, but also any use that advances the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made. The amendment preserves an existing exemption for news media and non-profit, scientific, or academic organizations, ensuring that their requests for information related to news, public interest, current events, opinion pieces, or research are not considered commercial in nature. This change aims to provide more clarity around what constitutes a commercial use of public records and potentially helps prevent requests that are primarily intended to generate private financial gain from being treated the same as requests made for public interest or informational purposes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that, as used in the Act, the term "commercial purpose" means, among other things, the use of any part of a public record or records, or information derived from public records, in any form for any use or purpose that furthers the commercial, trade, or profit interests of the requester or the person on whose behalf the request is made.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Terra Costa Howard (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3347 • Last Action 03/20/2025

OMA-DFPR LICENSING BOARD

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to provide a specific exception for licensing boards authorized by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR). Currently, most public bodies are required to have a quorum of members physically present at a meeting location. Under this bill, a DFPR licensing board can now conduct public meetings entirely through interactive video or telephone systems, without any members being physically present at a meeting location, as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions include: having a quorum of members participating electronically, providing public notice, and ensuring public access to the meeting in a manner consistent with existing Open Meetings Act requirements. This change appears designed to provide greater flexibility for licensing board meetings, potentially making them more convenient and accessible while maintaining transparency through electronic participation and public notice provisions.

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

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Sharon Chung (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/20/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1019 • Last Action 03/19/2025

GOVERNMENT-TECH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes a technical amendment to the Open Meetings Act, specifically to Section 1.01, which appears to be a minor modification to the law's short title section. However, the precise details of the change are not fully visible in the provided XML document. The Open Meetings Act is a law that typically governs transparency in government by setting rules for public meetings, ensuring that government bodies conduct their business in an open and accessible manner. While the government-provided summary indicates a technical change, without more context it is difficult to specify the exact nature of the amendment.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : John Curran (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1368 • Last Action 03/19/2025

MULTI-COUNTY VET ASSISTANCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends multiple Illinois state laws to allow for the formation of multi-county Veterans Assistance Commissions in counties with populations of 60,000 or less. Specifically, the bill enables veteran service organizations in adjacent counties to jointly form a Veterans Assistance Commission to serve multiple counties, or allows an existing county Veterans Assistance Commission to partner with a veteran service organization in an adjacent county without a current commission. The agreement to form a multi-county commission must outline key details such as funding distribution, office location, services provided, superintendent selection, commission rules, and delegate composition. These multi-county commissions will have the same powers and duties as traditional single-county Veterans Assistance Commissions, including providing assistance to veterans and their families, administering benefits, and representing veterans in benefit applications. The bill updates several related statutes in the Counties Code, Public Aid Code, and other acts to reflect these changes, ensuring that multi-county commissions can function effectively and receive appropriate funding and support. The bill aims to expand veterans' access to assistance services in smaller, rural counties by allowing more flexible organizational structures for Veterans Assistance Commissions.

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

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• Introduced: 01/29/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Jil Tracy (R)*, Jason Plummer (R), Craig Wilcox (R), Terri Bryant (R)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 01/29/2025
• Last Action: Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing (11:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 409)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3522 • Last Action 03/19/2025

UNI DIRECT ADMISSION PROGRAM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Public University Direct Admission Program Act, which aims to simplify and streamline the college admission process for Illinois high school students and community college transfer students. Beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the Board of Higher Education will establish a direct admission program that automatically offers admission to qualifying students at public universities and community colleges based on their academic performance. Public universities must provide their grade point average admission standards by March 1 each year, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will use school district data to identify students who meet these standards. Additionally, the bill introduces a preselection outreach campaign targeting high school juniors and seniors, specifically encouraging them to apply to the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The legislation seeks to address barriers to higher education for historically underserved students, including first-generation college students, low-income students, students of color, and rural students, by providing more transparent and accessible pathways to higher education. The Board of Higher Education is required to submit annual reports on the program's implementation, including demographic data and recommendations for improvement, starting in August 2029.

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Bill Summary: 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.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 12 : Katie Stuart (D)*, Dan Swanson (R), Sharon Chung (D), Terra Costa Howard (D), Norine Hammond (R), Maura Hirschauer (D), Michael Kelly (D), Wayne Rosenthal (R), Joyce Mason (D), Maurice West (D), Barbara Hernandez (D), Aarón Ortíz (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Higher Education Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3438 • Last Action 03/19/2025

TRANSPORTATION-VARIOUS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several changes to transportation-related laws in Illinois. First, it requires the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a life-cycle cost analysis for new road construction, reconstruction, or replacement projects costing over $500,000, with an exemption for rehabilitation and preservation projects. Life-cycle cost is defined as the total initial project cost plus anticipated future expenses, using actual data rather than estimates. Second, the bill modifies the composition of an advisory committee for a residential sound insulation program, specifying that a Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division employee can only vote to break ties when determining which homes have windows or doors causing offensive odors. Lastly, the bill changes crash reporting requirements, mandating that all crash reports must be electronically submitted to the Administrator using an approved electronic format, rather than using a pre-approved form. The bill will take effect immediately, with the changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code specifically becoming effective on January 1, 2027.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall develop and implement a life-cycle costs analysis for each new construction, reconstruction, or replacement road project, except for State rehabilitation and preservation projects, under its jurisdiction for which the total pavement costs exceed $500,000. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the employee of the Aeronautics Division of the Department of Transportation who is a member of the advisory committee that determines which homes contain windows or doors that cause offensive odors and thus are eligible for replacement shall only cast a vote when breaking a tie. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that every crash report required to be made in writing must be electronically submitted to the Administrator using an electronic format approved by the Administrator (rather than made on an approved form or in an approved electronic format provided by the Administrator). Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately, except that the changes made to the Illinois Vehicle Code are effective January 1, 2027.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 8 : Jaime Andrade (D)*, Marcus Evans (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Dave Vella (D), Kevin Olickal (D), Natalie Manley (D), Marty Moylan (D), Katie Stuart (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 12
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Hearing (10:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1018 • Last Action 03/19/2025

GOVERNMENT-TECH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes a technical amendment to the Open Meetings Act, specifically modifying Section 1.01 of the law. While the provided XML does not show the specific language changes, the government summary indicates it is a minor modification to the section concerning the short title of the Act. The Open Meetings Act is a law that typically governs the requirements for public meetings of government bodies, ensuring transparency by mandating that such meetings be open to the public and that proper notice and record-keeping procedures are followed. This particular bill appears to be making a non-substantive, technical correction to the law's language, which could involve clarifying wording, correcting a grammatical error, or updating terminology without changing the fundamental meaning or intent of the section.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : John Curran (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1551 • Last Action 03/19/2025

AGING-FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Adult Protective Services Act and the Freedom of Information Act to enhance protections for eligible adults against financial exploitation. The bill expands the definition of financial exploitation to include more specific scenarios, such as wrongful taking of an eligible adult's assets or using power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship to improperly obtain or convert an adult's property. It adds broker-dealers, investment advisors, and qualified individuals (such as agents or supervisory personnel) to the list of mandated reporters who must report suspected financial exploitation. The bill introduces new provisions allowing broker-dealers and investment advisors to delay disbursements from an eligible adult's financial accounts if they reasonably believe the transaction might result in financial exploitation. These professionals must notify the Department on Aging within two business days of delaying a disbursement and can extend the delay up to 25 business days with departmental approval. The bill also provides immunity from civil or administrative liability for broker-dealers, investment advisors, and qualified individuals who act in good faith when reporting or delaying suspicious financial transactions. Additionally, the bill ensures that records related to potential financial exploitation remain confidential and can be accessed by the Department or designated provider agencies during investigations.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Expands the list of mandated reporters under the Act to include a broker-dealer and any qualified individual who serves in a supervisory, compliance, or legal capacity for a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Permits a broker-dealer or investment advisor to delay a disbursement from an account of an eligible adult or an account on which an eligible adult is a beneficiary in cases of suspected financial exploitation. Sets forth certain actions a broker-dealer or investment advisor must take, including notifying the Department on Aging, of the requested disbursement and suspected financial exploitation. Contains provisions setting forth conditions upon which a delay of a disbursement shall expire; immunity for delaying disbursements; and financial records access. Makes conforming changes throughout the Act. Expands the definition of "financial exploitation" to include (1) the wrongful or unauthorized taking, withholding, appropriation, or use of money, assets, or property of an eligible adult; or (2) any act or omission taken by a person, including through the use of a power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship of an eligible adult, to: (A) obtain control over the eligible adult's money, assets, or property; or (B) convert money, assets, or property of the eligible adult to deprive such eligible adult of the ownership, use, benefit, or possession of his or her money, assets, or property.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Steve Stadelman (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary Committee Hearing (15:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 400)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3080 • Last Action 03/19/2025

INTERNET GAMING ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Internet Gaming Act, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gambling in Illinois. The legislation authorizes Internet gaming operators to offer online games through licensed platforms, with each Internet gaming licensee permitted to have up to three individually branded gaming "skins" or platforms. The bill requires robust age and location verification mechanisms to ensure that only individuals 21 and older within Illinois or approved jurisdictions can participate. A 25% privilege tax will be imposed on Internet gaming revenue, which will be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. The Illinois Gaming Board will oversee licensing, with different types of licenses available for Internet gaming operators, management service providers, suppliers, and occupational roles. The bill includes strong responsible gaming provisions, such as self-exclusion options, mandatory problem gambling help information, and player spending limits. Internet gaming platforms must implement strict data security standards, protect user privacy, and maintain comprehensive records. The legislation also emphasizes diversity in procurement, requiring annual reports on spending with businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Notably, the bill prevents local governments from imposing additional taxes on Internet gaming and reserves regulatory control exclusively for the state, effectively preventing home rule municipalities from creating their own regulations.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Internet Gaming Act. Authorizes an Internet gaming operator to offer Internet gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Provides that Internet gaming shall only be offered by an Internet gaming license or an Internet management services provider that has contracted with an Internet gaming licensee. Provides that an Internet gaming licensee shall offer no more than 3 individually branded Internet gaming skins. Provides that an Internet management services provider may conduct Internet gaming on its own Internet gaming platform pursuant to the agreement between the provider and an Internet gaming licensee and in accordance with the rules of the Board and the provisions of the Act. Includes provisions for: requirements of an Internet gaming platform; Internet waging accounts; license requirements; age verification, location, and responsible gaming; diversity goals in procurement and spending by Internet gaming licensees; acceptance of out-of-state wagers; and limitations on home rule units. Provides that a 25% privilege tax is imposed on Internet gaming to be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. Authorizes the adoption of emergency rules to implement the Act and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Edgar González (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Gaming Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 413 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1932 • Last Action 03/19/2025

FRAUD-EMERGENCY PRICE GOUGING

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to prevent price gouging during declared disasters. Specifically, for 45 days after a federal or state disaster declaration, the bill prohibits selling essential goods and services at "unconscionably high" prices in the designated disaster area. These goods include emergency supplies, medical supplies, food items, building materials, housing, transportation services, fuel, and repair services. The bill defines an unconscionably high price as a significant price increase that is not directly attributable to legitimate cost increases from suppliers or additional labor/material expenses. To enforce this, the Attorney General can request detailed cost information from businesses suspected of price gouging, with the submitted information kept confidential unless legal action is necessary. Businesses can defend against price gouging allegations by demonstrating that their price increases are due to genuine additional costs. The bill aims to protect consumers from exploitative pricing during vulnerable periods following natural disasters or other emergency situations, ensuring that critical goods and services remain affordable when people are most in need.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice, for a period of 45 days after a disaster is declared by the President of the United States or the Governor, for any person to sell or offer to sell to a consumer in the designated disaster area any consumer food items or goods, goods or services used for emergency cleanup or response, emergency supplies, medical supplies, home heating oil, building materials, housing, lodging, transportation, freight, or storage services, fuel, gasoline, or other motor fuels, repair or reconstruction services, or any other necessity for an unconscionably high price. Sets forth provisions concerning the determination of unconscionably high prices and enforcement of the provision by the Attorney General. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt specified information.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Judiciary Committee Hearing (15:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 400)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB0243 • Last Action 03/19/2025

OMA-SERVICE MEMBER ATTENDANCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which a public body member can attend a meeting remotely. Specifically, the bill adds "performance of active military duty as a service member" as a valid reason for a member to attend a meeting by video or audio conference when a quorum of the body is physically present. The bill provides clear definitions for two key terms: "active military duty" (referencing the Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) and "service member" (a resident of Illinois who is a member of any component of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard from any state, district, commonwealth, or territory). The bill requires that the member notify the recording secretary or clerk before the meeting when possible and that the public body's rules must conform to the requirements of the Act. This change aims to provide flexibility for public body members who are serving in the military, allowing them to continue participating in governmental proceedings while fulfilling their military obligations. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that, if a quorum of the members of the public body is physically present, a majority of the public body may allow a member of that body to attend the meeting by other means if the member is prevented from physically attending because of performance of active military duty as a service member. Defines "active military duty" and "service member". Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 01/22/2025
• Added: 01/23/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Mike Porfirio (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/22/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2963 • Last Action 03/19/2025

METRO & REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Illinois Road Usage Charge Act, which creates a pilot program to explore alternative funding methods for transportation infrastructure. The program will assess a user fee on vehicle owners based on miles traveled on public roadways, with the goal of potentially replacing the current motor fuel tax system. The Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee will guide the development of the pilot program, which must include at least 1,000 motor vehicles and analyze various data collection methods, privacy protections, and technological approaches. The bill also makes significant changes to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act, including modifications to the governance structures of the Chicago Transit Board, Suburban Bus Board, and Commuter Rail Board. Key changes include: 1. Expanding the Chicago Transit Board from 7 to 8 members beginning February 1, 2026 2. Adjusting board membership to include representatives of organized labor, senior advocacy, and disability rights 3. Modifying voting requirements for various board actions 4. Establishing new requirements for fare collection systems, including creating a universal fare instrument 5. Implementing an income-based reduced fare program and fare-capping 6. Creating a Transit Ambassador Program to provide rider assistance and improve transit experience 7. Establishing new reporting and accountability measures for the Authority and Service Boards The bill requires the development of a comprehensive metropolitan region transit plan by July 1, 2027, which will evaluate existing governance, funding, and coordination processes. The changes are designed to improve public transportation services, increase transparency, and enhance rider experience across the metropolitan region. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Marcus Evans (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 114 and Virtual Room 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB0590 • Last Action 03/19/2025

GOVERNMENT-TECH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes a technical amendment to the Open Meetings Act, specifically modifying Section 1.01, which appears to be the short title section of the Act. While the provided XML does not show the specific language changes, the government-provided summary suggests this is a minor technical correction to the law. The Open Meetings Act is typically a statute that ensures transparency in government by requiring public bodies to conduct their meetings openly and provide advance notice and public access to discussions and decision-making processes. Without more context from the XML, the precise nature of the technical change cannot be determined from the available information.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Don Harmon (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1020 • Last Action 03/19/2025

GOVERNMENT-TECH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: Based on the bill text and summary provided, here is a summary: This bill makes a technical amendment to the Open Meetings Act, specifically targeting Section 1.01 of the Act. While the specific details of the technical change are not fully visible in the provided XML document, the bill appears to be making a minor modification to the language or formatting of the section's short title. The Open Meetings Act is a law that typically governs transparency in government meetings, ensuring that public bodies conduct their discussions and decision-making processes in an open and accessible manner. Such technical amendments are common in legislative practice to maintain the precision and clarity of legal language.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : John Curran (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB0105 • Last Action 03/19/2025

OPEN MEETINGS ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Open Meetings Act to make several key changes regarding public meetings, with a particular focus on Police District Councils in Chicago. For 3-member public bodies, the bill now defines a quorum as 2 members, and allows decisions to be made with the affirmative vote of those 2 members. The bill adds a new provision that allows Police District Councils to hold closed meetings related to public safety concerns, specifically when discussing ongoing law enforcement investigations, misconduct allegations, or topics that could compromise an investigation or individuals' safety. The legislation also updates notice requirements, stipulating that meeting agendas must be posted at a public body's principal office if one exists, and clarifies that for public bodies with websites maintained by full-time staff but without a central office, posting the agenda online satisfies the notice requirement. Additionally, the bill modifies rules for Police District Councils, excluding gatherings of 2 members from the definition of a "meeting" in most circumstances and allowing these councils to conduct meetings via audio or video conference, with some exceptions for regularly scheduled meetings. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for public bodies while maintaining transparency in government operations.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that for a 3-member body, 2 members of the body constitute a quorum, and the affirmative vote of 2 members is necessary to adopt any motion, resolution, or ordinance unless a greater number is otherwise provided. Provides that a Chicago Police District Council may hold a closed meeting involving public safety concerns to discuss (i) an ongoing, prior, or future law enforcement or official misconduct investigation or allegation thereof involving specific individuals or (ii) other topics that if discussed in an open meeting would pose an unreasonable risk to an ongoing criminal investigation or an unreasonable risk to the safety of specific individuals. Provides that an agenda for each regular meeting of a public body must be posted the principal office of the public body if such an office exists. Provides that if a public body has a website that is maintained by its full-time staff but does not have a principal office or single building where meetings are regularly held, that body is deemed to have complied with the requirement to post physical notice at the office or building of the meeting if the notice is timely posted on the public body's website. Excludes from the definition of "meeting" for a Chicago Police District Council a gathering of 2 members, except if gathered for a regularly scheduled meeting or otherwise gathered to adopt any motion, resolution, or ordinance. Provides a Chicago Police District Council may hold meetings by audio or video conference without the physical presence of the members under certain conditions except for required regularly scheduled meetings.

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• Introduced: 01/17/2025
• Added: 01/18/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Sara Feigenholtz (D)*, Robert Peters (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 13
• Last Amended: 01/17/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1021 • Last Action 03/19/2025

GOVERNMENT-TECH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: I apologize, but the provided XML bill text does not contain enough substantive information to create a comprehensive summary. The government-provided summary indicates that this bill makes a technical change to Section 1.01 of the Open Meetings Act, specifically regarding its short title, but the actual text of the amendment is not provided in the XML fragment. Without seeing the specific language being added or removed, I cannot generate a detailed summary explaining the changes. The bill appears to be a minor, technical modification to the existing law's title section.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : John Curran (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2970 • Last Action 03/19/2025

SCH CD-REMOVE/DISMISS TEACHERS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois School Code to provide additional protections and procedural rights for teachers facing remedial warnings or potential dismissal. Specifically, the bill allows a teacher to grieve the issuance of a remedial warning through the applicable collective bargaining agreement to determine whether the school district had just cause for issuing the warning. The bill requires that notices of remedial warnings must narrowly specify the exact nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied, and prohibits using general allegations of "unprofessional conduct" to link unrelated offenses. Furthermore, the bill establishes that no remedial warning can remain in a teacher's personnel file or record for longer than 3 years from the date of the occurrence that prompted the warning. These changes aim to provide teachers with more clarity and protection in the disciplinary process, ensuring that warnings are specific, justified, and do not permanently remain in a teacher's records after a reasonable period of time.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 3 : Anna Moeller (D)*, Robyn Gabel (D), Hoan Huynh (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 8
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Hearing (14:00:00 3/19/2025 115 and Virtual Room 4)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2902 • Last Action 03/19/2025

UTIL-BOARD ELECT PLANNING

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act, which requires electric cooperatives, municipal power agencies, and municipalities with electric utilities to submit comprehensive integrated resource plans every three years beginning in 2025. The bill aims to increase transparency, reduce costs, and support the transition to renewable energy by mandating detailed planning and public disclosure. Key provisions include requiring utilities to develop 20-year plans that identify current generation resources, forecast future electricity needs, and outline strategies for minimizing customer costs and environmental impacts. Utilities must also hold public stakeholder meetings, submit plans to the Illinois Power Agency for review, and gradually increase their renewable energy portfolio, with a goal of reaching 100% renewable generation by 2045. The bill introduces new transparency requirements for electric cooperatives, such as public meeting notices, detailed financial disclosures, and conflict of interest policies. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to net metering, eminent domain, and utility oversight, ensuring that future utility infrastructure investments align with their long-term integrated resource plans. The legislation reflects a comprehensive approach to modernizing electric utility governance, promoting renewable energy adoption, and enhancing public participation in utility decision-making.

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

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*, Anne Stava-Murray (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Public Utilities Committee Hearing (08:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 413 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2394 • Last Action 03/19/2025

FIRST 2025 GENERAL REVISORY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: I'll help you summarize this comprehensive legislative bill. Here's a summary: This bill is the First 2025 General Revisory Act, which is primarily a technical cleanup measure designed to reconcile conflicts arising from multiple legislative amendments and make technical corrections across various sections of Illinois state law. The bill makes numerous minor modifications to statutes across multiple state agencies and legal domains, including changes to definitions, correcting cross-references, eliminating obsolete text, and resolving potential conflicts created by previous legislative actions. The bill touches on a wide range of areas, including procurement rules, state employee benefits, professional licensing, emergency management, veterans' services, grant accountability, income tax regulations, and more. While most changes are technical in nature and do not substantially alter existing law, the bill ensures statutory consistency and removes potential ambiguities that could arise from conflicting legislative amendments. Some notable provisions include updating terminology, clarifying definitions, adjusting administrative procedures, and making technical corrections to ensure smooth implementation of various state programs. The bill explicitly states that it is not intended to make substantive changes to existing law, but rather to reconcile conflicts, simplify language, and improve overall legal clarity. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law, with various specific provisions having different implementation dates as noted in individual sections.

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Bill Summary: Creates the First 2025 General Revisory Act. Combines multiple versions of Sections amended by more than one Public Act. Renumbers Sections of various Acts to eliminate duplication. Corrects obsolete cross-references and technical errors. Makes stylistic changes. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Bill Cunningham (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: State Government Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 409)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2448 • Last Action 03/19/2025

UNI DIRECT ADMISSION PROGRAM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Public University Direct Admission Program Act, which aims to simplify and streamline the college admission process for Illinois high school students and community college transfer students. Beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, the Board of Higher Education will establish a program that automatically offers general admission to public universities and community colleges for qualified students. Each public university must provide its grade point average admission standards by March 1st annually, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will use school district data to identify students who meet these standards. The bill also mandates a preselection outreach campaign specifically targeting high school juniors and seniors to encourage applications to the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The program is designed to address barriers to higher education faced by historically underserved students, such as first-generation college students, low-income students, students of color, and students from rural communities. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to provide student directory information, email addresses, and grade point averages to higher education institutions to facilitate communication about educational opportunities. The Board of Higher Education must submit annual reports on the program's implementation, including demographic data and recommendations for improvement.

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Bill Summary: 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.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Christopher Belt (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Higher Education Committee Hearing (08:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 400)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1022 • Last Action 03/19/2025

GOVERNMENT-TECH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes a technical amendment to the Open Meetings Act, specifically modifying Section 1.01 (the short title section). However, the provided XML does not include the specific language changes, so I cannot provide details about the precise modifications. The bill appears to be a minor, procedural update to the existing law, likely addressing some technical or formatting aspect of the Act's language. Without more context or the full text of the section being changed, a more detailed summary is not possible.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Open Meetings Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

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• Introduced: 01/24/2025
• Added: 01/25/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : John Curran (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 01/24/2025
• Last Action: Executive Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/19/2025 Room 212)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3778 • Last Action 03/19/2025

TRANSPORTATION-VARIOUS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: Here's a summary of the key provisions of the bill: This bill creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, which establishes a new regional transportation authority to consolidate and replace the existing Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, and its service boards. The new authority will have broad powers to plan, operate, and fund public transportation in the Chicago metropolitan region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties). Key provisions include: Governance: The authority will be governed by a board of 13 directors (8 voting, 5 non-voting) appointed by various local government leaders, with requirements for geographic and professional diversity. The board will select a chair and develop comprehensive strategic plans for regional transportation. Consolidation: The bill consolidates the existing transit agencies into a single authority, creating new operating divisions for suburban bus, commuter rail, and Chicago transit services. This aims to improve coordination, financial management, and service delivery. Financial Powers: The authority can impose various taxes, issue bonds, enter into contracts, and receive state and federal funding. It will have the ability to develop new funding mechanisms and implement innovative financing strategies. Service Improvements: The bill establishes service standards, performance metrics, and goals for improving public transportation, including increased transit accessibility, reliability, and equity. It includes provisions for fare capping, reduced fares for low-income riders, and improved paratransit services. Transit-Supportive Development: The act creates an Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development to support housing and economic development near transit corridors, with a focus on affordable housing and connecting residents to jobs and opportunities. Workforce and Community Considerations: The bill includes provisions for workforce development, job training, and ensuring that transit expansion benefits local communities, particularly those historically underserved or economically disadvantaged. The overall goal is to create a more integrated, efficient, and responsive public transportation system for the Chicago metropolitan region, with a focus on equity, sustainability, and economic development.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act. Establishes the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Regional Transportation Authority are consolidated into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and the Service Boards are abolished. Creates the Suburban Bus Operating Division, Commuter Rail Operating Division, and the Chicago Transit Operating Division. Reinserts, reorganizes, and changes some provisions from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act into the new Act. Includes provisions concerning the operation of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Repeals the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Amends various Acts, Laws, and Codes to make conforming changes. Creates the Equitable Transit-Supportive Development Act. Establishes the Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and the Transit-Supportive Development Fund. Provides that the Office and the Fund are to aid transit-supportive development near high-quality transit by providing specified funding to municipalities that have adopted the standards in the transit support overlay district for that area or that have adopted zoning and other changes that the Office determines have benefits greater than or equal to such a District, including transit support overlay districts. Includes provisions relating to Office standards, procedures, and reports. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code. Requires the Department to establish, staff, and support an Office of Public Transportation Support for the purpose of optimizing the operation of public transportation vehicles and the delivery of public transportation services on highways under the Department's jurisdiction in the Metropolitan Mobility Authority's metropolitan region. Describes the duties and operations of the Office. Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that the Chair of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority is a nonvoting member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. Provides that some provisions are effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 11 : Eva-Dina Delgado (D)*, Kam Buckner (D), Mary Beth Canty (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Joyce Mason (D), Lilian Jiménez (D), Tracy Katz Muhl (D), Theresa Mah (D), Ann Williams (D), Nicolle Grasse (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 16
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 114 and Virtual Room 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3500 • Last Action 03/19/2025

ABLE ACCOUNT PROGRAM INFO

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill aims to enhance awareness and information dissemination about the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program, a financial tool designed to help individuals with disabilities save money without affecting their eligibility for public benefits. The bill makes several key changes across different state laws. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, school districts will be required to provide informational materials about the ABLE account program to parents or guardians of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. Similarly, for families receiving early intervention services, regional intake offices will be mandated to provide ABLE account program information during the initial development and review of Individual Family Service Plans. The State Treasurer will be responsible for preparing these informational materials, which must include an overview of the program, eligibility criteria, and enrollment information. The bill also makes technical changes to standardize references to the program, ensuring that any existing references to the "ABLE account program" are understood to mean the "Illinois ABLE account program". These changes are intended to increase awareness and accessibility of this financial resource for families supporting individuals with disabilities, helping them plan for long-term expenses and potentially improve economic independence.

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Bill Summary: Amends the School Code. Provides that beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, a school district shall provide informational materials about the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program (rather than the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program) annually to the parent or guardian of a student who has a section 504 Plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, using the same distribution methods employed for other communications related to the student's section 504 Plan. Removes language providing that a school may transmit the informational material to a parent or guardian in the same manner as other documents and information related to an Individualized Education Program meeting are provided to the parent or guardian. Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act and the Early Intervention Services System Act. In provisions requiring individualized family service plans for children receiving early intervention services, provides that during the initial development of an individual family service plan and at each review meeting of the service plan, the regional intake offices shall provide the parent or guardian with informational materials about the Illinois (ABLE) account program. Requires the informational materials to include an overview of the Illinois ABLE account program, eligibility criteria, and other necessary enrollment information. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials about the Illinois ABLE account for distribution to regional intake offices which shall subsequently disseminate the informational materials to parents and guardians in the same manner as they transmit other documents to families. Makes technical changes to the State Treasurer Act to change the name of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program to the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Suzanne Ness (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Hearing (14:00:00 3/19/2025 115 and Virtual Room 4)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2793 • Last Action 03/19/2025

SCH CD-TEACHERS-EVALUATIONS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the School Code to change teacher evaluation ratings and procedures. Starting September 1, 2026, the current four-category teacher evaluation system (excellent, proficient, needs improvement, unsatisfactory) will be simplified to a two-category system, with "excellent", "proficient", and "needs improvement" ratings being considered "effective", and "unsatisfactory" ratings being considered "ineffective". The bill impacts various aspects of teacher evaluations, including performance assessments, contractual continued service, dismissal procedures, and recall processes. The changes aim to streamline the teacher evaluation system while maintaining provisions for professional development, remediation, and potential dismissal for teachers who consistently receive low performance ratings. The bill applies to school districts statewide and provides detailed guidelines for how these new evaluation categories will be implemented across different scenarios, such as probationary periods, performance reviews, and potential teacher dismissals. The changes are designed to provide a more straightforward approach to teacher performance evaluation while preserving mechanisms for supporting and, if necessary, removing teachers who do not meet performance standards.

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Bill Summary: Amends the School Code. Provides that, on and after September 1, 2026, all teacher evaluation ratings on record as "excellent", "proficient", or "needs improvement" are considered "effective" and all teacher evaluation ratings on record as "unsatisfactory" are considered "ineffective" for the purposes of the Employment of Teachers Article. Makes other changes concerning the waiver or modification of mandates; school report cards; license suspension or revocation; contractual continued service; removal or dismissal of teachers; an optional alternative evaluative dismissal process; the content of evaluation plans; the appointment and promotion of teachers in Chicago; and alternative procedures for teacher evaluation, remediation, and removal in Chicago. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Nick Smith (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Hearing (14:00:00 3/19/2025 115 and Virtual Room 4)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2817 • Last Action 03/19/2025

DATABASE RESOURCES FOR STUDENT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill establishes the Database Resources for Students Act, which mandates strict safety measures for digital and online library database resources provided to K-12 students by school districts, state agencies, public libraries, and public universities or community colleges. The bill requires that these digital resources have robust safety policies and technology protection measures specifically designed to prohibit and prevent users from accessing, sending, receiving, viewing, downloading, or otherwise engaging with child pornography, obscene materials, or content depicting child sexual exploitation. If a resource provider fails to verify compliance with these safety requirements, the educational or library institution must withhold payments and can consider the provider's noncompliance a breach of contract. The bill also requires annual reporting to the General Assembly about any provider noncompliance issues and explicitly states that the act does not exempt employees from potential prosecution for willful violations of criminal laws related to obscenity and child pornography. Additionally, the bill amends the Charter Schools Law to ensure that charter schools are also subject to these database resource safety requirements. The provisions of this act will become effective on July 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Database Resources for Students Act. Provides that a school district, State agency, public library, or public university or community college may offer digital or online library database resources to students in grades kindergarten through 12 only if the provider of the resources verifies that all the resources have safety policies and technology protection measures that prohibit and prevent a user of the resources from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading and filter or block access to child pornography, obscene materials, or materials that depict child sexual exploitation. Provides that, notwithstanding any contract provision to the contrary, if a provider fails to comply with these provisions, the school district, State agency, public library, or public university or community college shall withhold further payments to the provider pending verification of compliance. Provides that if a provider fails to timely verify that the provider is in compliance, then the school district, State agency, public library, or public university or community college shall consider the provider's act of noncompliance as a breach of contract. Provides that nothing in the Act exempts from prosecution an employee of a school district, State agency, public library, or public university or community college for a willful violation of the provisions of the Criminal Code of 2012 regarding obscenity and child pornography. Sets forth reporting provisions. Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code to provide that the Act applies to charter schools. Effective July 1, 2026.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Chris Miller (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Hearing (14:00:00 3/19/2025 115 and Virtual Room 4)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1929 • Last Action 03/19/2025

HUMAN RIGHTS-PRIOR CONVICTION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to create a pathway for formerly convicted individuals to petition the Department of Human Rights for protected class status. To be eligible, a person must have completed their parole or probation, obtained a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (with exceptions for those with certain intellectual or developmental disabilities), be employed or pursuing education, have no new felony or misdemeanor convictions for at least 5 years, and have completed all legal sanctions. The Department of Human Rights will establish rules for determining intellectual or developmental disability qualifications and who can diagnose such conditions. If a person with protected class status is subsequently convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, their status can be revoked through a formal hearing process initiated by a petition that details the new offense. This legislation aims to support rehabilitation and reintegration of formerly convicted individuals by providing a mechanism for them to gain additional legal protections against discrimination, recognizing their efforts to rebuild their lives after serving their legal penalties.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that a formerly convicted person may petition the Department of Human Rights for a grant of protected class status. Provides that the Department may grant protected class status to a formerly convicted person who meets the following conditions: the person has complied with each term and condition of the person's parole, mandatory supervised release, probation, or conditional discharge; the person has obtained a high school diploma or received a high school equivalency certificate; the person is employed or actively seeking employment or is enrolled in or has successfully completed a vocational training or college educational program; the person has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor within the last 5 years; and the person has completed all sanctions imposed upon the person through due process of law. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules concerning what constitutes an intellectual or developmental disability that prevents the formerly convicted person from meeting some of the conditions and who is qualified to diagnose such a person. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions. Provides that protected class status previously granted to a formerly convicted person shall be revoked by the Department after notice and a hearing, if the formerly convicted person is subsequently convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Provides that the revocation process shall be initiated by a petition that sets forth the date of the subsequent offense, description of the offense, date of conviction for the subsequent offense, and sentence imposed on the conviction. Provides that a copy of the petition and notice of the hearing date shall be served on the formerly convicted person.

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• Introduced: 01/29/2025
• Added: 01/30/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Camille Lilly (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 10
• Last Amended: 01/29/2025
• Last Action: Immigration & Human Rights Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2839 • Last Action 03/19/2025

CONSOLIDATE RTA SERVICE BOARDS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill would consolidate the service boards of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) by dissolving the separate boards of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Suburban Bus Division, and Commuter Rail Division, and creating a unified governance structure effective January 1, 2026. Specifically, the bill would: 1. Transform the Chicago Transit Authority from an independent entity into a division of the Regional Transportation Authority, with the RTA Board serving as the CTA's Board of Directors. 2. Abolish the Suburban Bus Board and Commuter Rail Board, with the RTA Board directly operating those divisions. 3. Create several new committees within the RTA Board to oversee the operations of each division, including the Chicago Transit Authority Committee, Commuter Rail Committee, Suburban Bus Committee, and other specialized committees like Paratransit and Innovations, Budget and Finance, and Planning and Capital Program. 4. Establish that the RTA will be primarily responsible for setting policy, strategic direction, allocating funds, and prioritizing investments, while the new divisional committees will be responsible for day-to-day operations. 5. Ensure that existing employees, appointed officials, and ongoing contracts will continue under the new structure, with terms and appointments remaining valid until their natural expiration. 6. Make conforming changes to various state laws to reflect this new organizational structure, including modifications to budget processes, employment contracts, and administrative procedures. The bill aims to streamline the governance of public transportation in the Chicago metropolitan region by creating a more unified and centralized management approach while maintaining the distinct operational characteristics of each transit division.

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

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Dan Ugaste (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 7
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 114 and Virtual Room 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2880 • Last Action 03/19/2025

RACING BD/GAMING BD EMPLOYEES

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 and the Illinois Gaming Board by removing specific one-year employment restrictions for employees of the Racing and Gaming Boards. Previously, these employees were prohibited from having been employed by or received compensation from entities that had done business with the respective boards within the year preceding their employment. The proposed changes eliminate this specific one-year restriction, which appears to be aimed at reducing barriers to employment for individuals with relevant experience in the racing and gaming industries. The bill maintains other existing restrictions on board members and employees, such as prohibitions on conflicts of interest, political activities, and requirements for good moral character. This modification could potentially make it easier for individuals with industry experience to be hired by the Racing and Gaming Boards while still preserving other important ethical guidelines for board members and employees.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Removes language providing that no employee of the Illinois Racing Board, within a period of one year immediately preceding employment, shall have been employed or received compensation or fees for services from a person or entity, or its parent or affiliate, that has engaged in business with the Board, a licensee, or a licensee under the Illinois Gambling Act. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Removes language providing that no employee of the Illinois Gaming Board, within a period of one year immediately preceding employment, shall have been employed or received compensation or fees for services from a person or entity, or its parent or affiliate, that has engaged in business with the Board, a licensee, or a licensee under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Bob Rita (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Gaming Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 Room 413 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1833 • Last Action 03/19/2025

METROPOLITAN MOBILITY AUTH ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: Here is a summary of the key provisions of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act: This bill creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority, a new regional transportation agency that consolidates the existing Chicago Transit Authority, Regional Transportation Authority, Suburban Bus Division, and Commuter Rail Division into a single integrated transit system. The key provisions include: 1. Governance: The Authority will be governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, with 10 voting members and 5 non-voting members, appointed by the Governor, Mayor of Chicago, Cook County Board President, and county board chairs of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. Board members must have diverse expertise in transportation, management, and community development. 2. Responsibilities: The Authority will be responsible for: - Providing and coordinating public transportation services - Developing strategic plans and service standards - Managing capital improvements - Implementing fare policies, including income-based reduced fares and fare capping - Promoting transit-supportive development - Improving transit safety and accessibility 3. Funding: The Authority can levy various taxes, including retailers' occupation taxes, service occupation taxes, and motor vehicle parking taxes. It will also receive state and federal funding. 4. Equity and Access: The bill emphasizes improving transportation equity, particularly for low-income communities, people with disabilities, and underserved areas. It creates an Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development to support affordable housing and economic development near transit. 5. Transition: The bill establishes a Transition Committee to manage the consolidation of existing transit agencies, with specific timelines for implementation over four years. The overall goal is to create a more integrated, efficient, and equitable regional transportation system that better serves the metropolitan Chicago area.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act. Establishes the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Regional Transportation Authority are consolidated into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and the Service Boards are abolished. Creates the Suburban Bus Operating Division, Commuter Rail Operating Division, and the Chicago Transit Operating Division. Reinserts, reorganizes, and changes some provisions from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act into the new Act. Includes provisions concerning the operation of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Repeals the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Amends various Acts, Laws, and Codes to make conforming changes. Creates the Equitable Transit-Supportive Development Act. Establishes the Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and the Transit-Supportive Development Fund. Provides that the Office and the Fund are to aid transit-supportive development near high-quality transit by providing specified funding to municipalities that have adopted the standards in the transit support overlay district for that area or that have adopted zoning and other changes that the Office determines have benefits greater than or equal to such a District, including transit support overlay districts. Includes provisions relating to Office standards, procedures, and reports. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code. Requires the Department to establish, staff, and support an Office of Public Transportation Support for the purpose of optimizing the operation of public transportation vehicles and the delivery of public transportation services on highways under the Department's jurisdiction in the Metropolitan Mobility Authority's metropolitan region. Describes the duties and operations of the Office. Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that the Chair of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority is a nonvoting member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

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• Introduced: 01/28/2025
• Added: 01/29/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 12 : Eva-Dina Delgado (D)*, Kam Buckner (D), Mary Beth Canty (D), Laura Faver Dias (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Joyce Mason (D), Justin Slaughter (D), Lilian Jiménez (D), Tracy Katz Muhl (D), Theresa Mah (D), Ann Williams (D), Nicolle Grasse (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 19
• Last Amended: 01/28/2025
• Last Action: Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Hearing (16:00:00 3/19/2025 114 and Virtual Room 1)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1387 • Last Action 03/19/2025

SCHOOL CODE-CHARTER SCHOOLS

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Illinois School Code to introduce several significant changes to charter school regulations. The bill prohibits granting a charter to any organization that operates a private, parochial, or non-public school or child care facility. It mandates that charter schools spend at least 90% of their budget on direct-service costs for students. The bill establishes comprehensive requirements for school transition plans in the event of a school action (such as closure or consolidation), including detailed provisions for supporting students, providing enrollment options, and ensuring transparent public engagement. Charter schools must now prepare and publish annual school action guidelines, provide extensive public notice and hearings for any proposed school actions, and use independent hearing officers to conduct public hearings. The bill requires charter school governing bodies to work collaboratively with local educators and families to ensure successful student integration during any school transitions, and guarantees that students will have a seat at a receiving school and teachers will be guaranteed a job if a charter school closes. Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions regarding charter school closure procedures and the disposition of unspent public funds, replacing them with more detailed transition and communication requirements. The legislation aims to increase accountability, transparency, and support for students and educators during potential charter school changes.

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Bill Summary: Amends the School Code. Prohibits a charter from being granted to an organization that operates a private, parochial, or non-public school or child care facility. Provides that a charter school shall spend no less than 90% of its budget on direct-service costs for students. Removes provisions regarding the closure of charter schools, the use of unspent public funds, and the procedures for disposition of property and assets. Requires the governing body of a charter school that is the subject of a school action to work collaboratively with local school educators and families of students attending the charter school to ensure successful integration of affected students into new learning environments. Requires, for a charter school closure, the governing body of the charter school to ensure that all students of the charter school at the time of the closure will be guaranteed a seat at a receiving school and that all teachers of the charter school at the time of the closure will be guaranteed a job at a receiving school. Sets forth requirements for school transition plans. Requires the governing body of the charter school to designate at least 3 opportunities for public comment at a hearing or meeting on the proposed school action.

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• Introduced: 01/15/2025
• Added: 01/16/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Kelly Cassidy (D)*, Aarón Ortíz (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 01/15/2025
• Last Action: Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Hearing (14:00:00 3/19/2025 115 and Virtual Room 4)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3163 • Last Action 03/18/2025

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH-PRIVACY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends the Reproductive Health Act and the Freedom of Information Act to provide privacy protections for healthcare professionals who provide abortion-related care. The bill allows healthcare professionals to submit a written request to governmental agencies, businesses, or associations to prevent the disclosure of their personal information. If such a request is received, the recipient must refrain from publicly posting or displaying the healthcare professional's personal information online. The bill prohibits soliciting, selling, or trading personal information with the intent to post a threat to the healthcare professional or their immediate family. If a written request is violated, the healthcare professional can seek injunctive or declaratory relief in court. The bill makes it a Class 3 felony to knowingly post a healthcare professional's personal information online if it poses an imminent threat to their health and safety, and results in bodily injury or death. The legislation aims to protect abortion providers from potential harassment or violence by keeping their personal information private, and it broadly defines terms like "governmental agency," "home address," and "immediate family" to ensure comprehensive protection.

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Bill Summary: Amends the Reproductive Health Act. Provides that a health care professional who provides abortion-related care may submit to any governmental agency, person, business, or association a written request that the governmental agency, person, business, or association refrain from disclosing any personal information about the health care professional. Provides that if a governmental agency receives a written request from a health care professional, the governmental agency shall not publicly post or display publicly available content that includes any personal information of the health care professional. Exempts the personal information of the health care professional from the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that if a person, business, or association receives a written request from a health care professional, the person, business, or association shall refrain from publicly posting or displaying on the Internet publicly available content that includes the personal information of a health care professional. Provides that no person, business, or association shall solicit, sell, or trade any personal information of the health care professional with the intent to post an imminent or serious threat to the health and safety of the health care professional or the health care professional's immediate family. Allows a health care professional to bring an action against a governmental agency, person, business, or association, seeking injunctive or declaratory relief if a written request is violated. Provides that it is a Class 3 felony for any person to knowingly and publicly post on the Internet the personal information of a health care professional or the health care professional's immediate family if the person knows that publicly posting the personal information poses an imminent and serious threat to the health and safety of the health care professional or health care professional's immediate family, and the violation is a proximate cause of bodily injury or death of the health care professional or health care professional's immediate family member. Makes a conforming change in the Freedom of Information Act.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 2 : Jaime Andrade (D)*, Harry Benton (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/18/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2595 • Last Action 03/18/2025

BUSINESS TRUTH IN LENDING ACT

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Small Business Financing Transparency Act, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial financing providers in Illinois. The bill requires providers of commercial financing (such as sales-based financing, closed-end financing, open-end financing, and factoring transactions) to register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and provide detailed, standardized disclosures to recipients. These disclosures must include key information like the total financing amount, finance charges, estimated annual percentage rate, total repayment amount, payment terms, and potential additional fees. Providers must register annually, pay a $2,500 fee, and submit extensive information about their financing offers. The bill also establishes a commercial financing database where providers must report detailed transaction information, with strict confidentiality provisions. Exemptions exist for certain types of financial institutions, transactions under specific dollar amounts, and providers making few financing transactions. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will have broad investigative and enforcement powers, including the ability to issue cease and desist orders, impose civil penalties, and revoke registrations for violations. The registration and disclosure requirements will begin no earlier than January 1, 2026, giving businesses time to prepare for the new regulations.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Small Business Financing Transparency Act. Sets forth provisions concerning registration requirements for persons providing commercial financing; additional registration information; registration expiration; functions, power, and duties; subpoena power of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation; disclosure requirements; commercial financing disclosure forms approved for use in other states; violation of disclosure requirements; notification; suspension of registrations, civil penalties, and other discipline; investigation of complaints; confidentiality; appeal and review; registration fees; cease and desist orders; injunctions; exemptions; complaint disclosure; rules; violations; limitations on liability; beginning of registration; beginning of disclosure requirements; severability; and a commercial financing database. Amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

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• Introduced: 02/04/2025
• Added: 02/05/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Curtis Tarver (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/04/2025
• Last Action: Financial Institutions and Licensing Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/18/2025 Room 122B)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3342 • Last Action 03/18/2025

CALUMET COMMUNITY MED DIST

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Calumet City Community Medical District, establishing a new governmental entity with specific purposes focused on healthcare and medical research development. The district will be geographically coterminous with Calumet City and will be governed by a Commission consisting of 9 appointed commissioners (3 each appointed by the Governor, the Mayor of Calumet City, and the Cook County Board President) and 3 ex officio commissioners from state agencies. The Commission's primary goals include attracting and retaining medical facilities, research centers, and high-technology enterprises, with the power to acquire and develop property, construct medical-related facilities, and provide relocation assistance. The Commission cannot levy taxes and will be subject to public transparency laws like the Open Meetings Act. It will have the ability to apply for grants, accept assessments and fees, and enter into contracts, but must prepare and approve a comprehensive master plan before taking certain actions. The bill also amends related state laws to incorporate the new medical district, including updates to the Court of Claims Act, Eminent Domain Act, and State Finance Act to recognize the new district's legal status and create a special income fund. The Auditor General will conduct periodic audits of the Commission's operations, and the Attorney General will serve as its legal advisor.

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

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Thaddeus Jones (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Cities & Villages Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/18/2025 Room 118)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3259 • Last Action 03/18/2025

MULTI-COUNTY VET ASSISTANCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends several state laws to enable the formation of multi-county Veterans Assistance Commissions in Illinois, specifically for counties with populations of 60,000 or less. The bill allows veteran service organizations in adjacent counties to jointly form a commission to serve multiple counties, or allows an existing county Veterans Assistance Commission to partner with a veteran service organization in an adjacent county without an existing commission. The multi-county commission must establish an agreement that details funding distribution, office location, services provided, superintendent selection, commission rules, and delegate composition. These multi-county commissions will have the same powers and duties as traditional county-based Veterans Assistance Commissions, including administering veteran assistance programs, representing veterans in benefit applications, and providing needed services to eligible veterans. The bill makes corresponding technical changes to several related state laws, including the Counties Code, Public Aid Code, and various treatment court acts, to accommodate and reference these new multi-county commissions. The primary goal is to expand and improve veteran support services in smaller, potentially under-resourced counties by allowing them to collaborate and share administrative resources.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Brad Halbrook (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/18/2025 Room 413 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB2475 • Last Action 03/18/2025

DHS-HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill makes several significant changes across multiple areas of Illinois state law, primarily focusing on human services, healthcare, and disability services. The bill creates a new Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind seeking competitive integrated employment. It expands the definition of "qualified examiner" in mental health law to include physician assistants and adds advanced practice psychiatric nurses to various mental health-related provisions. The bill modifies reporting requirements for death reports investigated by the Department of Human Services' Office of Inspector General, allowing such reports with no allegation of abuse or neglect to be released only to the Secretary and facility directors when a recommendation is made. Additionally, the bill removes references to mental health services from the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act, effectively narrowing its focus to developmental disabilities services. The bill also extends early intervention services to children who have been found eligible for early childhood special education services and have an individualized education program. Lastly, it repeals provisions related to the Autism Research Checkoff Fund. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

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Bill Summary: 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.

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• Introduced: 02/07/2025
• Added: 02/08/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Mattie Hunter (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 9
• Last Amended: 02/07/2025
• Last Action: Health and Human Services Committee Hearing (15:30:00 3/18/2025 Room 400)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB3240 • Last Action 03/18/2025

SCH-MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act, also known as Alyssa's Law, which requires all public schools, including charter schools, to implement a mobile panic alert system beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The system, called "Alyssa's Alert," must be capable of connecting different emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between first responder agencies and integrating with local 9-1-1 infrastructure. For the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education will issue a competitive solicitation for a mobile panic alert system, consulting with the Illinois State Police and Emergency Management Agency. The bill also establishes a Mobile Panic Alert System Grant Program to provide financial assistance to school districts for implementing these systems, subject to appropriation. A special grant fund will be created in the state treasury to support this program. Additionally, the bill makes conforming changes to existing laws to include charter schools and other educational institutions in the requirements. The legislation aims to improve school safety by providing rapid and coordinated emergency response capabilities across different agencies.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alyssa's Law. Requires, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting diverse emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. Requires, for the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education to issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system that may be used by each school district. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board of Education to establish and administer a Mobile Panic Alert System Grant Program for the purpose of issuing grants to reimburse school districts for the cost of mobile panic alert systems from moneys appropriated from the Mobile Panic Alert System Grant Fund. Amends the State Finance Act and the Charter Schools Law of the School Code to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Brad Fritts (R)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 5
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/18/2025 118 and Virtual Room 2)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB2900 • Last Action 03/18/2025

SCH-MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act, also known as Alyssa's Law, which requires all public schools, including charter schools, to implement a mobile panic alert system beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The system, called "Alyssa's Alert", must be capable of connecting different emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies and must integrate with local 9-1-1 infrastructure to transmit emergency calls and mobile activations. For the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education will issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system, consulting with the Illinois State Police and Illinois Emergency Management Agency in the process. School districts may also implement additional strategies to enhance emergency coordination. The bill amends the Charter Schools Law to include this new mobile panic alert system requirement among the non-curricular health and safety requirements that charter schools must follow. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving schools time to prepare and implement the new emergency alert system.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alyssa's Law. Requires, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting diverse emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. Requires, for the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education to issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system that may be used by each school district. Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2026.

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• Introduced: 02/05/2025
• Added: 02/06/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Nabeela Syed (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 6
• Last Amended: 02/05/2025
• Last Action: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/18/2025 118 and Virtual Room 2)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1072 • Last Action 03/18/2025

SCH-MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act, also known as Alyssa's Law, which mandates that beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all public schools, including charter schools, must implement a mobile panic alert system called "Alyssa's Alert". This system is designed to connect various emergency services technologies and ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. The system must integrate with local 9-1-1 infrastructure to transmit emergency calls and mobile activations. For the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education will issue a competitive solicitation for a mobile panic alert system, consulting with the Illinois State Police and Illinois Emergency Management Agency in the process. The bill also amends the Charter Schools Law to include this new mobile panic alert system requirement as a non-curricular health and safety requirement that charter schools must follow. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to enhance school safety by providing a rapid and coordinated emergency response mechanism.

Show Summary (AI-generated)

Bill Summary: Creates the Mobile Panic Alert System Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alyssa's Law. Requires, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, each public school to implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting diverse emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. Requires, for the 2026 fiscal year, the State Board of Education to issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system that may be used by each school district. Amends the Charter Schools Law of the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2026.

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• Introduced: 01/08/2025
• Added: 01/09/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 4 : Janet Yang Rohr (D)*, Dee Avelar (D), Nabeela Syed (D), Maura Hirschauer (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 01/08/2025
• Last Action: Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing (14:00:00 3/18/2025 118 and Virtual Room 2)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #SB1938 • Last Action 03/18/2025

METRO & REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTH

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Illinois Road Usage Charge Act and makes several significant changes to metropolitan transit authority governance and operations. The bill establishes a Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to develop and evaluate a statewide pilot program that would assess a user fee on motor vehicle owners based on miles traveled on public roadways. The pilot program, to be implemented by January 1, 2026, will test various technologies for collecting mileage data, ensuring privacy, and evaluating the feasibility of a mileage-based revenue system as an alternative to traditional motor fuel taxes. The program will involve at least 1,000 motor vehicles, analyze different data collection methods, and ensure participant compensation. The Department of Transportation must submit a comprehensive report to the General Assembly within 18 months of the pilot program's implementation. The bill also makes substantial changes to the governance and operations of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), and its Service Boards. Key modifications include expanding the Chicago Transit Board from 7 to 8 members beginning February 1, 2026, with specific requirements for board composition, including representation from organized labor, senior advocacy, and disability rights communities. The bill introduces new requirements for fare collection, establishing the RTA as the sole agency responsible for fare collection systems by July 1, 2026, and mandating the development of a universal fare instrument. Additional provisions include creating a Transit Ambassador Program to improve rider experience and safety, establishing an RTA police force, and requiring the RTA to conduct a comprehensive metropolitan region transit plan evaluation by July 1, 2027. The bill also modifies board voting requirements, budgetary processes, and introduces new accountability measures for the RTA and its Service Boards, including regular reporting to the Governor and General Assembly and potential funding reductions for non-compliance. The bill's provisions are complex and wide-ranging, touching on governance, funding, technology, and service delivery for public transportation in the Chicago metropolitan region, with most changes taking effect on February 1, 2026.

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

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• Introduced: 02/06/2025
• Added: 02/07/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 1 : Ram Villivalam (D)*
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 11
• Last Amended: 02/06/2025
• Last Action: Transportation Committee Hearing (15:30:00 3/18/2025 Room 212)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1352 • Last Action 03/18/2025

MULTI-COUNTY VET ASSISTANCE

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill amends several existing laws to enable the formation of multi-county Veterans Assistance Commissions in Illinois, specifically for counties with populations of 60,000 or less. The bill allows veteran service organizations in adjacent counties to jointly establish a multi-county Veterans Assistance Commission through a formal agreement that outlines key details such as funding distribution, office location, services provided, superintendent selection, commission rules, and delegate composition. These multi-county commissions will have the same powers and duties as single-county Veterans Assistance Commissions, including providing assistance to military veterans and their families. The bill makes corresponding updates to various related state laws, including the Counties Code, Illinois Public Aid Code, and acts governing drug courts, veterans courts, and mental health courts, to reflect the new multi-county commission structure. The changes are designed to help smaller counties more effectively coordinate and provide veterans services by allowing them to pool resources and collaborate across county lines. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

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

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• Introduced: 01/14/2025
• Added: 01/15/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 5 : Kyle Moore (R)*, Brad Halbrook (R), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Tony McCombie (R), Suzanne Ness (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 17
• Last Amended: 01/14/2025
• Last Action: Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/18/2025 Room 413 Stratton Building)

Show Additional Details

Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]

IL bill #HB1443 • Last Action 03/18/2025

HEALTH CARE AVAILABILITY

Status: In Committee

AI-generated Summary: This bill creates the Health Care Availability and Access Board (HAAB) to help manage and control prescription drug costs in Illinois. The board will consist of five members appointed by the Governor, who must have expertise in healthcare economics, pharmaceutical markets, and clinical medicine, and cannot have conflicts of interest with drug manufacturers. The board's primary purpose is to protect state residents, governments, health plans, providers, and pharmacies from high prescription drug prices by conducting affordability reviews of certain medications. These reviews will focus on drugs that meet specific cost thresholds, such as brand-name drugs over $60,000 per year or generic drugs with significant price increases. If the board determines a drug creates affordability challenges, it can establish an upper payment limit, which will apply to all purchases and reimbursements in the state. Notably, the board will adopt the federal Medicare Maximum Fair Price as its standard upper payment limit. The bill also establishes a 15-member Stakeholder Council to provide input to the board, creates a funding mechanism through manufacturer assessments, and requires annual reporting to the state legislature about prescription drug pricing trends and market conditions. Additionally, the bill provides mechanisms for appealing board decisions and allows the Attorney General to enforce the act's provisions.

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Bill Summary: Creates the Health Care Availability and Access Board Act. Establishes the Health Care Availability and Access Board to protect State residents, State and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in the State, and other stakeholders within the health care system from the high costs of prescription drug products. Contains provisions concerning Board membership and terms; staff for the Board; Board meetings; circumstances under which Board members must recuse themselves; and other matters. Provides that the Board shall perform the following actions in open session: (i) deliberations on whether to subject a prescription drug product to a cost review; and (ii) any vote on whether to impose an upper payment limit on purchases, payments, and payor reimbursements of prescription drug products in the State. Permits the Board to adopt rules to implement the Act and to enter into a contract with a qualified, independent third party for any service necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the Board. Creates the Health Care Availability and Access Stakeholder Council to provide stakeholder input to assist the Board in making decisions as required by the Act. Contains provisions concerning Council membership, member terms, and other matters. Provides that the Board shall adopt the federal Medicare Maximum Fair Price as the upper payment limit for a prescription drug product intended for use by individuals in the State. Prohibits the Board from creating an upper payment limit that is different from the Medicare Maximum Fair Price for the prescription drug product that has a Medicare Maximum Fair Price. Requires the Board to implement an upper payment limit that is the same as the Medicare Maximum Fair Price no sooner than the Medicare implementation date. Provides that Medicare Part C and D plans are not required to reimburse at the upper payment limit. Provides that the Attorney General may enforce the Act and may pursue any available remedy under State law when enforcing the Act. Effective 180 days after becoming law.

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• Introduced: 01/17/2025
• Added: 01/18/2025
• Session: 104th General Assembly
• Sponsors: 21 : Nabeela Syed (D)*, Katie Stuart (D), Diane Blair-Sherlock (D), Janet Yang Rohr (D), Theresa Mah (D), Abdelnasser Rashid (D), Mary Beth Canty (D), Kelly Cassidy (D), Will Guzzardi (D), Michelle Mussman (D), Nicolle Grasse (D), Norma Hernandez (D), Kevin Olickal (D), Gregg Johnson (D), Camille Lilly (D), Suzanne Ness (D), Debbie Meyers-Martin (D), Anne Stava-Murray (D), Anna Moeller (D), Maura Hirschauer (D), Dee Avelar (D)
• Versions: 1 • Votes: 0 • Actions: 29
• Last Amended: 01/17/2025
• Last Action: Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee Hearing (16:00:00 3/18/2025 Room C-1 Stratton Building)

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Links: Official Document • Full Details and timeline [BillTrack50.com]