Illinois

Creates the Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Defines "transportation network driver" as an individual who operates a motor vehicle that: (i) is owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the individual; (ii) is not a taxicab or for-hire public passenger vehicle; (iii) is used to provide transportation network company services; and (iv) operates under the license of a transportation network company. Provides that transportation network drivers have the right of self-organization, to form, join, or assist transportation network driver organizations, and to bargain collectively. Sets forth provisions concerning unfair work practices; the prevention of unfair work practices; the designation of bargaining representatives; administrative fees; bargaining, impasse resolution procedures, and final determinations by the Department of Labor; applicability of other labor standards; rulemaking; and public records. Amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Labor Dispute Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that either the court or the State's Attorney, or both, (rather than the State's Attorney) or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, may establish community mediation programs designed to provide citizen participation in addressing juvenile delinquency. Provides that prior to entering a sentence, the court shall require the parties involved to consider participation in a restorative practice, such as a conference or circle as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, to identify and repair harm to the extent possible, address trauma, reduce the likelihood of further harm, and strengthen community ties by focusing on the needs and obligations of all parties involved through a participatory process. Provides that participation in the process shall be voluntary by all parties, and any resulting agreement shall contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations. Provides that the agreement shall be recommended to the court as an alternative to sentencing.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Changes the name of the School and Municipal Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program to the Social Worker and School Counselor Shortage Loan Repayment Program. Allows a school counselor to apply for the Program. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall award a grant of up to $8,000 (rather than $6,500) per year for a maximum of 4 years to each qualified applicant. Provides that a grant shall be used for repayment of the recipient's educational loan instead of the Commission encouraging the recipient to use the grant to repay the recipient's educational loan. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

Creates the Disposable Food Service Container Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2030, a person may not sell or distribute in this State a disposable food service container that is composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam. Specifies that the prohibition does not apply to any activity authorized under an ordinance or resolution adopted by a unit of local government on or before January 1, 2024 or with respect to sales made to a unit of local government for use by the unit of local government for its internal operations. Sets forth penalties for violations of the Act. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act. Prohibits a park owner from increasing rent more than 3% per year. Provides that a park owner may adjust rent annually, beginning in 2027, to reflect a percentage equal to the percentage change in the consumer price index-u during the preceding 12-month calendar year that may not be more than a 5% increase in the 3% cap. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Mobile Home Tenant Protection Act.

Amends the Clerks of Court Act. Authorizes a circuit court clerk of any county to develop and maintain a will depository. Provides a procedure for the clerk to accept for safekeeping a testamentary instrument executed in compliance with the Probate Act of 1975, including a will, codicil, trust, or trust and one or more trust amendments. Allows a depositor to deposit a will with the clerk if the depositor certifies in writing that the depositor is unable to locate the testator after a diligent search. Creates a procedure for the clerk to follow in accepting, keeping, and returning these documents. Allows the clerk to charge a fee of $25 for each will deposited, and the clerk may not collect a separate fee for additional documents concurrently deposited in relation to a single testator or for a single joint will prepared for a husband and wife.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", provides that an abused child means a child whose parent or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent commits the act of grooming a child for the purpose of establishing or attempting to establish a romantic or sexual relationship (rather than commits the offense of grooming, as defined in the Criminal Code of 2012). Effective immediately.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In provisions concerning written notification to specified persons on the final determination of an indicated finding of abuse or neglect, requires the Department of Children and Family Services to include in such notification: (1) a statement of the allegation and the indicated finding; (2) the length of time the indicated finding shall be maintained in the State Central Register; (3) notice of the right to request an administrative appeal of the indicated finding; (4) the time period within which an administrative appeal must be requested; (5) the manner in which to request an administrative appeal; and (6) notice of the right to request a copy of the investigative file that pertains to the subject, including the manner in which such a request may be made, regardless of whether the subject requests an administrative appeal, and that any records provided are subject to redaction or withholding as required by State or federal law.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the purpose of the amendatory Act is to authorize the Department of Human Services to identify, develop, and manage the administrative infrastructure needed to support existing and future short-term universal newborn home visiting services. Provides that in carrying out this work, the Department may consider the recommendations contained in the Early Childhood Comprehensive Services grant report when adopting rules to support implementation. Provides that by January 1, 2028, the Department of Human Services may do the following: (1) create and maintain a list of the voluntary universal newborn home visiting models that align with the State's priorities for approach and outcomes and that may inform future local implementation or support existing State grants; (2) coordinate with relevant State agencies to support implementation of State-administered funding for local programs; request, collect, and report available data from universal newborn home visiting implementers and develop recommendations for future data collection and data infrastructure; and develop criteria for prioritizing future State funding, including the identification of communities for potential universal newborn home visiting implementation; and (3) consult, coordinate, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders when designing the infrastructure to support universal newborn home visiting services. Provides that funds received for the purposes of the amendatory Act shall supplement, and not supplant, existing or new federal, State, or local funding for these universal newborn home visiting services. Permits the Department to adopt rules. Effective July 1, 2027.

Declares May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. Calls upon all Illinoisans to engage in supporting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Pet Insurance Article of the Code. Defines terms. Requires a pet insurer to disclose coverage exclusions, limitations, waiting periods, and other information. Provides that pet insurance applicants shall have the right to examine and return the policy, certificate, or rider to the company or an agent or insurance producer of the company within 30 days of its receipt and to have the premium refunded if, after examination of the policy, certificate, or rider, the applicant is not satisfied for any reason. Provides that a pet insurer may issue policies that exclude coverage on the basis of one or more preexisting conditions with appropriate disclosure to the consumer. Provides that a pet insurer may issue policies that impose waiting periods upon effectuation of the policy that do not exceed 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions not resulting from an accident. Prohibits waiting periods for accidents. Provides that no pet insurer or insurance producer shall market a wellness program as pet insurance. Sets forth provisions concerning wellness programs sold by a pet insurer or insurance producer.

Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Provides that, among other things, notice of the duration of eligible lists of examinations of each position in the classified service shall be given by the Director of Human Resources by publication for 2 weeks preceding the examination in a daily newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the sanitary district is situated, and the notice shall be posted by the Director in a conspicuous place in the Director's office for 2 weeks before the examination. Provides that, if fewer than 5 candidates are in the A, B, and C categories combined, then the Director may delay certification to fill a vacancy and hold an examination to provide a sufficient number of candidates on an updated eligible list. Provides that, among other apprentices, apprentices in a sanitary district's apprenticeship program for plant operations or laboratory operations shall not be included in the classified civil service. Provides that graduates of a sanitary district apprenticeship program shall be given additional points on examinations for civil service journeymen positions in entry-level positions in plant operations or laboratory operations classifications, in addition to the trades, at the sanitary district. Provides that, if an eligible list for the civil service journeyman trades or entry-level plant operations or laboratory operations classification already exists at the time a district apprentice completes the district program, then a special administration of the examination may be scheduled by the Director. Makes other and conforming changes.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the Governor shall annually designate by official proclamation the third Friday of September in each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day (rather than the third Friday of September in each year is designated as POW/MIA Recognition Day) to be observed in honor and remembrance of the men and women who, as POWs, have suffered captivity in foreign countries while in active service with the United States armed forces or who, as MIAs, have been recognized as missing in action in a time of war or during a period of hostilities (rather than who were recognized as POWs or MIAs in a time of war or during a period of hostilities). Provides that the Governor shall request, in the Governor's annual designation by official proclamation, that some portion of the third Friday of September be used for solemn contemplation on the plight of members of the United States armed forces who have been held prisoners of war and members of the United States armed forces who have been missing in action and the resolve of families and friends who continue to seek the fullest possible accounting for missing loved ones. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Requires every public elementary and high school to include in its curriculum the study of the contributions made by Latin Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. Provides that the regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the requirement during the regional superintendent's annual compliance visit and make recommendations for improvement. Provides that the failure by a school district or school to comply with the requirement shall result in a written warning for the first offense, and if the school district or school continues to fail to comply with the requirements, the school district or school shall face disciplinary action at the discretion of the regional superintendent. Requires the State Superintendent of Education to prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials and professional development opportunities that may be used as guidelines for the development of a Latin American unit of study. Effective August 1, 2026.

Amends the Digital Library Protection Act. Provides that no publisher shall enter into a contract or license agreement to distribute electronic literary materials to a library that: (1) restricts the library from performing customary operational functions; (2) restricts the library from performing customary lending functions; (3) restricts the library from disclosing the terms of the contract or license agreement to any other library in the State; or (4) requires the library to violate the Library Records Confidentiality Act. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that any contract to license electronic literary materials to a library that includes a provision prohibited under the Act is deemed unenforceable and void. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "plug-in solar energy system". Provides that an electricity provider shall not require an eligible customer who uses, or intends to install and use, a plug-in solar energy system to do certain actions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system is exempt from the interconnection requirements under provisions concerning net metering and any rules adopted pursuant to those provisions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system is not eligible for net electricity metering or any distributed generation rebate. Provides that, within 30 days after the installation of a portable solar generation device, the owner of the portable solar generation device shall notify the electricity provider that serves the building in which the portable solar generation device was installed of the installation. Provides that an electricity provider shall not be solely liable for any damage or injury caused by an eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system. Provides that homeowners' associations, common interest community associations, and condominium unit owners' associations shall not adopt or enforce any covenant, bylaw, regulation, or other rule that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system. Provides that homeowners' associations, common interest community associations, and condominium unit owners' associations that are exempt from the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act under certain provisions of the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act shall be exempt from certain amendatory provisions. Provides that landlords shall not adopt or enforce any lease or contract that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less is exempt from any building safety code provisions or any product listing standard provisions that would require alterations to a building's premises, wiring, or electrical panels. Provides that the installation of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum output to a receptacle outlet of more than 391 watts is prohibited until the National Fire Protection Association adopts a standard in the National Electrical Code that is applicable to plug-in solar energy systems that have a maximum output to a receptacle outlet of more than 391 watts. To comply with plug-in solar energy system requirements, provides that any plug-in solar energy system must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that no person shall sell, attempt to sell, or offer to sell to a consumer in the State a plug-in solar energy system that is manufactured on or after January 1, 2027 unless a label is placed on the plug-in solar energy system that contains a certain statement. Provides that a violation of the amendatory provisions constitutes an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act. Amends the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, and the Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act. Provides that "solar energy system" includes a plug-in solar energy system.

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Adds provisions concerning rental fee transparency by requiring all non-optional fees, regardless of whether they are one-time fees or recurring fees, to be explicitly contained on the first page of a lease agreement. Provides that a tenant shall not be liable for payment of any fee that is not explicitly contained on the first page of the lease agreement. Requires a landlord to disclose in the lease agreement or unit listing whether utilities are included in the rent. Prohibits certain fees including: (i) a fee for a rental application or background check in excess of $50, with some exceptions; (ii) a fee or fine for modification or renewal of a lease agreement; (iii) a fee or fine for after-hours requests for maintenance service; (iv) a fee or fine for pest abatement or removal where the tenant has in no way contributed to the infestation; and other fees. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers if inconsistent with the provisions of the amendatory Act. Provides that the amendatory Act applies to all lease agreements for residential rental property entered into after the effective date of the amendatory Act; and that a landlord may not rename a fee or charge to avoid application of the Act. Creates a civil action for any person alleging a violation of the rental fee transparency and fee ban provisions under the amendatory Act. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits an insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act from requiring a dental care provider to only accept payment from a credit card or electronic funds transfer, in addition to the existing prohibition on incurred fees to access and obtain payment or reimbursement for services provided. Provides that any insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance may initiate or change payment methodology to a dental care provider using electronic funds transfer payments, including virtual credit card payments, if the specified conditions are met. Sets forth provisions concerning claim payment methodologies and fees for transmitting payments. Provides that the specified dental coverage reimbursement provisions shall not be waived by contract. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Medicaid Technical Assistance Act. Requires the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center to collaborate with public and private partners throughout the State to identify, establish, and maintain best practices necessary for health providers to ensure their capacity to participate in the Illinois Medical Assistance Program (rather than ensure their capacity to participate in HealthChoice Illinois or YouthCare). Requires the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center to promote equitable delivery systems, remaining committed to the principle that all Medicaid recipients have accessible and equitable physical and mental health care services. Removes provisions concerning the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center's administration of network adequacy reports, and instead requires the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center to administer a network recruitment plan. Provides that by using reports and data provided by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ External Quality Review Organization on network adequacy, provider service deserts, and health care disparities by race and ethnicity, the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center shall propose for Department review and approval an annual plan for recruiting providers to participate in the Illinois Medical Assistance Program and report on outcomes of its recruitment efforts to the Department for continuous improvement. Repeals a provision requiring the Department to maximize federal financial participation for any moneys appropriated to the Department for the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center and to deposit all federal financial participation funds into the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center Fund. Repeals a provision creating the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center Fund. Amends the State Finance Act. Provides for the dissolution of the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center Fund on July 1, 2026, or as soon thereafter as practical, after the transfer of all remaining funds into the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Board of Review within the Department of Employment Security shall consist of 3 members (rather than 5 members). Sets forth provisions concerning the compensation and support of members of the Board of Review. Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that each member of the Board of Review shall review the record and certify that fact in each final determination made by the Board of Review.

Appropriates the amount of $350,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to Angelic Organics Learning Center, DBA Farmers Rising, for the purpose of costs associated with the purchase or maintenance, or both, of a truck, trailer, and other equipment for Farmers Rising’s Rockford mobile grocery store. Effective July 1, 2026.

Creates the Federally Assisted Tenant Protection Act. Provides that every covered housing provider, as defined, and its agents that receive federal housing assistance payments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are subject to the provisions of the Act. Provides that unless required by federal law or an applicable State or federal funding program, no covered housing provider shall establish or implement any rules, policies, or procedures that: (i) impose time limits as a condition of initial or continued eligibility for any covered housing or that impact the amount of the rent subsidy or assistance provided to covered housing tenants; or (ii) impose work requirements as a condition of initial or continued eligibility for any covered housing or that impact the amount of the rent subsidy or assistance provided to covered housing tenants. Provides that nothing with respect to this prohibition prevents a covered housing provider from terminating assistance or a residential lease as authorized by federal law. Permits a covered housing provider to establish and implement a voluntary employment or job training program, or encourage a covered housing applicant or tenant to participate in a voluntary employment or job training program if program participation does not impact the applicant's or tenant's initial or continued eligibility for the rent subsidy or assistance or the amount of rent subsidy or assistance; and the program has one or more specified goals, including, but not limited to, (i) increasing personal income, (ii) generating financial savings, and (iii) homeownership. Provides that the prohibition against time limits and work requirements (1) does not apply to any covered housing provider participating in the Moving to Work demonstration program that has work requirements prior to the effective date of the Act that comply with federal regulations; and (2) does not limit or alter operation of the federal Family Self-Sufficiency Program or the federal community service requirement for public housing tenants. Amends the Housing Authorities Act with substantially similar provisions. Provides that no housing authority, or its agents, shall impose time limits or work requirements on its tenants or housing applicants. Provides that the prohibition shall apply to all federally assisted housing, as defined, administered by local housing authorities. Permits a housing authority and its agents to establish and implement a voluntary employment or job training program, or encourage a housing applicant or tenant to participate in a voluntary employment or job training program, if the program has certain stated goals. Provides that the prohibition against time limits and work requirements (i) does not apply to a housing authority participating in the Moving to Work demonstration program and (ii) does not limit or alter the operation of the federal Family Self-Sufficiency Program or the federal community service requirement for public housing tenants. Effective immediately.

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Defines "pathogens of epidemiological concern". Provides that each hospital shall develop and implement comprehensive interventions to prevent and control pathogens of epidemiological concern (instead of multidrug-resistant organisms) that take into consideration guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, or the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society for the management of multidrug-resistant organisms in health care settings. Within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, requires each hospital to adopt a policy for preventing and controlling the transmission of pathogens of epidemiological concern. Establishes reporting requirements for hospitals with patients carrying pathogens of epidemiological concern. Repeals the MRSA Screening and Reporting Act.

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that, in order to protect the public and ensure safe and adequate health care services, if the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation finds that any person licensed or authorized to practice under the Act was not properly credentialed pursuant to the standards required at the time of application, the Department may temporarily suspend the person's license or authorization to practice without prior hearing until the Department receives satisfactory evidence of the licensee's overall qualifications. Provides that the Department shall notify the licensee of the temporary suspension at the licensee's address of record or email address of record. Provides that the licensee may request that the Board review the validity of the license within 30 days after the service of the notice and shall submit written evidence in support of the licensee's qualifications with the request for review. Provides that the licensee may seek an extension of time to provide such evidence, during which the suspension shall remain in effect. Provides that the Board, at its next regularly scheduled meeting, shall review the request and any written evidence provided by the licensee and make a final recommendation regarding the licensee's qualifications to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department. Provides that, based upon the Board's final recommendation, the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation may issue an order withdrawing the license due to the licensee's lack of qualifications or lift the suspension of the license by stipulating terms and conditions of practice. Provides that withdrawal of the license alone shall not constitute discipline or be a bar to licensure if the licensee makes a subsequent reapplication that meets the qualifications under the Act. Provides that disciplinary proceedings may also be initiated pursuant to the Board's recommendation or Department findings and shall be conducted in the same manner as other disciplinary proceedings under the Act. Sets forth rulemaking authority for the Department.