Illinois

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Provides that an applicant or licensee is not in violation of the Act or certain Illinois Gaming Board rules and shall not be subject to disciplinary action, delay of any Board consideration, or denial of any license for operating a gaming device if operation of the gaming device is in compliance with, and not considered gambling under, the Criminal Code of 2012. Removes language providing that nothing shall be deemed to prohibit the use of a game device only if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling under the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that of the tax collected on net terminal income, 80.84% (rather than 83.7%) shall be deposited into the Capital Projects Fund and 17.16% (rather than 14.3%) shall be deposited into the Local Government Video Gaming Distributive Fund. Repeals a provision regarding the prohibition of video gaming by political subdivisions. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a gambling offense involving a vending or other electronic machine or device, is a Class 4 felony. Makes other and conforming changes.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the supportive living facilities program, prohibits a supportive living dementia care setting from limiting a resident's access to the sink, microwave, or refrigerator located within the respective resident's room, provided a comprehensive safety assessment deems the resident's use of the appliances safe. Requires the comprehensive safety assessment to be conducted prior to any resident moving in and at least once per quarter thereafter. Requires social and recreational programming to be provided no less than 3 times daily, including at least one time and location separate from a meal service. Requires newly constructed supportive living dementia care settings to provide no less than 300 square feet for a single occupancy apartment or no less than 450 square feet for a double occupancy apartment, which may include the closets and bathroom. Requires each apartment to include a sink, microwave, and refrigerator within the unit. Provides that any newly constructed supportive living dementia care setting shall provide a common area completely separate from the dining area.

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that the sum of $10,000 (rather than $8,000) for burial expenses shall be paid by the employer to the widow or widower, other dependent, next of kin, or person or persons incurring the expense of burial.

Creates the Social Media Data Clean Slate Act. A social media platform shall provide a clear and conspicuous button that enables a user to delete the user's account that satisfies specified requirements. Provides that the social media platform shall, when the button is clicked, provide a user with the steps necessary to complete an account deletion request, which shall include deletion of the user's personal information. Sets forth additional provisions concerning the account and personal information deletion process. Provides that any waiver of the rights provided under the Act shall be void and unenforceable. Provides that the Attorney General shall adopt rules necessary to implement and enforce the Act. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Name Change Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that for a petition for name change by a person who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, or the Arsonist Registry Act and not yet pardoned, if the petition alleges that it is sought because of marriage, religious beliefs, or status as a victim of trafficking or gender-related identity, the court may grant or deny the petition after making a determination based on certain factors. Provides that any denial of a name change sought for one of those reasons must be in writing stating the reasons for the denial. Provides that a person who has been convicted as an adult of a felony offense and whose sentence has not been completed, terminated, or discharged is not permitted to file a petition for a name change unless pardoned for the offense. Provides that the State's Attorney may file an objection to the petition within 30 days of being served if the petitioner has been convicted of and not been pardoned or has a pending case for any of these enumerated charges: identity theft, aggravated identity theft, felony or misdemeanor criminal sexual abuse if the victim of the offense at the time of its commission is under 18 years of age, felony or misdemeanor sexual exploitation of a child, felony or misdemeanor indecent solicitation of a child, or felony or misdemeanor indecent solicitation of an adult. Provides the same opportunity to object if the petitioner has any pending charge that would require compliance, if convicted, with the Sex Offender Registration Act, the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act, or the Arsonist Registry Act. Provides that those objections must be in writing, filed with the circuit court clerk, served upon the petitioner, and state with specificity the basis of the objection, including, but not limited to, any evidence of specific intent for requesting the name change and any specific and detailed facts demonstrating that any potential risk to another individual or group would outweigh any potential harm or negative impact to the individual making the request for the name change. Makes other changes.

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fee for a fishing or hunting license is $5 for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces.

Amends the Wildlife Code. Requires fur facilities to be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources in order to continue operating. Provides that a person is not eligible to obtain a fur facility license for a fur facility that was not owned or operated in the State before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Specifies that a person who owns or operates a fur facility before the effective date of the amendatory Act must obtain a fur facility license from the Department for the facility by January 1, 2028 in order to continue owning or operating the facility on or after January 1, 2028. Limits the transferability of licenses after January 1, 2028. Establishes various license application requirements. Requires the Department to inspect fur facilities before granting or renewing a fur facility license. Provides that a fur facility license may be granted by the Department only if the Department determines the facility meets certain requirements. Creates the Fur Facility Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that amounts in the Fund must be used by the Department to finance the administration and enforcement of the licensing system established by the amendatory Act. Specifies that the Department of Natural Resources must revoke the license of any person who violates the licensing requirements added by the amendatory Act and may confiscate the person's fur-bearing mammals. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the licensing requirements added by the amendatory Act. Exempts fur facility license holders from the Code's fur-bearing mammal breeder permitting requirements. Defines various terms. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Amends the Ticket Sale and Resale Act. Provides that a ticket seller, ticket reseller, and ticket broker shall display the full price of a ticket, including all assessed fees, to a purchaser when the price of a ticket is first shown to the purchaser and shall not increase that price during the transaction with the purchaser. Provides that the use of dynamic pricing in the course of selling a ticket is a violation of the provision. Defines "dynamic pricing".

Creates the Electronic Device Stewardship Act. Requires a producer that sells an electronic smoking device to implement and finance an electronic smoking device stewardship program, no later than 2 years after the effective date of the Act, through a producer responsibility organization that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires a producer responsibility organization to submit an electronic smoking device stewardship plan to the Agency for approval no later than 2 years after the effective date of the Act. Establishes requirements regarding fees collected from participating producers. Sets forth procedures regarding approval of stewardship plans. Prohibits, beginning 2 years after the effective date of the Act, a producer from selling, offering for sale, distributing, or importing for sale an electronic smoking device unless the producer is in an approved producer responsibility organization in compliance with the Act, with a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for a violation. Provides an affirmative defense for a distributor or retailer for reliance on the representation of a producer or producer responsibility organization. Allows the Attorney General to recover civil penalties and any other damages and to seek injunctive relief. Provides an antitrust exemption. Requires a producer responsibility organization to submit an annual report to the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Agency to adopt rules and conduct an evaluation. Makes findings and states the purpose of the Act. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

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

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2026, no employer shall enter into a covenant not to compete or a covenant not to solicit with any employee unless the employee's actual or expected annualized rate of earnings exceeds $300,000 per year. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall establish and administer a property tax relief pilot program. Provides that eligible homeowners shall receive a one-time direct relief payment in an amount equal to a percentage, determined by the Department by rule, of the eligible homeowner's property tax liability for the 2025 tax year. Requires the Department of Revenue to submit a report in connection with the Program to the Governor and the General Assembly. Creates the Property Tax Relief Program Fund of 2026. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Department for the purpose of making property tax relief payments. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes.

Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules establishing, implementing, and administering the Illinois Down Payment Assistant Grant Program to offer up to $20,000 grants for eligible applicants purchasing their first farms that are eligible farm purchases. Provides that, if more eligible applicants apply than grants are available, then the recipients shall be chosen with a random lottery process determined by the Department, with priority given to priority applicants. Defines terms.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility shall freeze its monthly customer charge for low-income households at an amount equal to a percentage of the household's income that is no greater than the current percentage of income used to determine the amount of monthly credits administered to participants of the Percentage of Income Payment Plan under the Energy Assistance Act.

Amends the Use Tax Act and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that the sales tax holiday period under those Acts applies from August 5 through August 14 of 2026 and from August 5 through August 14 of each year thereafter. Effective immediately.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that a person shall not knowingly mail or send or cause to be mailed or sent a letter or postcard to a recipient in the State for the purpose of soliciting or inducing the recipient to borrow money, if the letter or postcard: (1) contains language that states or implies that any response by a consumer is required; or (2) resembles a check or tax document published and mailed by the Internal Revenue Service or the Department of Revenue. Provides that any letter or postcard mailed or sent to a recipient in the State for the purpose of soliciting or inducing the recipient to borrow money shall be sent in a white envelope or postcard and include specified disclosures. Provides that a violation of the provisions constitutes an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the use of green oscillating, flashing, or rotating lights on motor vehicles or equipment used by contractors, engineering or survey crews, or union representatives engaged in work on a highway. Provides that such lights shall not be lighted except while such vehicles are actually engaged in work on a highway.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that a foreign-influenced business entity shall not make a contribution or donation to any person or entity with the express or implied condition that the contribution or donation, or any part of the contribution or donation be used for specified political purposes. Sets forth certification requirements. Provides that the provision shall be construed to establish liability on the part of any candidate, political committee, or other recipient of certification. Provides for enforcement of the provision. Defines terms. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the Managed Care Organization Provider Assessment Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning tiered managed care assessment rates, provides that beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may implement a tax that is based on uniform rates, determined at a level not to exceed limitations imposed by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, that may be set at either a percentage of premium revenue or on a per member per month basis. Removes a provision requiring any upward adjustment to the Tier 3 rate to be the minimum necessary to meet federal statistical tests. In the definition of "member months", removes language exempting enrollment in a Limited Health Services Organization, a Medicare Supplement Plan, or a Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan from the calculation of member months. Expands the definition of "managed care organization" to include an entity that operates as a preferred provider organization. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Election Code. Creates the Secure Elections Infrastructure Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that, subject to appropriation, moneys in the Fund shall be distributed by the State Board of Elections as grants to election authorities for: voting machine replacement; electronic poll book upgrades; cybersecurity hardening; voter accessibility upgrades; infrastructure for secure ballot transport and storage; and capital improvements to election authority facilities that are necessary to maintain safe, secure, and effective election administration. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall establish and use a formula to distribute moneys in the Fund to election authorities.

Creates the ICE and CBP Tracker Act. Requires the Attorney General to create and maintain a statewide incident reporting system related to unlawful activity in Illinois by personnel employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and U.S. Border Protection. Makes legislative findings. Authorizes the Attorney General to adopt rules to implement the Act.

Creates the Illinois Appliance Standards Act. Directs the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to adopt minimum efficiency standards for covered products. Provides for testing, certification, and labeling of covered products. Contains provisions concerning enforcement of the Act's requirements. Provides for administrative rulemaking by the Agency. Makes findings. Defines terms.

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Provides that a landlord may not automatically report any tenant's rental payment history to a rent reporter without first obtaining consent from the tenant in writing. Provides that a landlord may not propose a credit building agreement to the tenant until the tenant has entered into a signed residential lease agreement.

Creates the West Cook Flood Prevention District Act. Establishes the West Cook Flood Prevention District for the purpose of managing the water that flows into the Town of Cicero sewer system, including connected sewer systems. Provides that the territory of the district is the corporate limits of the Town of Cicero as well as the portions of the City of Berwyn, the Village of Oak Park, and the City of Chicago from which sewage or stormwater is discharged into the Town of Cicero sewerage system or any sewer connected within those areas. Includes provisions relating to appointment of trustees, board of trustee powers, enactment of ordinances and rules, fines and criminal offenses for ordinance violations, sewer systems, sewage and stormwater agreements, fees and special assessments that may be charged, unlawful discharge into sewers of the district, acquisition of real and personal property, eminent domain, lease of property, borrowing of money and issuance of bonds, a district assistance program, contractual requirements, and other provisions about the operation of the district. Amends the Eminent Domain Act to provide that the Board of Trustees of the West Cook Flood Prevention District may acquire property by condemnation or eminent domain for general district purposes.

Amends the Illinois Finance Authority Act. Provides that the maximum amount of notes or bonds that may be issued by the Illinois Finance Authority for any one agricultural real estate borrower may be increased by a higher amount than currently allowed if a higher amount is permitted by statute or regulation. In provisions concerning agricultural assistance loans, removes provisions providing that no proceeds from any bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority shall be loaned for the purchase of new depreciable agricultural property to any natural person who has a net worth in excess of $500,000. Effective immediately.