Illinois

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. In provisions concerning the Planning and Procurement Bureau, provides that the Illinois Power Agency shall conduct an initial energy storage procurement that results in electric utilities that served more than 300,000 customers in the State as of January 1, 2019 contracting for at least 1,038 megawatts of cost-effective stand-alone energy storage systems, excluding hydrogen batteries, that can achieve commercial operation on or before December 31, 2029 or an alternative date proposed by the Agency that is no later than December 31, 2030. Amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning energy storage systems, provides that a county may require an energy storage facility to comply with the version of NFPA 855 "Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems", or, for hydrogen batteries, the version of NFPA 853 "Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems", in effect on a certain date. Provides that a facility owner's decommissioning plan may include all requirements for decommissioning plans in NFPA 855 or NFPA 853 for hydrogen batteries. Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning net electricity metering, provides that each electricity provider shall modify its tariffs to allow net metering for an energy storage system, except for hydrogen batteries, or vehicle storage system energized after a certain date with a nameplate capacity of not more than 5,000 kilowatts. In provisions concerning distributed generation rebates, provides that an energy storage system, except for hydrogen batteries, whether or not paired with distributed generation, shall be separately compensated at a base payment of $300 per kilowatt-hour of nameplate capacity until the threshold date. Provides that, after the threshold date, a stand-alone energy storage system, except for hydrogen batteries, shall be compensated with a rebate of $250 per kilowatt-hour of nameplate capacity. In provisions concerning the resolution of disputes between facility owners and units of local government related to the siting of qualified energy facilities, provides that an energy storage system, except for hydrogen batteries, shall be in compliance with provisions of the Counties Code concerning energy storage systems. Makes other changes.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Removes all references and provisions requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to develop Error Reduction Implementation Plans. Instead requires the Department to develop Strengthening Best Practices Plans, as necessary, informed by principles of safety science, for the purpose of reducing child fatalities and serious harm. Provides that these plans shall (i) be guided by patterns, findings, and recommendations, as identified in the DCFS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) death or serious injury investigations and Child Death Review Teams recommendations; and (ii) address the systemic and organizational conditions that contribute to child fatalities and serious harm. Requires the Inspector General to submit proposed Strengthening Best Practices Plans to the Department's Director for review. Requires the plans to include compliance provisions, which specify methods for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating recommendations. Requires the OIG, in collaboration with the Department, to implement training and reform protocols through incubating change in each region, Department office, or Child Welfare Contributing Agency, as required. Requires the OIG to develop and submit new Strengthening Best Practices Plans, as necessary, and to work with staff designated by the Department to deliver training curriculum in order to implement each Strengthening Best Practices Plan. Provides that the OIG shall include a review of the implementation and evaluation of the plans from the previous fiscal year, as necessary, in the OIG Annual Report provided to the General Assembly and Governor.

Amends Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, an employer who collects gratuities through electronic means shall compile and submit a quarterly report to the Department of Labor containing specified information concerning the collection and distribution of electronic gratuities. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, an employer shall make available on the pay stub provided to any employee who receives gratuities collected through electronic means specified information concerning the collection and distribution of electronic gratuities. Effective January 1, 2027.

Creates the Liability Insurance for Day Care Providers Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance and the Department of Early Childhood, in consultation with community partners, shall conduct a survey that shall include, but not be limited to, specified subjects concerning the accessibility of liability insurance for day care providers. Requires the Department of Insurance and Department of Early Childhood to develop a finalized report of the survey and submit the findings of the report to the relevant community partners, the General Assembly, and the Governor no later than one year after the effective date of the Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the $15 tax imposed on the privilege of using any motor vehicle acquired by gift, transfer, or purchase also applies to grandparents and grandchildren.

Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that coroners are first-responders for the purposes of provisions requiring a county that is a self-insurer for purposes of providing health insurance coverage for its employees to include mental health counseling for any county employee who is a first responder without imposing a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage provided.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, each municipality shall, by ordinance, authorize the development of accessory dwelling units. Provides that each municipality shall permit accessory dwelling units in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings without additional requirements for lot size, setbacks, aesthetic requirements, design review requirements, frontage, space limitations, or other controls beyond those required for single-family dwelling units without an accessory dwelling unit. Provides that a municipality is not required to allow more than one accessory dwelling unit for any single-family dwelling. Provides that accessory dwelling units may be constructed at the same time as the principal dwelling unit. Provides that no municipality shall: (A) require additional automobile parking spaces for a property with an accessory dwelling unit beyond the requirements for a single-family dwelling unit without an accessory dwelling unit; (B) require the establishment of a familial relationship between the occupants of an accessory dwelling unit and the occupants of a principal dwelling unit; or (C) establish a minimum or maximum limit on (i) square footage of an accessory dwelling unit or (ii) the number of bedrooms of an accessory dwelling unit. Limits home rule powers.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that, with certain exceptions in cases of reckless homicide involving the death of 2 or more persons as part of a single course of conduct, in cases involving reckless homicide in which the defendant: (1) was driving at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit or (2) failed or refused to comply with a traffic control aide or device engaged in traffic control, the penalty is a Class 2 felony, for which a person, if sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall be sentenced to a term of not less than 3 years and not more than 14 years. Provides that in cases involving reckless homicide in which the offense was committed as a result of the defendant driving while the defendant's driver's license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle was suspended or revoked and the defendant caused the deaths of 2 or more persons as part of a single course of conduct, the penalty for reckless homicide is a Class 2 felony, for which a person, if sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall be sentenced to a term of not less than 6 years and not more than 28 years.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Repeals provisions prohibiting short-term, limited-duration insurance and makes conforming changes. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act and the Limited Health Service Organization Act to make conforming changes. Reenacts the Short-Term, Limited-Duration Health Insurance Coverage Act.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that companies that issue medical liability insurance must evaluate premium rates based on the specific scope of practice of each insured physician who specializes in obstetric and gynecologic services (OB-GYN), considering whether the OB-GYN provides obstetric services, including childbirth, or limits the OB-GYN's practice to gynecologic services only. Requires companies that issue medical liability insurance to classify OB-GYNs who do not provide obstetric services as lower-risk providers for the purposes of determining premium rates. Requires the Department of Insurance to establish guidelines for companies that issue medical liability insurance to classify and adjust premiums based on the risk profiles of OB-GYNs.

Amends the Chicago Police and Chicago Firefighter Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a widow's annuity shall be equal to 66 2/3%(instead of 50%) of the retirement annuity the deceased policeman or fireman was receiving at the time of death or 66 2/3% (instead of 50%) of the retirement annuity the policeman or fireman would have been eligible for if the policeman or fireman retired from service on the day before the policeman's or fireman's death. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

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

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that the prohibition on the recovery of punitive damages in a legal malpractice action includes damages sought as compensatory damages which were assessed against the legal malpractice plaintiff or failed to be obtained by the legal malpractice plaintiff.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the cursive writing instruction offered by public elementary schools must be offered to students in grades 3 through 5 (rather than requiring school districts to determine at what grade level or levels students are to be offered cursive writing, provided that such instruction must be offered before students complete grade 5).

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Defines "professional breeder". Provides that an animal shelter shall not accept a dog or cat from an animal shelter licensed under the Act or an out-of-state animal control facility, rescue group, or animal shelter that is duly licensed in their state or is a not-for-profit organization unless it obtains documentation attesting that the dog or cat was not obtained through compensation or payment made to a cat breeder, dog breeder, dog dealer, or dog broker. Provides that an animal shelter shall not obtain a dog or cat by any means other than owner surrender, transfer from an animal control facility, an order by law enforcement, a court order, or an animal shelter in compliance with provisions concerning reporting of animals. Provides that a pet shop operator or dog dealer (rather than just a pet shop operator) may offer for sale a dog or cat only if the dog or cat is obtained from an animal control facility, animal shelter, or professional breeder (rather than just an animal control facility or an animal shelter) located in-state or out-of-state, that is in compliance with provisions concerning animal control facilities and animal shelters supplying to pet shop operators and requirements of professional dog breeders. Removes provisions concerning the requirement that a pet shop operator shall keep a record of each dog or cat offered for sale. Sets forth requirements for professional dog breeders. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's obligations under certain amendatory provisions are subject to appropriation.

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that any minor 15 years of age or older arrested or taken into custody under the Act for aggravated vehicular hijacking shall be detained in an authorized detention facility until a detention or shelter care hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor and: (1) secure custody is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another; (2) the minor is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court; or (3) the minor was taken into custody under a warrant. Provides that if the court makes that determination, the minor shall continue to be held until the disposition of an adjudicatory hearing under the Delinquent Minors Article of the Act.

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that a licensed day care center may hire an individual who is in the process of completing the educational requirements set forth in administrative rules as an Interim Conditional Child Care Director for a period of 12 months. Requires the hired individual to provide documentation that shows that the individual is enrolled in courses that meet the requirements set forth in administrative rules. Provides that the individual shall be enrolled in an accredited college or university. Provides that during the 12-month employment period, an Interim Conditional Child Care Director with specified qualifications is exempt from the educational requirements set forth in administrative rules.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, before the sale of a water system or sewer system owned by a municipality to a private entity, a referendum shall be submitted to the electors of the municipality. Provides that a majority vote authorizing the sale of the water system or sewer system shall be required from the electors of the municipality before the sale or purchase can occur. Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning valuation of water and sewer utilities, provides that "water or sewer utility" means any of the following: (1) a public utility that regularly provides water or sewer service to 6,000 or fewer customer connections; (2) a water district, including, but not limited to, a public water district, water service district, or surface water protection district, or a sewer district of any kind established as a special district under the laws of the State that regularly provides water or sewer service to 6,000 or fewer customer connections; (3) a waterworks system or sewerage system established under the Township Code that regularly provides water or sewer service to 6,000 or fewer customer connections; (4) a water system or sewer system owned by a municipality that regularly provides water or sewer service to 6,000 or fewer customer connections; or (5) any other entity that is not a public utility that regularly provides water or sewer service to 6,000 or fewer customer connections. Provides that the provisions are repealed on June 1, 2026 (rather than June 1, 2028). Effective immediately.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that for any expedited appeal to amend or remove an indicated report from the State Central Register that is initiated or pending on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services shall issue its final decision on the abuse or neglect report within 60 days after receipt of a timely sufficient request for an expedited appeal, unless extended by action of the appellant. Provides that within the same 60 day time period, the Director shall receive and accept, reject, amend, or return to the Administrative Hearings Unit for further proceedings the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation with respect to the expedited appeal. Provides that the Director's decision is the final administrative decision of the Department.

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Requires a law enforcement officer to complete the intimate partner violence risk and lethality assessment instrument if the officer has a reasonable belief that a person has been abused, neglected, or exploited by a family or household member.

Amends the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Removes language providing that a governmental agency of the State is not required to use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures. Provides that the State Board of Elections is exempt from the requirement to accept electronic records and signatures. Makes other changes.

Amends the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Act. Removes a provision which provides that, in ambulatory surgical treatment centers, anesthesia service shall be under the direction of a physician who has had specialized preparation or experience in the area or who has completed a residency in anesthesiology. Specifies that with respect to anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgical treatment center, a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall seek consultation regarding development of an anesthesia plan and treatment of patients as is appropriate to the certified registered nurse anesthetist's level of expertise and scope of practice and as is warranted by the needs of the patient. Removes a requirement that an anesthesiologist participate through discussion of and agreement with the anesthesia plan and remain physically present and be available on the premises. Provides that a certified registered nurse anesthetist with clinical privileges may perform acts of advanced assessment and diagnosis and may provide such functions for which the certified registered nurse anesthetist is educationally and experientially prepared. Makes conforming changes to the Hospital Licensing Act. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a written collaborative agreement shall be adequate with respect to collaboration with certified registered nurse anesthetists if all of the following apply: (1) the agreement is written to promote exercise of professional judgment by the certified registered nurse anesthetist commensurate with his or her education and experience; (2) the certified registered nurse anesthetist provides service based on a written collaborative agreement with the collaborating physician; and (3) methods of communication are available with the collaborating physician in person or through telecommunications for consultation, collaboration, and referral as needed to address patient care needs. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that an Illinois-licensed advanced practice registered nurse certified as a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall be deemed by law to possess the ability to practice without a written collaborative agreement. Sets forth requirements of a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Makes conforming changes in the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Provides that a financial institution offering a certificate of deposit shall, before account opening, provide the consumer with a clear and conspicuous written disclosure and a specified statement. Establishes provisions concerning disclosure requirements for an automatically renewing certificate of deposit; requirements for financial institutions before processing any early withdrawal of a certificate of deposit; and enforcement provisions. Provides that a violation of the provisions concerning mandatory disclosures related to certificates of deposit is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a corresponding change. Effective January 1, 2027.

Creates the Immunity for Private Campgrounds Act. Provides that a private campground owner or an employee or officer of a private campground owner is not be liable for acts or omissions related to camping at a private campground if a person is injured or killed or property is damaged as a result of an inherent risk of camping with exceptions. Provides that "private campground" means any parcel or tract of land, including buildings and other structures, that is owned or operated by a private property owner where 5 or more campsites are made available for use as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. Provides that private campground also includes recreational vehicle parks. Exempts employer-employee relationships.

Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that a high voltage transmission line may be constructed, placed, or maintained across any public right-of-way or along any highway, federally aided State highway, controlled access highway, interstate highway, or roadway, except as deemed necessary by the Secretary of Transportation to protect public safety or ensure the proper function of the highway. Provides that in the case of the co-location of a high voltage transmission line with Department of Transportation highway right-of-way, the Secretary of Transportation shall engage in coordination activities with a utility or developer to review requested highway corridors for a possible permitted location of a high voltage transmission line. Provides that when a permissible route along a highway corridor has been identified by the Department and the utility or developer, the Department must engage in consultation with the utility or developer to develop a constructability report to be used by both parties when co-location projects are being planned and approved. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Establishes an order of priority when siting a location for a new electric transmission facility.