Illinois

Amends the Emergency Services Districts Act. Provides that, if a fire protection district provides ambulance service, then an emergency services district formed and operated solely to provide ambulance service may be formed in part or in whole within that fire protection district as long as (i) the board of trustees of the fire protection district adopts a resolution to cease its tax levy for emergency ambulance service under specified provisions of the Fire Protection District Act and (ii) the emergency services district is operating an ambulance service that serves the portion of the emergency services district located in the fire protection district. In provisions concerning the notice of a petition to form an emergency services district, provides that the notice shall be published at least once each week for 2 successive weeks (rather than 2 weeks) in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the proposed district. Provides that, if there is no newspaper of general circulation in the proposed district, then a copy of the notice shall be posted in at least 10 of the most public places in the proposed district at least 10 days before the hearing (rather than requiring a copy of the notice to be posted in at least 10 of the most public places in the proposed district at least 10 days before the hearing in all circumstances). Provides that the hearing shall be held at a time that allows a referendum to create the proposed district to appear on the ballot of the next general election. Removes provisions requiring the boundaries of the proposed district to be fixed by the court at the hearing. Removes language requiring the hearing to be held within 20 days after the petition is filed with the circuit clerk. Provides that the board of trustees of an emergency services district may, among other things, provide ambulance services to the emergency services district; borrow money; mortgage, pledge, or grant a security interest in any real or personal property of the district; and buy, sell, and own real estate for the purpose associated with the operation of the emergency services district.

Amends the Eviction Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Requires dismissal of a complaint in its entirety against all defendants if the complaint names a defendant who is a minor at the time of filing or was a minor at the time that the lease agreement at issue was entered. Provides that such an action shall be immediately sealed. Provides that, in addition to any other remedies available to the minor, a minor named as a defendant in violation of the Act is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, actual damages, and liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits a party from refiling an action against any defendants who otherwise may be properly named. Provides that, upon dismissing the case, the court may not waive any fees associated with refiling the action against defendants otherwise properly named.

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that each board of trustees of a community college district shall require the faculty member who teaches a course to be an individual who meets the qualifications in the Illinois Administrative Code and any other applicable rules adopted by the Illinois Community College Board. Provides that a course may not, in lieu of a faculty member, use artificial intelligence as the sole source of instruction for students. Provides that nothing shall be construed to prohibit a faculty member from using artificial intelligence to augment course instruction.

Amends the School Code. Provides that no institution of higher education shall establish or maintain any policy which requires student teaching for preservice teachers to be unpaid. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual plan of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2026 must provide coverage, no less than once every 12 months, for a peripheral artery disease screening test for any at-risk individual. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under those provisions.

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, all 9-1-1 telecommunicators who provide dispatch for emergency medical conditions shall be required to be trained, utilizing the most current nationally recognized emergency cardiovascular care guidelines, in high-quality telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR). Defines telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the purposes of the provisions.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. In provisions requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to conduct a criminal records background check prior to placement of a child with a relative or a prospective foster or adoptive parent, provides that final approval for placement shall not be granted if the background check reveals that the relative, prospective foster or adoptive parent, or any other adult living in the home has a felony conviction for human trafficking or sex trafficking. Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that the Department shall not approve a relative caregiver home for certification if a criminal background screening reveals that any adult living in the home has a felony conviction for human trafficking or sex trafficking. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the Epinephrine Injector Act. Defines "authorized individual". Adds references to "authorized individual" in provisions regarding those persons who may provide or administer an epinephrine injector. Requires the issuance of a certificate upon completion of an anaphylaxis training program. Adds provisions regarding good Samaritan protections. Amends the Good Samaritan Act. Limits the liability of authorized individuals who may provide or administer an epinephrine injector.

Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall consider establishing ratios for providers of genetic medicine and genetic counseling.

Amends the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. Provides that "amenable" includes edible portions of carcass, bird, or siluriformes fish (rather than edible portions of carcass or bird). Provides that all siluriformes, carcasses, or products entering any official establishment intended for wholesale distribution shall be inspected, handled, stored, prepared, packaged, marked, and labeled as required by provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations. Effective immediately.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Removes the requirement for each Legislative District to be divided into two Representative Districts. Modifies provisions concerning legislative redistricting. Provides specified requirements for each Legislative District, Representative District, and Congressional District for redistricting purposes. Replaces the current method of legislative redistricting. Provides for the creation of a sixteen-member commission, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the most senior Supreme Court Justice of a different political party, in accordance with specified criteria. Requires the commission to adopt and file with the Secretary of State redistricting plans for Legislative, Representative, and Congressional Districts following a series of public hearings by August 1 of the year following a federal decennial census. Permits the public to submit redistricting plans during the redistricting process for consideration by the Commission. Specifies that, if a redistricting plan is not adopted by August 1 of the year following a federal decennial census, then a seventeenth member shall be appointed to the commission and redistricting plans shall be filed by September 1. Adds provisions concerning the membership of the commission and budgetary matters related to the commission. Effective upon being declared adopted and applicable to redistricting beginning in 2031 and to the election of General Assembly members beginning in 2032.

Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill, except: (1) provides that the Fitness to Stand Trial Task Force shall hold its first meeting no later than October 1, 2025; (2) the Task Force may at any time identify legislative proposals in support of its mission prior to the issuance of its final report; (3) in the provisions that following eligibility screening for mental health services, the State and the defendant agree to the diversion and the court determines that the defendant is appropriate for diversion, the criminal charges may be dismissed (deletes with prejudice); (4) provides that if the parties do not agree or the court does not approve the diversion, the court shall order a fitness examination and the matter shall be governed by any other relevant provisions of the Fitness For Trial, To Plead Or To Be Sentenced Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963; (5) deletes provision that appointments to the Task Force shall be made within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act; and (6) the Task Force shall be dissolved following the submission of its report to the Supreme Court and the General Assembly.

Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. In provisions concerning the requirements for an exemption for poultry raisers with respect to poultry raised on the poultry raisers' own farms, provides that a notice on a physical display shall be prominently displayed on a placard in at least 18-point font (rather than shall be displayed on a placard). Adds the following requirements to provisions exempting poultry raisers with respect to poultry raised on the poultry raisers' own farms: (i) at the point of sale at farmers' markets, information in the form of a placard, flyer, or product label shall be provided to consumers regarding safe handling instructions for poultry or poultry products produced under the provisions concerning exemptions with the rationale statement provided in federal rules; (ii) poultry and poultry products produced under the provisions concerning exemptions shall be maintained at temperatures as provided in the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act during storage, transportation, shipping, and delivery; and (iii) poultry or poultry products produced under the provisions concerning exemptions that are sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed at farmers' markets shall be sealed in a watertight or leakproof bag or other watertight or leakproof packaging.

Amends the O'Hare Driver Safety Act. Allows the Illinois State Police (rather than the Illinois Toll Highway Authority) to issue the violation of stopping or standing within one-half mile of O'Hare International Airport to the lessee of the vehicle in the same manner as it would issue a violation to a registered owner of a vehicle. Provides that the State Police (rather than the Authority) shall procure, and after procurement, have oversight over (rather than install and maintain) automated traffic safety systems along traffic routes within a one-half mile radius of: (1) the eastern entrance to O'Hare International Airport; and (2) the intersection of Interstate 90 and Interstate 294. Provides that the Authority and the Department of Transportation shall allow the installation of automated traffic safety systems upon light poles under their jurisdiction. Requires the State Police (rather than the Authority) to issue a written notice of the violation to the registered owner of the vehicle as the alleged violator. Requires the State Police (rather than the Authority) to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the Act. Allows the State Police to procure a single contract or multiple contracts to implement the Act. Makes other changes.

Amends the Domestic Violence Shelters Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall be responsible for the provision of a single, easy to use telephone number for public access to information and referral for domestic violence services. Authorizes the Department to identify and enter into a contract with a lead entity to provide governance and oversight, including the ability to design, implement, support, and coordinate a State-wide Domestic Violence Hotline system. Provides that the lead entity must: (i) have the ability to provide statewide, toll-free, 24-hour, 7 day-a-week, multi-lingual, confidential referral services to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and information to people calling on behalf of a victim, including friends or family of the domestic violence victim and first responders such as the police; (ii) have a record of providing effective, victim-centered referral services to victims of domestic violence for at least 2 years prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act; (iii) be an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit agency or organization; (iv) provide the most up-to-date technology to increase access to domestic violence services for the deaf and hard of hearing; and (v) have other specified qualifications. Requires the lead entity to provide periodic programmatic and fiscal reports on activities, accomplishments, and other issues to the Department. Requires the Department to ensure, prior to awarding a contract, that the Domestic Violence Hotline lead entity has the organizational capacity to carry out the terms of the contract.

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is located within a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Specifies that a project that is located within a distressed community, regardless of whether the project is located within a distressed location, is eligible for assistance up to 90% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is not located in a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 75% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the making of grants under the Act for projects that are located in distressed locations and distressed communities. Sets limits on the appropriated amounts that may be used for grants to distressed communities and distressed locations. Repeals a provision that required the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report. Repeals provisions that define terms. Adds other definitions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Natural Resources.

Amends the Right-of-Way Article of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any authorized emergency vehicle obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway, whether stationary or not, and displaying flashing lights as provided in the Act. Provides that the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to an emergency worker obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway at an emergency scene, and the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian upon a highway directly involved in the emergency scene. Makes corresponding changes to penalty provisions.

Creates the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act. Provides that it is the policy of the State that a parent involved with the Illinois child welfare system has specified rights, including, but not limited to, the right to: (1) be treated with dignity and respect and as a valued member of the child welfare team; (2) be consulted about relative placement options for the child if placement becomes necessary; (3) as it relates to a non-custodial parent, be assessed and considered for custody of the child prior to the Department of Children and Family Services taking protective custody; (4) receive timely visits with the child, subject to and in accordance with State law, all rules and procedures of the Department of Children and Family Services, and all applicable court orders; (5) be provided a copy of the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act at the time of case opening or first contact with the Department of Children and Family Services; (6) be consulted in the development of the child's hair care plan, if not contrary to the child's wishes; and other enumerated rights. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Makes formatting changes. Amends the Accountability for the Investment of Public Funds Act. Provides that each State agency shall make available on the Internet, and update at least monthly, no later than the end of each month (rather than by the 15th of the month), sufficient information concerning the investment of any public funds held by that State agency to identify specified information. Effective immediately.

Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill. Further amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Deletes a provision concerning motions to vacate convictions for offenses committed as a result of the defendants having been human trafficking victims. Defines the term "court proceeding" for purposes of a provision that sets forth retail loss prevention report and notice requirements. Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. In the definition of "court proceeding", changes reference to "bond" to "pretrial release". Provides that timely notification shall include 7 days' notice of all court proceedings. Provides that for preliminary hearings and hearings regarding pretrial release or that alter the conditions of pretrial release only, if giving the victim 7 days' notice is impossible, fewer days may be timely, so long as the notice is provided as soon as practicable and in advance of the proceeding.

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Requires individual residents to be assessed prior to admission using assessment tools that are approved or recommended by recognized Alzheimer's and dementia care experts, ensuring that the tools are validated for accurately identifying and evaluating cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Provides that these tools shall be reviewed and updated as needed to align with current best practices and clinical standards in dementia care.

Amends the State Parks Designation Act. Provides that the visitor center located in Giant City State Park shall be known as the Bob Kristoff Visitor Center. Specifies that the arena located at Giant City Stables in Giant City State Park shall be known as the Richard A. Kelly Arena. Effective immediately.

Amends the Collection Agency Act. Provides that a debtor is not liable for any coerced debt, as defined in the Act, and may assert that they have incurred a coerced debt by providing to a collection agency an oral or written Statement of Coerced Debt, as specified. Sets forth provisions concerning notice of coerced debt to a collection agency; duties of a collection agency upon receiving an incomplete statement of coerced debt; affirmative defenses in collection actions or arbitration; civil liability; protections from perpetrators of coerced debt; restrictions on waivers; and liability of collection agencies for violations of the Act. Provides that, upon receiving the debtor's complete statement of coerced debt and specified supporting information, a collection agency shall review and consider all the information received from the debtor as well as any other information available in the collection agency's file or from the creditor related to the alleged coerced debt within 90 days after receipt of the statement of coerced debt. Requires a collection agency, within 5 days after receipt of the complete statement of coerced debt and supporting information, to cease any pre-judgment attempts to collect the coerced debt from the debtor, including refraining from filing any lawsuit or arbitration to collect the coerced debt, and notify any consumer reporting agency to which the collection agency or creditor furnished adverse information about the debtor that the debtor disputes the adverse information. Establishes additional requirements for a collection agency that reviews a statement of coerced debt. Provides that, within 180 days after the effective date of the Act, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may design and publish a model coerced debt and third party written verification form in English and any other language it determines, within its discretion, is the first language of a significant number of consumers in the State. Makes other changes.

Amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act. Repeals the definition of "client agency" and makes changes in the definitions of "dedicated unit", "State agency", and "transferring agency". Replaces references to "transferring agency" with references to "transferred agency". Makes changes in provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Department of Innovation and Technology, including changes in the scope of services provided by the Department and in the classes of persons to whom those services are to be provided. Authorizes the Department to charge fees for service to all State agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor (rather than only client agencies). Repeals from the Department of Innovation and Technology Act and adds to the Illinois Information Security Improvement Act a provision requiring the principal executive officer of specified units of local government to designate a local official or employee as the primary point of contact for local cybersecurity issues. Requires the name and contact information for the specified individual to be provided to the Statewide Chief Information Security Officer. Further amends the Illinois Information Security Improvement Act. Makes changes concerning the duties of the Office of the Statewide Chief Information Security Officer and the Secretary of Innovation and Technology. Changes the definition of "State agency".

Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Makes changes to the definition of "roofing work" or "professional roofing services". In provisions concerning contracts for professional roofing services, provides that, in awarding a contract for professional roofing services, if the property owner is the State or any municipality, county, incorporated area, or school district, the property owner shall conduct a bona fide procurement process in accordance with applicable law in which the awarded vendor holds the applicable verified active licenses and a qualifying party credential issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (rather than a bona fide bidding process in which all of the bids are submitted by roofing contractors holding verified active licenses issued by the Department). Corrects typographical errors. Amends the Professional Geologist Licensing Act. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record; the inclusion of the applicant's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on an application; and placing a license on inactive status. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions; restrictions and limitations; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists; applications for original license; examinations; qualifications for licensure; endorsement; expiration and renewal of license; returned checks and fines; disciplinary actions; injunctive actions; investigations; findings and recommendations by the Board; rehearings; appointments of hearing officers; surrender of license; violations; and confidentiality. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.