Illinois

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to revise all Department forms and billing codes to remove the term "mental retardation" and replace it with "intellectual disability".

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. In provisions concerning payment from a health insurance issuer to a nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider, provides that, for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers subject to a unit of local government (rather than owned and operated by a unit of local government), the rate shall be equal to the rate established or approved by the governing body of the local government (rather than a unit of local government) providing the ground ambulance service. Provides that, for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers that are not subject to the jurisdiction of a unit of local government (rather than owned and operated by a unit of local government), the rate shall be equal to the lesser of the specified rates.

Amends the Governmental Account Audit Act, the Counties Code, and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that if a governmental unit, county, or municipality maintains a website, the governmental unit, county, or municipality shall post on the website information describing where all audit or financial reports of the governmental unit, county, or municipality are accessible to the public, including a link to the Comptroller's website.

Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1, with the following changes. Provides that the changes to the qualification requirements for a school psychologist apply beginning on July 1, 2027 (rather than the changes applying to a psychologist licensed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act). Provides that to qualify as a school psychologist, the psychologist must (i) have graduated from an institution of higher learning that maintains equipment, courses of study, and standards of scholarship approved by the State Board of Education with (I) a qualifying master's degree, as determined by the State Board, with the completion of a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, (II) a qualifying specialist degree, as determined by the State Board, (III) an equivalent degree, as determined by the State Board, with the completion of a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, or (IV) a higher qualifying degree, as determined by the State Board (rather than with a specialist degree, an equivalent degree with the completion of a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, or a higher degree in school psychology); (ii) have had supervised internship experience in the delivery of school psychological services of a character approved by the State Superintendent of Education on a full-time basis for at least one school year or, if applicable, on at least a half-time basis over 2 consecutive school years (rather than having had at least 1,200 clock hours of supervised experience in the delivery of school psychological services of a character approved by the State Superintendent, at least 600 hours of which were in a school setting); and (iii) have such additional qualifications as may be required by the State Board.

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Provides that the Division of Patrol shall enforce the motor carrier safety provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code and serve as the lead State agency for administering the commercial vehicle safety plan of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Adds human trafficking, sexual assault, and sexual abuse in-service training requirements for Illinois State Police officers. Provides that the Division of Statewide 9-1-1 shall cooperate with federal and State authorities that are engaged in aeronautics and that request to use the Illinois State Police's radio network system. Provides that the State Police shall maintain a statewide statistical police contact recordkeeping system (rather than develop a separate statewide statistical police recordkeeping system) for the study of juvenile delinquency. Provides that, with the permission (rather than written permission) of a child's parent or guardian, the Illinois State police may collect (rather than retain) the fingerprints or DNA (rather than only the fingerprint record) of the child. Specifies that the fingerprints or DNA may be retained by the child's parent or guardian and later used for specified purposes. Amends the Intergovernmental Drug Laws Enforcement Act. Provides that a Metropolitan Enforcement Group may enforce crimes concerning terrorism and threats to public officials and human service providers. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. In provisions concerning criminal prosecutions for violations of the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act and criminal prosecutions for reckless homicide, or driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug, or combination of both, or in any civil action held under a statutory summary suspension or revocation hearing, deletes provisions requiring specified information to be attached to laboratory report from the Illinois State Police, Division of Forensic Services. Amends the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act. In provisions requiring the chief executive officer of a law enforcement agency to report the use of a drone to the State's Attorney under specified circumstances, adds language allowing the report to be made by the chief executive officer's designee. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows a decal to be issued for sickle cell anemia awareness. Provides that a $25 fee for original issuance shall be paid with $10 to the Sickle Cell Anemia License Fund and $15 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Provides that a $25 fee for renewal shall be paid with $23 to the Sickle Cell Anemia License Fund and $2 to the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund. Creates the Sickle Cell Anemia License Fund, from which all money shall be paid as grants to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Further amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that a recyclable metal dealer shall not pay cash in payment for telecommunications wire having a value of $100 or more. Makes a change to provisions concerning restricted purchases. Makes a change to the definition of "telecommunications wire". Removes provisions concerning the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force.

Removes references to the Department of Human Services' Division of Mental Health and Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery in various Acts, including, but not limited to, the Substance Use Disorder Act, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the County Jail Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and other acts to reference the Department of Human Services' Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (rather than by the Division of Mental Health). Makes other conforming changes. Repeals the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center Task Force Act, the Advisory Council on Early Identification and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions Act, and the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Illinois Act. Repeals a provision in the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency. Repeals a provision in the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act requiring the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health to initially implement the Act as a 2-year pilot program. Repeals provisions in the Health Inpatient Facility Access Act requiring the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a strategic plan on improving access to inpatient psychiatric beds.

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Allows a pharmacist who is exercising his or her professional judgment to add missing ancillary non-pharmaceutical devices or durable medical equipment that aid in the appropriate clinical usage of a medication or in achieving a positive therapeutic outcome to a prescription. Requires that any changes to the prescription be documented in the patient's record.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that the Underground Storage Tank Fund shall be accessible by owners and operators who intend to remove underground storage tanks installed over 30 years before removal if the eligibility requirements of specified provisions are satisfied and (1) neither the owner nor the operator is the United States Government; (2) the tank does not contain fuel which is exempt from the Motor Fuel Tax Law; (3) the costs were incurred as a result of removing an underground storage tank installed over 30 years prior to removal; (4) the owner or operator registered the tank and paid all fees in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the Gasoline Storage Act; (5) the owner or operator notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the owner's or operator's intent to remove the underground storage tank; and (6) the costs have not already been paid to the owner or operator under a private insurance policy, other written agreement, or court order.

Amends the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. Reduces the number of members on the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Board from 13 to 11, removing one licensed locksmith and one licensed private detective or licensed private security contractor who provides canine odor detection services. Provides that each licensed member of the Board shall have at least 3 years' of experience (instead of 5 years) as a licensee in the professional area in which the person is licensed and to be in good standing and actively engaged in that profession.

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. In a provision requiring a school board, before setting a hearing on charges stemming from causes that are considered remediable, to give a teacher reasonable warning, in writing, stating specifically the causes that, if not removed, may result in charges, requires the written warning to specify the nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied. Provides that nothing in the provisions precludes a board from asserting that the specific conduct alleged in the original warning is part of an alleged pattern of behavior, but any subsequent action must be reasonably related to the specific conduct alleged in the original warning. Allows the teacher to request and requires the teacher to be granted an opportunity to respond to the findings in the written warning, either in person or in writing before the board, prior to the board's formal vote to approve the warning. Provides that if the teacher is in disagreement with the final action of the board, the teacher may take the written warning to binding arbitration. Provides that the arbitrator shall have the power to render a decision on the written warning, which shall be final and binding on both parties. Provides that each party shall pay one-half of the cost of the arbitration proceedings and each party is entitled to representation of the party's choosing at all stages in this process. Effective immediately.

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that the Governor shall appoint to the Illinois Early Learning Council (i) a representative of a statewide advocacy organization that represents multiple Head Start and Early Head Start providers and (ii) the State Director of Head Start Collaboration. Removes a provision that requires the Governor to request that the Region V office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families appoint a member to the Council to represent federal children's programs and services.

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. In provisions concerning standards for licensing, provides that each child care institution, maternity center, day care center, group home, day care home, and group day care home shall have on its premises during its hours of operation at least 2 non-administrative staff members (rather than at least one staff member) certified in first aid, in the Heimlich maneuver, and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the American Red Cross or other organizations approved by rule of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation no later than 90 days after employment.

Amends the Statute on Statutes and other various Acts. Changes all occurrences of "disabled person" to "person with a disability", changes all occurrences of "a person who is handicapped" to "a person who has a disability", changes all occurrences of "physically or mentally handicapped" to "having a physical or intellectual disability", and changes all occurrences of "visually handicapped" to "visually impaired". Replaces an outdated reference to the "Disabled Person Identification Card" with "the Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card". Amends the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Changes "Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled program" to "Aid to the Aged, Blind or Persons with Disabilities program". Makes corresponding references in various Acts. Effective immediately.

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that, in proceedings under the Minors Requiring Authoritative Intervention, Addicted Minors, or Delinquent Minors Article, initiated in a county, other than the county in which the minor who is subject of the proceedings resides, the court in which the proceedings were initiated may at any time before or after adjudication of wardship transfer the case to the county of the minor's residence. Provides that not later than 15 working days after the date an order of transfer is entered, the clerk of the court transferring a proceeding shall send to the clerk of the receiving court in the county to which the transfer is being made an authenticated copy of the court record, including all documents, petitions, and orders filed therein, and the minute orders and docket entries of the court. Provides that the clerk of the receiving court shall set a status hearing within 10 business days after receipt of the case and shall notify the judge of the receiving court and all parties. Provides that the receiving court shall review the court record immediately upon receipt. Provides that within 20 business days after receipt of the record, the reviewing court shall send a notice to the transferring court indicating it has accepted the case and scheduled a status date. Provides that until the transferring court receives this notice it continues to have jurisdiction over the case. Provides that if for any reason the receiving court does not accept the transfer, the receiving court shall, within 20 business days after receiving the case, send a notice to the transferring court indicating its reasons. Provides that the transferring court will continue its jurisdiction of the case and shall set the matter for status within 20 business days. Effective immediately.

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that a law enforcement officer who arrests the owner of a companion animal for a violation of the owner's duties may lawfully take possession of some or all of the companion animals in the possession of the owner. Allows a State's Attorney 30 days (rather than 14 days) after seizure of a companion animal to file a petition for forfeiture prior to trial, asking for permanent forfeiture of the companion animals seized.

Amends the Sexual Assault Incident Procedure Act. Provides that at law enforcement agencies that employ officers of more than one sex or gender who have the training in investigating sexual assault and sexual abuse cases under the Illinois Police Training Act and the Illinois State Police Law, a law enforcement officer shall inform a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse of the opportunity to request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender. Provides that if, when a request is made, no officer at that agency of the requested sex or gender with that training is reasonably available, the victim may consent to be interviewed by any available law enforcement officer with that training, decline to be interviewed, or choose to schedule an interview at another time when such an officer is expected to be available. Provides that if the victim requests an officer of a particular sex or gender at the scene, in the emergency department of a hospital, at an approved pediatric health care facility, or under exigent circumstances, the responding officer shall accommodate the request when an officer of the requested sex or gender is reasonably available. Provides that every law enforcement agency shall establish a policy that defines "reasonably available" for the purposes of the provisions. Makes other changes.

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires charter schools and contract schools to retain all payroll records and contribution information for a minimum of 5 years after the payroll records and contribution information are created. Effective immediately.

Amends the Park District Code. Provides that, prior to the submission of a petition to separate territory from a park district, the governing board of the park district may, at its discretion, adopt, by ordinance, a determination to waive the full payment of any unpaid park district assessments outstanding at the time the petition is submitted. Specifies that, if this waiver is adopted by park district ordinance, the county clerk or county clerks shall certify the petition for disconnection of the property identified in the petition without requiring the payment of any assessments that have been waived.

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require each EMS System to have a Department-approved Just Culture policy for evaluating and responding to human error, at-risk, reckless behavior, or failures to perform emergency and nonemergency medical services (instead of requiring the Department to publish a Just Culture Matrix) in accordance with the defined scope of practice of the EMS personnel, EMS System Program Plan, and rules established by the Department. Provides that the Just Culture policy shall be used when applying EMS System discipline or EMS System participation suspensions. Makes changes to the authority of the local System review board. Provides that the Department shall issue to EMS personnel a physical license or digital license (instead of requiring all EMS personnel to have access to a digital license), and provides that a licensee shall not be required to possess a copy of a physical license or a digital license on the licensee's person while on duty (instead of a licensee shall possess a copy of a physical license or a digital license). Makes other changes.

Removes a provision concerning the exceptions to the confidentiality privileges established under the Act for any communication made by an employee of an emergency services provider, law enforcement agency, or peer support advisor in a peer support counseling session. In provisions concerning the confidentiality privileges applied to any communication made by an employee of an emergency services provider, law enforcement agency, or peer support advisor in a peer support counseling session, provides that the privileges do not apply if: (1) the communication indicates an intent to engage in conduct likely to result in imminent death or serious physical injury to the participant or another individual; (2) the person receiving the peer support counseling session or critical incident stress management services discloses information that is required to be reported under the mandated reporting laws, including, but not limited to, the reporting of maltreatment of minors or the reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults, provided the disclosure is only for the purpose of reporting maltreatment and limited to information necessary to make such a report; (3) the participant expressly waives the privilege or gives consent to disclosure of the privileged communication; (4) the participant is deceased and the surviving spouse or the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased participant expressly waives the privilege or gives consent to disclosure of the privileged communication; or (5) the participant sought or obtained the peer support counseling services or critical incident stress management services to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit what the participant knew, or reasonably should have known, was a fraud or other crime. Defines terms.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that no person shall cause or allow the delivery or transfer of any potentially infectious medical waste for transport unless, among other things, the potentially infectious medical waste is accompanied by completed shipping papers that meet the requirements of federal hazardous materials transportation regulations (rather than a potentially infectious medical waste manifest from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) if required under the Act for transport of that waste. Provides that, except in specified circumstances, no person shall transport potentially infectious medical waste, unless the transporter carries completed shipping papers for the waste that meet the requirements of the federal hazardous materials transportation regulations (rather than a manifest from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency). Provides that the potentially infectious medical waste transportation fees are 5 cents (rather than 3 cents) per pound of potentially infectious medical waste. Makes other and conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates for International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 license plates. Provides that an applicant for the special plate shall be charged a $30 fee for original issuance. Creates the Sweeney Classic Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. In provisions concerning required influenza and pneumococcal immunization policies required to be adopted by every hospital, requires the adoption of procedures for identifying patients eligible for influenza and pneumococcal immunization (rather than patients age 50 or older for influenza immunization and 65 or older for pneumococcal immunization and, at the discretion of the facility, other patients at risk). Requires the adoption of procedures for offering immunization against influenza virus when available between September 1 and April 1 of the subsequent year, or as indicated by the Department of Public Health if the flu season varies significantly from those dates (rather than only between September 1 and April 1), and against pneumococcal disease upon admission or discharge, to patients in accordance with the recommendations of the State Guidelines for Communicable Disease Prevention issued by the Director of Public Health pursuant to the Communicably Disease Prevention Act or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (rather than only the Advisory Committee) that are most recent to the time of vaccination, unless contraindicated. Provides that, if the State Guidelines for Communicable Disease Prevention and the guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in conflict, the Guidelines shall control where the applicable guidance from the Advisory Committee significantly deviates from evidence-based immunization practices.