Illinois

Congratulates the Honorable James E. Shadid on being chosen as president of Bradley University.

Recognizes the "Nakba" or the uprooting, dispossession, and refugeedom of Palestinian refugees. Expresses rejection of efforts to enlist, engage, or otherwise associate the United States Government with denial of the Nakba. Encourages education and public understanding of the facts of the Nakba, including the United States' role in the humanitarian relief effort and the relevance of the Nakba to modern-day refugee crises. Expresses support for the provision of social service to Palestinian refugees through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Expresses support for the implementation of Palestinian refugees' rights as enshrined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that the Chicago Board of Education shall (rather than may), by majority vote, appoint a general superintendent of schools to serve pursuant to a performance-based contract for a term ending on June 30 of the third calendar year after the appointment. Provides that the general superintendent shall have all of the powers and duties of a chief executive officer as set forth in the Article. Effective immediately.

Commends Caden Hartman for his outstanding service as a U.S. Senate page and the invaluable contributions he has made to the State of Illinois and to the future of the country's public service. Wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Congratulates Leann Chilton of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Chicago, on her retirement from BJC HealthCare.

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Includes trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor in the definition of "sex offense" under the Act.

Amends the Reducing the Risk of Skin Cancer and Excessive UV Exposure in Children Act. Provides that beginning with the 2026 through 2027 school year, a school district may incorporate in its curriculum a unit in grades kindergarten through 2, 3 through 5, 6 through 8, and 9 through 12 instruction on skin cancer prevention that is provided in an age appropriate manner. Provides that for grades 6 through 12, the curriculum shall include: (1) the basic facts about skin cancer, including, but not limited to, the negative impact of human exposure to ultraviolet radiation obtained through sunburns and indoor tanning; and (2) a comprehensive set of strategies and behaviors to reduce the risk of contracting skin cancer, including, but not limited to, the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. Provides that for grades kindergarten through 5, the topics shall include the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. Effective immediately.

Recognizes the Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) for its dedication and sacrifice in serving and protecting our communities.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall, at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, including, but not limited to, Immigration and Customs Enforcement or a federal immigrant agent: (1) participate, support, or assist in any capacity with an immigration agent's enforcement operations; (2) provide the immigration agent access to an individual in the Department's custody, either in person or by telephone; (3) transfer any individual in the Department's custody into an immigration agent's custody; (4) allow the use of Department facilities or equipment, including any electronic databases, for investigative interviews or other investigative or immigration enforcement purpose; (5) enter into or maintain any agreement regarding direct access to any electronic database or other data-sharing platform maintained by the Department and provide such direct access to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency; and (6) provide information in response to any immigration agent's inquiry or request for information regarding any individual in the Department's custody including information regarding the individual's release. Amends the Illinois TRUST Act to make conforming changes.

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the term "community-based organization" includes a high-school based program. Provides that funding from the Illinois Works Fund shall be categorized based on Illinois Department of Transportation regions. Adds a member to the Illinois Works Review panel who shall be a representative of a community-based organization that addresses high school-based workforce programs. Makes other changes.

Congratulates Bernice (Schmahl) Timmermann on her 100th birthday. Recognizes the service of Al and Bernice Timmermann to the Village of Rosemont.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Deletes an affirmative defense to the charge of patronizing a minor engaged in prostitution that the accused reasonably believed that the person was of the age of 18 years or over or was not a person with a severe or profound intellectual disability at the time of the act giving rise to the charge.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that any owner who has an interest in the property on the date a tax deed petition is filed with the clerk of the circuit court may request an excess proceeds sale. Sets forth the form of the request for excess proceeds and the notice requirements for the excess proceeds sale. Provides for certain indemnity fund surcharges and fees. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Sets forth the amounts of general funds estimated by the House of Representatives to be available during State fiscal year 2026.

Congratulates the Village of Bourbonnais on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that when the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the offense, a prosecution for involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons and related offenses may be commenced at any time (rather than within 25 years of the victim attaining the age of 18 years).

Amends the Counties Code and Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county or municipality may not adopt, enforce, or implement an ordinance, resolution, policy, program, or other regulation affecting a tenancy that (1) imposes or threatens to impose a penalty against a resident, property owner, tenant, landlord, or other person solely as a consequence of contact with a law enforcement agency or other emergency service, (2) requires or promotes a property owner or landlord to do, or imposes a penalty on a property owner or landlord for the failure to do, specified things, (3) defines as a nuisance, any contact with a law enforcement agency or other emergency service by a tenant or any request by a tenant, landlord, resident, or property owner for emergency assistance, (4) requires a tenant to obtain a certificate of occupancy as a condition of tenancy or turning on utilities, or (5) establishes, maintains, or promotes a registry of tenants for the purposes of discouraging or excluding a tenant on the registry from rental housing within the county or municipality. Allows an aggrieved party to file an action in circuit court, including for injunctive relief, monetary relief, attorney's fees, and costs, against a county or municipality to enforce the provisions. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall be construed to allow an aggrieved party to file or sustain an action against a landlord, owner, management company, leasing agent, or real estate agent or any other person or entity other than the county or municipality. Amends the Housing Authorities Act. Adds similar provisions concerning housing authorities. Defines terms. Repeals existing provisions about ordinances penalizing tenants who contact police or other emergency services in the Illinois Municipal Code and Counties Code. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no person shall gather in a public street, commercial parking lot, or any other area open to the public for the purpose of street racing or a street side show. Provides that a vehicle used in street racing or a street side show or used to interfere with the flow of traffic to facilitate street racing or a street side show is subject to forfeiture. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes corresponding changes.

Mourns the passing of Dr. Opear Ree (Cooley) Myles.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, in Fiscal Year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Department shall advance grant funds to certified tourism and convention bureaus that received grant funding in the prior fiscal year. Provides that the advanced amount shall be equal to 50% of the total grant awarded to each bureau in the prior fiscal year. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable year 2026, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption is $75,000 (currently, $65,000). Provides that, beginning in taxable year 2027, the maximum income limitation for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption shall be increased each year by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Effective immediately.

Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides if a public body is a local school council organized under the Chicago School District Article of the School Code, then, subject to certain requirements, an open or closed meeting subject to the Act may be conducted by audio or video conference, without the physical presence of a quorum of the members, as long as specified conditions are met. Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that at a local school council's annual organizational meeting, the local school council shall take a vote to determine if meetings shall be held in-person or remotely; however, provides that a declaration by the Governor or Director of Public Health limiting the size of or prohibiting an in-person meeting shall supersede a local school council's vote to meet in-person. Provides that a local school council has the power and duty to pass resolutions requesting action from a member of the Chicago Board of Education representing the school, and to forward such resolutions to the member. Removes language providing that a school placed on probation that fails to make adequate progress in correcting deficiencies is subject to new local school council elections. Provides that the criteria for determining whether a school should remain on probation or the criteria for determining when a school is in educational crisis shall be delivered to each local school council on or before August 1 (rather than October 31) of each year. Effective immediately.

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 the 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 for a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Makes conforming changes in the Illinois Dental Practice Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that a defendant in an action alleging malpractice or negligence against an architect, engineer, or surveyor may request an affidavit of merit within 56 days after the complaint or notice of the action is served on the defendant. Provides that within 56 days after a request for an affidavit of merit is made, the plaintiff in the action shall file an affidavit of merit signed by an individual who the plaintiff reasonably believes meets certain requirements. Provides that the court may grant one extension of time for filing an affidavit of merit. Provides for the dismissal of an action, with or without prejudice. Provides that a defendant's objection to an affidavit of merit shall be raised in a motion filed within 90 days after the affidavit of merit is served. Provides that if the court determines that an affidavit of merit does not fully comply with the requirements, the court shall allow the plaintiff 56 days to file one or more affidavits of merit that correct the deficiencies identified by the court. Provides that a defendant shall participate in discovery in the action as required by court rules. Provides that an affidavit of merit is not required in an action for breach of contract against an architect, engineer, or surveyor that does not involve the standard of care.