Illinois

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that, in the calendar year 2 years before a regulatory agency or program is scheduled for termination (rather than annually), the Governor's Office of Management and Budget shall study the performance of each regulatory agency and program scheduled for termination under the Act and report to the Governor the results of the study. Requires the Governor to review the report of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget and, no later than December 1st of the year preceding the year of termination (rather than in each even-numbered year), make recommendations to the General Assembly on the termination, modification, or continuation of regulatory agencies and programs.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Department of Transportation shall install a lighted stop sign at any intersection where 2 stop sign violations that resulted in either a fatality or an infliction of great bodily harm have occurred within a 3-month period.

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that the rebuttable presumption concerning specified conditions or impairments of health of an employee employed as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician-intermediate, advanced emergency medical technician, or paramedic is intended to shift the burden of proof to the employing entity and any party attacking the presumption must establish by clear and convincing evidence an independent and non-work related cause for the condition or disability and prove that no aspect of the employment contributed to the condition. Provides that the rebuttable presumption relating to hearing loss cannot be overcome with evidence allegedly showing that the injured employee did not meet specified exposure thresholds.

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Adds the Secretary of Early Childhood or his or her designee as a member of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities. Provides that the Council shall establish a committee charged with ensuring that all children aged 3 to 5 with disabilities have access to high-quality, inclusive, early-childhood services, provided in the least restrictive environment, across all early learning settings. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that, subject to the reallocation by the General Assembly of moneys appropriated for Illinois Welcoming Centers for State Fiscal Year 2025 or the appropriation of moneys in the State Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Department of Human Services shall establish a pilot program to pay one-time property tax rebates to qualified applicants. Provides that a qualified applicant is an individual who (i) is responsible for the payment of property taxes for the 2023 tax year, due in 2024, on homestead property located in Bloom, Calumet, Rich, Thornton, or Bremen Township in Cook County and (ii) is a member of a low-income or moderate-income household. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for the adoption of emergency rules. Effective immediately.

Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Provides that an association or other entity that has, as one of its purposes, promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among schools and students within the State shall exempt students who are unable to attend the required number of practices to participate in an interscholastic game, match, or other competition due to activities connected to military service from the practice requirement.

Amends the Downstate Teacher and Chicago Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that none of the benefits provided for in those Articles shall be paid to any person who is convicted of any crime under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 or of a crime that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act. Provides that none of the benefits shall be paid to a person during a criminal investigation for acts that constitute a crime under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 or to a person during a criminal proceeding for a violation of Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012. If criminal charges under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 are dismissed with prejudice or the person is acquitted of those criminal charges, then the right to benefit payments shall resume. Provides that none of the benefits shall be paid to a person during an investigation by an inspector general in connection with acts of sexual misconduct committed against a student. Provides that, if the inspector general finds that the allegations of sexual misconduct are substantiated, then none of the benefits shall be paid to that person. Provides that, if the inspector general finds that the allegations of sexual misconduct against a student are without merit, unsubstantiated, or unfounded, then the right to benefit payments shall resume. Specifies that provisions concerning the forfeiture of benefits apply without regard to whether the person resigned or was terminated from employment. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act apply only to a person who first becomes a teacher on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Makes other changes.

Amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act. Provides that by January 1, 2026, the Department of Innovation and Technology shall create a detailed action plan in order to replace the Community Reporting System used by the Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities. Requires the Department of Innovation and Technology to work in collaboration with the Department of Human Services to ensure that the new system is operational and in use by providers of home and community-based services by July 1, 2026. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall offer training and technical assistance to providers of home and community-based services prior to implementation of the new system to ensure proper transition. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services shall provide each provider of home and community-based services an updated, detailed rate sheet for each individual served in a community-integrated living arrangement by the provider at least annually or when a change to the individualized rate has occurred. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Provides that the eligibility of an annuitant or TRS benefit recipient to participate in the program of health benefits established under specified provisions of the Act shall not be suspended for any period during which he or she accepts employment from a school board or other employer in accordance with a provision of the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code that allows annuitants to accept employment as a teacher without impairing retirement status if certain conditions are met, including a limit on the number of paid days the annuitant may work, or a provision for annuitants returning to teach in a subject shortage area. Provides that an annuitant or TRS benefit recipient shall not be deemed an active teacher based solely on the annuitant's or TRS benefit recipient's employment exceeding the limit on the number of paid days an annuitant may work without impairing retirement status. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code to make conforming changes.

Amends the School Code. Removes language that provides that remote learning days and blended remote learning days established under certain provisions of the School Code shall be deemed pupil attendance days for calculation of the length of a school term. Instead, provides that remote learning days may not be deemed pupil attendance days for calculation of the length of a school term unless established under those provisions of the School Code.

Amends the Racial Impact Note Act. Provides that by December 31, 2025, the Office of the Governor shall submit a report to the General Assembly with recommendations regarding the production of statements or notes that a member of the General Assembly may request under the Act. Requires the report to include certain recommendations on methodology, formatting, and a course of training for personnel of certain State agencies. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Office of the Governor may contract with an entity or entities that have expertise in racial impact or equity impact assessments for the production of the report. Repeals these provisions on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. Removes a provision that requires the Department of the Lottery to publish each January in the Illinois Register a list of all game-specific rules, play instructions, directives, operations manuals, brochures, or other game-specific publications issued by the Department during the previous year and instructions concerning how the public may obtain copies of these materials from the Department. Provides that written play instructions shall be made available on the Department's public website or by the Department by request (rather than made available through sales agents licensed to sell game tickets or shares). Makes a change in a provision that makes any organization in which specified individuals are to participate in the management or sales of lottery tickets or shares ineligible for any license under the Act. Provides that the State Lottery Fund shall receive from the sale of lottery tickets or shares consisting of the net of commissions and fees representing those expenses that are directly proportionate to the sale of tickets or shares at the agent location and prizes of $600 or less (rather than less than $600) which have been validly paid at the agent level. Provides that the Department may pay any prize (rather than prizes up to $25,000) from funds held by the Department in an account separate and apart from all public moneys of the State. Removes provisions allowing moneys in the account to be deposited by the Department into the Public Treasurers' Investment Pool or used to pay amounts to deferred prize winners. Allows the Department (rather than the State Treasurer with the consent of the Director of the Lottery) to contract with any person or corporation to perform such financial functions, activities, or services in connection with operation of the lottery. Allows, with the consent of the Director, the State Treasurer to act as an agent of the Department to perform the financial functions as the Director may prescribe. Removes language requiring the Director to prepare and send to the State Comptroller vouchers requesting payment from the Deferred Lottery Prize Winners Trust Fund to deferred prize winners. Removes certain deadlines related to private managers. In provisions concerning preaudits by the State Comptroller, removes a limitation that the provisions apply to payments for prizes of $25,000 or less. Makes other changes.

Creates the Carpet Stewardship Act. Provides that within 60 days after the effective date of the Act, the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency shall appoint specified members to a clearinghouse to administer and implement a carpet stewardship program. Specifies the duties of the clearinghouse. Requires the clearinghouse to be incorporated as a nonprofit. Provides that for all carpet sold in this State, the clearinghouse shall implement, and producers shall finance, a statewide carpet stewardship program that manages the product by reducing the product's waste generation, promotes its carpet recovery and reutilization, and provides for negotiation and execution of agreements to collect, transport, process, and market the old carpet for end-of-life carpet recovery or carpet reutilization. Requires the clearinghouse to submit, by July 1, 2026 and by July 1 every 3 years thereafter, a 3-year plan to the Agency for approval. Specifies the requirements for the plan. Establishes requirements for review of the plan and requirements for producers, retailers, and distributors of carpet. Requires the clearinghouse to submit annual reports to the Agency and pay specified administrative fees. Includes enforcement provisions for the Act. Establishes requirements for State procurement of carpet in the future. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Downstate Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Firefighter Article, but only with respect to a person who, on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, is entitled under the Downstate Firefighter Article to begin receiving a retirement annuity or survivor's annuity and who elects to proceed under the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.

Amends the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a physician assistant may prescribe, dispense, order, administer, and procure drugs and medical devices without delegation of authority by a physician. Provides that a physician assistant may practice without a written collaborative agreement. Provides that a physician assistant who files with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation a notarized attestation of completion of at least 250 hours of continuing education or training and at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience after first attaining national certification shall not require a written collaborative agreement to practice. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; physician assistant title; collaboration requirements; written collaborative agreements, prescriptive authority, and physician assistants in hospitals, hospital affiliates, or ambulatory surgical treatment centers; inactive status; limitations; and grounds for disciplinary action. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to make corresponding changes.

Amends the Illinois TRUST Act. Adds schools and school employees to provisions regarding law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials. Defines "school".

Amends the School Code. Removes language providing that a local program for the education of gifted and talented children may be approved for funding by the State Board of Education if funds for that purpose are available and if the local program submits an application for funds that includes a comprehensive plan. Removes language providing that the State Board of Education staff person in charge of educational programs for gifted and talented children shall be responsible for developing an approval process for educational programs for gifted and talented children. With respect to the evidence-based funding provisions, provides that in the adequacy target calculation, each organizational unit shall receive $40 per kindergarten through grade 12 for advanced academic programs (rather than for gifted investments). Makes related changes.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in a prosecution of a case involving the injury, health, or safety of a cat or dog, the court may, on its own motion or motion of any party, appoint a licensed attorney-at-law of the State or a law student authorized to provide services under Supreme Court Rule 711 as a special advocate to assist the court, as deemed appropriate by the court, and represent the interests of justice regarding the health or safety of the cat or dog. Provides that the advocate may: (1) monitor the case; (2) consult any person with information that could aid the court and review records relating to the condition of the cat or dog and the defendant's actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and police officers; (3) attend hearings; and (4) present information or recommendations to the court pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of justice, provided that information shall be based solely on the duties undertaken under this provision. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to alter the legal status of animals as a unique class of personal property.

Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, an association or other entity that has as one of its purposes promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among schools and students within this State shall allow students to participate in interscholastic athletic practices and events as a member of the team of a school in the school district if the student meets specified conditions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall award income tax credits in an amount equal to 13% of the qualifying quantum information science expenditures made by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Long-Term Care Provider Funding Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any increase in any authorized long-term care provider assessment must: (1) comply with all federal regulations for provider assessments; (2) require that all revenues from an increase in the assessed rates are applied to nursing facility rates for staffing incentives and to improve the quality of care as described in specified provisions under Article V of the Code; (3) not increase the assessed rate of $7 per occupied bed day for non-profit nursing facilities without Medicaid-certified beds or any nursing facility owned and operated by a county government; (4) maintain the 2.1 to 1 ratio between the highest tax rate and lowest tax rate; and (5) not increase any tax rate proportionally more than any other tax rate. Effective immediately.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, a supportive living dementia care setting shall not limit resident access to the sink, microwave, and refrigerator located within the respective resident's room. Provides that social and recreational programming shall be provided no less than daily at a time and location separate from a meal service. Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, a newly constructed supportive living dementia care setting shall provide no less than 300 square feet for a single occupancy apartment or no less than 450 square feet for a double occupancy apartment. Provides that the square footage requirement may include the closets and bathroom. Requires each apartment to include a sink, microwave, and refrigerator within the unit. Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, a newly constructed supportive living dementia care setting shall provide a common area completely separate from the dining area.

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Changes the procedure for charges alleging a violation of the Act in employment, financial credit, public accommodations, education, and other civil rights violation. Tolls the 2-year statute of limitation for filing a charge with the Department of Human Rights or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if extended by an enforceable tolling or standstill agreement between the parties. Changes the procedure and time periods for an aggrieved party to respond to review the EEOC's determination of a charge or a pending motion to reconsider the determination. Provides that if the aggrieved party files a complaint with the Human Rights Commission or commences a civil action, the aggrieved party shall notify the Department that a complaint has been filed and serve a copy of the complaint on the Department on the same date that the complaint is filed with the Commission or in circuit court. Repeals the requirement that the aggrieved party notify the Department that a civil action has been filed by serving a copy of the complaint on the chief legal counsel of the Department within 21 days from the date that the complaint in court. Provides that if the aggrieved party files a complaint with the Commission, the aggrieved party may not commence a civil action later in circuit court. Provides that the changes made to the amendatory Act apply to changes filed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Changes the sentence credits of committed persons serving a term of imprisonment in the Department of Corrections for various offenses. Provides that the sentence credit allotments shall apply to committed persons incarcerated before the effective date of the amendatory Act, and the Department of Corrections shall award sentence credit for periods of incarceration prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act accordingly. Provides that committed persons who wish to receive sentence credit for educational, vocational, substance abuse, behavior modification programs, life skills courses, re-entry planning, and correctional industry programs accumulated prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act in an amount specified in the provision to a committed person serving a sentence for an offense committed after June 19, 1998, if the Department determines that the committed person is entitled to this sentence credit, based upon: (1) documentation provided by the Department that the committed person engaged in any full-time substance abuse programs, correctional industry assignments, educational programs, behavior modification programs, life skills courses, or re-entry planning provided by the Department and satisfactorily completed the assigned program as determined by the standards of the Department during the committed person's current term of incarceration; or (2) the committed person's own testimony in the form of an affidavit or documentation, or a third party's documentation or testimony in the form of an affidavit that the committed person likely engaged in any full-time substance abuse programs, correctional industry assignments, educational programs, behavior modification programs, life skills courses, or re-entry planning provided by the Department and satisfactorily completed the assigned program as determined by the standards of the Department during the committed person's current term of incarceration. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that the transportation of ready-mixed concrete and aggregate materials shall be deemed to be employment upon public works. Includes additional trucking related activities within the scope of the Act. Includes in the calculation of the prevailing wage rate, rental costs for trucks and equipment provided by owner-operators. Defines terms. Effective immediately.