Illinois

Declares March of 2026 to be March4Water Month in the State of Illinois. Encourages all Illinoisans to participate in activities and programs during March4Water Month to promote awareness, education, and actions that prioritize water as a vital resource for the state's future.

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for grants to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office to expand the Human Exploitation Unit. Effective July 1, 2026.

Creates the Adequate and Equitable Public University Funding Act. Provides that all general operating expenses for public universities shall be distributed by the Board of Higher Education through a funding formula for eligible public institutions and shall be administered by the Board. Defines "eligible public institution". Sets forth provisions concerning the adequacy targets and resource profiles of eligible public institutions. Provides for the distribution of State appropriations and the calculation of the base funding minimum for each eligible public institution. Provides that the Board shall oversee an accountability and transparency framework for assessing the distribution and use of all funds appropriated by the funding formula and evaluating the funds' effects on institutional outcomes pertaining to student affordability, enrollment, persistence, and outcome metrics. Provides for reporting and the establishment of an Accountability and Transparency Committee. Provides that the Board shall establish a Funding Formula Review Panel tasked with studying and reviewing topics pertaining to the implementation and impact of the funding formula. Contains provisions concerning the Board's annual budget request and the collection of data. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Removes certain provisions concerning budget proposals. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female", or "X" (rather than "male", "female", or "non-binary") on an application for an identification card, driver's license, or permit. Provides that an applicant who wants to change the sex listed on an issued identification card, driver's license, or permit must submit a gender designation form. Sets forth the requirements of the gender designation form.

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that within 14 school days after receiving a written request for a federal Section 504 plan from a child's parent or guardian, a school district shall determine: (1) whether the clinical information is sufficient to support the existence of a disability under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and eligibility for a Section 504 plan; (2) whether further evaluation is needed to make such a determination; or (3) whether there is no basis for an evaluation or Section 504 plan based on available information. Provides that if the school district makes the determination not to confer eligibility based on existing information or that an evaluation is to be conducted, the school district shall provide written notice to the parent or guardian explaining the rationale for the determination. Provides that if the school district makes the determination that an evaluation is to be conducted, the school district shall convene a team of individuals having the knowledge and skills necessary to administer and interpret evaluation data. Provides that for a student with documentation from a health care provider indicating the need for an individualized health care plan to address a significant health condition that is a likely threat to the student's health or safety in the school setting, the appropriate school personnel shall, within 14 school days after receipt of specified documentation and authorization, meet with the student's parent or guardian and, if appropriate, the student, to consider the creation of an individualized health care plan consistent with the health care provider's health or safety recommendations. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Responsible Gun Manufacturing Act. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of weapons when the person knowingly manufactures, sells, or offers to sell, purchases, receives, manufactures, imports, or transfers a convertible pistol. Establishes penalties. Provides exemptions. Provides that a machine gun also includes any convertible pistol equipped with a switch. Defines "convertible pistol", "switch", and "common household tool". Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that reasonable controls by firearm industry members include reasonable procedures, safeguards, and business practices that are designed to prevent the installation and use of a switch with a firearm. Contains a severability provision.

Declares April 26 to May 2, 2026 as Apprenticeship Week 2026 and urges stakeholders and partners to recognize the value of registered apprenticeships and to promote awareness and expansion of apprenticeships.

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. In provisions regarding the second notice period for rulemaking, provides that the second notice period shall be extended for a period not to exceed an additional 45 days if the agency has received a statement of unresponsiveness from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Lists the requirements for a statement of unresponsiveness. Provides that failure to provide a substantive response within 7 days after a statement of unresponsiveness is issued shall constitute a withdrawal of the rulemaking. In provisions regarding the contents of the written notice to the Joint Committee, requires a statement certifying that no procedure, policy, schedule, or other feature of the agency will prevent the agency from substantively engaging with the Joint Committee regarding suggestions made during the second notice period. Effective immediately.

Mourns the passing of Barbara Deer and her son, Kaleb Deer, of Chicago

Amends the School Code. In a provision granting a school board the power to award certain contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, provides for an exception for contracts that give a preference to State, regional, or local suppliers (rather than only State or regional suppliers) that source local food products.

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.

Declares April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the State of Illinois. Urges all Illinoisans to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. In provisions regarding a Safety-Net Hospital Health Equity and Access Leadership (HEAL) Grant Program, changes references to safety-net hospitals to references to community safety-net hospitals. Updates references to dates in those provisions. Defines "community safety-net hospital", "health system", and "medically underserved area". Makes changes to required provisions in the report to the General Assembly regarding criteria for a community safety-net hospital to be eligible for the program, deletes required provisions in the report to the General Assembly regarding potential projects eligible for grant funds, and adds required provisions in the report to the General Assembly regarding an application process and criteria, as well as policies, standards, and procedures to administer the program and ensure accountability.

Reinserts the provisions of House Amendment No. 1, as amended by House Amendments No. 2 and No. 3, with the following changes. Exempts from the requirements of the Act: (1) the Early Intervention Program when acting in accordance with specified regulations for the purpose of verifying identities; and (2) the Child Care Assistance Program when acting in accordance with specified regulations for the purpose of verifying identities. Effective January 1, 2027.

Reinserts the provisions of House Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. Defines "employer" to include the State or a unit of local government, any political subdivision of the State or a unit of local government, or any State or local government agency. Removes a provision that allows general bereavement leave to be taken to grieve the death of any person. Provides that provisions concerning general bereavement leave do not apply to employees of the State, except for employees who are otherwise not eligible for family responsibility leave or a leave of absence without pay. Provides that a civil action may be brought in the circuit court by an employee against an employer who employs 50 or more employees (rather than any employer) to enforce the Act. Makes other changes.

Congratulates Bartlett Hills Golf Club and Banquets on achieving its 100th anniversary.

Reinserts provisions of the bill with the following changes. Requires a petition for name change to include a statement if the petitioner is a juvenile with a current felony or misdemeanor adjudication or conviction that has not been sealed or expunged, and for which a pardon has not been granted a pending charge on a felony or misdemeanor, or has an arrest for which a charge has not been filed. Provides that adults with sealed juvenile convictions or adjudications are not required to disclose the sealed convictions or adjudications on the name change petition, and such convictions and adjudications may not be considered in the proceedings. Restores current law that allows the State's Attorney to request the court order a petitioner to update the petitioner's criminal history with the Illinois State Police in certain circumstances. Requires that notice of the petition must be served on the State's Attorney if the petitioner is a juvenile with a current felony or misdemeanor conviction or adjudication that has not been sealed or expunged, and for which a pardon has not been granted, pending charge on a felony or misdemeanor offense, or has an arrest for which a charge has not been filed. Provides that notice of a name change does not have to be given to the Illinois State Police and State's Attorney for an adult with a sealed, expunged, or pardoned juvenile conviction or adjudication. Provides that the State's Attorney may file an objection if the petitioner has a pending case for a Class 2 felony or greater offense. Makes other changes.

Amends the Counties Code. Requires all county clerk offices to be closed on all legal holidays.

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Creates the Illinois Municipal Works and Service Trainee Program. Provides that the goals of the Illinois Municipal Works and Service Trainee Program are to establish a regional workforce training program led by Morton College and to create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers who are prepared for careers in the municipal sector, the health care sector, and other service sectors identified by Morton College in consultation with public and private employers. Provides that the program may support participant transition to Morton College credit and non-credit workforce programs aligned with certain specified occupations. Creates the Illinois Municipal Works and Service Trainee Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be used to provide funding directly to Morton College for the administration and delivery of the Illinois Municipal Works and Service Trainee Program and to provide funding, through Morton College, to municipal employers, health care employers, and other service sector employers who are associated with the Illinois Municipal Works and Service Trainee Program. Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board, in collaboration with Morton College, shall recommend legislation to the General Assembly that will, based upon the experience of Morton College, establish and fund an Illinois Pipeline for the Advancement of the Service Workforce Program, which will support municipal employment, infrastructure, manufacturing, transportation, automotive maintenance and repair, utilities and energy services, allied healthcare, and related occupations. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish criteria and guidelines for designation of a flagship cultural district. Provides that, no later than September 30, 2026, the Department shall award one flagship cultural district. Specifies that the criteria that the Department must develop for a flagship cultural district shall include a demonstration by the applicant and the community that they can provide (1) a unified and inclusive approach to creating cultural engagement opportunities within the designated geographical area and (2) strong community support for the flagship cultural district designation through participation by community organizations and state, regional, and municipal government agencies or officials. Provides that, within 12 months after being designated a flagship cultural district, the flagship cultural district shall submit a report to the Department detailing its current programs and goals for the next 4 years of its designation. Provides that, each year the district remains a flagship cultural district, it shall submit a report to the Department on the status of the programs and future developments of the district. Provides that any flagship cultural district that fails to file a report for 2 consecutive years shall lose its status as a flagship cultural district. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Rights Act. Prohibits a park owner from increasing rent more than 3% per year. Provides that a park owner may adjust rent annually, beginning in 2027, to reflect a percentage equal to the percentage change in the consumer price index-u during the preceding 12-month calendar year that may not be more than a 5% increase in the 3% cap. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Mobile Home Tenant Protection Act.

Creates the Human Services Equitable Pay Task Force Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall establish the Human Services Equitable Pay Task Force. Requires the Task Force to examine and publish a report, by December 1, 2027 and every 2 years thereafter, that studies various issues relating to recruitment, retention, and wage inequity within the human services sector in Illinois. Provides that the Task Force shall examine, among any other issues it chooses to investigate with respect to human services, the following issues: (1) grant levels and reimbursement rate levels that human services providers have received since Fiscal Year 2021; (2) patterns in entry-level wages and wage growth among community-based providers and State agencies; (3) existing State resources and programs that assist in the development of a strong pipeline of workers for human service positions; and (4) funding interventions needed to support the findings generated from the Task Force. Sets forth the membership of the Task Force and requires the Department of Human Services to provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall receive the assistance of legislative staff and may employ skilled experts. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that certain transferable tax credits are considered public works within the meaning of the Prevailing Wage Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program Act. Provides that a recipient may receive an award through the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program for a maximum of 4 years. With regard to eligibility for the Program, requires, among other criteria, (i) an applicant to be a full-time employee for at least 24 consecutive months as a human services professional at the time of application, (ii) an applicant to remain a full-time employee as a human services professional in the same community-based human services agency for at least 12 months follow the initial application for (rather than after receiving) the grant, and (iii) an applicant seeking a renewal award to be employed by the same community-based human services agency at the time of application and to provide evidence of continuous employment for the 12 months preceding the application for renewal. Defines "human services agency". Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act, various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois, and the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish a pathway program in which any public high school student in this State who graduates in the top 10% of the student's graduating class or meets other standardized thresholds is guaranteed admission to at least one public university. Requires the Board to submit an annual report to the General Assembly (and make the report publicly available) that includes, with respect to public universities: (1) how many in-state residents were admitted in the prior academic year compared to the number of out-of-state residents that were admitted; (2) the tuition trends for students who are residents of this State; and (3) how many university graduates continue to reside within this State following graduation. With respect to each academic program of a public university that has a limited capacity to admit students due to a high demand for admission to the program, provides that at least 70% of the students admitted to the program must be residents of this State. Beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, prohibits the governing board of each public university from increasing its in-state tuition rate for a given academic year by a percentage that exceeds the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor for the 12 months ending on the previous December 31. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish a workforce incentive program in which a student who enrolls in a high-need field at an institution of higher learning may receive a grant to reduce tuition costs or loan forgiveness if the student commits to working in this State for at least 3 after graduation. Provides that under the program, a student from an underserved region of this State may also receive additional admission and tuition support from the Commission.