A bill filed by State Rep. Jed Davis seeks to strengthen transparency and public participation in the decision-making process for major data center projects, according to the Illinois State House.
The proposed legislation, labeled HB5755, was introduced on April 27, 2026, during the 104th general assembly. The legislature summarizes it as follows: “Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, before a municipality grants an application for siting approval of a data center the corporate authorities of a municipality in which the facility will be located or the zoning board of appeals for the municipality shall hold at least one public hearing. Provides that notice of a public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation. Provides that the siting of a data center shall be subject to back-door referendum. Provides that a back-door referendum shall be held within 60 days after the municipality publishes notice of the application for sitting approval of the data center, a petition is filed with the municipal clerk and signed by the necessary number of electors, asking that the application for siting approval of the data center be submitted to referendum. Sets forth the requirements of notice. Provides that the municipal clerk must certify the question for submission at a regularly scheduled election held in accordance with general election law. Sets forth the requirements of a back-door referendum. Defines “data center” and “application for siting approval of a data center”.”
The following analysis explains the core elements of the bill and aims to clarify some of its provisions.
This measure would alter the Illinois Municipal Code by requiring at least one public hearing for the siting approval of specified large data centers, with notification published in a local newspaper. The process would be governed by the Open Meetings Act. According to the bill, qualifying data centers are those with a minimum connected load of 5 megawatts used for digital data storage and processing. These siting approvals could be blocked by a back-door referendum if a petition containing signatures from 15% of the municipality’s registered voters in the previous general election is submitted within 60 days of public notice. The bill further outlines procedures for public notification, ballot language, and election protocols, specifying that a proposal cannot proceed if voters reject it through referendum.
Since the start of the 104th session, Davis has introduced 66 bills, with one passing into law so far.
Legislation in Illinois proceeds through a multi-step process beginning with introduction in either legislative chamber. Bills undergo committee hearings, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate, before they can be sent to the governor for signature or veto. The General Assembly operates on a two-year cycle, and while lawmakers introduce thousands of bills each session, only a small portion becomes law.
Additional information on bills and measures is available here.
Davis earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University in 2000.
Davis, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 and represents the 75th House District, succeeding David Welter.
Bills Introduced by Jed Davis in Illinois House During General Assembly Session 104
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB5755 | 04/27/2026 | Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, before a municipality grants an application for siting approval of a data center the corporate authorities of a municipality in which the facility will be located or the zoning board of appeals for the municipality shall hold at least one public hearing. Provides that notice of a public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation. Provides that the siting of a data center shall be subject to back-door referendum. Provides that a back-door referendum shall be held within 60 days after the municipality publishes notice of the application for sitting approval of the data center, a petition is filed with the municipal clerk and signed by the necessary number of electors, asking that the application for siting approval of the data center be submitted to referendum. Sets forth the requirements of notice. Provides that the municipal clerk must certify the question for submission at a regularly scheduled election held in accordance with general election law. Sets forth the requirements of a back-door referendum. Defines “data center” and “application for siting approval of a data center”. |
| HB5457 | 02/06/2026 | Creates the Home Construction Cost Reduction Act. Provides that the Act shall only apply to single-family homes. Provides that municipalities may not prohibit factory-built, single-family homes that comply with (1) a national building safety code; (2) rules adopted by State agencies that satisfy the requirements of the Act; and (3) all local architectural, aesthetic, and design standards applicable to site-built homes in the same district. Provides that a State agency may not impose requirements on home construction that are inconsistent with any national building safety code unless the State agency provides (i) a housing cost impact statement; (ii) a compelling public safety concern that would be addressed by the additional requirements; and (iii) notice to the General Assembly in the manner specified in the Act. Provides that each housing cost impact statement shall include (1) an estimate, in dollars, of how the proposed rule would increase the cost to construct a single-family home or factory-built home; (2) an estimate of how the proposed rule would increase the time required to construct a single-family home or factory-built home; (3) a description of how the proposed rule deviates from national building safety codes; (4) whether a lower-cost compliance alternative to the proposed rule exists; and (5) whether the requirements of the proposed rule would disproportionately affect rural or low-income homebuyers. Provides that a rule adopted after the effective date of the Act without a housing cost impact statement is void. Provides that, if a State agency fails to approve or deny a construction-related permit within 45 days, then the permit is deemed approved. Provides that the State shall waive all State-level permitting, inspection, and plan review fees for the construction of starter homes. Provides that a State agency may not increase any permitting, inspection, or plan review fee applicable to the construction of single-family homes for 5 years following the effective date of the Act. Provides that, on or before January 31 of each year, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall submit a written report containing specified information to the General Assembly. Provides that the Act is repealed 5 years after the effective date of the Act. Effective immediately. |
| HB5559 | 02/06/2026 | Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall permit every committed person to send and receive all original physical mail (rather than an unlimited number of uncensored letters), but the Director may order that mail be inspected and read for reasons of the security, safety, or morale of the institution or facility. Provides that no institutions or facility of the Department shall deny the distribution of original physical mail to committed persons after such incoming mail has undergone inspection and it has been determined that the mail does not pose a threat to the security or safety of the facility, personnel of the Department, or committed persons. Provides that the Department shall collect evidence of original physical mail that is deemed to pose a threat to the safety or security of the facility or institution, personnel of the Department, or committed persons. Defines “original physical mail” and “threat to the security or safety”. |
| HB5251 | 02/05/2026 | Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a person accused of an offense does not have the right to a trial by jury if the offense is a petty offense with no penalty of imprisonment or mandatory driver’s license suspension under the Illinois Vehicle Code or a local traffic ordinance if a court appearance is not required and the defendant waives his or her right to a jury trial by mail or electronic submission of a waiver request through an online system approved by either the Illinois Supreme Court or the local circuit court clerk. Provides that every person accused of an offense pursuant to the provision and entering a plea of not guilty may waive the right to a trial by jury and request a bench trial by submitting a jury waiver request in writing or such other form prescribed by the Illinois Supreme Court or a local circuit court by mail to the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the charge is pending or by electronic submission, through an online system approved by the Illinois Supreme Court or the local circuit court clerk. Provides that the jury trial waiver request under the provision shall include the name, mailing address, driver’s license number, citation or complaint number, date of birth, and signature of the defendant. Provides that upon the receipt of a valid waiver request, the clerk of the court before which such request was made shall schedule the matter for a bench trial, enter the waiver into the court record, and the court may proceed with a bench trial without requiring the defendant to personally appear to execute the waiver. Provides that the waiver shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy the waiver requirements of the Code. Provides that the trial court may require the defendant to appear in court if necessary to confirm the validity of the waiver or for a show of good cause. Provides that nothing in the provision shall preclude the Illinois Supreme Court from adopting rules forms and procedures for the implementation of the provision. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB5254 | 02/05/2026 | Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that no stipulation of fact entered into by a parent shall be accepted by the court unless all of the following occur: (1) each factual statement appears as a separate, numbered line item; (2) the parent initials each numbered factual statement individually; (3) the stipulation includes a plainly written section, initialed by the parent, describing the legal effect of the stipulation, including reliance on stipulated facts to satisfy the constitutional standard for removal or continued custody, and the requirement of probable cause or exigent circumstances; and (4) the parent signs and initials a written attestation stating the parent: (i) has reviewed and understands each factual statement; (ii) agrees each initialed statement is true; (iii) enters the stipulation knowingly and voluntarily; and (iv) does so without coercion or improper pressure. Provides that no waiver of temporary custody or shelter care hearing shall be accepted unless: (1) the waiver appears in separate, numbered line items describing the right waived and its legal effect; (2) the parent initials each line item; (3) the parent signs a written attestation meeting; and (4) the court obtains verbal, on-the-record confirmation of the waiver. Provides that nothing in the provision creates a private cause of action or alters substantive evidentiary standards. Defines “probable cause” and “stipulation of fact”. |
| HB4975 | 02/04/2026 | Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Provides that whenever the Department of Children and Family Services takes protective custody of a child following a report of suspected child abuse or neglect and a petition for temporary custody of the child is filed by the State’s Attorney in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Child Protective Service Unit assigned to investigate the initial report shall continue and complete its investigation even if, after the temporary custody hearing, the Department is granted temporary custody of the child. Provides that the Unit’s investigation shall not be closed solely because the court issues an order of temporary custody over the child to the Department; and that the court’s decision to grant temporary custody of the child to the Department may not, under any circumstances, be considered by the Child Protective Service Unit when making its determination on whether the investigated report indicates abuse or neglect. Provides that a Child Protective Service Unit shall not end its investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect until the Unit completes the investigation as prescribed under specified administrative rules and procedures. Contains provisions on final investigative summary requirements and oversight and compliance actions. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4852 | 02/03/2026 | Creates the Owner-Occupied Housing Incentive Act. Requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority to administer an owner-occupant housing incentive program that provides financial incentives to qualifying purchasers for the purchase of moderately priced owner-occupied homes. Requires the Authority to develop necessary forms, establish verification procedures, and adopt rules to implement the program that are consistent with the provisions of the Act. Requires the Authority to provide a $7,500 owner-occupant housing incentive to any qualifying purchaser of an eligible property. Provides that the owner-occupant housing incentive may be provided as a grant, closing cost credit, down payment assistance, or any other similar mechanism approved by the Authority, subject to available appropriations. Contains provisions concerning eligibility requirements; hardship exemptions; program restrictions; verification and compliance; and penalties and repayment. Provides that the Act shall be construed narrowly to promote owner-occupied home purchases and that nothing in the Act shall be interpreted to regulate or restrict lawful rental housing, landlord activity, or property ownership outside the scope of the incentive created under the Act. Effective immediately. |
| HB4879 | 02/03/2026 | Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to maintain a public, searchable online portal that lists every individual employed by the Department or a purchase of service agency (POS) who holds a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) and performs investigations, casework, or supervisory functions. Requires the portal to contain certain employee information, including, but not limited to, each child welfare employee’s full name, official job title, CWEL license number and date of issuance, employment and child welfare employee license status, an indication of whether the individual is authorized to conduct child welfare investigations, and any disciplinary actions taken under the Child and Protective Investigator and Child Welfare Specialist Certification Act of 1987. Prohibits the Department and POS agencies from assigning investigative or casework duties to any child welfare employee who is not listed on the portal, has a suspended or expired CWEL, or has been disciplined or disqualified. Provides that nothing in the amendatory Act shall be construed to alter, expand, or limit existing licensure, certification, training, experience, or assignment requirements under State law. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4624 | 01/27/2026 | Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Makes changes concerning the circumstances under which officer-worn body camera footage may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act. Requires a requester of officer-worn body camera footage under the Freedom of Information Act to certify specified information with the request. Exempts officer-worn body camera footage from disclosure if it reveals certain information, depicts certain information, involves an active investigation, relates to pending criminal charges, would prejudice a jury or compromise prosecution, will be used for a listed forbidden purpose, or is otherwise exempt. Requires a law enforcement agency to make available for inspection and copying officer-worn body camera footage that is not exempt from disclosure. Allows a law enforcement agency to deny a request that violates certain provisions or standards established under certain provisions. Provides that a public body, law enforcement agency, or employee acting in good faith reliance is not subject to civil liability solely for denying or limiting access to a body-worn camera recording, as long as the denial or limitation is based on a reasonable interpretation of applicable law. Repeals the provisions added to the Officer-Worn Body Camera Act by the amendatory Act 5 years after the amendatory Act’s effective date. |
| HB4386 | 01/12/2026 | Creates the Online Degree Pathway Pilot Program Act. Establishes the Online Degree Pathway Pilot Program to provide a single, unified, online bachelor’s degree program culminating in a degree conferred by a participating university. Provides that application for admission to the Pathway Program shall begin on March 15, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year. Provides that the University of Illinois shall serve as the primary degree-granting institution for the Pathway Program. Provides that a student enrolled in any of grades 9 through 12 in a public or nonpublic school is eligible to enroll in dual enrollment courses at any public community college. Provides that credit earned under the Pathway Program or through dual enrollment shall transfer automatically and apply fully toward a bachelor’s degree curriculum. Provides that the Board of Higher Education shall develop statewide articulation maps ensuring full alignment among community college courses and university upper-division courses. Prohibits a public university or State agency from circumventing or attempting to circumvent the Act through certain actions. Requires the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board to jointly submit an annual report to the General Assembly. Grants joint rulemaking authority to the Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board. Repeals the Act 5 years after the effective date of the Act. Contains a severability clause, and makes other changes. Effective immediately. |
| HB4387 | 01/12/2026 | Creates the Corporate Ownership of Residential Property Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, a company to which the Act applies is prohibited from owning more than 500 residential properties in Illinois, including residential property held by affiliated entities or persons. Requires each company owning more than 500 residential properties to register annually with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Requires each company owning more than 200 residential properties but less than 500 residential properties to provide to the Department a list of all residential properties owned, a disclosure of all affiliated entities and beneficial owners, and an affirmation of compliance with the Act. Requires the Department to enforce the Act. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Limits home rule powers. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. |
| HB4388 | 01/12/2026 | Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Credible Evidence Verification Act. Provides that at an adjudicatory hearing for an abused or neglected minor, the court shall make a specific finding on whether the Department of Children and Family Services’ indicated report of abuse or neglect is supported by credible evidence. Provides that if the court finds that credible evidence does not exist, then: (1) the indicated report shall be reversed and deemed “unfounded”; (2) the Department of Children and Family Services shall correct the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System database within 7 days; (3) the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify the subject in writing of the reversal; (4) the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify any employer or licensing agency known to have received the indication; and (5) the subject shall receive a certified order that the subject is eligible for employment and licensure in occupations involving the care or education of minors under 18 years of age. Provides that the court may issue a contempt citation to the Department of Children and Family Services for failure of the Department to comply with this provision. Contains a findings provision. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4389 | 01/12/2026 | Creates the Starter Home Incentive Zone Act. Provides that a municipality may establish a Starter Home Incentive Zone within a designated area if the municipality adopts any 3 of the following reforms within a designated zone: (1) reduced minimum lot sizes applicable to detached single-family homes; (2) reduced minimum dwelling size requirements permitting homes of 1,600 square feet or less; (3) fast-track permitting with a decision issued within 10 to 20 business days; (4) reduction, waiver, or cap of impact fees for detached single-family homes; or (5) reduced setback requirements. Provides that municipalities containing a Starter Home Incentive Zone shall receive specified benefits from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Provides that municipalities containing a Starter Home Incentive Zone may receive specified benefits from the Department of Transportation. Provides that, on or before January 31 of each year, a SHIZ-certified municipality shall submit a report, not to exceed 2 pages, containing specified information for each Starter Home Incentive Zone within the municipality. Requires the Department to adopt rules necessary to implement the Act in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that the Department may not require any municipality to submit reports, data, analyses, or documentation beyond the annual compliance report, unless expressly authorized by the Act. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately. |
| HB4346 | 01/08/2026 | Amends the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act. Provides that a blood bank that facilitates autologous or direct blood donations shall comply with a physician’s order prescribing for an individual an autologous or direct blood donation. Provides that a blood bank may charge a fee in an amount reasonable and necessary to cover the blood bank’s administrative cost of facilitating an autologous or direct blood donation that a physician orders. Amends the Hospital Licensing Act and the University of Illinois Hospital Act to require a hospital that facilitates blood donations to allow an individual on whom a medical procedure is to be performed to provide an autologous or direct blood donation that a physician orders for the procedure. |
| HB4315 | 01/07/2026 | Repeals the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote Act. |
| HB4316 | 01/07/2026 | Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a certificate of error may be issued at any time if the error relates to the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities and veterans of World War II. Effective immediately. |
| HB4317 | 01/07/2026 | Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the equalized assessed value of property in a general assessment year, other than long-term ownership property, shall not exceed the equalized assessed value of the property in the immediately preceding general assessment year, increased by the lesser of: (1) 3% of the equalized assessed value of the property for the immediately preceding general assessment year; or (2) the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index during the 12-month calendar year preceding the general assessment year for which the property is being reassessed. Provides that the equalized assessed value of long-term ownership property in a general assessment year shall not exceed the equalized assessed value of the property in the immediately preceding general assessment year increased by 2% of the equalized assessed value of the property for the immediately preceding general assessment year. Defines “long-term ownership property”. Preempts the power of home rule units to tax. Effective immediately. |
| HB4319 | 01/07/2026 | Creates the Property Owner Protection from Data Center Impacts Act. Makes a property owner eligible for compensation for harm materially and proximately caused by the construction or operation of a data center if the affected property is located within 1,000 feet of the data center and if the data center has caused measurable reduction in fair market value, reduction in business revenue, or adverse environmental or operational impacts, such as noise, vibration, traffic, stormwater burden, or lighting. Creates an appraisal procedure to evaluate the data center’s impact on the property owner. Provides a compensation formula to determine real property compensation and business loss compensation. Authorizes a property owner to bring a civil action seeking specified damages and attorney’s fees and costs. Creates other remedies for enforcement of the Act. Makes legislative findings. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. |
| HB4320 | 01/07/2026 | Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, beginning in taxable year 2027, no taxing district may levy a tax on any parcel of real property that is more than 103% of the base amount unless (i) the increase is attributable to substantial improvements to the property, (ii) the taxing district did not levy a tax against the property in the previous taxable year, or (iii) the increase is attributable to a special service area. Provides that “base amount” means the tax levied by the taxing district on the subject property in the immediately preceding taxable year, except that, if the property received a homestead exemption in the immediately preceding taxable year and is not eligible for that exemption in the current taxable year, then the base amount shall be the tax that would have been levied by the taxing district on the subject property in the immediately preceding taxable year if the homestead exemption had not been applied. Provides that a taxing district may elect to be exempt from those provisions for one or more taxable years if the exemption is approved by referendum. Effective immediately. |
| HB4321 | 01/07/2026 | Creates the Fluoridation Local Authority Act. Provides that public water providers may opt in or out of the State’s fluoridation requirements without penalty from a State agency, including the Department of Public Health. Requires the public water providers to (1) publish notice of the proposed action at least 7 days before the vote; (2) allow public comment on the proposed action; and (3) post its decision on the public water provider’s website or other public platform within 5 days of its decision. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Defines “governing body” and “public water provider”. Amends the Public Water Supply Regulation Act. Provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Fluoridation Local Authority Act, owners or official custodians of public water supplies shall be in compliance with optimal fluoridation recommendations for community water levels. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4290 | 01/06/2026 | Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that each property tax bill shall contain certain specified information. Provides that each property tax bill shall contain a QR code link that provides contact information for the county assessor, the tax bill history for the property for the 5 immediately preceding taxable years, and a copy of the budget and levy ordinance for each taxing district in which the property is located. Creates a Property Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Amends the Truth in Taxation Law to provide that each taxing district shall provide notice to taxpayers if the taxing district adopts an aggregate levy that exceeds 105% of the aggregate levy for the preceding year. |
| HB4295 | 01/06/2026 | Creates the Public Safety Career Pathways Act. Requires a participating public or nonpublic high school or school district to provide access to at least one Pipeline Program in a public safety field. Allows an individual 18 years of age or older to participate in a Fire and Emergency Medical Services Pathway. Provides that a law enforcement agency may establish a Cadet Program for individuals 18 to 20 years of age interested in pursuing sworn law enforcement employment. Provides that a Pipeline Program may also include training or supervised experience leading to certain other careers. Requires the State Board of Education to develop a model memorandum of understanding for institutions and local public safety partners. Requires a local public safety partner participating in a Pipeline Program to maintain all insurance required under State law. Provides that participation in a Pipeline Program does not create civil liability for a local public safety partner beyond its statutory duties, as long as the local public safety partner acts in good faith and complies with safety requirements. Provides that compensation for a Pipeline Program participant is optional and may be determined by the local public safety partner. Allows the State Board to provide tuition assistance to eligible participants in certified fire services, emergency medical services, or law enforcement preparatory programs. Requires a local public safety partner to comply with all safety requirements applicable to minors and trainees. Sets forth provisions concerning employee status, background checks, reporting, and rulemaking. Repeals the Act 5 years after the effective date. Effective immediately. |
| HB4296 | 01/06/2026 | Creates the Workforce Pipeline Act. Provides that beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each institution (defined as a public high school, school district, or nonpublic high school recognized by the State Board of Education) shall provide access to at least one Pipeline Program in a high-need occupation. Requires the State Board, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to develop a model memorandum of understanding for an institution and a local workforce partner. Requires an employer participating in a Pipeline Program to maintain workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Provides that participation in a Pipeline Program does not create civil liability for an employer beyond the employer’s statutory duties, as long as the employer acts in good faith and complies with safety requirements. Provides that an institution’s chief procurement office shall establish a bid preference, not to exceed 5%, for an employer participating in a Pipeline Program. Allows a student to participate in a Pipeline Program with parental consent if under the age of 18. Provides that an institution and a local workforce partner may establish articulation agreements for credit, credentials, or hours earned. Requires an employer to comply with all safety standards applicable to minors and a mentor or supervisor to comply with an institution’s volunteer or contractor background-check procedures. Requires the State Board to submit a one-page summary on Pipeline Programs to the General Assembly. Provides that nothing in the Act may be construed as a mandate requiring an institution to incur additional expenditures or establish new programs. Allows the State Board and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to adopt any rules necessary to implement the Act. Repeals the Act on July 1, 2032. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. |
| HB4297 | 01/06/2026 | Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Corrections Family Notification Act. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall notify all approved visitors of a committed person when that person is: (1) placed in restrictive housing; (2) removed from restrictive housing; (3) housed in a unit subject to lockdown; or (4) returned to normal operations following a lockdown. Establishes the contents of the notification. Provides that no security-sensitive details shall be disclosed. Provides that notification shall be provided via email and SMS text message, if the visitor opts in. Provides that the Department shall maintain an online portal for visitors to update contact information and select preferred notification methods. Provides that notification of the end of confinement or lockdown must be sent within 2 hours of normal operations resuming. Provides that if a notification is sent in error, the Department shall issue a corrected notification within 2 hours of identifying the error. Provides that the Department shall publish an annual report summarizing compliance. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provision, including: (1) visitor contact management; (2) communication protocols; and (3) data privacy protections. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4298 | 01/06/2026 | Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the purpose of the amendatory Act is to ensure that individuals with felony convictions are not assigned to child protective investigations or issued a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL). Prohibits persons with a felony conviction from holding a CWEL, performing child protection investigations, or supervising investigation staff. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services and every purchase of service agency that contracts with the Department to require all child welfare employees to undergo a fingerprint-based background check, a statewide criminal history search, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation national criminal history background check every 3 years during the term of employment. Requires the Department to revoke a child welfare employee’s CWEL immediately upon discovery that the employee has a felony conviction. Prohibits POS agencies that contract with the Department from employing any person convicted of a felony to work as a child welfare employee and sets forth certain penalties for violations of the prohibition. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4299 | 01/06/2026 | Creates the School Spending Efficiency and Relief Act. Requires each school district to undertake budgetary and expenditure control actions to ensure that administrative expenditures do not exceed 15% of the school district’s total operating expenditures. Requires any school district with administrative expenditures exceeding 15% of its total operating expenditures to implement a mandatory annual reduction plan that reduces administrative expenditures by 1% for such time as is required to bring the school district into compliance. Prohibits any school district that is out of compliance from hiring additional administrative personnel. Requires each school district to post an annual budget report online. Allows a school district to increase its tax levy only if the average student enrollment increases by an amount proportional to the tax levy. Requires a school district to decrease its tax levy by a proportional amount whenever the school district’s average student enrollment declines. Requires any new contract for a superintendent or assistant superintendent position to be made publicly available at least 30 days prior to approval. Requires any proposal by a school district to increase expenditures on outside consultants and any consultant contract in excess of $25,000 to be made publicly available at least 30 days prior to approval. Requires each school district to enact a budget that either maintains or increases instructional spending as a percentage of total school district expenditures. Provides for a State mandate relief block grant program and a voluntary statewide purchasing consortium. Makes other changes. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2032. Effective immediately. |
| HB4254 | 12/18/2025 | Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act. Provides that medical appliances are exempt from the taxes imposed under those Acts. Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB4240 | 12/17/2025 | Creates the College Meal Plan Medical Exemption Act. Allows a student to submit to a postsecondary institution a medical exemption statement from a medical provider indicating that the student has a medical condition, allergy, dietary restriction, or other health-related need inconsistent with participation in a mandatory meal plan. Sets forth provisions concerning the submission of the medical exemption. Provides that a student who submits a medical exemption may not be charged any portion of a mandatory meal plan. Prohibits an institution from imposing other requirements, charges, or fees. Allows the student to voluntarily purchase an optional meal plan if offered by the institution. Sets forth certain housing protections, and prohibits certain institutional practices. Requires each institution to publish its medical exemption process prominently on its website; sets forth what information must be published. Provides for refunds and penalties for violations of the Act. Allows the Board of Higher Education to adopt rules. Contains a severability clause. Effective June 1, 2027. |
| HB4241 | 12/17/2025 | Creates the School Book Rating and Transparency Act. Requires a publisher supplying books to a public or nonpublic school, including a charter school, or a school-sponsored book fair to assign a content rating to each book and provide that content rating. Provides that each school shall ensure that the content rating is displayed in at least one of the following locations: (1) the school library’s online catalog entry; (2) the school library’s website; (3) the classroom library’s catalog or posted list; (4) printed or digital reading lists distributed to students; or (5) signage or catalogs displayed at a school-sponsored book fair. Requires the State Board of Education to develop and publish a one-page rating key, and requires a school to make the rating key available. Provides that no teacher, school librarian, school administrator, or school district employee is subject to liability, discipline, or adverse employment action for relying in good faith on publisher-provided content ratings. Requires the State Board to submit an annual report to the General Assembly containing an assessment of publisher compliance and any recommendations for system improvements. Authorizes the State Board to adopt any rules necessary to implement the Act. Amends the School Code to make a related change. Effective July 1, 2026. |
| HB4244 | 12/17/2025 | Creates the Display of National Symbols Act. Provides that, if a unit of local government or school district receives sufficient donations of materials or funds to do so, then it shall display in its primary administrative building and in each facility used for instruction the following items: (1) the United States national motto, “In God We Trust” containing a representation of a United States Flag centered under the national motto; (2) the United States Bill of Rights; (3) the United States Constitution; and (4) the United States Declaration of Independence. Provides that the displays must: (1) use durable posters or framed copies; and (2) be located in a conspicuous, open, and public space. Effective immediately. |
| HB4245 | 12/17/2025 | Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, beginning with the next registration year after the effective date, the Secretary of State shall issue one registration plate (instead of 2) for newly registered motor vehicles and the registration plate shall be attached to the rear (instead of front and rear) of the motor vehicle. |
| HB4148 | 10/09/2025 | Amends the School Code. Provides that the General Assembly voluntarily elects the State to: (1) participate in the federal tax credit established under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act for individuals who make qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations; and (2) identify scholarship granting organizations located in this State. Authorizes and empowers the State Board of Education to certify and submit a list of qualifying scholarship granting organizations to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States in accordance with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its associated regulations. Provides that by January 1, 2027 and by every January 1 thereafter, the State Board shall submit to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States and publish on the State Board’s Internet website a list of scholarship granting organizations that meet the requirements of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are located in this State. Provides that the State Board and the Department of Revenue may adopt only those rules necessary to implement the provisions in a manner consistent with federal law and may not impose additional criteria, restrictions, or limitations beyond those required under federal statute or regulation. Requires the State Board and the Department of Revenue to publish annual reports on the use and impact of the list of scholarship granting organizations. |
| HB3668 | 02/07/2025 | Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Requires an agency in a proposed rulemaking to carry out, before moving to the second notice period, a good-faith analysis of the net new costs to be imposed upon (i) entities in the private sector and (ii) units of local government and taxing bodies other than the State of Illinois. Provides that if the proposed rulemaking is found to impose net new costs upon those entities, the text of the proposed rule must contain reliefs to balance the net new costs. Prohibits the adoption or filing of any rule or modification or repeal of any rule that imposes net new costs upon any of those entities. Provides that the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules shall scrutinize compliance with these requirements and that any failure of an agency to comply shall trigger the prohibition or suspension of a proposed rule. Creates a private cause of action for a party injured by the adoption of a rule in violation of the requirements added by the amendatory Act. |
| HB3008 | 02/06/2025 | Amends the School Code. Authorizes the State Board of Education to administer the Illinois Classroom Supply Assistance Program. Requires the State Board to create a list of preapproved items which may be purchased using funds loaded onto a Classroom Supply Assistance Card (CSAC). Provides that at the beginning of each school quarter starting during the 2027-2028 school year, the State Board shall distribute funds from the Illinois Classroom Supply Assistance Program Fund to teachers throughout the State. Provides that funds for the Program shall be distributed according to a needs-based formula taking into account school district funding, district poverty rates and Title 1 status, per-pupil spending disparities, student performance metrics, and teacher-to-student ratios. Provides that purchases made with a CSAC shall be tracked electronically and monitored to ensure compliance with the list of approved supplies. Provides that teachers shall have access to an online portal to manage funds, review balances, and track purchases. Provides that annual audits shall be conducted to maintain transparency and prevent misuse. Requires the State Board to launch a pilot program in high-needs districts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years to test the funding model and distribution process. Requires the State Board to annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of the Program and any problems that arose with its implementation in the preceding calendar year. Creates the Illinois Classroom Supply Assistance Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. |
| HB3011 | 02/06/2025 | Amends the Public Community College Act. Requires each member of the board of trustees of a community college district to, before entering upon the duties of the office, take and subscribe to a specified oath. Provides that the oath or affirmation shall be administered by the secretary of the board, a notary public, or any other officer authorized to administer oaths under State law, and the completed oath shall be filed with the secretary of the board and made part of the official records of the community college district. Prohibits a trustee from exercising the powers or performing the duties of office until the oath has been taken and properly filed. |
| HB2542 | 02/04/2025 | Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Changes the child support formula for shared physical care. Provides that if each parent exercises 3,504 hours or more (now, 146 or more overnights) per year with the child, the basic child support obligation is multiplied by 1.5 to calculate the shared care child support obligation. |
| HB2571 | 02/04/2025 | Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, if property was granted a homestead exemption for persons with disabilities for any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and if the property remains eligible for the exemption in a subsequent consecutive taxable year, then the total property tax liability for the property for the applicable taxable year may not exceed the total property tax liability for (i) taxable year 2025 or (ii) the first year in which the property became eligible for the exemption, whichever occurs later, unless the chief county assessment officer finds that there were substantial improvements made to the property during the previous taxable year or years. Effective immediately. |
| HB2509 | 02/03/2025 | Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act. Provides that certain materials furnished to a common interest community association pursuant to a contract entered into with the highway commissioner of a road district are exempt from the taxes imposed under those Acts. |
| HB2511 | 02/03/2025 | Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Creates the State Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Program to provide awareness, prevention, identification, intervention, and service delivery. Sets forth certain activities under the program, including, but not limited to: (i) designating a State FASD coordinator with knowledge and experience in the field of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD; (ii) utilizing and adapting existing federal or State programs to include FASD identification and FASD-informed support; (iii) developing and expanding screening and diagnostic capacity for FASD; and (iv) providing training with respect to FASD for professionals across relevant sectors. Establishes a FASD State Advisory Committee to provide guidance for the FASD State Program to prevent FASD and provide for the identification, treatment, and support of individuals with FASD and their families. Sets forth certain activities of the committee; committee membership; and committee reporting requirements. Permits the Department of Human Services to contract with or provide grants to public and private nonprofit entities for FASD programs. |
| HB2512 | 02/03/2025 | Creates the Accountability in Psychotropic Drug Prescriptions for Children Under Medicaid Act. Requires medical care providers prescribing psychotropic drugs to children under the State’s Medicaid program to provide FDA Medication Guides to parents or legal guardians before issuing a prescription. Provides that the Medication Guides must be printed and reviewed with the parent or legal guardian, explaining (1) FDA-identified risks of the medication, including pediatric-specific warnings and (2) signs of potential side effects and adverse drug reactions detailed in the Medication Guide. Provides that written informed consent must be obtained from the parent or legal guardian before prescribing a psychotropic drug. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to, within 12 months after the effective date of the Act, develop and maintain a secure online reporting system for adverse drug reactions related to psychotropic drugs prescribed to children and adolescents. Contains provisions on adverse drug reaction reporting requirements; legislative oversight and reviews of adverse drug reaction reports related to psychotropic drugs; penalties for medical care providers who fail to comply with medication guide distribution; transparency and accountability reporting requirements for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Medicaid Oversight and Safety Measures Fund. |
| HB1937 | 01/29/2025 | Amends the Illinois State Auditing Act. Requires the Auditor General to conduct a survey of the Illinois Administrative Code to determine how many mandates and restrictions are imposed by the Illinois Administrative Code on (i) persons, firms, and other entities within the Illinois private sector and (ii) units of local government and taxing bodies other than the State of Illinois. Allows the Auditor General to contract with a private entity to fulfill some or all of these requirements. Allows the use of artificial intelligence for these requirements. Requires the Auditor General to prepare and submit a report within 2 years of the effective date of the Act. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that each State agency shall, within 9 months of the submission of the report by the Auditor General, submit a follow-up report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules acknowledging the findings within the report. Allows a State agency to use artificial intelligence for these requirements. Requires the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to supervise. Provides that the Joint Committee shall, within 3 months of the submission of the follow-up reports, calculate each State agency’s share of the total amount of mandates and restrictions and submit a report with these calculations. Provides that each State agency shall, within 2 years of the submission of the follow-up reports, adopt, amend, or repeal rules sufficient to effectuate a reduction in the total amount of mandates and restrictions to 250,000 or 80% of the amount in the Auditor General’s report, whichever is lesser. |
| HB1717 | 01/24/2025 | Creates the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act of 2025. Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority shall establish and maintain a case tracking system and searchable public website that includes information about property seized and forfeited under State law and under any agreement with the federal government. Provides that it shall assign the responsibility to report each element to relevant agencies. Provides that the Authority shall also establish and maintain a searchable public website that includes the total amount of funds expended, in specified categories, which resulted from property seized, forfeited, and reported and the total value of seized and forfeited property held by the agency at the end of the reporting period. Provides that the Authority shall not require or disclose: (1) the names, addresses, contact information, or other personally identifying information of owners, other persons, or business entities or (2) the street addresses, vehicle identification number, or serial number of any conveyance. Provides that agencies that fully comply with reporting requirements within the designated timeframe shall be eligible for State recognition and additional funding opportunities through the Authority. Provides that the Authority shall make no disbursement of forfeiture proceeds to an agency or department unless the agency or department meets its reporting obligation. Provides that the Act is effective for the reporting period starting January 1, 2027. Creates the Criminal Forfeiture Process Act. Provides that the Act applies to the seizure and forfeiture of property used in and derived directly from specified crimes. Provides that for property to be forfeited before conviction, the State must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the property is directly linked to the criminal offense, and that immediate seizure is necessary to prevent its loss, destruction, or further use in criminal activity. Repeals the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act, the Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act, and the Forfeiture Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Amends various other Acts to make conforming changes. |
| HB1718 | 01/24/2025 | Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that an employee of a township or road district with a population of less than 10,000 (rather than 3,000) operating a vehicle within the boundaries of the township or road district for the purpose of removing snow or ice from a roadway by plowing, sanding, or salting is waived from the requirements of provisions regarding commercial driver’s licenses or permits when the employee is needed to operate the vehicle because the employee of the township or road district who ordinarily operates the vehicle and who has a commercial driver’s license is unable to operate the vehicle or is in need of additional assistance due to a snow emergency. |
| HB1649 | 01/23/2025 | Amends the Election Code. In provisions concerning objections to certificates of nomination and nomination papers, designates the township officers electoral board of a township in a county with a population of 3,000,000 or more (rather than the township officers electoral board) to hear and pass upon objector’s petitions. Makes a conforming change. |
| HB1650 | 01/23/2025 | Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that, unless a rule provides for its automatic repeal on an earlier date, a rule is automatically repealed on the date that is 10 years after it first becomes effective. Provides that notice of the repeal shall be published in the Illinois Register not less than 30 nor more than 60 days before the effective date of the automatic repeal. Provides that, for each rule that first became effective more than 5 years before the effective date of the amendatory Act, the date the rule first became effective shall be deemed to be the date that is 5 years before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, in consultation with the Auditor General, within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly, with quarterly reports thereafter. Prohibits a State agency from adopting any rule that was automatically repealed after 10 years unless authorized by the subsequent passage of a bill and enactment of a law under the Constitution of the State of Illinois. Provides that the Joint Committee shall implement and supervise the automatic repeal of rules. |
| HB1346 | 01/14/2025 | Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish the School Resource Officer Grant Program to fund salaries and any other costs associated with the hiring of an active or a retired law enforcement officer as a school resource officer. In a provision concerning school resource officers, provides that a school or school district that hires an active or a retired law enforcement officer as a school resource officer shall be reimbursed for salary and additional costs through the School Resource Officer Grant Program. |
| HB1260 | 01/10/2025 | Amends the Taxi Safety Act of 2007. Provides that taxi drivers shall complete the human trafficking recognition training program published by the Department of Human Services. Amends the Lodging Services Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act. Provides that a bar, barber shop, beauty salon, or school shall provide its employees with training in the recognition of human trafficking and protocols for reporting observed human trafficking to the appropriate authority. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes. |
| HB1092 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $85,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately. |
| HB1093 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for 100% of the income of a qualified new business. Provides that the term “qualified new business’ means a business that has its principal place of business in the State and first begins operating in the State during the taxable year. Effective immediately. |
| HB1094 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. In the offense of theft of labor or services or use of property, provides that the notification of failure to return the vehicle, equipment, or other personal property may be made through electronic means, including email, text, or email and text. Provides that if the notification is made by electronic means, the return must be made within 24 hours after notification. Provides that the offense includes placing the vehicle, equipment, or any other personal property for sale during the rental period or thereafter. Provides that the court may order that a person convicted of the offense to reimburse the victims or the victims’ representatives for court filing costs, attorney’s fees, and such other related costs. |
| HB1095 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that as soon as possible after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Corrections shall amend applicable administrative rules and policies in respect to restriction or termination of volunteer services to provide the following: (1) the Department shall provide the volunteer individual or group the reasons in specific detail in writing for any disapproval, restriction, or termination of volunteer services within 30 days of the action; (2) notices of the disapproval, restriction, or termination of volunteer services shall include detailed information and instruction on the process to appeal any disapproval, restriction, or termination; and (3) the individual or group shall have 90 days to appeal any action of disapproval, restriction, or termination of volunteer service. Effective immediately. |
| HB1096 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Corrections shall make available to each person within the Department’s custody all rehabilitative and educational programs and services available to committed persons within that committed person’s facility if the committed person is otherwise qualified for those programs and services, notwithstanding the committed person’s projected release date. Effective immediately. |
| HB1097 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Children With Disabilities Article of the School Code. Allows parents or guardians to use audio recording devices during meetings with their child’s individualized education program team regarding the child’s placement or progress in an individualized education program. Effective immediately. |
| HB1098 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that no person under the age of 18 (rather than 21) shall be eligible for employment as a firefighter. |
| HB1099 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Property Tax Code. In provisions concerning the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, provides that the term “household” does not include an exempt family member who uses the residence as his or her principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the taxable year and that the term “household income” does not include the income of an exempt family member if the exempt family member used the residence as his or her principal place of residence for less than 12 months during the calendar year preceding the taxable year. Provides that the term “exempt family member” means the applicant’s son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter and the spouse of the applicant’s son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter. Effective immediately. |
| HB1100 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Creates the right of each patient to request access to and be provided with an electronic record of the patient’s health information free of charge. Provides that, if a request pursuant to this right is made by a patient or the patient’s representative and the records are readily producible in an electronic format, the health care provider shall provide the patient or the patient’s representative with access to the requested records in an electronic format. |
| HB1101 | 01/09/2025 | Appropriates $8,000,000 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the administration of scholarships under the Teach Illinois Scholarship Program. Effective July 1, 2025. |
| HB1102 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In a provision concerning coverage of certain cancer screenings, adds having a high level of CA-125, as indicated by a blood test screening, to the definition of “at risk for ovarian cancer”. Provides that “surveillance tests for ovarian cancer” means all medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer, including, but not limited to, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and CA-125 blood test screenings (instead of an annual screening using (i) CA-125 serum tumor marker testing, (ii) transvaginal ultrasound, (iii) pelvic examination). Effective January 1, 2027. |
| HB1103 | 01/09/2025 | Creates the Online Age Verification for Material Harmful to Minors Act. Requires any commercial entity that knowingly or intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on the Internet from a website that contains a substantial portion of such material to verify that any person attempting to access such material is 18 years of age or older. Provides that verification must be done through the use of (i) a commercially available database that is regularly used by businesses or governmental entities for the purpose of age and identity verification or (ii) another commercially reasonable method of age and identity verification. Provides that any commercial entity that violates the Act shall be subject to civil liability for damages resulting from a minor’s access to such material harmful to a minor and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. Exempts from liability providers or users of an interactive computer service on the Internet, as defined. |
| HB1105 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act. Requires a blood bank to test or have tested donated blood for evidence of any COVID-19 vaccine and any other messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine components, and requires a blood donor to disclose during each blood donor screening process whether the blood donor has received a COVID-19 vaccine or any other mRNA vaccine during the donor’s lifetime. Requires blood or blood components to include on their labels a designation that the blood or blood components tested positive for evidence of a COVID-19 vaccine or any other mRNA vaccine component or was drawn from a blood donor who disclosed the donor have received a COVID-19 vaccine or any other mRNA vaccine during the donor’s lifetime. Provides that the Department of Public Health must adopt rules to implement the changes made by the amendatory Act. |
| HB1106 | 01/09/2025 | Creates the Local Advisory Committees on Special Education Act. Allows each school district or regional cooperative program providing special education services to establish and appoint a local advisory committee on special education if a local advisory committee is requested by more than 3 parents or guardians of the students receiving the services. Establishes the membership and responsibilities of a local advisory committee and the duties of the school district or regional cooperative program. Provides that members of a local advisory committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026. |
| HB1107 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Establishes findings. Requires teachers, administrators, and school support personnel to complete training to develop cultural competency, including understanding and reducing unconscious bias and stigmatizing assumptions about persons with disabilities. Sets forth the requirements of the training. Effective July 1, 2025. |
| HB1110 | 01/09/2025 | Creates the Gun-Free Zone Liability Act. Provides that the State is liable for harm or damage suffered by a concealed carry licensee or any individual otherwise legally entitled to carry a firearm if the harm or damage occurs in a gun-free zone, as defined by State law, and the harm or damage could have been reasonably avoided if the individual had been allowed to carry his or her concealed firearm in that gun-free zone. Provides that liability includes, but is not limited to, medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, property damage, and wrongful death claims brought by the victim’s estate. Provides that the plaintiff must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the harm or damage suffered could have been reasonably avoided or mitigated if the plaintiff had been permitted to carry a concealed firearm, and that the plaintiff is otherwise in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding firearm possession and use. Provides exceptions. Provides that any individual who is harmed, if the harm or damage occurred in a gun-free zone, may bring a civil action against the State of Illinois in the circuit court of the county of the plaintiff’s residence. Provides that if the plaintiff prevails, he or she is entitled to full compensatory damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees, and any other relief the court deems just and equitable. Contains a severability provision. Defines terms. Effective immediately. |
| HB1111 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Election Code. Provides that the county clerk of the county where a decedent last resided shall (rather than may) issue certifications of death records from an electronic reporting system for death registrations as provided in the Vital Records Act and shall (rather than may) use that system to cancel the registration of any person who died during the preceding month. |
| HB1112 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the School Code. Allows a METT Educator District License for teaching a course in manufacturing, engineering, technology, or a trade (METT) to be issued to an applicant who has at least 10,000 working hours in a trade. Provides that a METT Educator District License may be issued to qualified individuals who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent number of hours in an educational program at an institution of higher education. Provides that a METT Educator District License is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of the license being issued and may be renewed. Provides that a METT Educator District License is valid only for the teaching of a course that the State Board of Education has identified as related to the work experience of the licensee. Sets forth other provisions regarding the license. Amends the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Provides that the State Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or the Department of Labor, shall expand a database to identify METT labor shortages. Provides that by July 1, 2028, school districts in identified regions shall be notified by the State Board and shall participate in a College and Career Pathway Endorsement program and offer a METT endorsement. Makes other changes. |
| HB1113 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the School Code. Allows each school board to employ or accept as a volunteer a certified chaplain to provide to a school support, services, and programs for students, staff, and parents as assigned by the school board. Sets forth the selection process, certification requirements, and amount of chaplains a school may employ or accept as a volunteer. Requires a chaplain to submit to a fingerprint-based criminal history records check and check of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database before the chaplain begins employment or volunteering at a school. Prohibits a chaplain from being employed or accepted as a volunteer if the chaplain is registered or is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act or the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act. Provides that no person shall have a cause of action against a chaplain for any action taken or statement made in adherence with the provision of support, services, or programs for students, staff, or parents. Establishes exceptions to a chaplain’s liability immunity. |
| HB1140 | 01/09/2025 | Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person charged with involuntary sexual servitude of a minor or trafficking in persons if the victim is under 18 years of age shall not be permitted to plead down to lesser offenses. Provides that no person charged with grooming shall be permitted to plead down to lesser offenses. Provides that prosecutors are prohibited from offering plea bargains to lesser offenses to those individuals charged with grooming. Provides that it is a Class 4 felony for a child sex offender to knowingly operate, manage, be employed by, volunteer at, be associated with, or knowingly be present at any facility providing entertainment exclusively directed toward persons under the age of 18. |
