Kane County Reporter

Cristina Castro introduced SB2151 in the Illinois Senate on Feb. 7, 2025, during the general assembly session 104, according to the Illinois General Assembly.

According to the Illinois General Assembly site, the legislature summarized the bill's official text as follows: "Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the State's Attorney in each county shall be exempt from letting contracts by competitive bid for services related to both criminal and civil litigation. Makes other changes."

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the Counties Code to exempt the State's Attorney in each Illinois county from the requirement to engage in competitive bidding for services related to both criminal and civil litigation. The bill specifies that counties with fewer than 2 million inhabitants must adhere to competitive bidding for purchases exceeding $30,000, except for professional services and certain emergency or specific situations. The bill further clarifies conditions under which contracts may be let without advertising for bids, such as when individual orders do not exceed $35,000 for specific telecommunications or data processing purchases. Additionally, the bill allows counties to require contractors to collect and remit Illinois Use Tax and includes a provision for certification by bidders or contractors regarding eligibility to bid, warning that false certification may render a contract void. The State's Attorney's exemption will take effect following the bill's passage into law.

Cristina Castro has proposed another 48 bills since the beginning of the 104th session.

Castro graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2001 with a BA.

Cristina Castro is currently serving in the Illinois State Senate, representing the state's 22nd Senate District. She replaced previous state senator Mike Noland in 2017.

Bills in Illinois follow a multi-step legislative process, beginning with introduction in either the House or Senate, followed by committee review, floor debates, and votes in both chambers before reaching the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial schedule, and while typically thousands of bills are introduced each session, only a fraction successfully pass through the process to become law.

You can read more about bills and other measures here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
SB2151	02/07/2025	Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the State's Attorney in each county shall be exempt from letting contracts by competitive bid for services related to both criminal and civil litigation. Makes other changes.
SB2152	02/07/2025	Amends the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Provides that the Act applies to policies issued or delivered to persons who are enrolled in the State Employee Group Health Insurance Program to the extent required under a provision of the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 concerning required health benefits. Provides that a health insurance issuer shall not require prior authorization where a covered medication, with the exception of benzodiazepines or Schedule II narcotic drugs: (1) is prescribed for the management and treatment of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes type 1, diabetes type 2, or pre-diabetes; and (2) is for a patient currently managed with an established treatment regimen for at least 12 months. Provides that nothing in the provision prevents a health care plan from denying an enrollee coverage or imposing a prior authorization requirement if the United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a statement about the drug that calls into question the clinical safety of the drug, the drug manufacturer has notified the United States Food and Drug Administration of a manufacturing discontinuance or potential discontinuance of the drug, or the drug manufacturer has removed the drug from the market. In a provision concerning the length of prior authorization approval for treatment of chronic or long-term condition, excludes a provision of the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971 concerning coverage for injectable medicines to improve glucose or weight loss. Effective January 1, 2027.
SB2153	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that initial physical therapy evaluations without a referral or an established diagnosis may be performed by a licensed physical therapist via telehealth when the physical therapist determines that an in-person examination is not required based on the physical therapist's clinical judgment and the applicable standard of care (rather than cannot be performed via telehealth unless necessary to address a documented hardship). Provides that a physical therapist or a licensed physical therapy assistant may require the patient to undergo an in-person visit instead of providing telehealth services (rather than the use of telehealth as a primary means of delivering physical therapy must be an exception and documentation must support the clinical justification). Provides that a physical therapist providing telehealth must have the capacity to provide or be able to facilitate a referral to in-person care within the State (rather than must only have the capacity to provide in-person care). Provides that the standard of care for a patient receiving physical therapy through telehealth is equal to the standard of care for in-person care.
SB2154	02/07/2025	Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that the use of hydrodermabrasion devices such as the Hydrafacial machine, when done for cosmetic or beautifying purposes and not for the treatment of disease or of a muscular or nervous disorder, constitutes the practice of cosmetology and the practice of esthetics. Effective immediately.
SB2155	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that the Illinois Gaming Board shall not require individuals hired exclusively to perform functions that are not related in any way to gaming operations to hold an occupational license. Provides that the Board may issue a non-gaming identification badge upon payment of a non-refundable annual fee set by the Board. Sets forth eligibility requirements for a non-gaming identification badge. Effective immediately.
SB2219	02/07/2025	Amends the State Fire Marshal Act. Provides that the Illinois Fire Advisory Commission may, at the call of the Chair, meet in person or remotely. Amends the Fire Department Promotion Act. Provides that the Joint Labor and Management Committee that establishes the standards for certification in subjects and skills related to the fire service may, at the call of the Chair, meet in person or remotely.
SB2296	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Code shall not apply to public institutions of higher education.
SB2297	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that a State agency or public institution of higher education may request that certain procurements be designated as continuous improvement procurements.
SB2298	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Removes references to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion from provisions concerning financial disclosures.
SB2299	02/07/2025	Amends the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act. Provides that certain provisions of the Act concerning notice, evaluation procedures, and selection procedures do not apply to architectural, engineering, and land surveying contracts with an estimated basic professional services fee of less than $55,000 (currently, $25,000).
SB2300	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Code does not apply to the following procurements made by or on behalf of public institutions of higher education: (1) non-construction procurements under $250,000; (2) construction procurements under $500,000; (3) procurements and purchases made under the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative; and (4) all post-award procurement activities and documentation.
SB2301	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning job order contracting, provides that public institutions of higher education may procure construction contracts via job order contracting through the use of competitive sealed bidding.
SB2302	02/07/2025	Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides that certifications granted under the Act on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall be active for a minimum of 5 years. Provides that certified vendors shall inform the Program of any changes in the vendor's business status or ownership that may impact the vendor's certification status. Provides that Program staff shall inform the vendor no later than 6 months before the vendor's certification expires.
SB2336	02/07/2025	Amends the Design-Build Procurement Act. Provides that certain provisions are inoperative for public institutions of higher education on and after January 1, 2026. Removes provisions repealing the Act. Effective immediately.
SB2427	02/07/2025	Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.
SB2428	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning mid-size businesses, provides that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority may award up to 4 contracts per calendar year under the provisions and may award up to a total of 10 contract under the provisions. Provides that the provisions concerning mid-size businesses are inoperable 5 years after the award of the first contract under the provisions. Repeals the provisions on July 1, 2031 (instead of January 1, 2030).
SB2429	02/07/2025	Creates the University Construction Management Autonomy Act. Provides that public universities in the State shall be granted autonomy to manage construction projects funded by the State, as long as the total State funding does not exceed $20,000,000. Provides that the autonomy granted to universities shall include the authority to: (1) develop and approve project plans, budgets, and timelines; (2) select contractors, architects, and other necessary personnel for the project; (3) procure materials and equipment necessary for the project in compliance with State statutes, rules, and standards; and (4) monitor and oversee the progress of the project to ensure compliance with State rules and standards. Allows the public universities to have the option to use the services of the Capital Development Board for construction projects. Provides that public universities availing themselves of the autonomy shall provide regular reports to the Board of Higher Education detailing the progress, expenditures, and outcomes of construction projects managed independently. Effective immediately.
SB2430	02/07/2025	Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, beginning on January 2026, the tax under the Act is also imposed on short-term rentals. Provides that the tax shall be paid by the short-term rental unit provider, unless the short-term rental is secured through a short-term rental marketplace that meets certain thresholds. Effective immediately.
SB1868	02/06/2025	Amends the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act. Provides that certain provisions concerning public notice, evaluations, and selection procedures do not apply to architectural, engineering, and land surveying contracts with an estimated basic professional services fee of less than $75,000 (currently, $25,000).
SB1869	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that certain provisions concerning design-bid-build construction apply to contracts in excess of $500,000 (currently, $250,000).
SB1870	02/06/2025	Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that a distributor of wine or spirits shall deliver to any retailer within any geographic area in which that distributor has been granted by a wholesaler the right to sell its trademark, brand, or name at least once every 2 weeks if the retailer agrees to purchase at least $200 of wine or spirits from the distributor every 2 weeks. Removes language setting forth a $50 minimum purchase of wine or spirits for a retailer located in a county with a population of less than 3,000,000 that is not adjacent to a county with a population of at least 3,000,000 inhabitants. Makes a conforming change.
SB1871	02/06/2025	Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates a cooperative agent license. Provides that a cooperative agent license shall allow the holder to act on behalf of a cooperative purchase group. Establishes a fee for licensure as a cooperative agent. Provides that a licensee with a combined on-premises and off-premises license may make purchases for on-premises use only through an on-premises cooperative purchase group and may make purchases for off-premises use only through an off-premises cooperative purchase group. Provides that cooperative purchase groups, cooperative agents, and the cooperative agents' owners, officers, principals, employees, and their spouse may not: (1) receive cash or anything of value from a retail licensee, importing distributor, distributor, non-resident dealer, or manufacturer as part of a cooperative purchasing agreement; (2) be employed by, consult for, or have an ownership interest in any business or enterprise that provides marketing services or activities on behalf of manufacturers, non-resident dealers, foreign importers, importing distributors, or distributors; or (3) accept things of value from, or provide marketing services or activities on behalf of, manufacturers, non-resident dealers, foreign importers, importing distributors, and distributors. Makes conforming and other changes. Provides that it is the duty of every cooperative agent and cooperative purchase group to make books and records available upon reasonable notice for the purpose of investigation and control by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission or any local liquor commission having jurisdiction over a licensee member of a cooperative purchase group. Makes changes concerning the surety bond a cooperative purchase group is required to retain. Changes references from "cooperative purchasing group" to "cooperative purchase group" to conform to the defined term.
SB1872	02/06/2025	Creates the Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction Act. Defines terms. Prohibits, starting July 1, 2026, a retail mercantile establishment from offering or making available a single-use checkout bag to consumers at the point of sale. Allows a retail mercantile establishment to offer a recycled paper bag or reusable bag to consumers. Requires a fee of at least $0.10 per recycled bag to be retained by the retail mercantile establishment. Exempts bags for certain governmental food assistance programs. Limits use of the fee with respect to credit card and other fees. Provides for educational material and signage. Provides for enforcement, including civil penalties. Limits home rule powers.
SB1873	02/06/2025	Amends the School Code. Provides that, no later than August 1, 2025, all school boards shall adopt a policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time; and (2) prevents student access to social media platforms through the use of Internet access provided by a school district. Allows a school board to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time through any method it deems appropriate. Requires a school board to create exceptions to the policy for students to use wireless communication devices for certain reasons, and allows a school board to create other exceptions. Requires a school board to impose appropriate discipline or other sanctions against any student who violates these provisions. Requires a school district to post the policy publicly on its website. Allows the State Board of Education to adopt any rules that are necessary for the administration of the provisions. Effective immediately.
SB1957	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, for the 2027 consolidated election, a city that exceeds 100,000 inhabitants according to the most recent federal decennial census and that does not currently elect its clerk and treasurer shall, in the 2027 consolidated election, nominate and elect its clerk and its treasurer in the same manner provided for the election of the mayor and councilmen under Article 5 of the Code.
SB1958	02/06/2025	Amends Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act. Defines "transfer articulation agreement". Sets forth the purpose of the Act. Provides that a State university shall (rather than the General Assembly encourages State universities) to facilitate the seamless transfer of credits toward a baccalaureate degree. Provides that a State university shall enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the community college district to provide a seamless pathway for transfer. Provides that if, within 180 calendar days of the community college's initial request to enter into a transfer articulation agreement with the State university, the community college and State university do not reach agreement on the transfer articulation agreement, then the community college and State university shall jointly implement the provisions of the Model Transfer Articulation Agreement. Provides that a Model Transfer Articulation Agreement shall be developed through a Transfer Articulation Committee by December 31, 2025. Requires each community college and State university to publish the institution's process and timeline for reviewing and making decisions regarding transfer credit requests on the institution's website. Removes language regarding the Board of Higher Education's reviews and reports. Provides instead that, by May 1, 2026, and May 1 of each subsequent year, each State university shall report to the Board of Higher Education specified information. Effective immediately.
SB1959	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Highway Code. Provides that each unit of local government which imposes or intends to impose impact fees and which has created an Advisory Committee, shall publish the names of the Advisory Committee members names on the public website maintained by the unit of local government, together with a list of the dates and times at which the Advisory Committee has met and provide an electronically accessible copy of the minutes of any such meetings. Removes language providing that if the unit of local government has a planning or zoning commission, the unit of local government may elect to use its planning or zoning commission to serve as the Advisory Committee. Provides that a unit of local government which currently has in effect an impact fee ordinance or resolution shall have not more than 12 months from July 1, 2025 to bring its ordinance or resolution into conformance with the requirements imposed by the Act, except that a home rule unit of local government with a population over 75,000 and located in a county with a population over 600,000 and less than 2,000,000 shall have not more than 18 months from July 1, 2025 to bring that ordinance or resolution into conformance. Provides that any unit of local government which has in effect an impact fee ordinance or resolution on the effective date of the amendatory Act and which has not brought their impact fee ordinance or resolution into compliance by the required date, shall refund all funds previously collected under the impact fee ordinance or resolution together with any interest earned on the same. Effective January 1, 2026.
SB1960	02/06/2025	Amends the Dual Credit Quality Act. Provides that prior to offering dual credit coursework, a school district shall attempt to enter into a partnership agreement with the community college district in the community college district in which the school district is located, but if pursuing an alternative provider other than the community college district, the school district shall enter into a partnership agreement with the alternative postsecondary institution that complies with the Act. Requires a partnership agreement to provide for a Dual Credit Qualifications Committee that shall develop a Dual Credit Instructor Qualification Framework. Provides that the Framework shall define the appropriate graduate coursework for fully qualified and minimally qualified instructors and the equivalent experience required to be a fully qualified career and technical education instructor. Requires a Model Dual Credit Instructor Qualification Framework to be developed through a Committee involving collaboration between the Illinois Community College Board and the State Board of Education by June 30, 2026. Provides that the academic credentials required to be a fully qualified instructor shall include either (i) a master's degree within the discipline to be taught or (ii) any master's degree and not more than 18 graduate hours appropriate to the academic field of study or in the discipline to be taught. Provides that a community college district with an established partnership agreement with a school district has 30 calendar days from the initial course request to notify the school district of its disapproval of the course request, instructor, course documentation, or the community college district's withdrawal of course or instructor approval, and thereafter, the school district shall appeal the denial or withdrawal of the instructor approval to the Illinois Community College Board within 14 calendar days after the disapproval notice. Allows the Illinois Community College Board to conduct a study to examine dual credit students and their short-term and long-term outcomes. Makes other changes.
SB1961	02/06/2025	Amends the School Code. Prohibits a district from charging tuition to non-resident pupils. Removes all other language regarding the tuition of non-resident pupils. Removes language regarding the application of provisions based on district population, hearings, and penalties related to non-resident pupil tuition. Removes language prohibiting certain transfers of students. Requires each school board to establish and implement a policy governing the transfer of non-resident students from outside of the school district to schools within the district. Makes other changes.
SB1962	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Articulation Initiative Act. Provides that, by May 1, 2026 and May 1 of each subsequent year, each public institution of higher education shall provide the Board of Higher Education with a report describing any course for which a student who transfers to a public 4-year institution from another State institution of higher education is not granted: (1) academic credit at the receiving institution; or (2) if the student has declared a major and has not changed majors, academic credit toward the student's major at the receiving institution. Requires the report to include: (1) the course name and type, including program, school, major or minor, and credits or units, if any; (2) which institution of higher education provided academic credit for the course; and (3) the reason why the receiving institution did not grant academic credit for the course. Requires the Board to compile the data and deliver a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than October 1, 2026 and October 1 of each subsequent year.
SB1963	02/06/2025	Creates the Internet Gaming Act. Authorizes an Internet gaming operator to offer Internet gaming in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Provides that Internet gaming shall only be offered by an Internet gaming license or an Internet management services provider that has contracted with an Internet gaming licensee. Provides that an Internet gaming licensee shall offer no more than 3 individually branded Internet gaming skins. Provides that an Internet management services provider may conduct Internet gaming on its own Internet gaming platform pursuant to the agreement between the provider and an Internet gaming licensee and in accordance with the rules of the Board and the provisions of the Act. Includes provisions for: requirements of an Internet gaming platform; Internet waging accounts; license requirements; age verification, location, and responsible gaming; diversity goals in procurement and spending by Internet gaming licensees; acceptance of out-of-state wagers; and limitations on home rule units. Provides that a 25% privilege tax is imposed on Internet gaming to be deposited into the State Gaming Fund. Authorizes the adoption of emergency rules to implement the Act and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.
SB1964	02/06/2025	Creates the Rental Fee Transparency and Fairness Act. Provides that unless otherwise allowed under the Act, a landlord's agent may not impose any fee on, or collect any fee from, a tenant related to the rental of residential real property, and any real estate salesperson or real estate broker who publishes a listing for a rental of residential real property with the permission or authorization of the landlord for the property may not impose any fee on, or collect any fee from, a tenant related to the rental of the listed property. Prohibits a person conditioning the rental of residential property on a tenant engaging any agent. Provides that all fees to be paid by a tenant be explicitly contained in the first page of a lease agreement and the itemized disclosure of the fees must include a short description of them. Provides that a tenant is not liable for any fees not so disclosed. Prohibits a lease from containing a clause that: (i) assigns a late fee (not to exceed $25) for the late payment of rent if payment occurs within 7 days of the required date of payment although a lease may provide for a grace period longer than 7 days; (ii) assigns to a tenant an administrative fee for the renewal of a lease agreement; (iii) assigns to a tenant a fee for the modification of a lease; (iv) assigns to a tenant a fee for contacting the building owner or the property manager; (v) assigns to a tenant a fee or penalty for an eviction notice or an eviction action; and (vi) assigns a fee to a tenant for pet occupancy for the duration of the lease. Makes other changes. Provides that the changes to residential lease applies to all lease agreements entered into after the effective date of the Act. Preempts home rule.
SB1965	02/06/2025	Amends the Open Meetings Act. In provisions regarding training, requires the Public Access Counselor to complete an accessibility review for electronic training under the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act and rules adopted under that Act. Provides for procedures to bring the training into compliance with the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act. Requires the establishment of an accessibility helpline, with certain requirements.
SB1966	02/06/2025	Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Provides that all cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver from a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products (rather than all medical cannabis products purchased by a qualifying patient at a licensed dispensing organization shall be lawful products and a distinction shall be made between medical and non-medical uses, with other requirements). Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Changes and adds definitions. Makes changes to provisions regarding operational requirements and prohibitions. Provides that a dispensing organization shall not sell cannabis or cannabis-infused products to a purchaser unless the purchaser has been verified to be 21 years of age or older, or the person is verified to be a registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver (removing requirements referencing the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program). Removes prohibitions for a dispensing organization to operate drive-through windows. Provides an exception to the prohibition for a dispensing organization to transport cannabis for delivery. In provisions regarding an inventory control system, adds that all dispensing organizations shall maintain internal, confidential records of all deliveries to any registered qualified patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements. In provisions regarding dispensing cannabis, adds a requirement that the agent verify the qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver registration card, if applicable. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer pickup or drive-through for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to purchasers over 21 years of age and certain patients and caregivers. Provides that a dispensing organization may offer delivery for cannabis or cannabis-infused products to certain patients and caregivers. Adds requirements to provisions regarding security for a dispensing organization. Adds provisions permitting delivery by dispensing organizations to the residence of a qualifying patient, provisional patient, or designated caregiver, with certain requirements.
SB1967	02/06/2025	Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, in Fiscal Year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Department shall advance grant funds to certified tourism and convention bureaus that received grant funding in the prior fiscal year. Provides that the advanced amount shall be equal to 50% of the total grant awarded to each bureau in the prior fiscal year. Effective immediately.
SB1992	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group health benefit plan shall not impose any prior authorization requirements on outpatient services for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, or treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions.
SB1993	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for contributions to an ABLE account. Provides that the credit shall be in an amount equal to 25% of that matching contribution, but not to exceed $500 per contributing employee per taxable year. Effective immediately.
SB2051	02/06/2025	Amends the Biometric Information Privacy Act. Provides that nothing in the Act may be construed to apply to an entity using vehicle safety technology for a vehicle safety purpose.
SB2062	02/06/2025	Amends the Charter Schools Article of the School Code. Requires a charter school authorized by the State Board of Education to provide a copy of its charter renewal proposal to the local school board or boards of the resident district or districts at the same time that it submits its proposal to the State Board. Allows the local school board of each resident district to have an opportunity to negotiate with the charter school for a transfer of authorization prior to the State Board voting on the renewal proposal. Provides that authorization shall be transferred from the State Board to a local school board at the end of the charter term with the agreement of both the charter school and the local school board. Allows the State Board to adopt any rules necessary to implement the changes made by the amendatory Act.
SB1744	02/05/2025	Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections (rather than each election authority) shall process applications for permanent vote by mail status and administer the permanent vote by mail list. Sets forth provisions concerning communications between the State Board of Elections and each election authority. Makes conforming changes.
SB1745	02/05/2025	Amends the Film Production Services Tax Credit Act of 2008. Provides that the term "Illinois labor expenditure" does not include: (1) above-the-line spending exceeding 40% of the total Illinois production spending for the production, unless the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity determines that the inclusion of such excess above-the-line spending is necessary for the production to be accredited; (2) above-the-line spending paid to related parties that exceeds, in the aggregate, 12% of the total Illinois production spending for the production; or (3) below-the-line spending paid to a related party that exceeds the fair market value of the transaction. Defines "above-the-line spending" and "below-the-line spending". Provides that the term "Illinois production spending" includes the fair market value of any transaction that (i) is entered into between the taxpayer and a related party or the taxpayer and an unrelated party, (ii) is related to the accredited production, and (iii) has terms that reflect the fair market value of the transaction.
SB1746	02/05/2025	Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a health benefit plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 that provides prescription drug coverage through a medical or pharmacy health benefit or its contracted pharmacy benefit manager shall not engage in or require an enrollee to engage in specified prohibited acts. Provides that a clinician-administered drug shall meet the supply chain security controls and chain of distribution set by the federal Drug Supply Chain Security Act. Provides that the Department of Insurance may adopt rules as necessary to implement the provisions. Defines terms. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, and the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act to require policies under those Acts to comply with the provisions.
SB1747	02/05/2025	Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that school districts that offer a 457(b) plan through a single vendor may use their single-vendor plan to satisfy the requirements of Public Act 102-540. Limits the number of school districts that may use their single-vendor plan to 10% of school districts statewide. Sets forth requirements for a single-vendor plan. Provides that when choosing a single vendor for the pilot program, the overriding consideration with respect to all decisions made by the plan sponsor concerning the plan is that the decisions be made solely in the best interests of the plan's participants and beneficiaries. Sets forth other requirements for the single-vendor plan. Provides that no vendor may offer a plan under the provisions if an individual employed by, compensated by, or working for that vendor offers or gives anything of value to any employee who participates in the selection of the 457(b) plan vendor in the school district. Provides that an employee who participates in the selection of the single vendor must avoid outside business interests with any vendor chosen or under consideration for being chosen for the school district; disclose all outside business interests with a vendor chosen or under consideration for being chosen for the school district; not accept any gifts, preferential treatment, or benefits that might affect or appear to affect his or her ability to make sound judgments on selection of a vendor; act honestly and ethically in the best interests of the plan participants in all dealings with chosen vendor; and not obtain employment with any vendor chosen or in consideration for being chosen to offer a plan at the school district for the duration of an interested party's employment or involvement with the school district for a period of one year thereafter. Specifies that the provisions are inoperable on and after January 1, 2031.
SB1748	02/05/2025	Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Removes language providing that each State university must submit its plan for capital improvements of non-instructional facilities to the Board of Higher Education for approval before final commitments are made if the total cost of the project as approved by the institution's board of control is in excess of $2 million.
SB1749	02/05/2025	Creates the Short-Term Rental Occupation Tax Act. Imposes taxes upon short-term rental transactions facilitated by a hosting platform. Provides that one tax is imposed at the rate of 5% of 94% of the gross rental receipts from the transaction. Provides that an additional tax is imposed at the rate of 1% of 94% of the gross rental receipts from the transaction. Provides that operators of short-term rentals shall obtain a business license from the Department of Revenue. Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that re-renters of hotel rooms who meet certain criteria related to gross receipts or number of transactions are required to collect and remit the tax under the Act. Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.
SB1528	02/04/2025	Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. In any municipality exceeding 100,000 inhabitants but not exceeding 1,000,000 inhabitants that adopts a ward system after the effective date of the amendatory Act, requires alderpersons to be elected by ward and allows for the election of 2 additional at-large alderpersons.
SB1529	02/04/2025	Amends the Election Code. Provides that each election authority shall maintain a website. Provides that each election authority shall post election results on its website, including district data for every electoral district under the election authority's jurisdiction, even if the election authority only has jurisdiction over part of the electoral district. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall implement a standard naming convention for election districts, precincts, and polling places to streamline the reporting of election results. Provides that, as part of implementing the standard naming convention, the State Board of Elections shall adopt guidelines for election authorities to follow when naming election districts, precincts, and polling places. Sets forth requirements for the implementation of these guidelines for the 2026 General Primary Election and subsequent elections.
SB1622	02/04/2025	Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Increases the self-distribution limit for class 3 brewers that meet certain requirements to not more than 77,500 (instead of 6,200) gallons of beer from each in-state or out-of-state class 3 brewery premises, which shall not exceed 232,500 (instead of 18,600) gallons annually in the aggregate, that is manufactured at a wholly owned class 3 brewer's in-state or out-of-state licensed premises to retail licensees and class 3 brewers and to certain brewers, class 1 brewers, and class 2 brewers. Provides that a special event retailer's license (not-for-profit) shall allow the licensee to sell and offer for sale, at retail, alcoholic liquors for consumption on or off the premises specified in the license (instead of for use or consumption), but not for resale in any form and only at the location and on the specific dates designated for the special event in the license. Provides that, subject to certain conditions, a special use permit license shall allow the sale or offering for sale of certain transferred or delivered alcoholic liquor at retail for consumption on or off the premises specified in the license. Provides that a retail licensee or manufacturer with retail privileges may operate a loyalty program, reward program, or mug club for alcoholic liquors the retailer or manufacturer with retail privileges is licensed to sell so long as the price of the product is not below the retail licensee's or manufacturer with retail privileges' costs. Provides that a retail licensee or licensed manufacturer with retail privileges may offer incentives to consumers for participation in a rewards program, loyalty program, or mug club. Set forth further provisions concerning rewards programs, loyalty programs, and mug clubs. Makes conforming and other changes.
SB1623	02/04/2025	Amends the Employee Classification Act. Provides that a developer, general contractor, and subcontractor are jointly and severally liable for any subcontractor's failure to properly classify persons performing services as employees unless specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that it is a violation for a developer or a general contractor to utilize a subcontractor at any tier who commits a violation of the Act unless specified conditions are satisfied. Makes conforming and other changes. Defines terms.
SB1624	02/04/2025	Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. In a provision requiring certain licensees to file a bond with the Department of Revenue, provides an exception for a manufacturer or importing distributor who is applying for a manufacturer's or importing distributor's license for the first time. Provides that the bond may be required as a condition to renew a license for subsequent annual license terms if a manufacturer or importing distributor exceeds $50,000 in tax liability. Provides that the Illinois Liquor Control Commission shall not renew a license for any applicant for a manufacturer's or importing distributor's license if the State Commission has received a notification from the Department showing that the applicant is required to file and has not filed a satisfactory bond with the Department and that the bond has not been approved by the Department. Removes language providing that the State Commission shall not issue a license to any applicant for a manufacturer's or importing distributor's license unless the Commission has received a notification from the Department showing that such applicant has filed a satisfactory bond with the Department and that such bond has been approved by the Department.
SB1424	01/31/2025	Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the lease of real estate is permitted when a vacant property, structure, or facility owned by the county can be used in the interest of the public or for the benefit and enjoyment of residents of the county.
SB1446	01/31/2025	Amends the State Fire Marshal Act. Provides that, beginning no later than 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall track and record the manner of death for all firefighters in Illinois, including suicide and the various types of cancer.
SB1447	01/31/2025	Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the lease of real estate is permitted when a property, structure, or facility owned by Kane County can be used for athletic purposes in the interest of the public or for the benefit and enjoyment of residents of the county if the property, structure, or facility acquired by Kane County was being used for athletic purposes prior to the county acquiring the property, structure, or facility. For leases entered into under this provision after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the lease must require (i) the lessee to allow any organization that used the land at the time the lease is executed to continue to use the land for the leased purposes during the term of the lease and (ii) the lessor to continue, during the term of the lease, to employ, in the same capacity, any persons who provided services on the land at the time the lease is executed.
SB1482	01/31/2025	Creates the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Act. Provides for the licensure of certified anesthesiologist assistants by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sets forth provisions concerning: email address and address of record for all applicants and licensees; the function, powers, and duties of the Department; supervision requirements; applications for licensure; qualifications for licensure; endorsement by the Department of certified anesthesiologist assistants from another jurisdictions; criminal history records background checks; and other specified requirements. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to repeal the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Act on January 1, 2030. Amends the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Act and the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that, in addition to the specified professionals, a licensed certified anesthesiologist assistant may assist a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatric physician. Provides that, in addition to the specified professionals, a licensed anesthesiologist assistant under the supervision of an anesthesiologist is an individual who, with clinical privileges granted at the hospital, may administer anesthesia services. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that one member of the Illinois State Medical Board shall be a certified anesthesiologist assistant licensed to practice in Illinois. Establishes delegation of authority from a supervising anesthesiologist to a certified anesthesiologist assistant. Provides that the Act does not preclude a certified anesthesiologist assistant from performing specified actions.
SB1483	01/31/2025	Amends the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. Extends the estimated date of completion of a redevelopment project and the retirement of obligations issued to finance redevelopment project costs for an ordinance adopted April 10, 2002 by the City of Elgin.
SB1264	01/28/2025	Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.
SB1291	01/28/2025	Amends the Special Service Area Tax Law in the Property Tax Code. In provisions requiring a hearing if the estimated special service area tax levy is more than 105% of the amount extended for special service area purposes for the preceding levy year, provides that notice of the hearing shall be posted on the special service area's website if a website is maintained by the special service area.
SB1314	01/28/2025	Amends the Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1995. Provides that remote retail sellers that meet certain sales criteria are required to collect and remit the tax under the Act. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2026, the tax under the Act is 36% of (i) the actual cost paid by a distributor or remote retail seller for the stock keeping unit or (ii) if documentation of the actual cost is not available due to matters beyond the distributor or remote retail seller's control, the actual cost list paid by the distributor or remote retail seller for the stock keeping unit. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing through December 31, 2028, the tax per cigar sold or otherwise disposed of in the State, other than a little cigar, shall not exceed $0.75 per cigar. Effective January 1, 2026.
SB1315	01/28/2025	Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall reimburse any county probation department for the costs of placement of any youth in care, whether the youth in care is in the custody of a county juvenile detention center or appropriate placement that meets the needs of the youth in care. Provides that the costs shall include expenditures for transportation and medical or mental health services. Provides that placement costs shall be at the detention center's usual and customary rate. Contains findings.
SB0231	01/22/2025	Amends the Sanitary District Act of 1917. Increases the mandatory competitive bid threshold to not less than $60,000 (currently, not less than $10,000 or more than $40,000). Allows a sanitary district to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with a unit of local government for non-emergency construction, alteration, repair, improvement, or maintenance work on the public way in an amount no greater than $150,000 (currently, $100,000) to save taxpayer funds and eliminate duplication of government effort. Makes conforming changes. Allows contracts to be entered into without competitive bidding for contracts less than $150,000 (currently, $40,000 to $100,000) if the board of trustees declares that an emergency exists affecting the public health or safety. Effective immediately.
SB0232	01/22/2025	Creates the Hospital Price Transparency Act. Provides that a hospital shall publish specified information regarding standard charges on its publicly accessible Internet website and provide hard copies upon request. Requires a hospital to maintain a list of all standard charges for all hospital items or services in accordance with the Act and ensure that the list is always available to the public, including publishing the list electronically in the specified manner. Provides that the list shall include a description of each hospital item or service provided by the hospital; specified charges for each individual hospital item or service when provided in either an inpatient setting or an outpatient department setting, as applicable; and a code used by the hospital for the purpose of accounting or billing for the hospital item or service, including the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code, the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code, the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) code, the National Drug Code (NDC), or other common identifiers. Requires a hospital to maintain and make publicly available a list of the standard charges for each of at least 300 shoppable services provided by the hospital with charges specific to that individual hospital location, except as specified in the Act. Sets forth provisions concerning duties of hospitals and the Department of Public Health relating to lists of all standard and shoppable charges; reporting requirements for hospitals; submission of complaints for violations of the Act; plans of correction for violations of the Act; sanctions and penalties; disclosure of facility fees; reporting requirements for the Department; and restrictions on hospitals initiating or pursuing a collection action if they are in violation of the Act. Effective July 1, 2026.
SB0251	01/22/2025	Creates the Operating Room Patient Safety Act. Provides that each surgical technologist hired or contracted by a health care facility on or after January 1, 2027 shall meet specified educational, certification, or experiential requirements. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits an individual from performing surgical technology services if the individual is acting within the scope of the individual's license or registration or is a student or intern under the direct supervision of a licensed health care provider.
SB0148	01/17/2025	Creates the Illinois Home Buyer Savings Accounts Act. Provides that a first-time and second-chance home buyer may open an account with a financial institution designated in its entirety by the financial institution as a first-time and second-chance home buyer savings account. Provides that the funds in a first-time and second-chance home buyer savings account may be used only to pay a first-time and second-chance home buyer's eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence in Illinois. Provides that 2 first-time and second-chance home buyers may jointly own a first-time and second-chance home buyer savings account. Provides that only cash and marketable securities may be contributed to a first-time and second-chance home buyer savings account. Sets forth provisions concerning the responsibilities of an account holder; the responsibilities of financial institutions; deduction of contributions, exclusion of earnings, and limitations; the penalty for withdrawal for purpose other than eligible costs; and the forms the Department of Revenue must adopt.
SB0029	01/13/2025	Amends the Notice By Publication Act. Provides that whenever a municipality is required to provide notice by publication in a newspaper by law, order of court, or contract, the municipality may publish the notice on an official municipal website instead of in a newspaper if the notice published on the official municipal website is also published electronically on a searchable online database website and that website provides independent certification of the publication. Provides conditions concerning the availability and format of the searchable online database website. Repeals a Section concerning the placement of published notices on a statewide website and makes corresponding changes throughout the Act and in the Newspaper Legal Notice Act. Effective immediately.