Chicago City Wire

Ram Villivalam introduced SB2413 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: "Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Creates the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor. Requires the Division to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides benefits to employees. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Deputy Director of the Division. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Provides that a self-employed individual may elect to be covered under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; compensation for leave; the amount and duration of benefits; payments for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund; employer equivalent plans; annual reports by the Department; hearings; penalties; notice; the coordination of leave provided under the Act with leave allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, a collective bargaining agreement, or any local county or municipal ordinance; rulemaking; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts certain documents collected by the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave from the Act's disclosure requirements. Effective immediately."

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

In essence, this bill establishes the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act, creating a Division within the Department of Labor to oversee it. It mandates the setup of an insurance program to provide paid family and medical leave benefits to employees in Illinois. Participation is optional for self-employed individuals. The bill details eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and processes for claiming leave. It coordinates with existing federal laws, allows employer-specific equivalent plans, and amends regulations related to confidentiality and public records. The bill provides for the program’s funding through employer and employee contributions and establishes an advisory board to guide its administration. It was designed to be effective immediately upon becoming law and includes provisions to prevent intimidation and protect employment status for those taking advantage of the program.

Ram Villivalam has proposed another 52 bills since the beginning of the 104th session.

Villivalam graduated from George Washington University in 2009 with a BS.

Ram Villivalam is currently serving in the Illinois State Senate, representing the state's 8th Senate District. He replaced previous state senator Ira Silverstein in 2019.

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
SB2413	02/07/2025	Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Creates the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor. Requires the Division to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides benefits to employees. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Deputy Director of the Division. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Provides that a self-employed individual may elect to be covered under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; compensation for leave; the amount and duration of benefits; payments for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund; employer equivalent plans; annual reports by the Department; hearings; penalties; notice; the coordination of leave provided under the Act with leave allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, a collective bargaining agreement, or any local county or municipal ordinance; rulemaking; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts certain documents collected by the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave from the Act's disclosure requirements. Effective immediately.
SB2247	02/07/2025	Creates the Micromobility Fire Safety Act. Provides that all micromobility devices and traction batteries for micromobility devices manufactured, distributed, sold, or offered for lease or rent in the State shall meet specified safety standards.
SB2248	02/07/2025	Amends the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act. Provides that the Department of Transportation or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority may use the design-build project delivery method for transportation facilities if the capital costs for transportation facilities delivered utilizing the design-build project delivery method or Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method or Alternative Technical Concepts in a design-bid-build project delivery method do not for transportation facilities delivered by the Department, exceed the value of 20% of the projects annually programmed in (rather than $400 million of contracts awarded during) the Department's multi-year highway improvement program on an annual basis (rather than for any 5-year period). Removes language that provides that notwithstanding any other law, and as authority supplemental to its existing powers, the Department may use the Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method for up to 2 transportation facilities per year. Effective immediately.
SB2249	02/07/2025	Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that any student with an individualized education program or any child with a disability who has not been removed from the regular education environment shall receive educational services at the local building that the child would attend if the child did not require special education services.
SB2250	02/07/2025	Amends the School Code. Provides that the transportation of pupils, and reimbursement thereof, in school districts is in relation to pupils attending prekindergarten through grade 12.
SB2251	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Changes the Public Accommodations and Financial Credit Articles to prohibit discrimination on the basis of citizenship, primary language, or immigration status that includes discrimination against a person because of the person's actual or perceived characteristic or characteristics within the listed categories or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any particular characteristic or characteristics within the listed categories. "Citizenship" means the status of being: (i) a born U.S. citizen; (ii) a naturalized U.S. citizen; or (iii) a U.S. national. "Immigration status" means citizenship of some country other than the United States, including stateless persons, and the specific authority, or lack thereof, to reside in or otherwise to be present in the United States. "Primary language" means a person's preferred language for communication. Provides that it is not a civil rights violation to verify immigration status or any discrimination based upon verified immigration status if required by federal law. Nothing in the Act may be construed to require the provision of services or documents in a language other than English beyond that which is otherwise required by other provisions of federal, State, or local law. Provides that a civil rights violation for a violation of Articles 4 and 5 may include statutory damages of 3 times the amount of actual damages sustained or $8,000, whichever is the greater.
SB2252	02/07/2025	Appropriates $18,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security for deposit into the IEMA State Projects Fund for grants and operational expenses associated with the administration of Illinois’ Not-For-Profit Security Grant Program. Effective July 1, 2025.
SB2253	02/07/2025	Amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. Authorizes an authorized representative to sign the disclosure required under the Act before any contract relating to the ownership or use of real property is entered into by the State or a unit of local government disclosing the interest of an owner or beneficiary in the real property. Authorizes disclosure by providing a copy of a proxy statement or other official corporate document filed with the federal Securities Exchange Commission or similar federal regulatory body within the previous calendar year disclosing the overall ownership of the limited liability company, corporation, or general partnership. Removes the requirement for additional disclosure for contracts for the ownership or use of real property for highway purposes by the Department of Transportation for any entity that is wholly or partially owned by another entity. Amends the Eminent Domain Act. Allows a party authorized to take property to file a complaint in circuit court if the owner is unable or unwilling to provide documentation required by the acquiring party to obtain sufficient title to the property, consummate the transaction, or comply with all legal requirements for the transaction. Eliminates the requirement that the Illinois Department of Transportation obtain Illinois Commerce Commission approval before bringing an action to acquire property needed for highway projects owned by utilities and railroads. Allows notice to property owners to be sent by entities other than the United States Postal Service if a company provides the same function as certified mail with return receipt. Effective immediately.
SB2326	02/07/2025	Amends the Park District Code. Provides that every park district shall install fencing that encompasses each playground on land that is owned or controlled by the park district if the playground is located in a high-traffic urban area. Amends the Chicago Park District Act. Provides that the Chicago Park District shall install fencing that encompasses each playground on land that is owned and controlled by the Chicago Park District if the playground is located in a high-traffic urban area of Cook County. Defines "playground".
SB2327	02/07/2025	Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the purpose of the amendatory Act is to create within the Department of Children and Family Services the Office of Independent Cultural Ombudsman for the purpose of securing the rights of youth and families that are subject to investigation, collaboration, or other correspondence with the Department of Children and Family Services. Provides that the Governor shall appoint the Independent Cultural Ombudsman with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of 4 years, with the first term expiring February 1, 2028. Permits the Ombudsman to employ deputies and other support staff as deemed necessary. Sets forth the academic and age requirements for the Ombudsman and deputies. Contains provisions concerning conflicts of interest; Ombudsman duties and powers; Department duties; Ombudsman reporting requirements; complaints made to the Ombudsman by or on behalf of youth and families that concern Department operations or staff; the confidentiality of records; and Ombudsman promotion efforts aimed at raising awareness of the Office of Independent Cultural Ombudsman. Effective immediately.
SB2328	02/07/2025	Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation to establish an information portal on its website for challenges to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. Requires the portal to include: (1) all active and pending litigation against the DBE program; (2) information on the Department's procedures and policies to comply with any court orders; (3) the names of any prime contractors or subcontractors who have brought claims against the Department or exercised any rights pursuant to a court order to eliminate any DBE goals for any projects; (4) all projects that have had DBE goals removed pursuant to litigation; and (5) all federal administrative actions related to the DBE program and the Department's policies and procedures it has implemented to comply with any federal actions. Effective immediately.
SB2329	02/07/2025	Appropriates $50,000,000 to the State Board of Education for the purpose of providing grants for community learning centers to support afterschool programs and community schools. Effective July 1, 2025.
SB2405	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to create the Consumer Protection from Surprise Health Care Billing Act. Provides that, on or after July 1, 2025, notwithstanding any other applicable provision, when a beneficiary, insured, or enrollee receives services from a nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider, the health insurance issuer shall ensure that the beneficiary, insured, or enrollee shall incur no greater out-of-pocket costs than the beneficiary, insured, or enrollee would have incurred with a participating ground ambulance service provider. Provides that any cost-sharing requirements shall be applied as though the services provided by the nonparticipating ground ambulance service provider had been provided by a participating ground ambulance service provider. Sets forth provisions concerning payment for ground ambulance services; calculating the recognized amount; limitations for the cost sharing amount for any occurrence in which a ground ambulance service is provided to a beneficiary; appeals for payments made by health insurance issuers; the maximum allowable payment amounts, by individual service types, for nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned, operated, or controlled by a private organization; and payments to nonparticipating ground ambulance service providers owned, operated, or controlled, by a unit of government which participates in the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation program administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Makes conforming changes. Provides that the failure by a health insurance issuer to comply with the specified requirements constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and enforcement authority is granted to the Attorney General. Amends the Health Maintenance Organization Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make corresponding changes. Effective July 1, 2025.
SB2406	02/07/2025	Amends the Transportation Benefits Program Act. Provides that the Act does not apply to a covered employer in the construction industry with respect to employees with whom the covered employer has entered into a bona fide collective bargaining agreement. Makes changes to definitions.
SB2407	02/07/2025	Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning payments to nursing facilities to increase compensation for certified nursing assistants (CNA), removes language requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish, by rule, payments to nursing facilities equal to Medicaid's share of the tenure wage increments for all reported CNA employee hours compensated. Instead provides that, based on the schedule set forth in the amendatory Act, the Department shall pay to each facility Medicaid's share of the facility's estimated CNA hours performed by employees and agency workers, estimated overtime hours, and benefits and taxes paid to and on behalf of CNA workers at the beginning of each quarter. Provides that moneys paid by the Department to each facility and moneys paid by each facility to workers and agencies or on behalf of workers and agencies shall be reconciled at the end of each quarter. Sets for a schedule concerning the calculation of tenure compensation which shall include: (i) compensation for regular CNA hours; (ii) overtime calculated at time and a half; and (iii) benefits and taxes at 25%. Provides that estimates of overtime shall be calculated at time and a half and benefits and taxes at 25%. Requires the Department to pay the facility for qualifying promotions estimated at the beginning of each quarter and reconciled at the end of the quarter.
SB2408	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. In provisions regarding the emergency management powers of the Governor, adds mobile support teams (MSTs) to provisions that include emergency services and disaster agencies, and changes other provisions. In provisions regarding MSTs, adds provisions with respect to mutual aid, powers of the Governor or the Director of Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Provides that the MSTs may be reimbursed and political subdivisions or body politics may (rather than shall) be reimbursed for certain expenses. Makes changes to provisions regarding the oath of office. Adds and changes definitions.
SB2409	02/07/2025	Amends the Swimming Facility Act. Provides that rules adopted by the Department of Public Health under the Act must include unique design criteria and general standards for above-ground pools.
SB2410	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the State Board of Education, shall develop a separate classroom course and refresher course for operation of vehicles of the first division being operated as school buses. Requires all applicants to operate a first division vehicle to: (1) meet specified requirements; and (2) complete the classroom course or refresher course or complete a training course administered by the service provider in which the applicant will be employed by that covers safe driving practices with a first division vehicle, special considerations for transporting students with disabilities, emergency preparedness, and safe pick-up and drop-off procedures. Provides that an applicant to operate a first division vehicle is exempt from the requirement of demonstrating physical fitness to operate a school bus by submitting the results of a medical examination if the applicant will be providing transportation services with a provider that uses a telematics system that sends, receives, and stores telemetry data. Provides that a vehicle subject to a safety test prior to an application for a license shall be subject to tests, in the case of first division vehicles, at least every 12 months, or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2025.
SB2411	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In provisions concerning small businesses, HUBZone business contracts, and bid preferences, provides that, if a bidder has failed to be awarded a contract after 4 consecutive bids to provide the same services to a single agency, the applicable chief procurement officer for that agency shall in writing detail why all 4 bids were rejected.
SB2412	02/07/2025	Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, when determining rates or premiums for certain automobile insurance policies, insurance issuers may not consider or otherwise use an individual's credit-based insurance score or age if the age of the insured is 50 years of age or more. Provides that a policy of automobile insurance, including any class of motor vehicle coverage, may not be canceled by the insurer solely because the insured has reached the age of 65 years so long as the insured has a valid Illinois driver's license. Prohibits an insurer from refusing to issue a renewal policy or increasing the premium for any policy solely because an insured has attained the age of 65 years or older. Prohibits providers of automobile insurance from considering any data obtained from applications on an insured's cellular phone or that may be installed, either at the time of manufacture or later, in the insured's motor vehicle for purposes of establishing premiums or rates with the express written consent of the insured. Prohibits providers from increasing rates or premiums on the basis that express written consent of the insured is withheld.
SB2485	02/07/2025	Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Creates the Developmental Promise Program to remove barriers to enrollment, academic persistence, and certificate or degree completion for students who need to complete developmental coursework. Provides that, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, each institution of higher education in the State shall provide financial assistance to a qualifying student for the remaining balance of the student's total cost of attendance in excess of the amount of any private, State, or federal financial assistance received by the qualifying student during the first 132 semester credit hours or 198 quarter credit hours that the qualifying student is enrolled in the Developmental Assistance Program. Sets forth requirements for qualified students to receive the remaining balance of financial assistance. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and institutions of higher learning to adopt rules and policies for the administration of the Program.
SB2486	02/07/2025	Creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act, and establishes the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Regional Transportation Authority are consolidated into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and the Service Boards are abolished, instead creating the Suburban Bus Operating Division, Commuter Rail Operating Division, and the Chicago Transit Operating Division. Reinserts, reorganizes, and changes some provisions from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act into the new Act and repeals those Acts. Includes provisions about the operation of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Creates the Equitable Transit-Supportive Development Act. Establishes the Office of Transit-Oriented Development. Provides that the Office and the Fund are to aid transit-supportive development near high-quality transit by providing specified funding to municipalities that have adopted the standards in the transit support overlay district for that area or that have adopted zoning and other changes that the Office determines have benefits greater than or equal to such a District, including transit support overlay districts. Includes provisions relating to Office standards, procedures, and reports. Creates the Zero-Emission Vehicle Act. Provides that all on-road vehicles purchased or leased by a governmental unit on or after January 1, 2029 must be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle, repowered zero-emission vehicle, manufactured near zero-emission vehicle, or repowered near zero-emission vehicle. Provides that on and after January 1, 2034, all on-road vehicles purchased or leased by a governmental unit must be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or repowered zero-emission vehicle. Provides that, by January 1, 2049, all on-road vehicles operated by a governmental unit must be a manufactured or repowered zero-emission vehicle. Sets forth provisions implementing the Act, including requiring the Department of Central Management Services to adopt certain rules. Amends various Acts, Laws, and Codes to make conforming changes for the new Acts and to make other changes. Provides that some provisions are effective immediately.
SB1799	02/06/2025	Amends the School Code. In a provision concerning third party non-instructional services, allows a board of education to enter into a one-time contract (rather than a contract), of no longer than 3 months in duration, with a third party for non-instructional services currently performed by an employee or bargaining unit member for the purpose of augmenting the current workforce in an emergency situation that threatens the safety or health of the school district's students or staff, provided that the school board meets all of its obligations under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act prior to entering into such a contract (rather than not specifying a time period). Defines "emergency situation". Provides that a board of education that attempts to enter into a contract with a third party for non-instructional services, as specified, more than once during a school year is required to receive the mutual agreement of the affected collective bargaining unit or units. Effective immediately.
SB1800	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State may issue an instruction permit to a child who is not less than 15 years of age if the child receives permission from a driver education teacher or administrator from a school offering an approved driver education course (rather than if the child is enrolled in an approved driver education course).
SB1801	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Increases the fee for an original instruction permit issued to persons who do not hold or have not previously held an Illinois instruction permit or driver's license from $20 to $40. Provides that $32 (rather than $16) of the $40 (rather than $20) fee for an original driver's license shall be paid into the Drivers Education Fund.
SB1802	02/06/2025	Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits a forest preserve district from prohibiting persons from carrying a firearm into any botanic garden, swimming pool, grounds of a swimming pool, athletic venue, picnic grove, nature center, grounds of a nature center, pavilion, grounds of a pavilion, golf course, driving range, adventure course, grounds of an adventure course, zipline building, grounds of a zipline, equestrian center, grounds of an equestrian center, exercise venue, grounds of an exercise venue, or any public or private gathering or special event conducted on property that requires the issuance of a permit. Exempts a forest preserve district from the posting of a sign that states that the carrying of firearms is prohibited. Deletes language providing that a licensee under the Act shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any real property under the control of the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Defines "grounds".
SB1803	02/06/2025	Creates the Liability Insurance for Child Care Providers Act. Directs the Department of Children and Family Services, in consultation with stakeholders, including licensed child care providers, business owners, insurance providers, and others, to conduct a study to investigate (1) the existing regulations under the Child Care Licensing Act; (2) the availability and affordability of liability insurance for licensed child care providers; (3) the impact of regulatory actions and citations issued by licensing representatives on the ability of child care providers to obtain or maintain adequate liability insurance coverage; and (4) best practices in other states for balancing regulation and insurance requirements to promote safe and sustainable child care programs. Requires the Department to conduct a systematic review of its administrative rules and procedures as necessary to reform the child care licensing regulatory system to prioritize collaboration and educational support over punitive measures. Directs the Department to investigate specified actions that could be taken to improve the affordability of insurance for child care providers. Effective immediately.
SB1804	02/06/2025	Amends the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Act. Provides that to ensure that organizations contracted to implement the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program meet the needs of PACE participants, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall reform the rate-setting methodology for the PACE program by establishing a blended rate structure based on a 30% Home and Community-Based Services and 70% Skilled Nursing Facility case-mix which is a more accurate proportion of the comparable population expected to reside in an institution or the community if not enrolled in PACE. Requires the blended rate structure to more accurately reflect the comprehensive nature of care provided by PACE organizations and address the unique needs of PACE participants as a higher risk/acuity population with expected higher costs and frailty than comparable populations. Provides that when developing rates under the blended rate structure, the Department must consider not only the standard cost experiences of PACE participants but also the unique characteristics and specific care needs of the PACE population as well as any additional State plan services or populations that are not included in the State's Medicaid managed care contracts but are required under the PACE program.
SB1805	02/06/2025	Creates the Electric Vehicle Charging Fee Act. Provides that a fee is imposed on the privilege of engaging in business as an electric vehicle power provider in this State. Provides that, from January 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027, the rate of fee shall be $0.06 per kilowatt hour of electric vehicle power. Provides that the rate of fee shall be increased on January 1 of each year by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Amends the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act. Creates a dynamic wireless electric vehicle charging pilot program. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. Effective January 1, 2026.
SB1811	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that the Illinois Labor Relations Board or the panel having jurisdiction shall determine whether a violation of the Act was serious enough that the Board or panel is unable to order a make-whole remedy. Describes potential reasons for such a determination. Provides that, if the Board makes a determination that the violation frustrated the purposes of the Act, the Board shall include the availability of interest arbitration in its order and, upon request of the charging party, the parties must participate in the impasse arbitration procedures.
SB1812	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that the Illinois Labor Relations Board or the relevant panel having jurisdiction may order make-whole relief, including, but not limited to, consequential damages and front pay for injuries suffered by employees or a labor organization as a result of an unfair labor practice. Provides that, in determining appropriate relief for a violation of provisions concerning refusal to bargain in good faith with a labor organization that is serious enough to have frustrated the purposes of the Act and that may have undermined or significantly impacted the collective bargaining process, the Board shall take into consideration factors that normally determine the outcome of collective bargaining when such bargaining has been conducted in good faith. Provides that employers who commit unfair labor practices under certain provisions in the Act shall also be subject to damages in an amount equal to any monetary make-whole relief ordered by the Board unless the employer can show it acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to believe it was acting in compliance with this Act.
SB1813	02/06/2025	Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the education expense credit shall be 50% of the qualified education expenses incurred by a custodian on behalf of a qualifying pupil. Provides that, for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2025, the education expense credit shall be no more than $2,000 per child for a maximum of $6,000 per family. Provides that no taxpayer may claim an education expense credit if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds 400% of the federal poverty level. Makes changes concerning the definition of "qualified education expense". Effective immediately.
SB1938	02/06/2025	Creates the Road Usage Charge Act. Establishes the Road Usage Charge Advisory Committee to guide the development and evaluation of the road usage charge pilot program and to assess the potential for mileage-based revenue as an alternative to the current system of taxing highway use through motor fuel taxes. Sets forth the membership and duties of the committee. Requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and based on the recommendations of the Committee, to implement a statewide pilot program by January 1, 2026 to assess a user fee on owners of motor vehicles that is based on the number of miles traveled on public roadways in this State by those vehicles. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that, on and after February 1, 2026, the Chicago Transit Board shall have 8 members (currently 7 members). Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes by Directors required to issue bonds. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that the Annual Budget and 2-Year Financial Plan must show that the aggregate of all projected fare revenues from fares and charges for mass transportation provided by, or under grant or purchase of service contracts of, the Service Boards received in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 shall equal at least 25%, and in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 and every year thereafter at least 15%, of the aggregate cost of providing such public transportation in those fiscal years. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, the Regional Transportation Authority shall be the sole agency responsible for the management and oversight of the fare collection systems used on all public transportation provided by the Service Boards. Makes changes to the membership of the Suburban Bus Board and the Commuter Rail Board. Makes changes to the number of affirmative votes required by the Directors of the Authority to approve decisions regarding the strategic plan, coordination of fares and service, appointment of officers and employees, paratransit services, powers of the Commuter Rail Board, labor, budget, taxes, distribution of revenues, issuing and pledging bonds and notes, budget review powers, the annual capital improvement plan, and rate protection contracts. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.
SB1939	02/06/2025	Amends the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act. Provides that it shall be deemed a violation for a manufacturer, a distributor, a wholesaler, or other specified entity to distribute new motor vehicles directly to consumers or to circumvent franchise distribution obligations under the Act. Provides that it shall be deemed a violation for any manufacturer with an established franchise dealer network in the State to engage in the sale, lease, or servicing of new motor vehicles in a manner that bypasses or competes with the manufacturer's existing franchisee network. Makes conforming and other changes. Defines terms.
SB1657	02/05/2025	Amends the Transportation Article of the School Code. Provides that the allowable direct cost of transporting pupils for regular, vocational, and special education pupil transportation shall be limited to, among other costs, expenditures to electrification-as-a-service contractors that provide electric school buses or a combination of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, equipment, or daily charge management services, plus a depreciation allowance of 8.33% for 12 years for electric school buses and vehicles approved for transporting pupils to and from school.
SB1530	02/04/2025	Amends the Election Code. For specified applications, change of address forms, or recertifications of a driver's license or State identification card, provides that the application, form, or recertification shall serve as a dual-purpose application when the applicant presents specified identification (rather than meets the requirements of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005). Modifies requirements of the dual-purpose application. Modifies the content of the written notice required to be given by the Office of the Secretary of State to each applicant and requires the Office of the Secretary of State to determine whether each applicant is currently registered to vote in Illinois and the applicant's registration address. Provides that, if an applicant provides the Secretary of State with an identification document which demonstrates that the applicant is not a United States citizen, the application shall not serve as a dual-purpose application. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to make conforming changes. Provides that changes made by the amendatory Act that require implementation shall be implemented no later than January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.
SB1539	02/04/2025	Amends the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Requires the Suburban Bus Board to adopt responsible bidding rules applicable to bids for contracts solicited for drivers, dispatchers, customer service aides, and reservationists. Requires a bidder to submit specified information before a bidder may be considered a responsible bidder. Provides that it is the sole responsibility of the bidder to comply with all submission requirements at the time it submits its bid to the Suburban Bus Board. Provides that upon designation by the Suburban Bus Board that a contractor's or subcontractor's submission in anticipation of a bid is complete and timely, and upon any further consideration deemed necessary by the Suburban Bus Board, the contractor or subcontractor may be prequalified for future contracts with the Suburban Bus Board. Provides that a contractor's classification as qualified shall exempt the contractor or sub-contractor from the submission requirements for a period of 12 months. Provides that contractors and subcontractors who are prequalified must submit a complete application for continuation of prequalified standing on a form provided by the Suburban Bus Board by December 31st for the upcoming calendar year. Provides that failure by any prequalified contractor or subcontractor to timely submit its complete application for continuation of prequalified standing shall result in automatic removal of the designation. Allows a contractor or subcontractor removed from prequalified status to still bid on Suburban Bus Board contracts.
SB1540	02/04/2025	Amends the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. In provisions regarding the acceptance and distribution of electronic records and electronic signatures by governmental agencies, provides that, to the extent that a governmental agency uses electronic records and electronic signatures, the governmental agency (rather than the Department of Innovation and Technology and the Secretary of State) may specify (rather than shall adopt rules specifying) the required format and attributes of the electronic records and electronic signatures and the specific processes and procedures governing their use. Authorizes the Secretary of State and the Department of Innovation and Technology to adopt rules setting forth minimum requirements concerning the required format and attributes of electronic records and electronic signatures and the processes and procedures governing their use. Provides that the rules adopted by the Secretary of State shall apply only with respect to the Secretary of State. Further provides that the rules adopted by the Department of Innovation and Technology shall apply only with respect to client agencies, as that term is defined in the Department of Innovation and Technology Act.
SB1541	02/04/2025	Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that any printed or digital receipt issued or made available to a consumer by a retail seller at the time of sale must clearly list the single unit price of each individual item purchased by the consumer regardless of the number or quantity of each individual item purchased by the consumer at the time of sale. Provides that a retail seller who violates this requirement commits an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.
SB1542	02/04/2025	Amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act. Repeals the definition of "client agency" and makes changes in the definitions of "dedicated unit", "State agency", and "transferring agency". Replaces references to "transferring agency" with references to "transferred agency". Makes changes in provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Department of Innovation and Technology, including changes in the scope of services provided by the Department and in the classes of persons to whom those services are to be provided. Authorizes the Department to charge fees for service to all State agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor (rather than only client agencies). Repeals from the Department of Innovation and Technology Act and adds to the Illinois Information Security Improvement Act a provision requiring the principal executive officer of specified units of local government to designate a local official or employee as the primary point of contact for local cybersecurity issues. Requires the name and contact information for the specified individual to be provided to the Statewide Chief Information Security Officer. Further amends the Illinois Information Security Improvement Act. Makes changes concerning the duties of the Office of the Statewide Chief Information Security Officer and the Secretary of Innovation and Technology. Changes the definition of "State agency".
SB1543	02/04/2025	Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for the full amount of union dues paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year if the taxpayer was not allowed a federal deduction under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that, if any amount of union dues representing federal miscellaneous itemized deductions was allowed as a federal deduction, then the amount allowed as an Illinois deduction shall be a specified percentage of the union dues disallowed under the Internal Revenue Code. Provides that the deduction is exempt from the Act's automatic sunset provision. Effective immediately.
SB1614	02/04/2025	Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that the Secretary of State may maintain a petty cash fund in excess of $1,000, solely for the purpose of making change, at any Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Facility. Provides that those funds may be retained on the premises of the facility.
SB1615	02/04/2025	Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires a school board to offer courses in Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Telugu, and Malayalam as a part of its school foreign language curricula.
SB1616	02/04/2025	Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to identify days during the year when there may be a portion of the student body absent or unable to participate in a major school event due to cultural, religious, or other observances and, by February 1 of each year, to prominently post on its website and distribute to school districts a nonexhaustive list of the corresponding days and dates of potential cultural, religious, or other observances in the upcoming school year. Allows a school district to include additional days and dates based on community feedback or demographics. Requires the State Board to distribute the list by February 1 each year to regional offices of education, the Department of Early Childhood, the Board of Higher Education, the Illinois High School Association, and other relevant associations or entities as determined by the State Board. Effective immediately.
SB1467	01/31/2025	Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that "expanded-use antique vehicle" does not include a commercial vehicle or a farm truck. Provides that any entity or vendor providing services to or on behalf of the Secretary of State may also prescribe or provide suitable forms for applications, certificates of title, registration cards, driver's licenses, and such other forms requisite or deemed necessary to carry out the Act to the extent authorized by the Secretary and upon approval of the Secretary. Provides that, except for specified persons, an individual's photograph or image, signature, social security number, personal email address, and medical or disability information as may be submitted to the Secretary for purposes of a vehicle title and registration application shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed. Provides that the printed proof of registration is valid for 30 days from the expiration of the previous registration sticker's or digital registration sticker's date or 30 days from the purchase date of the new registration sticker or digital registration sticker, whichever occurs later. Provides that the owner of an antique vehicle may register such vehicle for a fee not to exceed $6 per registration year (rather than $13 for a 2-year antique plate). Provides that if the Secretary determines that an owner has registered or maintained the registration of a motor vehicle without a liability insurance policy, the Secretary shall notify the owner that such owner's vehicle registration shall be suspended 30 (rather than 45) days after the date of the mailing of the notice unless the owner within 30 days furnishes proof of insurance in effect on the verification date or provides an exemption from the mandatory insurance requirements. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
SB1317	01/28/2025	Amends the Issuing Licenses and Abating Nuisances Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that nothing in the Division shall prohibit the issuance or renewal of a license authorizing the sale of tobacco products or tobacco accessories at a premises that is located within a municipality with a population in excess of 1,000,000 inhabitants and is within 100 feet of the property line of any building or other location used primarily as a school if: (1) the school is a private elementary school; (2) the school is located within the boundaries of West Devon Avenue, West Rosemont Avenue, North Mozart Street, and North Fairfield Avenue; and (3) the sale of tobacco products or tobacco accessories at the premises occurs only after school hours until no later than 2 a.m. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Effective immediately.
SB1318	01/28/2025	Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security for grants made to small business for security improvements that assist the small business in preventing, preparing for, or responding to threats, attacks, or acts of terrorism. Effective July 1, 2025.
SB1319	01/28/2025	Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. Provides that, of the proceeds that are deposited into the Road Fund, $27,000,000 shall be transferred each month to the Department of Transportation to be distributed to municipalities of the State, counties of the State, and road districts of the State according to a specified formula.
SB1320	01/28/2025	Amends the Airport Authorities Act. Provides that, in airport authorities having a population of not more than 500,000, the compensation for services of any commissioner shall not exceed $300 (rather than $150) in any one month for services within the corporate limits of the authority or within a distance of 50 miles from the corporate limits of the authority. Provides that, in airport authorities having a population of more than 500,000, the compensation for services of any commissioner shall not exceed the sum of $25,000 (rather than $10,000) per annum.
SB1321	01/28/2025	Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Provides that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security may make grants to small businesses for eligible security improvements that assist the small business in preventing, preparing for, or responding to threats, attacks, or acts of terrorism. Sets forth requirements concerning eligibility, application, and Agency procedures. Defines "small business". Effective immediately.
SB1324	01/28/2025	Amends the Election Code. Provides that, upon receiving an election authority's request, if a school district demonstrates to the election authority that the use of a school as a polling place would interfere with scheduled programming or pose a threat to the safety of staff or students, the election authority and the school district shall work cooperatively to find an alternative location to serve as a polling place. Provides that, if the school district and the election authority are unable to identify a mutually agreeable alternative location, the school district and the election authority shall submit a report to the Board of County Commissioners that includes specified information. Provides that, after receiving the report, the Board of County Commissioners shall determine a location to be used as a polling place as soon as practicable to avoid further delay in determining a polling place.
SB0091	01/17/2025	Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires every applicant for the renewal of a driver's license who is 79 years or older to renew in person. Requires every applicant for the renewal of a driver's license who is 87 years of age or or who is 75 years of age or older and holds a commercial driver's license to prove, by an actual demonstration, the applicant's ability to exercise reasonable care in the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Allows an immediate family member to submit information to the Secretary of State relative to the medical condition of a person if the condition interferes with the person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Requires information to be submitted in writing in a manner and form approved by the Secretary and shall include the name of the person submitting the information. Prohibits the Secretary from accepting or acting on anonymous reports. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.
SB0141	01/17/2025	Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that a grant made by the Department of Transportation to municipalities and airport authorities for the renovation, construction, and development of airport facilities must include a condition that the renovation, construction, and development of airport facilities is covered by a project labor agreement entered into with the local building and construction trades council having geographic jurisdiction over the airport facilities. Amends the Airport Authorities Act. Provides that any contract entered into by an Airport Authority to construct, develop, expand, extend, or improve any airport or airport facility must include a project labor agreement entered into with the local building and construction trades council having geographic jurisdiction over the airport or airport facility. Defines "project labor agreement". Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.
SB0005	01/13/2025	Creates the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act. Establishes the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Commuter Rail Division and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Regional Transportation Authority are consolidated into the Metropolitan Mobility Authority and the Service Boards are abolished. Creates the Suburban Bus Operating Division, Commuter Rail Operating Division, and the Chicago Transit Operating Division. Reinserts, reorganizes, and changes some provisions from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act into the new Act. Includes provisions concerning the operation of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. Repeals the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act and the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Amends various Acts, Laws, and Codes to make conforming changes. Creates the Equitable Transit-Supportive Development Act. Establishes the Office of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and the Transit-Supportive Development Fund. Provides that the Office and the Fund are to aid transit-supportive development near high-quality transit by providing specified funding to municipalities that have adopted the standards in the transit support overlay district for that area or that have adopted zoning and other changes that the Office determines have benefits greater than or equal to such a District, including transit support overlay districts. Includes provisions relating to Office standards, procedures, and reports. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code. Requires the Department to establish, staff, and support an Office of Public Transportation Support for the purpose of optimizing the operation of public transportation vehicles and the delivery of public transportation services on highways under the Department's jurisdiction in the Metropolitan Mobility Authority's metropolitan region. Describes the duties and operations of the Office. Amends the Toll Highway Act. Provides that the Chair of the Metropolitan Mobility Authority is a nonvoting member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.