Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning suspensions of retirement annuities during employment with a participating employer, provides that an annuitant receiving a sheriff's law enforcement employee annuity shall be considered a participating employee if the annuitant returns to work as a school security guard employed by a participating employer and works more than 999 hours annually. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Establishes findings. Requires teachers, administrators, and school support personnel to complete training to develop cultural competency, including understanding and reducing unconscious bias and stigmatizing assumptions about persons with disabilities. Sets forth the requirements of the training. Effective July 1, 2025.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Allows a METT Educator District License for teaching a course in manufacturing, engineering, technology, or a trade (METT) to be issued to an applicant who has at least 10,000 working hours in a trade. Provides that a METT Educator District License may be issued to qualified individuals who have not obtained a bachelor's degree or an equivalent number of hours in an educational program at an institution of higher education. Provides that a METT Educator District License is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of the license being issued and may be renewed. Provides that a METT Educator District License is valid only for the teaching of a course that the State Board of Education has identified as related to the work experience of the licensee. Sets forth other provisions regarding the license. Amends the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Provides that the State Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or the Department of Labor, shall expand a database to identify METT labor shortages. Provides that by July 1, 2028, school districts in identified regions shall be notified by the State Board and shall participate in a College and Career Pathway Endorsement program and offer a METT endorsement. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/9/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the School Code. Allows each school board to employ or accept as a volunteer a certified chaplain to provide to a school support, services, and programs for students, staff, and parents as assigned by the school board. Sets forth the selection process, certification requirements, and amount of chaplains a school may employ or accept as a volunteer. Requires a chaplain to submit to a fingerprint-based criminal history records check and check of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database before the chaplain begins employment or volunteering at a school. Prohibits a chaplain from being employed or accepted as a volunteer if the chaplain is registered or is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act or the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act. Provides that no person shall have a cause of action against a chaplain for any action taken or statement made in adherence with the provision of support, services, or programs for students, staff, or parents. Establishes exceptions to a chaplain's liability immunity.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/9/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Allows a lapsed Professional Educator License to be immediately reinstated upon payment to the State Board of Education by the applicant of the lesser of a $50 penalty or a $10 penalty for each year the license has lapsed. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that a candidate for a State educator license who is either a former or active first responder or a military service member shall receive a refund for any costs associated with completing a test of content area knowledge or a teacher performance assessment. Provides that no former or active first responder or military service member may be charged an application fee under provisions regarding a Professional Educator License, an Educator License with Stipulations, a Substitute Teaching License, and a Short-Term Substitute Teaching License. Effective July 1, 2025.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Act. Transfers the powers and duties under the Act from the Board of Higher Education to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Replaces the requirement that the Board of Higher Education must contract annually for an independent evaluation of program implementation with the requirement that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission may elect to contract for an independent evaluation with an outside entity. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/9/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall establish and maintain a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program to assist qualified participants in acquiring a Professional Educator License. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may establish and adopt any rules necessary to implement this program, including the standards that a qualified participant must meet to receive a Professional Educator License. Sets forth the requirements to complete the program. Provides that upon completing the requirements of the program, a qualified participant is eligible for a Professional Educator License. Makes related changes. Provides that a foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets specified requirements. Provides that the foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of the endorsement being issued and may be renewed. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may teach a course on the foreign language for which the foreign language endorsement is issued. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations but does not hold a bachelor's degree may substitute teach in foreign language classrooms. Effective July 1, 2025.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/9/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the School Code. Requires school districts with a population of 3,000 or more students to interview a minimum percentage of minority candidates for teaching positions. Exempts teaching positions within an English as a Second Language program from the requirement. Sets forth the formula for the school district to use to calculate the minimum percentage required. Provides that if the school district is unable to interview the required minimum percentage of minority candidates for 2 consecutive years, the school district must implement a program for school district employees interested in obtaining a Professional Educator License. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that an injury arises out of and in the course of employment only if the accident significantly caused or contributed to both the resulting condition and the disability. Provides that an injury does not arise out of and in the course of employment if (1) the hazard or risk was not incidental to employment and was a hazard or risk to which the general public is also exposed, (2) the injury did not occur at a time and place and under circumstances reasonably required by the employment, or (3) the disability resulted from a personal risk. Limits conditions under which repetitive or cumulative trauma is compensable. Provides that gradual deterioration or progressive degeneration of the body caused by aging is not compensable as repetitive or cumulative trauma. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Makes changes to the compensation periods for accidental injuries resulting in the loss of or the permanent and complete loss of use of the thumb, fingers, or toes; the amputation of an arm, foot, or leg; the enucleation of an eye; and other injuries to reduce the compensation to the amounts in effect for injuries occurring before February 1, 2006. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that, in computing the compensation to be paid to an employee who, before the accident for which the employee claims compensation, had before that time sustained an injury resulting in a permanency award or settlement, the award or settlement shall be deducted from any award made for the subsequent injury. Provides that, if an employee received an award or settlement for a shoulder injury between 2012 and the effective date of the amendatory Act, then the award or settlement shall be converted to the appropriate number of weeks for an arm and the credit taken against any award or settlement shall be taken on the arm. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act concerning injuries sustained by employees during travel. Provides that accidental injuries sustained while traveling to or from work do not arise out of and in the course of employment, except under specified circumstances. Provides that the injury may arise out of and in the course of employment if, at the time of the injury, the employee was performing acts the employer instructed the employee to perform, acts that the employee had a common law or statutory duty to perform while performing duties for his or her employer, or acts that the employee might be reasonably expected to perform incident to his or her assigned duties. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that, for purposes of awarding compensation for injuries, an injury to the shoulder shall be considered an injury to a part of the arm and an injury to the hip shall be considered an injury to a part of the leg. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that for purposes of computing compensation for an employee who had a prior compensated injury to the spine, the prior compensation shall be deducted from compensation awarded for a subsequent injury to the same part of the spine. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act. Provides that an employer shall not retaliate against an employee or deprive an employee of employer-issued equipment because the employee used employer-issued equipment to record domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence committed against the employee or a family or household member of the employee. Provides that an employer shall grant an employee access to any photographs, voice or video recordings, sound recordings, or any other digital documents or communications stored on an employer-issued device relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence committed against the employee or a family or household member of the employee. Provides that the provisions do not prohibit an employer from complying with an investigation, court order, or subpoena for a device, information, data, or documents. Provides that the provisions shall not be construed to relieve an employee of obligations to comply with an employer's reasonable employment policies or to perform the essential functions of employment.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, the Music Therapy Licensing and Practice Act, and the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Establishes temporary licenses for social workers, professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, music therapists, and clinical psychologists whose license application is pending and creates termination conditions for such licenses. Removes good moral character standards as qualification requirements for the licensing of social workers and music therapists. Creates procedures for placing a license on inactive status for social workers and professional counselors. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must allow reasonable exam accommodations for licensed marriage and family therapists and clinical psychologists whose primary language is not English if a test in the therapist's or psychologist's primary language is not available.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Requires an approved provider of professional development activities for the renewal of a Professional Educator License to ensure that professional development related to English language arts is aligned with the comprehensive literacy plan for the State developed by the State Board of Education. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Requires approved providers to ensure that professional development activities (rather than professional development) related to literacy instruction (rather than English language arts) are aligned to evidence-based strategies as defined in the comprehensive literacy plan for the State developed by the State Board of Education (rather than aligned with the comprehensive literacy plan for the State developed by the State Board of Education).

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Creates emergency rulemaking procedures for the student teaching stipend program. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Authorizes a person to establish optional credit for periods of service as a student teacher under a specified provision of the Board of Higher Education Act. In provisions requiring an additional employer contribution for certain salary increases greater than 6%, provides that the System shall exclude any stipends paid to an eligible cooperating teacher under the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Creates the student teaching stipend program. Defines terms. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of Higher Education of all eligible students and eligible cooperating teachers who qualify for the stipend program. Creates requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating teacher who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report in collaboration with the State Board of Education evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances subject to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Creates the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. Requires each employer, subject to certain exceptions, to provide each employee who is a veteran with a paid day off on Veterans Day if the employee would otherwise be required to work on that day. Provides that the employee must provide notice to the employer that he or she intends to take time off on Veterans Day and must provide the employer with documentation verifying that he or she is a veteran. Contains provisions concerning circumstances under which an employer may deny such a time off request. Provides that, if the employer denies the time off request, the employer must make a good faith effort to provide the employee with a substitute day on which the employee may receive paid time off. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to 100% of the wages paid by the taxpayer to a veteran as a result of the paid day off required under the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Student Investment Account Act. Allows the State Treasurer to originate, guarantee, acquire, and service refinance loans; invest in, and enter into contracts with, institutions that provide refinance loans; deposit funds with financial institutions that provide refinance loans; establish specific criteria governing the eligibility of entities to participate in the making of refinance loans; charge and collect premiums for insurance on refinance loans; and deduct from a State employee's salary, wages, commissions, and bonuses the recovery of a refinance loan debt. Removes language allowing the State Treasurer to: enter into income share agreements with participants, facilitate income share agreements between participants and eligible income share agreement providers, and perform other acts as may be necessary or desirable in connection with income share agreements; enter into contracts and guarantee agreements as necessary to operate the Student Investment Account with income share agreement providers or qualified income share agreement organizations; establish specific criteria governing the eligibility of entities to participate in the making of income share agreements; pay income share agreement providers or qualified income share agreement organizations an administrative fee in connection with services provided pursuant to the Student Investment Account; charge and collect premiums for insurance on income share agreements; and deduct from a State employee's salary, wages, commissions, and bonuses the recovery of an income share agreement. Allows (rather than requires) the State Treasurer to establish fees to cover the costs of administration, recordkeeping, marketing, and investment management related to the Student Investment Account. Removes language allowing moneys in the Student Investment Account Assistance Fund to be used to provide assistance to income share agreement participants. Makes conforming changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Adds an immediate effective date.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" means an individual who (i) meets the definition of "employee" in specified provisions of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and (ii) works at least 195 hours for an employer over a period of at least 90 days.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" means an individual who (i) meets the definition of "employee" in specified provisions of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and (ii) works at least 130 hours for an employer over a period of at least 90 days.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Nurse Practice Act, the Pharmacy Practice Act, and the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987. Provides that, during State fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall allow individuals in rural counties a one-time waiver of fees imposed under specific provisions in each Act. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall approve a course for school safety officers (a retired law enforcement officer who has been hired by a school district to perform security services). Sets forth training and certification requirements. Provides that an applicant for employment as a school safety officer must authorize an investigation to determine if the applicant has been convicted of any criminal offense that disqualifies the person as a school safety officer. Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Exempts school safety officers from the Act if a school board does not require officer-worn body cameras. Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, a school may employ a school safety officer. Requires a school safety officer applicant to provide the school district a certificate of completion or approved waiver issued by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Provides that a school safety officer shall wear a uniform that clearly identifies the officer as a school safety officer. Provides that a school safety officer may detain a person when the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that an offense, other than an ordinance violation, is being committed. Provides that a school safety officer may carry a firearm as long as the officer is certified under specified provisions of the Peace Officer and Probation Officer Firearm Training Act. Adds references to school safety officers throughout the Code. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that that the provisions concerning the unlawful use of weapons as those provisions pertain to firearms do not apply to or affect the carrying or possession of firearms by a qualified current or retired law enforcement officer qualified under the laws of the State or under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act in specified properties, including schools. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that it is a civil rights violation for an employer, employment agency, or labor organization to take certain employment-related actions on the basis of an individual's weight and size. Provides that it is a civil rights violation for the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent, or employee of a place of public accommodation, because of the weight and size of any person, directly or indirectly, to refuse, withhold from, or deny to any individual any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of the place of public accommodation.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act. Provides that a participating employee or part-time employee (rather than an employee) may use up to 10 days of leave in any 12-month period to serve as an organ donor. Provides that, for a part-time employee using leave to serve as an organ donor, the employer shall calculate the daily average pay the part-time employee received during his or her previous 2 months of employment and compensate the part-time employee in the amount of the daily average pay for the leave days used.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the State Employees and Downstate Teacher Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Requires the System to develop and offer a defined contribution plan for active members of the System. Provides that the defined contribution plan shall collect optional employee contributions, employer contributions, and State contributions into individual accounts and shall offer investment options to participants. Provides that there shall be no maximum or minimum contribution requirements. Provides that on an annual basis, the employer of a participant in the defined contribution plan shall deposit in the participant's defined contribution plan account an amount equal to the amount contributed by the participant during the preceding year and the State shall deposit in the participant's defined contribution plan account an amount equal to the amount contributed by the participant during the preceding year. Provides that, if the State is the actual employer of the participant, then the State shall contribute an additional amount equal to the employer's contribution. Provides that a participant in the defined contribution plan may not withdraw moneys from the participant's account while the participant is an active member of the System. Requires the defined contribution plan to be operated in full compliance with any applicable State and federal laws, and requires the System to use generally accepted practices in creating and maintaining the benefit for the best interest of the participants. Makes conforming changes. Provides that any benefit increase resulting from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that benefit or annuity payments to a member or participant in a retirement system or pension fund shall be suspended if the member or participant is indicted or charged by information with a felony and the board of the retirement system or pension fund determines that the felony relates to or arises out of or in connection with his or her service as a member or participant of the retirement system or pension fund. Provides that if the member or participant is not convicted of that felony, payment of the benefit or annuity shall resume and the retirement system or pension fund shall pay to the member or participant the amount of the suspended annuity or benefit payments with interest. Provides that if the member or participant is convicted of that felony, the suspended annuity or benefit payments shall not be paid to the member or participant. Provides that the amendatory Act applies without regard to whether the member or participant first became a member or participant of a retirement system or pension fund before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include a part-time employee as defined in the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Child Labor Law of 2024. Provides that no employer shall employ, allow, or permit a minor to work more than 3 hours per day (currently, more than 3 hours per day or more than 8 hours total of work and school hours on days when school is in session). Makes changes in various provisions to limit the number of hours worked by a minor outside of school hours to 18 hours in a week (currently, 24 hours in a week).

  CURRENT STATUS

1/28/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that none of the benefits provided for in the Code shall be paid to any person who first becomes a member or participant under any Article of the Code on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act and is convicted of a disqualifying offense. Provides that with respect to benefits attributable to a member or participant who first becomes a member or participant on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, none of the benefits provided for in the Code shall be paid to any person who otherwise would receive a survivor benefit who is convicted of a disqualifying offense. Specifies that the provisions are an additional cause for forfeiture of benefits under the Code and does not limit the causes for forfeiting pension benefits in any Article of the Code. Defines "disqualifying offense". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/29/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that the board of trustees of a community college district shall require the primary instructor of a course to meet specified qualifications set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code and any other applicable rules adopted by the Illinois Community College Board. Provides that a course may not, in lieu of a primary instructor, use artificial intelligence or a generative artificial intelligence program.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. In provisions regarding personnel policies and work time requirements, specifies that State employees of public institutions of higher education classified as faculty and those not eligible for overtime pay may satisfy the time sheets requirement by complying with the terms of their contract with the public institution of higher education. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a commercial driver training school in the State may administer the CDL test to a student who has successfully completed a commercial driver's education course. Provides that any testing administered must satisfy the specified guidelines required under federal and State law. Requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that it is an affirmative defense to any criminal or civil charge under the Act that the person fully disclosed all relevant facts to the person's ethics officer and relied in good faith on the ethics officer's advice.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Local Government Officer Compensation Act. In provisions relating to the time and manner of fixing compensation of elected officers of school districts and units of local government, provides that "compensation" means all remuneration for service as an elected officer, including wages, salary, health insurance benefits, and all other payments made on behalf of or for the benefit of the elected officer for service as an elected officer. Provides that "compensation" shall be construed liberally to require all elected officer compensation to be fixed in accordance with the provisions.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the State Universities Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a Tier 2 member who has at least 20 years of service in this system as a police officer or firefighter is entitled to a retirement annuity upon written application on or after the attainment of age 55 (instead of age 60) if a specified rule is applicable to the participant. Provides that the changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2011. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase".

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that benefit payments, including, but not limited to, disability benefits, death benefits, retirement annuities, and surviving spouse annuities, must commence no later than 30 days after a person has submitted a complete and correct application for a benefit to which that person is entitled. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that for the purpose of calculating the accrual of paid leave, only hours actually worked by an employee shall be considered. Provides that an employee shall not accrue paid leave for any hours that an employee was scheduled to work but did not actually work. Provides that, if paid leave is taken due to an emergency, an employer may require that an employee provide documentation of the emergency upon returning to work. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/4/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Creates the Compassionate Support for Bereaved Mothers Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Heal Your Heart Act. Defines a bereaved mother as a mother whose child was, more likely than not, knowingly killed by an unknown or other person. Provides that the Act applies to any bereaved mother whose child was, more likely than not, knowingly killed within the State and whose child was a resident of the State at the time of death. Provides that a bereaved mother shall be entitled to free mental health counseling and psychiatric services for a period of up to one year following the death of the bereaved mother's child. Provides that a bereaved mother is entitled to take paid leave after the death of the bereaved mother's child. Provides that, as federal law permits, a bereaved mother living in subsidized housing, scatter site housing, or public housing units shall be eligible for relocation to another unit if the bereaved mother feels threatened or unsafe. Provides that the Act is repealed 5 years after becoming law. Makes conforming changes to the State Finance Act. Effective January 1, 2026.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Act. In a provision regarding the selection of grantees, provides that: State appropriations shall be allocated with the intention of providing direct candidate support through consortia; and Grown Your Own Illinois may use no more than 5% of State appropriations for operational expenditures, but may supplement its operational expenditures with private funds. In a provision regarding expenditures under the Grow Your Own Teacher Education Initiative: requires grants to be distributed to consortia from Grow Your Own Illinois in an equitable manner based on candidate needs and in such a way as to provide the required support for a cohort of candidates; and provides that site-based cohort coordinators shall indicate to Grow Your Own Illinois the needs of candidates and shall have the authority to inform the development and operations of the cohort pertaining to certain topics. Allows the Board of Higher Education to create a process to allow cohorts to communicate operational or funding challenges pertaining to the implementation of the Grow Your Own Illinois program. Allows the Board to adopt rules to establish a complaint process. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Provides that any person who has successfully completed the training required under this Act is considered to have successfully completed similar training requirements for harassment and discrimination prevention that may be required for employment in Illinois or to receive a license from the State. This includes, but may not be limited to, the training required under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/4/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning suspensions of retirement annuities during employment with a participating employer, provides that, until January 1, 2030, an annuitant receiving an annuity under the sheriff's law enforcement employees provisions shall be considered a participating employee if the annuitant returns to work as a school security guard or school resource officer employed by a participating employer and works more than 1,000 hours annually. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Includes game officials in provisions requiring applicants for employment with a school district to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history records check and check of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employer shall provide 30 minutes of paid break time (rather than reasonable break time) to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her nursing infant child each time the employee has the need to express milk for one year after the child's birth. Provides that the employee may use other paid break time or meal time for any time needed in excess of 30 minutes. Provides that an employer shall provide paid break time (rather than reasonable break time) as needed by the employee unless to do so would create an undue hardship.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Budget Stabilization Act. Provides a transfer of specified amounts from the General Revenue Fund to the Pension Stabilization Fund for fiscal years 2031 through 2041. Amends the Illinois Pension Code. With regard to each of the 5 State-funded retirement systems, provides that for State fiscal years 2027 through 2035, the minimum contribution to the System to be made by the State for each State fiscal year shall be an amount determined by the System to be sufficient to bring the total assets of the System up to 100% of the total actuarial liabilities of the System by the end of State fiscal year 2049. Makes conforming and other changes to the funding formulas. Provides that any person who earned service as a Tier 1 member or participant in any retirement system or pension fund established under this Code shall continue to earn service as a Tier 1 member and shall remain a Tier 1 member in any other retirement system or pension fund. Makes changes to the Tier 2 calculation of final average salary; the Tier 2 retirement age; and the amount of the automatic annual increases to Tier 2 annuities. Provides that, for a person who has reached the maximum percentage of salary allowed under the applicable system and who is within 5 years of the normal retirement age applicable for that member or participant, the reduction under provisions that reduce the retirement annuity due to age shall be 0%. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Provides that the Act takes effect January 1, 2028, except that certain provisions take effect upon becoming law.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Provides that any covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit entered into after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall not be enforceable with respect to the provision of reproductive health care or maternity care by a health care professional in the State if the enforcement of the covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit is likely to reduce the availability of reproductive health care or maternity care. Provides that in an action to enforce a covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit entered into after the effective date of the amendatory Act, a party seeking to enforce the covenant not to compete or covenant not to solicit has the burden of proving that it will not reduce the availability of reproductive health care or maternity care in the State. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the School Code. Provides that any public school employee who is a member of a statewide association and is appointed to a State board, advisory council, committee, commission, or task force to represent the association in State work may spend up to 10 days during a school term representing the association in State work. Provides that no deduction of wages may be made for such absence. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the dismissal of teachers, includes releasing student record information to unauthorized parties, engaging in aggressive physical contact with a student or a member of staff if the physical contact does not serve to promote greater safety, and disparaging a student or a member of staff based on protected characteristics as sufficient causes to dismiss a teacher. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/6/2025 - Referred to House Rules

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.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes changes to Tier 2 benefits, including changing the amount of the automatic annual increase to 3% of the originally granted retirement annuity or 3% of the retirement annuity then being paid for the General Assembly and Judges Articles, changing the limit on the amount of salary for annuity purposes to the Social Security wage base, changing the calculation of final average salary to the Tier 1 calculation for persons who are active members on or after January 1, 2026, and changing the retirement age. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment option for the General Assembly, Chicago Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Code. Provides that, with regard to persons subject to the Tier 2 provisions, a security employee of the Department of Human Services, a security employee of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an investigator for the Department of the Lottery, or a State highway worker is entitled to an annuity calculated under the alternative retirement annuity provisions of the State Employee Article of the Code. Authorizes the conversion of service to eligible creditable service. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, and Chicago Firefighter Articles. Authorizes SLEP status under the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund for a person who is a county correctional officer or probation officer and for a person who participates in IMRF and qualifies as a firefighter under the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. In the Downstate Firefighter Article, includes a de facto firefighter in the definition of "firefighter". Defines "de facto firefighter". Provides that the monthly pension of a firefighter who is receiving a disability pension shall be increased at the rate of 3% of the original monthly pension. Makes changes to the minimum retirement annuity payable to a firefighter with 20 or more years of creditable service, the minimum disability pension, and the minimum surviving spouse's pension. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

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

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that in fixing the salaries of employees, a school board or the governing board of a joint agreement shall pay to employees an hourly rate of not less than (i) $20 for the 2026-2027 school year, (ii) $21 for the 2027-2028 school year, and (iii) $22 for the 2028-2029 school year. Provides that the minimum hourly rate for each school year thereafter shall equal the minimum salary rate for the previous school year increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the previous school year. Provides that "employee" means any employee of a school district or joint agreement who provides educational support services to the district or joint agreement, including, but not limited to, custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, administrative staff, or paraprofessional educators. Provides that an employee's salary shall include any amount paid by the school district or joint agreement on behalf of the employee, as employee contributions, to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Creates the Deferred Retirement Option Article. Provides a deferred retirement option plan (DROP) for certain participants under the Downstate Teacher Article who are eligible to retire and meet other criteria. Provides that a participant in the DROP may elect to participate for up to 5 years. Provides that on the effective date of the member's election, the System shall credit the member's account on a monthly basis, for as long as the member participates in the DROP, an amount equal to the monthly amount of retirement annuity the member would otherwise be eligible to receive had the member retired on the date of the election. Provides that the DROP member shall be considered in active service for purposes of participation in a collective bargaining agreement, for health care benefits, and for other purposes. Establishes a DROP administered by the State Treasurer for pension funds or retirement systems that are required to establish a DROP and elect to transfer administrative responsibility for the DROP to the State Treasurer. Sets forth provisions concerning interest on the account; termination of the DROP; contributions; administrative costs; and a DROP advisory board. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on and after September 1, 2026, all teacher evaluation ratings on record as "excellent", "proficient", or "needs improvement" are considered "effective" and all teacher evaluation ratings on record as "unsatisfactory" are considered "ineffective" for the purposes of the Employment of Teachers Article. Makes other changes concerning the waiver or modification of mandates; school report cards; license suspension or revocation; contractual continued service; removal or dismissal of teachers; an optional alternative evaluative dismissal process; the content of evaluation plans; the appointment and promotion of teachers in Chicago; and alternative procedures for teacher evaluation, remediation, and removal in Chicago. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district shall not enter into an agreement that rescinds an employment contract entered into with an administrative employee in exchange for a payment that exceeds an amount greater than 6 time the monthly salary of the employee, due to the unsatisfactory performance of the employee's duties.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the School Code. Allows, if an assessment is determined to be non-uniform, a provisional in-state educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations to be issued to a candidate who has completed an Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois institution of higher education and who has not successfully completed an applicable content area test but who: holds at least a bachelor's degree; has completed an approved educator preparation program at an Illinois institution; has passed an evidence-based assessment of teacher effectiveness; and has attempted an applicable content area test that has been determined to be non-uniform and has not attempted any uniform content area tests. Provides that the process by which the State Board of Education evaluates content area tests shall be public information and shall be made available on the website of the State Board. Requires the State Board to evaluate each content area test after it has been administered for at least 10 months, but not more than 12 months, and shall determine that a content test is non-uniform. Provides that if a content test is determined to be non-uniform, the State Board shall: convene one or more committees to review the content, bias, and passing score requirements of that content test and recommend changes to improve uniformity; offer the most recent uniform content area test for the same license or endorsement as an option until the new assessment is determined to be uniform; provide an opportunity to attempt the most recent uniform content area test for the same license or endorsement to candidates who attempted but did not pass the most recent version of the content area test; and implement a process by which candidates who attempted but did not pass the content test may apply for provisional licensure. Provides that if the State Board finds that the content area test forms available as of January 1, 2025 are not uniform in the level of difficulty as compared to previous forms of those exams, any candidate for licensure who attempted any content area test in the form that was available as of January 1, 2025, and whose best scores in each subsection of the same content area exam, taken across multiple attempts on the same form of the exam, equal or exceed the passing score for that content area exam as of January 1, 2025, shall be determined to have passed that content area exam.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the School Code. Allows a teacher to grieve the issuance of a warning regarding causes that are considered remediable pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement to determine whether the school district had just cause in issuing the warning. Requires notice of remedial warnings to be narrowly specify the nature of the alleged misconduct that needs to be remedied. Provides that general allegations of unprofessional conduct are insufficient to link together otherwise unrelated offenses as related. Provides that under no circumstances shall a notice of remedial warning remain effective or within a teacher's personnel file or record for longer than 3 years from the date of the occurrence which gave rise to the issuance of the notice of remedial warning. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Requires the Secretary of State to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians in the Illinois Rules of the Road Publication. Provides that an applicant for a school bus driver permit or commercial driver's license with a school bus driver endorsement is not required to pass a written test if the applicant holds a valid commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's license that expired in the preceding 30 days issued by another state with a school bus and passenger endorsements. Requires all driver education courses to include information advising drivers of the laws and best practices for safely sharing the roadway with bicyclists and pedestrians. Provides that the examination to test an applicant's ability to read and understand official traffic control devices and knowledge of safe driving practices and traffic laws may be administered at a Secretary of State facility, remotely via the Internet, or in a manner otherwise specified by the Secretary of State by administrative rule. Allows the Secretary to destroy a driving record created 20 or more years ago for a person who was convicted of an offense and who did not have an Illinois driver's license if the record no longer contains any convictions or withdrawal of driving privileges due to the convictions. Provides that the application for an instructor for a driving school must be accompanied by a medical examination report completed by a competent medical examiner (rather than a competent physician). Provides that the restricted commercial driver's license issued for farm-related service industries may be available for periods not to exceed a total of 210 (rather than 180) days in any 12-month period. Removes some of the duration limitations for suspended licenses. Provides that the traffic-control signals also apply to bicyclists. Restricts a person from driving a motor vehicle on a bicycle lane, trail, or path designated by an official sign or marking for the exclusive use of bicycles or pedestrians. Makes other changes. Amends the School Code to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - House Bills on Third Reading

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include a student enrolled in and regularly attending high school classes, who is under 18 years of age, and who is employed on a temporary basis or less than full time.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/6/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each high school must designate at least one member of its staff as a contact for matters related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), annually provide the individual's name and contact information to the State Board of Education and Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and inform high school seniors that this individual is available to answer questions about FAFSA or to refer them to an appropriate resource. Provides that the contact shall serve as a designated point of contact for information from the State Board of Education and Illinois Student Assistance Commission related to FAFSA, and shall be required to participate in annual training for which the individual shall be eligible to receive continuing professional development units. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that if, to qualify for a license as an instructor for a driving school, it is required to obtain a set amount of practice hours driving, then, if the applicant holds a temporary license, the time spent driving under a temporary license shall count towards the set amount of practice hours.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the School Code. Provides that a foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that he or she meets specified requirements. Provides that the foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations is valid until June 30 following the fifth anniversary of the endorsement's issuance. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may teach a course on the foreign language for which the foreign language endorsement is issued. Provides that an individual who holds a valid foreign language endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations but does not hold a bachelor's degree and who is 25 years of age or older may substitute teach in foreign language classrooms. Effective July 1, 2025.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/18/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that in fixing the salaries of employees, the governing board of each public institution of higher education shall pay employees an hourly rate of not less than: (1) $22 for the 2025-2026 academic year; (2) $23 for the 2026-2027 academic year; and (3) $24 for the 2027-2028 academic year. Provides that the minimum hourly rate for each academic year thereafter shall equal the minimum hourly rate for the previous academic year increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the previous academic year. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/18/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Nursing in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employee who has been denied any rights under the Act may bring an action to enjoin future denials of those rights. Provides that, if the employee prevails in that action, the employee shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that employers shall provide the State labor organization with a copy of the information provided to the exclusive representative. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that coursework related to psychology shall count toward the semester hours that an early childhood teacher must obtain to be qualified as an early childhood teacher. Provides that, before July 1, 2026, the Department of Children and Family Services shall publish and maintain on its website a full and complete list of courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for a child care teacher. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall publish and maintain on its website a full and complete list of courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for a child care teacher.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the School Code and the Public Higher Education Act. Provides that in fixing the salaries of employees, the school board or the governing board of each public institution of higher education shall pay to employees an hourly rate of not less than: (i) $20 for the 2026-2027 academic year; (ii) $21 for the 2027-2028 academic year; and (iii) $22 for the 2028-2029 academic year. Provides that the minimum hourly rate for each academic year thereafter shall equal the minimum hourly rate for the previous academic year increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the previous academic year. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/18/2025 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the School Code. Provides that no institution of higher education shall establish or maintain any policy which requires student teaching for preservice teachers to be unpaid. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

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.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene, is a holiday to be observed throughout the State and to be known as the Lunar New Year. Provides that, when the Lunar New Year falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday shall be held and considered the holiday. Amends the Election Code, the Illinois Procurement Code, the School Code, and the Promissory Note and Bank Holiday Act to include the Lunar New Year as a holiday.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/26/2025 - Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to create a system for the automatic suspension of a license if the holder of that license has been convicted of a crime under the Sex Offenses Article of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a crime that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Repeals the School Construction Bond Act. Amends the Statute on Statutes, the General Obligation Bond Act, and the Prevailing Wage Act to make conforming changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. Makes changes to Tier 2 benefits, including changing the amount of the automatic annual increase to 3% of the originally granted retirement annuity or 3% of the retirement annuity then being paid for the General Assembly and Judges Articles, changing the limit on the amount of salary for annuity purposes to the Social Security wage base, changing the calculation of final average salary to the Tier 1 calculation for persons who are active members on or after January 1, 2026, and changing the retirement age. Establishes an accelerated pension benefit payment option for the General Assembly, Chicago Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Code. Provides that, with regard to persons subject to the Tier 2 provisions, a security employee of the Department of Human Services, a security employee of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an investigator for the Department of the Lottery, or a State highway worker is entitled to an annuity calculated under the alternative retirement annuity provisions of the State Employee Article of the Code. Authorizes the conversion of service to eligible creditable service. Provides that the Retirement Systems Reciprocal Act (Article 20 of the Code) is adopted and made a part of the Downstate Police, Downstate Firefighter, Chicago Police, and Chicago Firefighter Articles. Authorizes SLEP status under the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund for a person who is a county correctional officer or probation officer and for a person who participates in IMRF and qualifies as a firefighter under the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. In the Downstate Firefighter Article, includes a de facto firefighter in the definition of "firefighter". Defines "de facto firefighter". Provides that the monthly pension of a firefighter who is receiving a disability pension shall be increased at the rate of 3% of the original monthly pension. Makes changes to the minimum retirement annuity payable to a firefighter with 20 or more years of creditable service, the minimum disability pension, and the minimum surviving spouse's pension. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement by the State. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/13/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning Substitute Teaching Licenses, requires an applicant who is enrolled in an approved educator preparation program to have either earned at least 75 credit hours or completed 3 semesters in an educator preparation program (rather than requiring the applicant to have earned at least 90 credit hours). Provides that a school district may not require an individual who retired within the last 5 years while holding a valid Professional Educator License or Educator License with Stipulations to seek or hold a Substitute Teaching License to teach as a substitute teacher if substitute teaching for no more than one year. Provides that a retired educator may not be charged an application fee for a Substitute Teaching License if certain conditions are met.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/17/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. With regard to the retirement systems established under the General Assembly, State Employees, State Universities, Downstate Teachers, or Judges Article of the Code and the Illinois State Board of Investment, prohibits direct investment of any additional pension assets in the stocks, securities, or other obligations of any fossil fuel company or any subsidiary, affiliate, or parent of a fossil fuel company. Provides that each board of trustees of a pension system shall ensure the pension system does not make further indirect investments unless, upon exercising due diligence, the board of trustees is satisfied that the investment vehicle is unlikely to have more than 2% of its assets invested in fossil fuel companies. Requires pension system trustees to identify the pension system's holdings, whether directly or indirectly invested, including private investments. Requires pension system trustees to identify holdings that are invested in the stocks, securities, equities, fixed income, corporate bonds, prime commercial paper, or other obligations of fossil fuel companies. Requires pension systems to, in accordance with sound investment criteria and consistent with fiduciary obligations, divest any fossil fuel holdings, which must be completed by January 1, 2030. Requires pension systems to adopt an update to their written investment policies if necessary. Requires each pension system to disclose the analytic methods used, if any, in determining the climate-related financial risks posed by its fossil fuel investments (both publicly traded and private investments) and the results of the analysis. Sets forth provisions concerning definitions, de minimis exposure to fossil fuel securities, and annual reporting. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/17/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Election Code. Requires Voter Identification Cards for those who do not have acceptable photo identification. Sets forth requirements and exemptions. Provides that any person desiring to vote shall present to the judges of election for verification of the person's identity a government-issued photo identification card or his or her Voter Identification Card. In provisions concerning electioneering at voting precincts, provides that electioneering includes the distribution of food or drinks to voters. Provides that each election authority shall establish procedures for the registration of voters and for change of address during the period from the close of registration for an election until the 7th day before the election (currently, the day of the election). Provides that a polling place shall not be located in any residential building, including, but not limited to, an apartment or dormitory. Provides that election authorities shall establish vote centers in at least 2 locations. Specifies the locations where vote centers shall be located. Provides that each election authority shall keep a secure record of the number of ballots printed and distributed to the judges of election at each polling place of each precinct or district. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall develop standards that each election authority shall implement for the 2026 general primary election, and all subsequent elections, to count and track the number of ballots printed and distributed. Removes provisions allowing voters to apply for permanent vote by mail status. Removes a provision that authorizes election authorities to maintain one or more secure collection sites for the postage-free return of vote by mail ballots. Provides that the county clerk or board of election commissioners shall complete the validation and counting of provisional ballots within 7 calendar days (rather than 14 calendar days) of the day after the election. Provides that specified vote by mail ballots returned to an election authority shall be counted on or before the 7th day after the election. Provides that any person who, during an early voting period, gathers on behalf of another and submits to an election authority more than 3 vote by mail ballots shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that a social work associate endorsement on an Educator License with stipulations may be issued to an applicant who (i) holds a degree from a graduate program of social work that has been approved by the Council on Social Work Education and (ii) has an active license through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act as either a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker. Provides that the holder of a social work associate endorsement is authorized to perform responsibilities associated with traditional social work practice, subject to the restrictions in the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act regarding independent clinical practice, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions in a multi-tiered system of support. Provides that all responsibilities of the holder of a social work associate endorsement shall be performed in consultation with an individual who holds a Professional Educator License with a school support personnel endorsement in the area of school social work. Provides that the holder of a social work associate endorsement is not authorized to perform Tier 3 multi-tiered system of support interventions or participate in the individualized education program process or the federal Section 504 plan process for any student with a disability. Provides that the holder of a social work associate endorsement may not be employed by a school district or any other entity to replace any presently employed Professional Educator License holder with a school support personnel endorsement who otherwise would not be replaced for any reason. Provides that an applicant for a social work associate endorsement is not required to pass a content area test under the Code. Makes related changes. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 4, 2025

Amends the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employer shall provide 30 minutes of paid break time (rather than reasonable break time) to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her nursing infant child each time the employee has the need to express milk for one year after the child's birth. Provides that the employee may use other paid break time or meal time for any time needed in excess of 30 minutes. Provides that an employer shall provide paid break time (rather than reasonable break time) as needed by the employee unless to do so would create an undue hardship.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/2/2025 - Senate Labor

Amends the Family Military Leave Act. Changes the name of the Act to the "Military Leave Act". Provides that an employee may use up to 8 hours per calendar month to participate in a funeral honors detail, up to a total of 40 hours per calendar year, or more if authorized by the employer or if provided for in a collective bargaining agreement. Provides for requirements to take leave for funeral honors details. Provides that an employee that takes leave may do so in lieu of, and without having exhausted, his or her vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, or any other leave that may be granted to the employee, including sick leave and disability leave. Defines terms. Provides that the employer of an employee that takes leave must pay the employee his or her regular rate of pay for the leave taken to participate in a funeral honors detail. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025

Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Citizen Participation Act to declare that it is the public policy of Illinois that press opining, reporting, or investigating matters of public concern is participating and communicating with the government and that the Act should be construed broadly in striking the balance of rights that the Act seeks to protect. Provides that for the Act's applicability the claim does not need to solely pertain to the moving party's constitutional rights as the Act applies regardless of the motives of the person who brought that the claim the moving party is seeking to dispose of. Imposes a stay on all proceedings on the filing of a motion seeking the protection of the Act. Provides that on a motion by the moving party, the court may stay a hearing or motion involving another party, or discovery by another party, if the hearing or ruling on the motion would adjudicate, or the discovery would relate to, an issue material to the motion to dispose of a claim under the Act. Allows exemptions from the stay on certain conditions. Effective immediately. Applies to actions commenced on or after January 1, 2026.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision allowing a service retirement pensioner to be re-employed as a teacher for a specified number of days without cancellation of the service retirement pension, provides that if a service retirement pensioner works more than the number of days allowed under that provision in any school year, the service retirement pension benefit shall be withheld on a pro rata basis for each day worked in excess of the number of days allowed. Provides that if a pensioner who only teaches drivers education courses after regular school hours works more than 900 hours in any school year, the service retirement pension benefit shall be withheld on a pro rata basis for each period of 7.5 hours in excess of 900 hours. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act are retroactive to July 1, 2020. Provides that all service retirement pensioners whose service retirement pensions were cancelled as a result of re-employment as a teacher during the period of July 1, 2020 through the effective date of the amendatory Act shall have their overpayments recalculated on a pro rata basis consistent with the changes made by the amendatory Act, and the difference between the initial overpayment and the recalculated overpayment shall be refunded to those service retirement pensioners with interest. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. Provides that each food handler covered by the Act, whether or not employed by a restaurant as defined in the Act, shall complete a training program on celiac disease and the safe handling of gluten-free foods. Provides that the training program shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following topics: (1) the nature and symptoms of celiac disease; (2) the importance of gluten-free food handling for individuals with celiac disease; (3) methods to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods; (4) the proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures to remove gluten residues from food preparation surfaces and equipment; and (5) the labeling and identification of gluten-free products.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Senate Bills on Third Reading

Amends the School Code. Provides that any public school employee who is a member of a statewide association and is appointed to a State board, advisory council, committee, commission, or task force to represent the association in State work may spend up to 10 days during a school term representing the association in State work. Provides that no deduction of wages may be made for such absence. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that when computing days of validated service, contributors shall receive the greater of: (1) one day of service credit for each day for which they are paid salary representing a partial or a full day of employment rendered to an employer or the Board of Trustees of the Fund; or (2) 10 days of service credit for each 10-day period of employment in which the contributor worked 50% or more of the regularly scheduled hours (instead of one day of service credit for each day for which they are paid salary representing a partial or a full day of employment rendered to an employer or the Board).

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides that, if a petitioner's claim is contested and enters arbitration proceedings, the Arbitrator shall include in its award pre-award interest at the rate of 6% per annum to a prevailing petitioner from the date of the contested injury, provided that no interest shall accrue if, within 12 months after the date of the injury, the respondent concedes that the claim is compensable. Provides that the non-prevailing party is responsible for any costs incurred in deposing a medical practitioner. Provides that all attorney's fees for representation of an employee or the employee's dependents shall be the responsibility of the non-prevailing employer (rather than only recoverable from compensation actually paid to such employee or dependents). Provides that, within 60 days after receipt of service of notice of preliminary proceedings before an Arbitrator, an employer shall disclose documents sufficient to calculate a petitioner's average weekly wage

  CURRENT STATUS

2/4/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may develop, by rules, a credential valid for an individual to serve as an educator in a specific education area or grade range for a temporary period of time and upon meeting the conditions set forth in those rules, to be known as a Short-Term Approval. Provides that a Short-Term Approval may be issued on an existing educator license or may stand alone, as applicable to the particular Short-Term Approval. Requires a Short-Term Approval to have an expiration date without the ability to renew. Provides that before the expiration of an educator's Short-Term Approval, the educator must obtain a license or endorsement in the same specific education area or grade range as the Short-Term Approval, and if the educator does not obtain the required license or endorsement in the specific education area or grade range and the Short-Term Approval expires, the educator is not eligible to continue serving as an educator in the specific education area or grade range. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, may consider extending the expiration date of the educator's Short-Term Approval if the educator can demonstrate that a serious health condition inhibited the educator's ability to timely apply for and receive the license or endorsement for the specific education area or grade range for which the Short-Term Approval was issued. Allows an educator to receive only one extension for each Short-Term Approval for no more than one year.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025

Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Disability Benefits Maximization Program. Provides that, within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Central Management Services, in conjunction with the 5 State-funded retirement systems, may enter into a contract with an administrator to establish and conduct a Disability Benefits Maximization Program to identify relevant individuals eligible for Medicare but not enrolled in Medicare, and to assist those individuals with enrolling in Social Security and Medicare. Provides that the Disability Benefits Maximization Program shall conduct an annual audit of the State health benefits program for everyone covered under the State Employees Group Insurance Program, the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program, and the College Insurance Program for the purpose of identifying participants and their dependents who are eligible for Medicare under federal law and shall also ensure that those annuitants, retirees, benefit recipients, survivors, or dependents who are eligible for Medicare are enrolled in Medicare with Medicare as their primary health care benefits coverage and the State Health Benefits Program being the secondary provider of their health care benefits coverage. Provides that the Disability Benefits Maximization Program shall assist any annuitant, retiree, benefit recipient, survivor or their dependents who becomes disabled, and is not enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare, with enrolling in and obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Provides that the administrator of the Disability Benefits Maximization Program shall provide the Department, the 5 State-funded retirement systems, and the General Assembly with an annual report. Effective January 1, 2026.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/4/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the General Assembly, State Employees, State Universities, Downstate Teachers, and Judges Articles of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, beginning the first State fiscal year after the total assets of the System are at least 90% of the total actuarial liabilities of the System and each State fiscal year thereafter, the contribution to the System shall be calculated based on an actuarially determined contribution rate. Provides that the System shall calculate the actuarially determined contribution rate in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Research System and officially adopted actuarial assumptions. Provides that the System shall use this valuation to calculate the actuarially determined contribution rate for the next fiscal year. Provides that the actuarially determined contribution rate for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount for the preceding fiscal year if the ratio of the System's total assets to the System's total liabilities is less than 90%. Provides that the actuarially determined contribution rate shall not be less than the normal cost for the fiscal year. Sets forth provisions concerning reporting and determining the actuarially determined contribution rate. Makes conforming changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/5/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. Provides that the term "community-based organization" includes a high-school based program. Provides that funding from the Illinois Works Fund shall be categorized based on Illinois Department of Transportation regions. Adds a member to the Illinois Works Review panel who shall be a representative of a community-based organization that addresses high school-based workforce programs. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/5/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Creates the Local Government Retirement Plan Responsibility Act. Provides that any retirement plan offered by a unit of local government or school district must comply with the applicable provisions of the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code, including, but not limited to, fiduciary duties, funding, investments, and the rights of participants, regardless of whether the retirement plan is established under the Illinois Pension Code. Defines "retirement plan".

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Senate Bills on Second Reading

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that every retirement system, pension fund, or other system or fund established under the Code shall (instead of may) indemnify and protect the trustees, staff, and consultants against all damage claims and suits, including the defense thereof, when damages are sought for negligent or wrongful acts alleged to have been committed in the scope of employment or under the direction of the trustees. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

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.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/5/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

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.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025

Amends the School Code. In a provision concerning teacher evaluation plans, provides that for teachers not in contractual continued service who participate in a new teacher induction and mentoring program established by the school district in which they are employed, non-evaluative mentor observation and feedback may be used in place of one evaluation observation.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 4, 2025

Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Creates emergency rulemaking procedures for the student teaching stipend program. Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Authorizes a person to establish optional credit for periods of service as a student teacher under a specified provision of the Board of Higher Education Act. In provisions requiring an additional employer contribution for certain salary increases greater than 6%, provides that the System shall exclude any stipends paid to an eligible cooperating teacher under the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Creates the student teaching stipend program. Defines terms. Provides that an educator preparation program shall notify the Board of Higher Education of all eligible students and eligible cooperating teachers who qualify for the stipend program. Creates requirements for the disbursement of stipend funds under the program. Provides that an educator preparation program may not prohibit an eligible student from participating in the stipend program or from receiving a stipend from the stipend program. Requires an eligible cooperating teacher who receives a stipend to complete specific training. Requires the Board to issue a report in collaboration with the State Board of Education evaluating the impact of the stipend program. Permits the Board to adopt emergency rules regarding the administration of the stipend program in certain circumstances subject to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025

Amends the Educational Service Regions Article of the School Code. Provides that when a vacancy occurs in the office of regional superintendent of schools and more than 28 months remain in that term and the vacancy occurs at least 130 days before the next general election, appointment to fill the vacancy shall be until the next general election (rather than if more than 28 months remain in that term, the appointment shall be until the next general election). Provides that if the vacancy occurs during the time provided for filing nomination papers for county offices for the primary in the next even-numbered year following commencement of the term of office in which the vacancy occurs, the time for filing nomination papers for the primary shall not be more than 120 (rather than 91) days nor less than 113 (rather than 85) days prior to the date of the primary.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the System shall offer a defined contribution benefit to active full-time and part-time contractual members of the System who are employed by an employer eligible to participate in the defined contribution benefit under applicable law (instead of offering a defined contribution benefit to active members of the System). Makes conforming changes. Provides that a member who is automatically enrolled shall have 3% of his or her pre-tax compensation (instead of pre-tax gross compensation for each compensation period) deferred into his or her deferred compensation account. Provides that a member shall be automatically enrolled in the defined contribution benefit beginning the first day of the pay period following the close of the notice period, or as soon as practicable, unless the employee elects otherwise within the notice period (instead of the member's 30th day of employment). Defines "notice period". Makes changes concerning withdrawal of contributions and forfeiture of employer matching contributions. Provides that active members eligible to participate in the defined contribution benefit do not include employees of a department as defined in the State Employees Article.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the General Provisions Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In provisions concerning Tier 2 benefits, provides that the initial survivor's or widow's benefit (instead of the initial benefit) shall be 66 2/3% of the earned annuity without a reduction due to age. Provides that a child's annuity of an otherwise eligible child shall be in the amount and using the formula prescribed under the applicable Article of the Code, and such formula shall be used for calculation of the child's annuity only. Provides that, if a benefit is paid to both a widow or survivor and a child or multiple children, the widow's portion shall be calculated in the amount of 66 2/3% and reduced by the pro rata portion of any child or children's portion as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Article of the Code that is applicable to the pension fund or retirement system that is providing the benefit using the method prescribed in the applicable Article of the Code. Adds child's annuities to provisions concerning automatic annual increases. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/6/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a member who is eligible to receive an alternative retirement annuity may elect to receive an estimated payment that shall commence no later than 30 days after the later of either the member's last day of employment or 30 days after the member files for the retirement benefit with the System. Provides that the estimated payment shall be the best estimate by the System of the total monthly amount due to the member based on the information that the System possesses at the time of the estimate. Provides that if the amount of the estimate is greater or less than the actual amount of the monthly annuity, the System shall pay or recover the difference within 6 months after the start of the monthly annuity. Excludes a benefit increase resulting from the amendatory Act from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Senate Bills on Second Reading

Amends the Educator License Article of the School Code. Provides that if an assessment is determined to be non-uniform, a provisional in-state educator endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to a candidate who has completed an Illinois-approved educator preparation program at an Illinois institution of higher education and who has not successfully completed an applicable content area test but who meets certain requirements, which is valid for one full fiscal year after the date of issuance and may not be renewed. Provides that the process by which the State Board of Education evaluates content area tests to determine content validity, absence of bias, or scores required to pass shall be public information and is available on the website of the State Board. Requires the State Board to evaluate each content area test after it has been administered for at least 10 months, but not more than 12 months, and shall determine whether a content test is non-uniform. Provides that an assessment first introduced prior to January 1, 2017 shall be considered uniform, and an assessment introduced on or after January 1, 2017 that does not meet specified criteria shall be considered uniform. Provides that if the State Board finds that the content area test forms available as of January 1, 2025 are not uniform in the level of difficulty as compared to previous forms of those exams, any candidate for licensure who attempted any content area test in the form that was available as of January 1, 2025, and whose best scores in each subsection of the same content area exam, taken across multiple attempts on the same form of the exam, equal or exceed the passing score for that content area exam as of January 1, 2025, shall be determined to have passed that content area exam.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/6/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Adds 5 administrative or faculty members of community colleges to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. For a Professional Educator License: provides that the requirements to successfully complete specified coursework are only required until July 1, 2027 or the date that the revised test for a particular content area is implemented, whichever is later; and exempts persons seeking a school support personnel or chief school business official endorsement from the requirement that a person must successfully complete specified coursework. Requires, by July 1, 2027, the State Superintendent of Education to begin incorporating specified topics into revised examinations for individuals seeking a Professional Educator License endorsed in teaching or administration, excluding a chief school business official endorsement. Exempts, for educator licenses, applicants seeking a school support personnel endorsement who hold an active and valid professional license in the same subject matter as the endorsement sought from being required to pass a test of content area knowledge for each area of endorsement for which there is an applicable test. Creates the Teacher Performance Assessment Advisory Committee to aid in operationalizing and creating a pilot, State-developed, teacher performance assessment. Establishes the Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Program to provide an expedited pathway for paraprofessionals to earn a Professional Educator License in a specific content area. Sets forth the Program criteria, the requirements for individuals for entry into the Program, and the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education. Provides that an institution of higher education approved to offer educator preparation programs may enter into a partnership agreement with a community college to offer an approved educator preparation program leading to educator licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025

Amends the School Code. Provides that, by July 1, 2027, the school board of each school district in the State that offers its employees a retirement savings plan established under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may enter into a contract with one or more vendors to provide participants with plan investments options. Provides that a vendor selected under after the effective date of the Act must be mutually agreed upon by the affected collective bargaining unit or units and the school board must ensure that the vendor follows the specified investment guidelines. Permits a specified vendor offering a plan to charge an investment advisory representative fee not to exceed 0.50% annually. Provides that, if a new vendor is chosen to administer a retirement saving plan that is offered by the specified school board of a school district, an employee of the school district may opt out of having the employee's individual 403(b) assets transferred to that new vendor. Limits applicability of the provisions to contracts entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 1, 2025

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include: (1) a student enrolled in and regularly attending classes in a college or university, who is employed for less than an average of 30 hours per week by an employer, and who is not a participant in an adult education and literacy program at that college or university; or (2) a student enrolled in and regularly attending high school classes, who is under 18 years of age, and who is employed on a temporary or less than full time basis.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/6/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Evaluation of Certified Employees Article of the School Code. Requires the teacher evaluation plan to include a description of the standards described in the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards in Part 24 of Title 23 of the Illinois Administrative Code and be aligned to the Illinois Professional Educator Standards.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board may offer the school resource officer course to a qualified retired law enforcement officer for the purpose of employment at a school or school district and may issue a certificate or waiver for the school resource officer course in the same manner as provided for any other officer. Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, a school or school district may employ a qualified retired law enforcement officer who obtains a certificate of completion or approved waiver under the Illinois Police Training Act to carry out the duties of a school resource officer. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school resource officer may carry a firearm during the performance of the officer's duties at a school or in a school district. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. Provides that employers shall provide the State labor organization with a copy of the information provided to the exclusive representative. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county shall not require a school district organized under the School Code or a park district organized under the Park District Code to provide paid leave to the employees of the school district or park district. Limits home rule powers.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025

Amends the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Provides that an employer enrolled in an Employment Eligibility Verification System, including the E-Verify program, shall not impose work authorization verification or re-verification requirements greater than those required by the Employment Eligibility Verification System. Provides that, if an employer receives notification from any federal agency or other outside third party not responsible for the enforcement of immigration law of a discrepancy as it relates to an employee's individual taxpayer identification number or other identifying documents, guarantees specified rights and protections to the employee. Makes changes in provisions concerning the administration and enforcement of the Act by the Department of Labor. Sets forth provisions concerning action for civil penalties brought by an interested party; private right of action; penalties; and review under the Administrative Review Law.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/20/2025 - Senate Bills on Second Reading

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.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/21/2025 - Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 11, 2025

Creates the Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act. Provides that the Director of Labor shall adopt rules to establish excessive heat and excessive cold standards. Sets forth temporary excessive heat and excessive cold standards. Provides that, on or before January 1, 2026, the Director shall establish by rule an occupational temperature-related illness and injury prevention plan. Sets forth provisions concerning retaliation; violations; penalties; and enforcement of the Act.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2025 - Referred to Senate Assignments