Appropriates $5,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture for grants to Illinois public institutions of higher education for research and development focused on alternative protein research. Effective July 1, 2026.
Creates the Fixing Illinois Higher Education Funding Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to study the cost drivers of State universities and develop a comprehensive, 10-year plan to ensure the long-term performance and sustainability of higher education in the State that ensures funding supports education outcomes, assesses the affordability of higher education for students, and supports long-term economic and workforce development goals. Sets forth factors to be studied. Requires the Board to issue a report based on the findings of the study to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than March 31, 2027. Effective immediately.
Creates the Illinois Educational Choice for Children Act. Provides that on or before January 1, 2027 and annually thereafter, the Governor shall submit to the United States Secretary of the Treasury a list of scholarship granting organizations to opt-in to the federal school choice program under the federal Educational Choice for Children Act. Allows the Governor to develop the list of scholarship granting organizations in consultation with other appropriate State agencies. Requires the submission of the list of scholarship granting organizations to be in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Governor to send a copy of the list of scholarship granting organization to the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Revenue. Effective immediately.
Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a hospital licensed under the Act shall not charge a covered hospital employee more than 10% of the total health insurance premium cost. Provides that any agreement permitting a charge to a covered hospital employee in excess of 10% of the total health insurance premium cost shall be deemed invalid, void, and unenforceable. Provides that a hospital in violation of those provisions shall pay a civil penalty of $500 to the Department of Public Health for each impacted covered hospital employee.
Creates the Short Line Railroad Modernization Act. Creates an income tax credit for taxpayers that incur qualified railroad expenditures or qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. Sets forth the amount of the credit and limitations on the amount of the credit that may be awarded. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that, beginning on January 1, 2028, a person convicted of a felony, or otherwise under sentence in a correctional institution, shall have his or her right to vote restored and shall be eligible to vote not later than 14 days following his or her conviction. Provides that a person who is serving a sentence in a correctional institution starting prior to January 1, 2027 shall have his or her right to vote restored not later than January 14, 2028. Provides that a person may not be denied the right to vote because of a past criminal conviction. Provides that each local election authority shall coordinate with the correctional institution, Illinois Department of Corrections, and other correctional agencies incarcerating eligible voters to facilitate voting by mail for those voters eligible to vote in that election jurisdiction who are incarcerated in the correctional institution. Provides that the Attorney General, any individual aggrieved by a violation of these provisions, any entity whose membership includes individuals aggrieved by a violation of these provisions, any entity whose mission would be frustrated by a violation of these provisions, or any entity that would expend resources in order to fulfill its mission as a result of a violation of these provisions may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction. Provides that the Act is intended to benefit and protect the rights of individual voters and to provide a remedy for infringing on the rights granted under this Act. Amends the Re-Entering Citizens Civics Education Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Reintegration and Civic Empowerment Act. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall conduct the civics peer education program each of the 3 sessions not less than twice a month at each correctional institution totaling not less than 6 sessions per month at each correctional institution. Provides that the civics peer education program and workshops must be made available to all committed persons regardless of the date they were first committed or the length of their sentence. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and the Unified Code of Corrections to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2028.
Declares May 19, 2026 as Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta Day in the State of Illinois. Commends the members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for their unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, and community advancement.
Appropriates the amount of $900,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Public Health for a grant to the Link and Option Center, Inc., for the purpose of operating a mobile health clinic in south suburban Cook County. Effective July 1, 2026.
Congratulates Gregg S. Humphrey on his retirement from the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District. Thanks him for his many years of exceptional service. Wishes him continued health, happiness, and success in all his future endeavors.
This bill is a House Resolution that officially mourns the death of Paul Eugene Hartman, a resident of Savanna who passed away in May 2026. The resolution recognizes his long history in the community, including his 46 years of work in the Public Works Department and his service in various local organizations. It formally expresses the condolences of the Illinois House of Representatives to Hartman's family and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to them as a gesture of sympathy.
Commends the efforts of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on their advocacy day at the Illinois State Capitol on May 19, 2026. Further commends the members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for their unwavering commitment to service, advocacy, and community advancement.
This bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life of Ashley Nicole Stenson, who passed away in May 2026. It formally records the Illinois House of Representatives' condolences to her family and friends while acknowledging her personal history and community impact. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of sympathy and a tribute to her memory. A copy of this resolution will be presented to her family as a gesture of support.
