This bill designates March 25, 2026, as Greek Independence Day in the State of Illinois to honor the anniversary of the 1821 Greek War of Independence. It directly affects the Greek community in Illinois by formally recognizing their cultural heritage and historical contributions to modern civilization. The resolution includes background information on the war, the role of international powers, and the significance of Greek culture in fields like science, mathematics, and democracy. This is a ceremonial measure that establishes a specific date for commemoration rather than creating new laws or regulations.
Declares March 11, 2026 as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. Encourages all residents of Illinois to recognize the valuable contributions of registered dietitian nutritionists and express their appreciation for their commitment to promoting science-based nutrition to improve health outcomes today and in the future.
Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that a National Board certification-early childhood generalist endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations may be issued to an applicant who holds a valid Early Childhood Generalist certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Provides that the endorsement holder is deemed qualified and authorized to provide instruction in early childhood education programs and is deemed to meet or exceed all early childhood instructional competency requirements established by the State Board for pre-kindergarten instruction.
Appropriates $5,200,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to the Cook County to be used as supplemental funding for the Build Up Cook program. Effective July 1, 2026.
Appropriates $10,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture from the Partners for Conservation Fund for grants to soil and water conservation districts for their ordinary and contingent administrative expenses. Effective July 1, 2026.
Appropriates $15,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Public Health for continued funding to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Effective July 1, 2026.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Reverts provisions regarding greenhouse gases to the language existing before changes made by amendment under P.A. 102-662. Repeals a provision defining "clean energy". Effective immediately.
Appropriates $43,000,000 from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Fund and $8,047,500 from the Metro Pier and Exposition Authority Trust Fund for: (i) $3,200,000 to the Department of Agriculture for grants under the Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program; (ii) $25,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture for competitive grants to county and municipal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, for programming funding to support projects, including agriculture-related education, workforce development, farmers markets, local food programs, community gardens, and community events, with 10% to counties, municipalities, and organizations in Cook County and collar counties; and (iii) $22,847,500 to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to county and municipal governments to fund capital improvement projects to benefit the agricultural industry, including, but not limited to, road improvements on agricultural transportation routes, farmers market facility improvements, agricultural showcase facility improvements, and energy, water, and broadband infrastructure improvements to rural areas, with 10% to counties and municipalities in Cook County and collar counties. Effective July 1, 2026.
Appropriates $1,670,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Arts Council for the purpose of a grant to the Illinois Humanities Council. Appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Natural Resources for the purpose of a grant to the Illinois Humanities Council for costs associated with the Illinois America 250th Commemoration, including general operating costs associated with statewide commemoration efforts. Effective July 1, 2026.
Appropriates $600,000 to the Department of Human Services to supply free fentanyl testing strips to public institutions of higher education. Effective July 1, 2026.
Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to the Job Training and Economic Development program. Effective July 1, 2026.
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that for the purpose of providing the Secretary of State with records necessary to impose a revocation, upon filing with the clerk of court, the clerk shall forward in a manner and form prescribed by the Secretary (i) a copy of a Uniform Citation and Complaint where the officer indicated a crash type of fatal, (ii) a copy of information or an indictment in which a person is charged with a violation of the Code that resulted in the death of another person, or (iii) a copy of information or an indictment in which a person is charged with reckless homicide. Allows the Secretary to adopt rules to implement the provisions. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Protz-Liddy Act. Effective January 1, 2027.
