Amends the College Campus Press Act. Defines "public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning". Provides that all public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is a public forum for expression by the employees producing the media at the institution of higher learning. Provides that public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is not subject to prior review by public officials of the State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Allows an employee or agent of an entity creating or distributing public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning to commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by a court for violation of the Act by such State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Provides that expression made by an employee or agent of an entity creating or distributing public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is neither expression of campus policy nor speech attributable to a State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Provides that a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is immune from any lawsuit arising from expression actually made in public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Makes other changes.
HB 4421 repeals Section 20-115 of the Illinois State University Law, which previously referenced the Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education. This procedural bill removes a specific provision from state law related to the institute but does not create new policy or directly affect individuals or organizations. The repeal is purely administrative, eliminating a reference within the existing law. The bill was filed on January 14, 2026, and referred to the Rules Committee.
Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, building inspectors who perform inspections or examinations under either Code must (i) hold specified credentials from the International Code Council; (ii) be credentialed through an equivalent nationally or state-recognized building certification or apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor in the area the building inspector is inspecting or examining; or (iii) be licensed under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 (now, beginning January 1, 2027, the inspector must hold certification from the International Code Council in the area in which the inspector is inspecting or examining). Provides that building inspectors may have a grace period of 18 months from the date of hire or January 1, 2027, whichever is later, to acquire the required certification or credentials (now, inspectors have a grace period of one year from the date of hire to acquire the required certifications). Provides that an individual performing plumbing inspections shall be licensed under the Illinois Plumbing License Law and shall be exempt from the requirements of the provisions.
Amends the Illinois Notary Public Act. Provides that every applicant for appointment and commission as a notary shall complete an application in a format prescribed by the Secretary of State stating, among other things, that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of application (now, the applicant must state that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony).
Amends the State Parks Designation Act. Provides that the railroad trestle bridge that is part of the Kickapoo Rail Trail and that is located at the Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County shall be known as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. Further provides that, subject to appropriation, appropriate plaques may be erected by the Department of Natural Resources in recognition of the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge.
Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act. In provisions concerning hospitals and their agents pursuing collection actions, provides that, for any legal action initiated against a patient for unpaid medical debt, a hospital may not file for or be granted a lien upon that patient's primary residence or on any other real property owned by the patient. Effective January 1, 2027.
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits an insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act from requiring a dental care provider to only accept payment from a credit card or electronic funds transfer, in addition to the existing prohibition on incurred fees to access and obtain payment or reimbursement for services provided. Provides that any insurer, dental service plan corporation, professional service corporation, insurance network leasing company, or any other company or its contracted vendor that amends, delivers, issues, or renews an individual or group policy of accident and health insurance may initiate or change payment methodology to a dental care provider using electronic funds transfer payments, including virtual credit card payments, if the specified conditions are met. Sets forth provisions concerning claim payment methodologies and fees for transmitting payments. Provides that the specified dental coverage reimbursement provisions shall not be waived by contract. Effective January 1, 2027.
Amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Includes within the definition of "property" any overpayment made by any person to a government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, including, but not limited to, a payment for any tax, license, or fee that was made in excess of the amount ultimately required of the payor. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act is a restatement and clarification of existing law. Effective immediately.
Amends the Uniform Money Transmission Modernization Act. Provides that licensees may offer every customer who transmits money internationally the option to make a voluntary donation to the Illinois DREAM Fund, as specified. Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to provide to licensees under the Act electronic copies of all marketing materials created by the Illinois DREAM Fund Commission for licensees.
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may bring a claim against a warrantor of a draft for breach of a presentment warranty to recover State funds in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that a claim brought by the State Treasurer is not subject to the limitations provided for in those provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Provides that the amendatory changes are declaratory of existing law. Effective immediately.
Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning trustees elected by contributors who are not administrators, provides that candidacy petitions shall be filed with the recording secretary of the Fund on or before October 1st of the election year (instead of on or after September 15 of each year and not later than October 1st of that year). Effective immediately.
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that, for any general rate increase requested by a gas, electric, water, or sewer public utility under the provisions of the Act, the Commission shall hold at least one public hearing during which members of the public can provide input on the requested general rate increase. Provides that any affected ratepayer of a requested general rate increase may testify at the public hearing and may file statements that pertain to the subject matter of the public hearing with the person or persons conducting the public hearing. Provides that a public hearing shall be held in the service territory of the public utility that requested a general rate increase at a time and location to be determined by the Commission. Requires the Commission to comply with certain requirements when determining the location of a public hearing. Provides that the Commission shall provide reasonable notice that complies with the Open Meetings Act to members of the public regarding a public hearing. Provides that "reasonable notice" means notice that is provided at least 14 days before a public hearing. Provides that public hearings shall be conducted by the full Commission, a single commissioner, or an administrative law judge from the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall take into consideration any testimony or comments received from members of the public during the public hearing in its deliberations on the requested general rate increase. Makes other changes.
