Technology

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "video programming" and "video streaming service". Provides that, on and after July 1, 2027, a video streaming service that serves consumers residing in the State shall not transmit the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the advertisements accompany, consistent with the regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act (Public Law 111-311) for television broadcast stations, cable operators, and other video programming distributors. Provides that the amendatory provisions do not create a private right of action.

Creates the Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act. Provides that any person or entity that sells or offers to sell goods or services through an online platform to consumers in this State shall provide a clear and conspicuous disclosure if the price displayed to a consumer is generated using surveillance pricing. Provides that a consumer may opt out of surveillance pricing and a covered entity shall provide the consumer with a non-personalized baseline price for the goods or services. Prohibits a covered entity from using specified personal information to generate algorithmic pricing. Provides that a violation of the Act is an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change. Effective one year after becoming law.

Amends the Search and Seizure Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that telecommunications carriers shall return all electronic instruments, articles, or things within 36 hours if the search warrant was issued pursuant to an investigation of a forcible felony.

Creates the Drone Safety and Interference Prevention Act. Creates the offenses of (1) unlawful imaging of an emergency response activity; (2) unlawful operation over critical infrastructure facilities; and (3) unlawful operation of a drone over a correctional institution or facility. Defines these offenses and establishes penalties. Provides that a private person or entity operating a drone in the State is prohibited from equipping or using on the drone any firearm, weaponized laser, kinetic impact projectile, chemical agent or irritant, or any other lethal or non-lethal weapon. Provides that a law enforcement officer may seize a drone and any attached equipment, including any image-capturing devices, storage media, or weapons, if the officer has probable cause to believe the drone was used or operated in violation of the Act. Provides that any drone or equipment seized under the Act is subject to forfeiture in accordance with the Criminal Code of 2012 and the Forfeiture Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, as applicable. Provides that the State may use forfeited drones and equipment for law enforcement purposes, including training and counter-drone operations. Provides that prior to forfeiture, the court shall provide notice and an opportunity for hearing to the owner or operator of the drone, unless the drone was abandoned or unclaimed. Provides that, if the court determines, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the drone was used in violation of the Act, the drone shall be forfeited to the State. Provides that any images or data seized under the provision shall be retained only if there is a reasonable suspicion they contain evidence of a crime. Provides that all other data must be deleted within 30 days unless relevant to an ongoing investigation. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, any law enforcement agency or any officers or agents of those entities that are acting reasonably and in good faith to enforce the Act are not civilly liable for damage to or loss of a drone, except for willful or wanton misconduct. Provides that the Act shall be enforced by State and local law enforcement agencies. Provides that enforcement data under the Act shall be reported through the Illinois State Police's existing Uniform Crime Reporting program. Contains a severability provision. Effective January 1, 2027.

Creates the Automated License Plate Recognition System Act. Sets forth provisions regarding authorized uses of an automated license plate recognition system, data retention, prohibited uses of an automated license plate recognition system, restrictions, requirements for use, preservation and disclosure, required data collection, reporting requirements, admissibility, privacy, penalties, and a private right of action. Makes a conforming change in the Freedom of Information Act. Effective immediately.

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.

Creates the Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall regulate digital asset business activity in the State. Sets forth provisions concerning: applicability; the powers and duties of the Department; funds; customer protections; custody and protection of customer assets; covered exchanges; compliance; registration; supervision; records; additional procedural provisions; confidentiality; violations; enforcement; rulemaking authority; and severability. Creates the Special Purpose Trust Company Article in the Corporate Fiduciary Act. Sets forth provisions concerning certificates of authority; rulemaking and organization; certificates of authority for foreign corporate fiduciaries; eligibility; fees; and certificates of reciprocity. Makes other changes to various Acts. Effective immediately.

Creates the Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act. Provides that specified information reported to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation by virtual currency kiosk shall be confidential, except as otherwise provided in the Act. Establishes warning and general terms and conditions disclosure requirements for a virtual currency kiosk operator opening an account for a new customer and prior to entering into an initial transaction for, on behalf of, or with the customer. Requires a receipt to be provided to each customer following a transaction. Requires all virtual currency kiosk operators to have live customer service, as specified; create anti-fraud, enhanced due diligence, and federal and State law compliance policies; designate a compliance officer and a consumer protection officer; and use blockchain analytics software to assist in the prevention of sending purchased virtual currency from a virtual currency kiosk operator to a digital wallet known to be affiliated with fraudulent activity at the time of a transaction; and report the location of each virtual currency kiosk located within this State within 45 days after the end of the calendar quarter. Requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to receive a money transmitter license. Sets forth supervision duties for the Department and the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Creates the Behavioral Health Workforce Data Collection Act. Requires The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to collect data, as specified, from behavioral health professionals at the time of initial application for licensure and renewal of an active license. Requires the Department to ensure the data collection process is secure and adheres to State and federal privacy laws, including de-identification of personal data. Provides that the Department shall make the collected data publicly available in an aggregated, de-identified format. Requires the data to be published in a format that allows policy groups, advocates, and other stakeholders to monitor the diversity, linguistic capacity, and availability of the behavioral health workforce; identify regions and specialties with severe shortages; and forecast future workforce needs. Requires the Department to publish the aggregated data annually by January 31 on its website and through other accessible formats. Grants the Department rulemaking authority to implement the Act. Requires the Department to comply with applicable data privacy and confidentiality laws. Provides that, for a period of 2 years following the effective date of the Act, the Department shall submit to the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center a list of email addresses or email communications, subject to data privacy and confidentiality laws, of all licensed behavioral health professionals exclusively for purposes of collecting data related to the behavioral health workforce in Illinois. Effective immediately.