Technology

Amends the Broadband Advisory Council Act. Requires the Broadband Advisory Council to identify and evaluate the costs and benefits that may materialize pursuant to the installation and deployment of rural broadband in all areas served by broadband cooperatives in Illinois. Provides that the study shall consider all material social and economic costs and benefits of the installation and deployment, including, but not limited to, the effects of expanded access to telehealth, remote job opportunities, and educational materials.

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.

Creates the Automated Driving Systems Development Act. Provides that the operation of highly automated vehicles participating in an automated vehicle pilot project is subject to all applicable federal and State laws. Sets forth eligibility requirements for participation in an automated vehicle pilot project. Establishes the application process for participation in an automated vehicle pilot project. Creates a review committee within the Department of Transportation. Requires the Secretary of State to develop a driving test to evaluate the capability of highly automated vehicles to safely operate on State roads. Sets forth permit requirements and requirements concerning the suspension, revocation, and reinstatement of a permit. Creates reporting and data sharing requirements. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.

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, shall create an introductory content area endorsement for computer science that allows individuals with a Professional Educator License to teach introductory computer science courses in grades 5 through 12. Provides that the endorsement shall require no more than 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation that includes instruction in introductory computer science concepts and computer science pedagogy. Allows an individual with a Professional Educator License seeking the endorsement to substitute a State Board-approved, one-week, professional development program in introductory high school computer science education for 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation in introductory computer science concepts. Provides that the one-week, professional development program may count as 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation. Allows an individual with an Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement who completes the 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation to count those credit hours toward completion of the requirements for a Professional Educator License with a computer science endorsement.

Creates the Surveillance-Based Wage Discrimination Act. Provides that a person shall not use surveillance data as part of an automated decision system to inform the individualized wage paid to an employee. Sets forth exemptions to the provisions. Provides that the Attorney General shall enforce the Act. Sets forth provisions concerning private rights of action and penalties for violations.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Requires the Department on Aging, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, to provide updated resources related to scam calls and robocalls on the Department's public website. Provides that the resources shall include, but not be limited to, (1) information on predatory scam calls that utilize AI to mislead the call recipient and (2) access to a scam call hotline number where call recipients may report predatory calls.

Amends the Student Online Personal Protection Act. Provides that a student, school, or parent that has been injured or aggrieved by a violation of the Act may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction against the person or entity that violated the Act. Specifies that the provisions establishing a private right of action do not limit the Attorney General's enforcement authority under the Act.

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Provides that, in relation to the prescriber and dispenser inquiry system, "one-to-one secure link" includes any communications exchange platform that aligns with widely adopted standards, including, but not limited to, the Prescription Monitoring Information Exchange standard, which facilitates the secure transfer of prescription monitoring program data across state lines.

Amends the Personalized Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act. Provides that any entity that sets the price of goods or services using personalized algorithmic pricing, and that directly or indirectly advertises, promotes, labels, or publishes a statement, display, image, offer, or announcement of personalized algorithmic pricing to a consumer, using personal data specific to the consumer, shall include a specified disclosure. Sets forth exceptions to the provision. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes 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 immediately.

Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to reduce the risk of SNAP recipients becoming the victims of benefits fraud by transitioning to and issuing as soon as practicable electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards embedded with a smart chip or Near Field Communication technology that enables cardholders to make a payment transaction by either inserting an EBT card into a card reader or by "tapping" an EBT card onto a payment terminal or card reader that is enabled to accept and process contactless payments.