Technology

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.

HB 5276 amends Illinois' Public Official Safety and Privacy Act (5 ILCS 347/10) by adding law enforcement officers to the legal definition of "public official." This change directly extends privacy protections to law enforcement officers, requiring governmental agencies to remove their personal information - including home addresses, phone numbers, and email - from publicly available records upon written request. The bill updates Section 10 of the Act to include law enforcement officers under the same privacy safeguards already provided to legislators, constitutional officers, and other public officials. This policy change ensures officers can request the removal of their personal data from public databases maintained by government agencies.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall require a school that operates a library to place the library's catalog of library materials in a searchable database accessible over the Internet to a parent or guardian of a student at the school. Provides that a school board shall require a school that operates a library to allow a parent or guardian of a student at the school to prohibit the student from accessing any library materials that the parent or guardian designates. Provides that the school shall require the parent or guardian to designate in writing which library materials the parent or guardian is prohibiting the student from accessing, shall keep the written designation on file in the library, and shall prevent the student from accessing that material.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, to the extent permitted under federal law and regulations, the Department of Human Services shall, as soon as practical after the effective date of the amendatory Act but not later than March 1, 2027, implement an electronic benefits transfer system that uses industry-standard commercial electronic funds transfer technology, including, at a minimum, the use of cards with EMV chips.

Creates the Social Media Data Clean Slate Act. A social media platform shall provide a clear and conspicuous button that enables a user to delete the user's account that satisfies specified requirements. Provides that the social media platform shall, when the button is clicked, provide a user with the steps necessary to complete an account deletion request, which shall include deletion of the user's personal information. Sets forth additional provisions concerning the account and personal information deletion process. Provides that any waiver of the rights provided under the Act shall be void and unenforceable. Provides that the Attorney General shall adopt rules necessary to implement and enforce the Act. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Genetic Information Privacy Act. Removes language exempting insurers that are issuing a long-term care policy from specified provisions. Provides that, with regard to any policy, contract, or plan offered, entered into, issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 by a health insurer, life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer authorized to transact insurance in this State, a health insurer, life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer may not: (1) cancel, limit, or deny coverage or establish differentials in premium rates based on a person's genetic information; or (2) require or solicit an individual's genetic information, use an individual's genetic test results, or consider an individual's decisions or actions relating to genetic information or a genetic test in any manner for any insurance purpose. Provides that the provisions may not be construed as: (1) preventing a life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer from accessing an individual's medical record as part of an application; or (2) prohibiting a life insurer, disability insurer, or long-term care insurer from considering a clinical diagnosis, such as a manifest disease or disorder, included in an individual's medical record for insurance purposes to the extent otherwise allowable by law. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish the Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program to facilitate access to online postsecondary education for adults over the age of 25. Sets forth application requirements and eligibility. Provides that grants are applicable only to tuition and mandatory fees. Effective July 1, 2026.

Creates the Light Detection and Ranging Technology Security Act. Provides that all State infrastructure located within or serving Illinois shall be constructed so as not to include any light detection and ranging (LIDAR) equipment manufactured in or by, including any equipment whose critical or necessary components are manufactured in or by, a company domiciled within a country of concern or a company owned by a company domiciled in a country of concern. Provides that all State infrastructure in operation within or serving Illinois, including any covered infrastructure that is not permanently disabled, that contains LIDAR equipment prohibited by the Act shall be removed and replaced with LIDAR equipment that is not prohibited by the Act within 90 days after the effective date of the Act. Provides that an agency, private entity, or political subdivision primarily responsible for any covered infrastructure that includes prohibited LIDAR equipment may request a reimbursement up to the cost of the original purchase price of such prohibited LIDAR equipment from the State Comptroller, provided the request includes purchase orders and is submitted within 90 days after the effective date of the Act. Provides that no procurement made by the State government or a political subdivision of the State government can include LIDAR equipment manufactured in or by, including any equipment whose critical or necessary components are manufactured in or by, a company domiciled within a country of concern or a company owned by a company domiciled in a country of concern. Defines "country of concern" as the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, or any other entity deemed by the Governor in consultation with the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). Defines other terms. Provides that the Act is fully enforceable as of 90 days after the effective date of the Act. Contains a severability provision.

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.

Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education may provide statewide guidance to school districts concerning a workforce development curriculum or programming or both that can be adopted at the school district, school, or classroom level and that provides best practices for teaching artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other types of rapidly growing technologies as deemed necessary, in a manner that prepares students for workforce, job, and career competencies in the future and informs students of new or growing job or career opportunities in these new fields. Provides that the State Board shall prepare a comprehensive review of any workforce development preparation curriculum and programming specifically designed around technology implemented or considered in other states through other state actions, policies, pilot programs, or school-based programs implemented or tested on a statewide or school-district basis. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may convene meetings with stakeholders from the public or private sector in preparing the guidance and may allow for the submission of public comments from individuals, organizations, or other entities prior to finalizing the prepared guidance.