Rep. Jason Bunting

Creates the Educational Choice for Illinois Children Act. Contains legislative findings. Provides that the State Board of Education, in coordination with the Department of Revenue, shall establish and approve a list of scholarship granting organizations that meet the requirements of Section 70411 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to facilitate opting the State of Illinois into the school choice tax credit provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Provides that the list shall be published on the State Board of Education's Internet website. Effective immediately.

Appropriates $20,000,000 to the University of Illinois for the purpose of increasing the extension service trust fund allocation for the University of Illinois Extension program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois. It does not create new laws, change funding, or alter existing programs; instead, it serves as an official acknowledgment to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect. The resolution highlights the ongoing efforts of communities, families, and organizations to protect children and strengthen family units. By designating this month, the Illinois House of Representatives aims to encourage continued public attention and support for child safety initiatives already in place.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction for gratuities that are included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Creates an income tax deduction for the amount of overtime compensation that is paid to the taxpayer during the taxable year and that is included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Effective immediately.

Urges the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, to increase conservation efforts and to delay seasonal cutting of milkweed and other pollinator enhancement plants along Illinois waterways until August.

Declares March 1 through March 7, 2026 as Illinois Soil Health Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages the celebration of Soil Health Week and its related activities to increase the awareness of Illinois farmers, eaters, and those involved in agribusiness of the importance of the air and water quality environment for all citizens of this State.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction for gratuities that are included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Creates an income tax deduction for the amount of overtime compensation that is paid to the taxpayer during the taxable year and that is included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income. Effective immediately.

Declares June 2026 as Fallen First Responders Month in the State of Illinois in honor of all the firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Encourages citizens to observe this designation with appropriate ceremonies, memorial services, moments of silence, educational programs, and acts of community service to honor the legacy of our fallen heroes. Expresses deep gratitude to the families of the fallen and pledges continued support to the men and women who serve and protect our communities each day.

Amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the board of trustees of a community college district to establish and offer a baccalaureate degree program and confer a bachelor's degree if specified conditions are met. Requires the board of trustees to demonstrate that the community college district has the expertise, the resources, and sufficient student demand to offer a baccalaureate degree. Sets forth the application requirements. Prohibits a community college district from using semester credit hours generated in a baccalaureate degree program for certain grants. Sets forth limitations on community college districts for establishing baccalaureate programs. Requires a community college district that offers a baccalaureate degree program to submit an annual report to the Illinois Community College Board. Requires the Illinois Community College Board and the Board of Higher Education to conduct a statewide evaluation of all baccalaureate degree programs established under the amendatory Act and report the results of the evaluation on or before 5 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, in addition to being made publicly available online. Effective immediately.

Expresses reflecting on the heinous Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and remembers the lives of the civilians, soldiers, and defenders who expressed unwavering support for the State of Israel. Extends sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this brutal assault, including the families of the 46 American citizens who lost their lives. Expresses standing steadfast in the face of terrorism and violent acts and remaining committed to lasting peace and stability for the State of Israel.