Rep. Blaine Wilhour

Creates the Prairie State Infrastructure Protection Act. Provides that a business entity in the State may not enter into a contract or other agreement relating to critical infrastructure in the State with a company if the company, under the contract or agreement, would be able to directly or remotely access or control critical infrastructure in the State and is associated with China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or another designated county. Provides that the Governor may designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure in consultation with the Director of the Illinois State Police. Provides that the Governor may consult with the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to assess a threat to critical infrastructure under the Act. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that a governmental entity may not enter into a contract or other agreement relating to critical infrastructure in the State with a company that is associated with China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or another designated county.

Amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act. Provides that the Department shall prohibit the use of TikTok on State devices by any State personnel or other person.

Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Provides additional required economic interests to be listed by specified persons on a statement of economic interests filed under the Act.

Amends the Business Assistance and Regulatory Reform Act. Modifies requirements concerning the Office of Business Permits and Regulatory Assistance. Provides that the Office shall implement reforms to improve interagency coordination and encourage expeditious permit issuance. Provides that the Office shall use information technology tools to track project schedules and metrics in order to improve transparency and accountability of the permitting process, reduce uncertainty and delays, and reduce costs and risks to taxpayers. Modifies and adds requirements concerning the expediting of permit reviews. Provides for the creation of an Interagency Permitting Advisory Committee. Provides additional requirements to improve the coordination of permit reviews. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Honors and thanks State Representative Frances Ann Hurley for her years of dedicated service. Wishes her the best on her future success.

Amends the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides for a referendum presented to the electors to approve or reject statutes or parts of statutes. Provides further requirements concerning referendum petitions, referendum elections, and the application of the referendum if approved by the electors. Effective upon being declared adopted.

Congratulates Marion County on its 200th birthday and acknowledges all of the contributions by the residents, churches, community organizations, farmers, families, factory workers, and community leaders that have had an impact on our State and the nation.

Urges the owners of the Chicago Bears to move the team to Arlington Park. States the Chicago Bears organization should move to the Arlington Heights location without requesting incentives from local or state government that would go toward stadium construction.

Creates the Efficient School District Commission. Provides for the membership and support of the Commission. Requires the Commission to make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the electorate on the number of school districts in this State and where reorganization and realignment of school districts into unit districts would be beneficial. Sets forth what areas the recommendations must focus on, including drafting recommendations to reduce the statewide total number of school districts through the reorganization of school districts into unit districts. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2024, the Commission must vote on its recommendations and file a report with the Governor and the General Assembly. Provides that if the Commission adopts the recommendations by an affirmative vote of at least 13 of its members, then the Commission's specific recommendations for reorganization of school districts into unit districts shall be filed with the appropriate regional superintendent of schools. Sets forth the regional superintendent's and State Superintendent of Education's duties with respect to the recommendations. Repeals these provisions on January 31, 2025. Effective immediately.

Amends the General Assembly Operations Act. Provides that the wearing of masks shall not be required for any member of the House of Representatives, or the staff thereof, while present on the floor of the House of Representatives. Provides that any such rule or provision of law mandating the wearing of masks on the floor of the House of Representatives is void. Effective immediately.