Rep. Kelly Cassidy

Creates the Rights Against Forced Arbitration Act. Provides that a seller may not require an Illinois consumer to agree to a provision that would do either of the following: (1) require the Illinois consumer to arbitrate outside of Illinois for a claim arising in Illinois for the purchase of consumer goods or services; or (2) require the Illinois consumer to arbitrate a controversy arising in Illinois under the substantive law of a state other than Illinois. Provides that any provision of a contract that violates the Act is voidable by the Illinois consumer, and if a provision is rendered void at the request of that consumer, the matter shall be adjudicated in Illinois and Illinois law governs the dispute. Provides that in addition to injunctive relief and any other remedies available, a court may award a consumer who is enforcing rights under this Act reasonable attorney's fees incurred in enforcing those rights.

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Voter Choice and Fair Access Act. Amends the Election Code. Provides that, if a candidate who is the current holder of the elective office for which nomination papers have been filed withdraws his or her candidacy anytime up until 10 business days before the ballot is finalized, the State Board of Elections or the appropriate election authority shall reopen the filing period for that office. Sets forth additional requirements for the filing of petitions for nomination by incumbent office holders. Makes other changes.

Creates the Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act. Restricts a public educational institution from the adoption or continued use of discriminatory disability mascots. Allows a public educational institution to continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a prohibited name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the Act until September 1, 2028 if certain requirements.

Urges the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Pritzker Administration to delay cuts to Direct Service Professional (DSP) service hours set to begin January 1,2026, until such time as the State is prepared to implement the "Zero Hour" Staffing Model, to protect the services depended on by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Maddy summaryHB 4644 corrects a typographical error in the Illinois Vehicle Code's short title citation, changing "the the Illinois Vehicle Code" to "the Illinois Vehicle Code" in Section 1-100. This is a purely technical amendment with no new policy provisions or direct impact on residents, businesses, or transportation regulations. The bill does not alter any substantive laws or create new requirements. It simply fixes a redundant word in the formal citation of the existing code.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that the offense of methamphetamine trafficking may be tried in any county. Permits the Attorney General to authorize certain eavesdropping requests from law enforcement. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Permits the Attorney General or an Assistant Attorney General authorized by the Attorney General to authorize an application to a circuit judge or an associate judge assigned by the Chief Judge of the circuit for, and such judge may grant in conformity with the Judicial Supervision of the Use of Eavesdropping Devices Article of the Code, an order authorizing or approving the use of an eavesdropping device by a law enforcement officer or agency having the responsibility for the investigation of any felony under Illinois law where any one party to a conversation to be monitored, or previously monitored in the case of an emergency situation, has consented to such monitoring. Amends the Statewide Grand Jury Act. Provides that a Statewide Grand Jury may investigate, indict, and prosecute theft, retail theft, Internet offenses, continuing financial crimes enterprise, vehicular hijacking, aggravated vehicular hijacking, vehicular invasion, burglary, residential burglary, and home invasion if the offense involves acts occurring in more than one county of the State.

Amends the Zoning Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, for all new development after January 1, 2026, each city with a population of 25,000 or more shall allow the development of all middle housing types on lots or parcels with a total area greater than 5,000 square feet and that are zoned for any type of residential use. Provides that each city with a population of more than 10,000 and less than 25,000 shall allow the development of a duplex on each lot or parcel zoned for residential use that allows for the development of detached single-family dwellings. Provides that municipalities may regulate siting and design of middle housing provided that the regulations do not, individually or cumulatively, discourage the development of all middle housing types permitted in the area through unreasonable costs or delay. Provides that municipalities may regulate middle housing to comply with protective measures adopted under statewide land use planning goals. Limits home rule powers.

Amends the Control Over Building and Construction Article of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a municipality may not prohibit the building or usage of accessory dwelling units in the municipality. Provides that a municipality may provide reasonable regulations relating to the size and location of accessory dwelling units similar to other accessory structures unless a regulation would have the effect of prohibiting accessory dwelling units. Limits home rule powers. Defines terms.

Urges the State of Illinois to make needed investments in Illinois communities by raising $6 billion in new revenue from the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations. Affirms that, in addition to funding these critically-needed services, implementing these revenue policies will have the benefit of making our State's tax system less unfair to the lowest income Illinoisans.

Maddy summarySB 642 makes a technical amendment to the Fair and Exposition Authority Reconstruction Act. The bill specifically modifies a section related to the short title of that Act.