Rep. Kevin Olickal

Amends the Adoption Act. Declares that it is the public policy of the State to favor adoption of a child by a relative unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that any such adoption would be harmful to the welfare of the child. Provides that any relative who wishes to adopt a child, and who is not already a party to the adoption proceeding, upon presentation of a written or oral motion to intervene shall be made a party to the adoption proceeding. Creates a list of relatives who may seek adoption of a related child.

Recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the Lunar New Year to Asian American communities. Expresses the deepest respect for Asian Americans and people throughout Illinois and the world who celebrate the Lunar New Year, and wishes those who celebrate a happy and prosperous new year.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that the provision of the Post-Conviction Hearing Article of the Code that a prisoner shows cause by identifying an objective factor that impeded his or her ability to raise a specific claim during his or her initial post-conviction proceedings shall bar a claim under the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution brought in a successive post-conviction petition by any person who was convicted of a felony offense committed when that person was under 18 years of age.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education, in consultation with licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers, shall develop a unit of instruction on mental health that teaches students in grades 9 through 12 essential skills for recognizing and managing mental health issues effectively. Provides that the unit of instruction shall include a list of resources available to a student. Provides that the unit of instruction shall be made available to each school district that maintains grades 9 through 12 by July 1, 2025. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall create a training program on how to safely manage conflicts and make the training available free of charge to all election judges and employees of election authorities. Provides that a person is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor who knowingly: (1) interferes in any manner with an election judge in the discharge of the election judge's duties; (3) makes available publicly, including posting on the Internet, the contact information, including, but not limited to, the phone number, email address, or physical address of an election judge; or (4) threatens, coerces, or intimidates, whether verbally or in writing, an election judge with the intent to impede or interfere with the election judge while the election judge is engaged in the performance of his or her duties or retaliate against the election judge on account of the election judge's performance of his or her duties.

Amends the Equitable Restrooms Act. Provides that every public restroom open to the public shall include menstrual hygiene products at no cost to the users of that public restroom. Provides that all menstrual hygiene products shall be placed within the public restroom and be openly accessible to users of that public restroom. Provides that the entity providing the public restroom shall be responsible for ordering, stocking, and replenishing the supply of menstrual hygiene products in the public restroom. Provides that the provisions do not apply to mosques, temples, churches, or other places of worship. Includes provisions relating to inspection of public restrooms and rules that the Department of Public Health shall adopt. Provides that a violation of provisions relating to baby changing stations, all-gender single-occupancy restrooms, and menstrual hygiene products is a petty offense with a fine of not more than $100. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Increases the amount transferred from the General Revenue Fund to the Local Government Distributive Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for dependents of the taxpayer. Provides that the maximum amount of the credit is $700 per qualified dependent of the taxpayer. Provides that the maximum amount shall be reduced by $24 for each $1,000 by which the taxpayer's net income exceeds $75,000 in the case of a joint return or $50,000 in the case of any other form of return. Defines "qualified dependent". Effective immediately.

Amends the Local Volunteer Board Member Removal Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. With respect to safety education instruction for students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade 6, adds water safety that incorporates the water safety instructional materials and resources developed by the American Red Cross and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project or by a district-approved source. Effective immediately.