Rep. Brad Stephens

Maddy summaryHB 5544 ("SAFETY-TECH") is a technical correction to Illinois' Environmental Protection Act. It fixes a typographical error in the act's short title by removing an extra "and" in the phrase "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Environmental Protection Act'." This change only affects how the law is formally referenced in legal documents and does not alter any environmental regulations, requirements, or protections. The bill has no substantive policy impact and does not directly affect any individuals, businesses, or environmental programs.

Congratulates Dr. Nick Polyak on being honored as the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. Wishes many years of continued executive educator achievement for Dr. Polyak, the teachers that work with him, and his executive educator staff.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that two-thirds of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide (now, a majority of the members elected to each house constitutes a quorum). Effective upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person operating a bicycle on the roadways of this State shall not be prohibited from side-by-side riding, riding contraflow on one-way streets, and rolling through stop signs at clear intersections.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Establishes reimbursement rates for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for all group or individual policies of accident and health insurance or managed care plans that are amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 or for any contracted third party administering the behavioral health benefits for the insurer. Requires a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 or any contracted third party administering the behavioral health benefits for the insurer to cover certain medically necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. Provides that, if the Department of Insurance determines that an insurer or a contracted third party administering the behavioral health benefits for the insurer has violated a provision concerning mental health and substance use parity, the Department shall by order assess a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation. Excludes certain health care plans serving Medicaid populations who are enrolled under the Illinois Public Aid Code or under the Children's Health Insurance Program Act from provisions concerning mental health and substance use parity. Requires the Department to review the impact of the proposed mental health and substance abuse mandate on network adequacy for mental health and substance use disorder treatment and access to affordable mental health and substance use care. Permits the Department to examine out-of-network utilization and out-of-pocket costs for insureds for mental health and substance use treatment and services for all plans to compare with in-network utilization. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, and the School Code to require coverage under those provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the term "maximum income limitation" for the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption means the greater of (i) $80,000 or (ii) $80,000 adjusted by certain increases in the consumer price index-u. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall, not later than January 31 of each calendar year, calculate, publish, and transmit to all county clerks and county treasurers the indexed maximum income limitation number. In provisions concerning the general homestead exemption, provides that, for taxable years 2026 and thereafter, the maximum reduction is $10,000 in all counties.

Congratulates Michael K. "Mike" Durkin on being inducted into the University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Recognizes him for his excellence on outdoor tracks, on indoor tracks, and on the exceedingly fast track of Illinois law.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 499 is a commemorative resolution. It officially expresses sorrow and mourns the death of Ryan Roy Whitehouse.

Amends the Compensation Review Act. Provides that, in fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, members of the General Assembly are prohibited from receiving and shall not receive any increase in compensation that would otherwise apply based on a cost-of-living adjustment. Effective immediately.

Condemns political violence and encourages the people of Illinois and the United States to engage in civil, respectful, and bipartisan political discussion and behavior.