Rep. Kam Buckner

Creates the Enslavement Era Disclosure and Redress Act. Requires each contractor that participates in a competitive bid with the State to review its records for evidence of the contractor's or a related party's participation in slaveholding or the slave trade and to make certain disclosures with respect to that participation. Contains provisions concerning notice of public hearings following the disclosures. Provides that the Illinois Office of Equity shall appoint an administrator to oversee the program. Provides that each contractor that has disclosed participation in slaveholding or the slave trade shall provide the State with a statement of financial redress at the time of submitting its bid. Contains provisions creating a Redress Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Act. Defines terms. Provides that a unit of local government may not prohibit the building or usage of accessory dwelling units in the unit of local government. Provides that a unit of local government 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. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that recognizes Navy Pier as the unofficial eastern terminus of U.S. Route 66 on March 25, 2026. It directly affects Navy Pier by formally acknowledging its symbolic connection to the historic highway, linking it to the Santa Monica Pier as the western terminus. The resolution highlights Route 66's cultural significance and honors the history of the road, including its connection to sportscaster Harry Caray and the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry. No legal changes or funding are included; the measure serves purely as a commemorative tribute to the highway's legacy.

Honors Roland W. Burris for his extraordinary life, legacy, and contributions to public service. Expresses appreciation for his decades of leadership, his groundbreaking achievements, and his enduring commitment to justice and equality.

Creates the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway Act. Provides that the part of the Dan Ryan Expressway that begins at 47th Street and extends south to 95th Street, in the City of Chicago, Cook County is designated as the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway.

Creates the Illinois Epstein Files Investigation Act. Establishes the Illinois Epstein Files Investigation Commission as an investigatory and advisory commission to investigate matters related to Jeffrey Epstein's network with a nexus to Illinois, facilitate enforcement of Illinois law, and promote transparency. Grants the Commission investigatory powers, including subpoena authority enforceable in circuit court, and requires referrals to the Attorney General and periodic reports to the Attorney General, Governor, and the General Assembly. Provides victim and whistleblower protections. Authorizes the Attorney General to exercise specified authority. Directs the Attorney General to share information upon request by the Commission. Ceases operation of the Commission after 5 years and repeals the Act after 6 years. Amends the Statewide Grand Jury Act to expand jurisdiction, to include human trafficking, involuntary servitude, sexual exploitation of children, permitting and failure to report sexual abuse of a child, prostitution-related offenses, patronizing a sexually exploited child, child pornography, bribery, official misconduct, solicitation of misconduct, tampering with public records, perjury, communicating with or harassment of jurors and witnesses, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and racketeering activity, but with a requirement for Attorney General certification or a requirement that offenses occur in more than one county or have a statewide nexus. Effective immediately.

Calls for the release of all files related to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged accomplices with redactions limited solely to shielding the identities of survivors as outlined in the Epstein Transparency Act. Further calls for the appointment of a special prosecutor independent of the Trump Administration's influence to review prosecution decisions stemming from the Epstein investigation to investigate whether the Trump Administration illegally redacted or withheld documents to shield individuals for political purposes.

Condemns President Donald J. Trump's racist social media post and his attempts to erase history. Expresses that members will continue to honor the 100th recognition of Black History Month in the State of Illinois by committing to learn from history rather than hiding from it.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 671) is a ceremonial tribute passed by the Illinois House of Representatives to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson following his death on February 17, 2026. It recognizes his lifelong civil rights advocacy, leadership in founding Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, and contributions to Black economic empowerment and social justice. The resolution has no binding policy effect - it solely expresses the General Assembly's commemoration of his legacy through formal recognition. It was co-sponsored by all House members shortly after his passing.

Congratulates Frank Thomas for his extraordinary career, his lasting contributions to the game of baseball, and his profound impact on the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.