Rep. Will Guzzardi

Mourns the death of Jan Michael Tchoryk of the Chicago Fire Department.

Amends the Township Open Space Article of the Township Code. Reduces the acreage that constitutes open land or open space under the Article to 25 acres (currently, 50 acres). Provides, in the definition of "open space purposes", that development includes development for agricultural purposes. Provides that a township board may lease open space for open space purposes and may not lease any part of open space to anyone other than the federal government, a state government, or a local government. Provides that leased open space may be used for agricultural purposes. Provides that the township board may not sell, convey, donate, or otherwise dispose of open space without referendum approval by the majority of the voters of the township at a regular election, and provides that the board may certify the question of disposition of property to the appropriate election authority only if the board approves the question by at least a two-thirds majority of the board members. Provides that, if a township dissolves or is consolidated or merged or the boundaries of the township are altered, any affected open space shall continue to be used as required in the open space plan unless the open space is disposed of is approved by a two-thirds vote of the board of the unit of local government in control of that open space and after referendum of the voters of the unit of local government.

Creates the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit Act. Provides that owners of qualified low-income housing developments are eligible for credits against the taxes imposed by the Illinois Income Tax Act or taxes, penalties, fees, charges, and payments imposed by the Illinois Insurance Code. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and the Illinois Insurance Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Secretary of State for a recurring, permanent grant program for Illinois academic libraries. These grants shall be applied toward Open Education Resources. Effective July 1, 2023.

Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance on evidence-based practices. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.

Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish the Commission on Higher Education in Prison. Provides that the Commission shall be responsible for assisting the Board in implementing and coordinating the recommendations of the Illinois Higher Education in Prison Task Force. Provides that within the first 3 months after its first meeting, the Commission shall identify recommendations to implement, with a minimum of 3 recommendations per year. Provides that any recommendations that are identified shall expand access to quality higher education in prison in this State and propel this State to being a national exemplar in the area. Sets forth provisions concerning Commission membership, meetings, responsibilities, and dissolution.

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Authorizes a class 1 brewer or class 2 brewer to obtain a beer showcase permit. Makes conforming changes. Provides that a class 3 brewer licensee who meets certain criteria may obtain a self-distribution exemption to allow the sale of not more than 77,500 (instead of 6,200) gallons of beer from each in-state or out-of-state class 3 brewery premises, which shall not exceed 232,500 (instead of 18,600) gallons annually in the aggregate, to retail licensees and certain brewers. Provides that a class 2 brewer may transfer up to 139,500 gallons (instead of 31,000 gallons) of beer to a brew pub wholly owned and operated by the class 2 brewer. With regard to special event retailer's licenses and special use permit licenses, provides that those licenses shall allow the licensee to sell and offer for sale, at retail, alcoholic liquors for consumption on or off the premises specified in the license (instead of for use or consumption), but not for resale in any form. Removes a provision requiring certain brewers to file a report of their water usage. Provides that any retail licensee or licensed manufacturer with retail privileges may offer incentives to consumers for participation in a consumer loyalty and reward program.

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall develop an automated filing process to allow individuals who are eligible for the federal and State earned income tax credit but who earn less than the federal income tax filing thresholds to easily claim their State earned income tax credit with support from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Employment Security, and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Effective immediately.

Amends the Pharmacy Benefit Managers Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may not prohibit a pharmacy or pharmacist from selling a more affordable alternative to the covered person if a more affordable alternative is available. Provides that a pharmacy benefit manager shall not reimburse a pharmacy or pharmacist in this State an amount less than the amount that the pharmacy benefit manager reimburses a pharmacy benefit manager affiliate for providing the same pharmaceutical product. Provides that a pharmacy benefit manager is prohibited from conducting spread pricing in the State. Sets forth provisions concerning pharmacy network participation, fiduciary responsibility, and pharmacy benefit manager transparency. Provides that a pharmacy benefit manager shall report to the Director on a quarterly basis and that the report is confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that the provisions apply to contracts entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2023 (rather than July 1, 2022). Defines terms. Amends the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Sets forth provisions concerning pharmacy benefit manager network adequacy. Makes other changes.

Amends the Labor Dispute Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.