Rep. Barbara Hernandez

Amends the Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Department of Transportation to install level II electric vehicle charging stations at each rest stop along each interstate highway in the State. Provides that, subject to approval by the United States Secretary of Transportation, the Department may install direct current fast-charging stations at each rest stop along each interstate highway in the State, which charge an electric vehicle charging fee in an amount no greater than what is necessary to offset the cost to the State in constructing and maintaining the charging infrastructure and procuring electricity. Allows the Department to adopt rules to implement the provisions. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the EV Charging Station Fund for expenses directly related to the installation, maintenance, procuring electricity, and other costs associated with electric vehicle charging stations at highway rest stops. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Increases the additional fee for registration of an electric vehicle to $150 (currently $100), with $50 being deposited into the EV Charging Station Fund.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall establish the Adult Learner Flexible Education Grant Program to facilitate access to online postsecondary education provided by a qualified institution of higher learning, including a not-for-profit postsecondary institution that offers classes exclusively online and meets other criteria, for adults over the age of 25 pursuing careers in fields facing workforce shortages, as determined by the Commission. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, subject to appropriation, the Commission shall receive and consider applications for grant assistance. Provides that an applicant is eligible for a grant if the Commission finds that the applicant meets specified criteria. Provides that all grants are applicable only to tuition and mandatory fees. Provides that the Commission shall determine the grant amount for each student, which amount must not exceed $5,000. Sets forth provisions concerning conditions on the grant amount, grant applications, the distribution of grant funds, and rulemaking. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other law, a student who otherwise qualifies for any grant or scholarship offered under this Act, by any other State law, or by a unit of local government shall not be denied the award of the grant or scholarship based solely on the student's status as a noncitizen. Effective immediately.

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall furnish the record of all specified proceedings to an interested party at $3 per page (instead of 70 cents) for each original transcript and 75 cents per page (instead of 25 cents) for each certified copy. Provides that the charge for any part of the transcript ordered and paid for previous to the writing of the original record shall be 75 cents (instead of 25 cents) per page.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for each individual who (i) serves as a first responder for at least 10 months during the taxable year and (ii) incurs unreimbursed qualified wellness expenses during the taxable year. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the unreimbursed qualified wellness expenses incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year, up to a maximum of $250 per eligible taxpayer. Sets forth limitations on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the maximum amount for the credit for instructional materials and supplies shall be $500 for each semester in the taxable year for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026 (currently, $500 per taxable year). Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code. Requires the county board in counties with a population of more than 100,000 to hire a county administrator. Provides that the county administrator shall advise, assist, act as agent for, and be responsible to the county board for the proper and efficient administration of the county.

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Removes provision stating that no organization licensee conducting its race meeting in a county bordering the Mississippi River and having a population greater than 230,000 may be a host track for its race meeting. Makes changes in provisions regarding organizations that may not conduct a horse race meeting, the standardbred racetrack in Cook County, the application for an organization license, and wagering. Adds provisions concerning the standardbred racetrack in Macon County. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 amends the Government Electronic Records Act to correct a technical error in its short title citation. The bill changes Section 1 of the law to properly state "Government Electronic Records Act" instead of an incorrect phrasing. This is a purely procedural update to ensure the law's official name matches its legal reference, with no impact on government operations or citizens. It does not create new requirements or affect how electronic records are managed.

Creates the Illinois Universal Health Care Act. Provides that all individuals residing in the State are covered under the Illinois Health Services Program for health insurance. Sets forth the health coverage benefits that participants are entitled to under the Program. Sets forth the qualification requirements for participating health providers. Sets forth standards for provider reimbursement. Provides that it is unlawful for private health insurers to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the coverage of the Program. Provides that investor-ownership of health delivery facilities is unlawful. Provides that the State shall establish the Illinois Health Services Trust to provide financing for the Program. Sets forth the requirements for claims billing under the Program. Provides that the Program shall include funding for long-term care services and mental health services. Provides that the Program shall establish a single prescription drug formulary and list of approved durable medical goods and supplies. Creates the Pharmaceutical and Durable Medical Goods Committee to negotiate the prices of pharmaceuticals and durable medical goods with suppliers or manufacturers on an open bid competitive basis. Sets forth provisions concerning patients' rights. Provides that the employees of the Program shall be compensated in accordance with the current pay scale for State employees and as deemed professionally appropriate by the General Assembly.