Rep. Nicolle Grasse

Creates the Task Force on Loneliness Act. Makes findings. Establishes the Task Force on Loneliness in the Department of Public Health to study and identify certain information and solutions related to the epidemic of loneliness and its related health concerns. Provides for 11 members of the Task Force, including 4 members of the General Assembly, 3 directors of certain State agencies or their designees, and 4 members of the public appointed by the Governor with certain other requirements. Provides that the Task Force shall convene and meet at the call of the co-chairs and shall meet as frequently as necessary. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that the members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated for that purpose. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a final report to the General Assembly on or before January 1, 2027, with certain requirements. Provides that the Task Force is dissolved and the Act is repealed upon submission of the report, with certain other requirements.

Creates the Native to Illinois Labeling Program Act. Establishes the Native to Illinois Labeling Program in the Department of Agriculture. Provides that the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall adopt rules implementing the Native to Illinois Labeling Program. Provides requirements for certification under the Program. Provides that the Department of Agriculture may, by rule, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, require certification by a third party approved by the Department of Agriculture. Provides requirements for eligibility for a "Certified Native to Illinois" label. Provides requirements for compliance. Provides requirements for labeling. Provides for investigatory powers within the Department of Agriculture. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for knowing violation of the compliance requirements, enforceable by a civil lawsuit filed by the Attorney General or a State's Attorney. Provides that any person who knowingly makes a false statement under this Act to an investigator or a certifying agent shall be guilty of a class 4 felony. Provides that any person who knowingly violates the compliance requirements or who knowingly makes a false statement under this Act to an investigator or a certifying agent, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, shall lose all certifications under this Act and shall be ineligible to obtain certifications under this Act for a period of not less than 5 years, beginning on the date of the occurrence, except if waived or modified by the Director of Agriculture. Makes findings. Defines terms.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Increases the amount of the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities from $2,000 to $4,000 beginning in tax year 2025. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for the purpose of the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, the term "household" includes only the applicant and the applicant's spouse (currently, the applicant, the spouse of the applicant, and all persons using the residence of the applicant as their principal place of residence). Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to the foster care expenses, not to exceed $1,000 in any taxable year, paid or incurred by the taxpayer with respect to a qualified dependent child. Provides that the credit may be prorated. 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 State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that March of each year is designated as Prescribed Fire Awareness Month, to be observed throughout the State as a month to celebrate the multiple ecological, economic, and cultural benefits of prescribed fire to the State of Illinois.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $75,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch for becoming the first Black lawmaker elected as Illinois House Speaker in the state's 200+ year history. The resolution formally celebrates his leadership during Black History Month and acknowledges his re-election as Speaker in 2023 and 2025. It serves as a symbolic gesture from the Illinois House of Representatives to honor his historic role, with no new laws or policy changes enacted.

Condemns President Donald Trump's inexcusable pardons of his coconspirators and criminals convicted of attacking police officers, attacking our Capitol, and attacking our democracy.