Rep. Maurice West

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Makes it a civil rights violation, unless required by applicable security regulations established by the federal government or the State, for an employer to include a statement in a job advertisement, posting, application, or other material that an applicant must have a driver's license unless both of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) the employer reasonably expects driving to be one of the bona fide job functions for the position; and (2) the employer reasonably believes that using an alternative form of transportation is not comparable in travel time or cost to the employer. Provides that an alternative form of transportation includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: using a taxi or ride hailing service, carpooling, bicycling, walking, or public transportation

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections concerning the transfer of committed persons funds. Provides that the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice shall not enter into or renew any contract with a vendor that provides electronic funds transfer services that include total fees and charges of more than 2% of the total amount of funds being transferred or $15 per transaction, whichever is less, for the privilege of electronically transferring funds. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person also commits harassment through electronic communications when he or she uses electronic communication to transmit to any person a deepfake with intent to harass. Defines "deepfake".

Amends the Child Abuse Notice Act. Adds gun shops and public libraries, as defined, to the list of businesses and establishments that must post a child abuse notice in a conspicuous place that is accessible to the public. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to include on the model notice it develops for the businesses and establishments to post, the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and either the Safe2Help Illinois helpline or a local suicide prevention hotline, or both.

Amends the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2028, the owner of each restaurant in the State shall include in all of the restaurant's menus and online menus clear and conspicuous notices identifying each menu item that contains a major food allergen, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Establishes penalties for violations of this requirement.

Creates the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act. Defines terms, including that "board" means a government agency, board, department, or other government entity that regulates a lawful occupation and issues an occupational license or government certification to an individual. Provides that, notwithstanding any other State law to the contrary, a board in the State shall issue an occupational license or government certification to a person who holds an occupational license or government certification in another state if the person satisfies specified conditions. Provides that, notwithstanding any other State law to the contrary, a board shall issue an occupational license or government certification to a person upon application based on work experience in another state if the person satisfies specified conditions. Sets forth provisions concerning State law examinations; decisions of a board; appeals; State laws and jurisdiction; exceptions to the Act; limitations of the Act; application fees; and emergency powers. Effective immediately.

Creates the Prohibition of Discriminatory Disability Mascots Act. Restricts a public educational institution from the adoption or continued use of discriminatory disability mascots. Allows a public educational institution to continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a prohibited name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the Act until September 1, 2028 if certain requirements.

Urges the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Pritzker Administration to delay cuts to Direct Service Professional (DSP) service hours set to begin January 1,2026, until such time as the State is prepared to implement the "Zero Hour" Staffing Model, to protect the services depended on by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Amends the Election Code. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall exercise the powers to impose campaign disclosure penalties; to hear and adjudicate alleged violations of registration requirements; to revoke or suspend the raffle licenses of political committees that violate the Raffles and Poker Runs Act; and to inform the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of credible alleged criminal violations.

Amends the Election Code. In provisions concerning primary election ballots, provides that the lettering of candidate names on a ballot shall be in both capital and lowercase letters in conformance with standard English language guidelines, unless compliance is not feasible due to the election system utilized by the election authority.