Rep. Dave Vella

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that an early childhood teacher must meet one of the following qualifications: (1) complete 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with either 6 semester hours in early childhood education or complete the Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1 training; (2) complete 1,560 clock hours of child development experience and 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university with either 6 semester hours in early childhood education or Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1 training; (3) complete 2,080 clock hours of child development experience as a teacher assistant in a day care center, complete the Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1 training, and provide proof of enrollment from an accredited college or university until 30 semester hours are attained or proof of enrollment in an early childhood teacher credentialing program, either of which must be completed in no more than 5 years from the date of initial enrollment; or (4) complete a credentialing program approved by the Department of Children and Family Services in accordance with administrative rule.

Maddy summaryHB 1061 amends the Texas Property Tax Code to allow property owners to pay overdue property taxes using credit cards when redeeming their property from tax sale. This directly affects homeowners and property owners who need to pay delinquent taxes to avoid losing their property. The key provision adds credit card payment as a permitted method for redemption payments, expanding payment options beyond cash or check without changing tax amounts or deadlines. The bill makes no other changes to property tax rules or procedures.

Creates the Right to Play Act. Provides that a student who is a member of a school athletic activity may participate in a nonschool athletic activity that is of the same sport as the school athletic activity during the season in which the student participates in the school athletic activity without losing eligibility to participate in the school athletic activity, provided that the student may not participate in both the nonschool athletic activity and a school athletic practice or competition for the same sport on the same day.

Amends the Public Safety Employee Benefits Act. Provides that, if the injured employee subsequently dies, the employer shall continue to pay the entire health insurance premium for the surviving spouse (rather than the surviving spouse until remarried) and for the dependent children under specified conditions.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions regarding a certificate of public convenience and necessity, makes changes to the limitations on the construction of a nuclear power reactor. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, construction may commence on an advanced nuclear reactor (rather than a new nuclear power reactor with a nameplate capacity of 300 megawatts of electricity or less) within the State under specified conditions. Defines "advanced nuclear reactor". Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the chief procurement officer may not award a contract to a vendor if more than 10% of the services contracted, based on the cost of services, are to be performed outside of the United States.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any third-party hotel booking service to facilitate the reservation or booking of a physical accommodation in the State without providing specified disclosures to the consumer. Sets forth requirements for the disclosure, including that it is clear and conspicuous. Defines terms. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create and administer a bid credit program to provide economic incentives, through bid credits, for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 792 is a technical amendment to the Illinois Income Tax Act that adjusts the short title of a specific section. It does not change tax rates, exemptions, or taxpayer obligations - it only corrects or updates the section's official naming. This minor procedural change affects administrative records within the tax code but has no direct impact on Illinois taxpayers or revenue collection. The bill is currently pending in the House Rules Committee.

Creates the Electric Vehicle Motor Fuel Tax Replacement Fee Act. Provides that, for State fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2025, each person that is an owner of an electric vehicle registered with the Secretary of State as of July 1 of that fiscal year shall pay an annual fee for each electric vehicle owned by that person. Sets forth the amount of the fee. Requires the Secretary of State and the Department of Transportation to certify certain information to the Department of Revenue for the purpose of calculating the amount of the fee. Effective immediately.