Rep. Dave Vella

Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Provides that, in anticipation of the successful completion of a diversion program, a petitioner may file a petition for expungement at least 61 days before the anticipated dismissal of the case. Provides that, if a petition is filed, and upon the successful completion of the diversion program and dismissal of the case, the court shall review the petition and shall grant expungement if the petitioner meets all requirements. Amends the Drug Court Treatment Act, the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act, and the Mental Health Court Treatment Act to make conforming changes.

Amends the Stalking No Contact Order Act. Defines a course of conduct to include using any electronic tracking system or acquiring tracking information to determine a targeted person's location, moment, or travel patterns. Requires an order under this Act to prohibit this course of conduct.

Creates the Language Equity and Access Act. Requires the Governor's Office of New Americans, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, to: prepare a Language Needs Assessment Report that identifies the languages spoken throughout the State; assist State agencies in the creation of language access plans; provide oversight and central coordination to State agencies in the implementation of language access requirements under this Act; ensure that each State agency develops an internal complaint and review process specific to the provision of language assistance services in addressing complaints in a timely manner; and perform other duties. Requires the Office and Department to work with State agencies to compile available United States Census data on language used across the State to inform the Language Needs Assessment Report. Provides that the report shall be updated every 10 years in conjunction with the decennial federal census. Requires each State agency to prepare and submit a language access plan to the Governor's Office of New Americans.

Creates the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. Provides that an employer or the employer's agent, representative, or designee may not discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize, threaten to discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize, or take any adverse employment action against an employee: (1) because the employee declines to attend or participate in an employer-sponsored meeting or declines to receive or listen to communications from the employer or the agent, representative, or designee of the employer if the meeting or communication is to communicate the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters; (2) as a means of inducing an employee to attend or participate in meetings or receive or listen to communications; or (3) because the employee, or a person acting on behalf of the employee, makes a good faith report, orally or in writing, of a violation or a suspected violation of the Act. Provides for a private right of action to enforce the provisions of the Act. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Department of Labor under the Act. Provides that, within 30 days after the effective date of the Act, an employer shall post and keep posted a notice of employee rights under the Act where employee notices are customarily placed. Provides for exceptions under the Act.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that insurers shall cover all services for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care that are rendered by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits, and support during labor, abortion, or miscarriage. Provides that the required coverage includes the necessary equipment and medical supplies for a home birth. Provides that coverage for pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care shall include home visits by lactation consultants and the purchase of breast pumps and breast pump supplies, including such breast pumps, breast pump supplies, breastfeeding supplies, and feeding aids as recommended by the lactation consultant. Provides that coverage for postpartum services shall apply for at least one year after birth. Provides that certain pregnancy and postpartum coverage shall be provided without cost-sharing requirements. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that post-parturition care benefits shall not be subject to any cost-sharing requirement. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover home visits for lactation counseling and support services. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover counselor-recommended or provider-recommended breast pumps as well as breast pump supplies, breastfeeding supplies, and feeding aids. Provides that nothing in the provisions shall limit the number of lactation encounters, visits, or services; breast pumps; breast pump supplies; breastfeeding supplies; or feeding aids a beneficiary is entitled to receive under the program. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates designated as Navy Club license plates to residents of this State. Creates the Navy Club Fund. Provides that moneys in the Navy Club Fund shall be paid, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and distribution by the Secretary, as grants to each Navy Club located in this State. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates designated as International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers plates to residents of the State.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to allow tow trucks to use red, blue, and white oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights while operators are performing official duties. The change directly affects tow truck companies and drivers who need these lights to warn other motorists of hazardous conditions or stationary vehicles. By updating the list of vehicles authorized to use such lighting, the legislation clarifies that tow trucks now have the same visual signaling rights as other emergency vehicles. This update does not alter existing penalties for drivers who fail to yield to emergency vehicles or change the rules for which specific colors can be used, as those provisions remain unchanged.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that an incorrect response to a question on the written portion of the driver's license examination concerning driver responsibilities when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle shall be deemed an automatic failure of the written portion of the driver's license examination. Provides that the Secretary of State shall allow an applicant to retake the written portion of the driver's license examination the same day if the reason for failing was due to selecting an incorrect response relating to such a question.

Amends the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, and the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Provides that an applicant for an original license to practice who meets the prima facie requirements for licensure may be issued a temporary license to practice while the application is pending. Provides that a person who notifies the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, in writing on forms prescribed by the Department, may place the person's license on inactive status and shall be excused from the payment of renewal fees until the person notifies the Department in writing of the intention to resume active practice. Provides that the Department shall immediately, upon application, restore the license of any individual whose license has expired or is on inactive status for 5 years or less if the individual does not have a history of disciplinary action taken against the person's license. Provides that the Department shall establish and maintain a resident endorsement schedule, which shall be a comprehensive list of jurisdictions whose licensing requirements for licensees are substantially equivalent to the requirements imposed on residents of this State. Makes conforming and other changes.