Rep. Chris Welch

Amends the Department of Transportation Law. Provides that, in counties with a population of more than 3,000,000, a lease for pedestrian infrastructure over a State highway initially entered into within one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act may be for a period of time no longer than 35 years. Provides that the land or property shall be leased by the Department of Transportation at fair market value and meet all other statutory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates August 29, 2026, as Chicago Cubs Day in the State of Illinois to honor the baseball team's 150th anniversary. It officially congratulates the Chicago Cubs on their long history and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the team's organization. The measure does not change laws or alter operations but serves as a formal recognition of the franchise's contributions to the city and state.

Amends the Illinois Housing Development Act. Requires the Illinois Housing Development Authority (Authority) to establish and administer a First-Generation Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program to provide targeted assistance to eligible first-generation homebuyers throughout the State for the purchase of a single-family or non-commercial multi-family residence. Sets forth eligibility requirements. Permits the Authority to prioritize assistance to applicants purchasing homes in designated community priority areas, applicants with household income below 80%, and applicants purchasing homes in areas with low homeownership rates, high housing costs burdens, or limited access to affordable mortgage credit. Provides that assistance under the program shall be provided as a forgivable loan to be forgiven pro rata on a monthly basis over a 5-year period of continuous owner-occupancy. Sets forth the available loan amounts and provides that assistance funds may be used for down payments, closing costs, mortgage insurance, interest rate buydowns, or principal reduction. Permits the Authority to waive repayment in cases of documented financial hardship that is beyond the control of the homebuyer. Permits the Authority to adopt rules to implement and administer the program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5796 amends the state's 2027 budget to allocate funds to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for various job training, business development, and community support programs. The bill distributes millions of dollars in grants to specific organizations, including labor unions, colleges, and chambers of commerce, to help fund workforce initiatives and operational costs. Additionally, it provides money to reduce food insecurity in urban and rural areas and supports planning and development projects in Chicago and other regions. These changes directly affect the organizations receiving the grants and the communities they serve by funding specific economic and social programs.

Declares March 26, 2026 as Equal Pay Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of this State to learn about the pay gap that women experience in society and to learn about these various dates that bring attention to the pay gap that specific groups experience.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially names a section of Interstate 57 in Cook County, Illinois, as the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Expressway. It requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to install signs and plaques at appropriate locations to display this new name. The legislation directly affects drivers and travelers using Interstate 57 in Cook County by changing how the highway is identified on signage. This is a commemorative measure that honors Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. without altering any traffic laws or transportation regulations.

Recognizes the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence as an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, education, dialogue, and civic engagement. Encourages participation in and support of activities that examine our shared history, promote understanding of democratic principles, inspire the exchange of ideas, and strengthen civic life. Encourages and supports efforts to bolster the organizations that preserve and protect our State's archives, museums, libraries, historic sites, and community collections. Supports efforts to expand access to high-quality civics education that prepares individuals for thoughtful, constructive participation in our democracy with an understanding of the nation's founding ideals and the diverse people and communities in Illinois who have engaged, and continue to engage, in the work required to realize them.

Affirms voting is a protected civic activity that must be free from intimidation, fear, or the appearance of law enforcement surveillance unrelated to election administration. Declares immigration enforcement activity at or in the immediate vicinity of polling places, early voting locations, ballot drop boxes, voter registration sites, and election offices undermines public confidence in elections and the democratic process. Urges all federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to refrain from conducting civil immigration enforcement operations at or near locations where voting or election administration is taking place. Affirms the authority of the State of Illinois to administer elections without interference from unrelated federal enforcement activity. Encourages election authorities, in coordination with the Illinois State Board of Elections, to promote voter education and clear guidance to ensure voters understand their rights and feel safe participating in the electoral process.

Creates the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Infrastructure and Market Access Grant Program. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall administer grants to eligible applicants to increase agricultural production, strengthen farm viability, and expand market access. Defines "emerging farmer," "socially disadvantaged farmer," and related terms. Specifies allowable uses of grant funds, priorities for awards, and reporting requirements. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Smart Start Illinois Act. Expands eligibility under the Smart Start Child Care Workforce Compensation Program to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.