Rep. Chris Welch

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring civil rights leader Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., who passed away on March 5, 2026. It formally acknowledges his significant contributions to the civil rights movement, including his work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the Freedom Riders, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaigns. The resolution expresses the Illinois House of Representatives' condolences to Dr. LaFayette's family and friends. A copy of the resolution will be presented to his family as a gesture of sympathy.

Creates the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts Act. Establishes the Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the purpose of reviewing the effectiveness of current State-led efforts to eliminate food deserts in Illinois and advising the General Assembly on policy, funding, initiatives, and best practices for the elimination of food deserts in Illinois. Describes the membership of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall convene at the call of the chairperson and meet as frequently as necessary to carry out its duties. Provides that the Office of the Lieutenant Governor shall provide administrative and other support to the Commission. Provides that commissioners shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses from funds appropriated for that purpose. Provides that the Commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before January 1, 2027, with annual addenda thereafter. Provides that the Act is repealed and the Commission is dissolved if 90% of food deserts in this State have been eliminated, with certain requirements. Defines terms.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In a provision requiring policies of group accident and health insurance to provide coverage for certain examination and testing services provided to a victim of specified criminal offenses, prohibits the policy from imposing a deductible, coinsurance, copayment, or any other cost-sharing requirement on the coverage provided, except to the extent that the coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account under the Internal Revenue Code. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Arab American history, including the history of Arab Americans in the State and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Arab Americans from the 19th century onward. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials, including those established by the Public Broadcasting Service, that may be used as guidelines for the development of the unit of instruction. Provides that each school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction. Provides that the regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the curricular requirements during the regional superintendent's annual compliance visit. Provides that a school may meet the requirements through an online program or course. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the maximum income limitation under the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption shall be adjusted each year by the annual cost of living increase, if any, in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits that took effect during the immediately preceding calendar year. Amends the Energy Assistance Act. Provides that eligibility limits under the energy assistance program may not exceed the greater of (1) 150% of the federal nonfarm poverty level as established by the federal Office of Management and Budget or 60% of the State median income for the current State fiscal year as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, whichever is higher; or (2) the eligibility limit for the immediately preceding calendar year, increased by the annual cost of living increase, if any, in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits that took effect during the immediately preceding calendar year. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 671) is a ceremonial tribute passed by the Illinois House of Representatives to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson following his death on February 17, 2026. It recognizes his lifelong civil rights advocacy, leadership in founding Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, and contributions to Black economic empowerment and social justice. The resolution has no binding policy effect - it solely expresses the General Assembly's commemoration of his legacy through formal recognition. It was co-sponsored by all House members shortly after his passing.

Commends and thanks Mika Baugher for her many years of committed service to the Illinois General Assembly and the people of the State of Illinois. Wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HR 616), not a policy bill. It formally honors Ernie Baumann, a Maywood, Illinois community leader and founder of Maywood Fine Arts, who died on December 28, 2025. The Illinois House of Representatives adopted the resolution to express condolences to his family and acknowledge his five-decade work providing accessible arts education to thousands of children through his nonprofit. It has no policy impact or funding provisions, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally mourns the death of Bishop Dr. Claude Porter and extends condolences to his family, as adopted by the Illinois House of Representatives on January 20, 2026. It commemorates his life and work as a pastor, community leader, and founder of social service organizations like Proviso Missionary Baptist Church and the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action Inc. The resolution honors his decades of service to Black communities in Illinois, including health initiatives and nonprofit leadership, but does not create any new policies or affect any constituents.

Amends the Zoning Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, for all new development after January 1, 2026, each city with a population of 25,000 or more shall allow the development of all middle housing types on lots or parcels with a total area greater than 5,000 square feet and that are zoned for any type of residential use. Provides that each city with a population of more than 10,000 and less than 25,000 shall allow the development of a duplex on each lot or parcel zoned for residential use that allows for the development of detached single-family dwellings. Provides that municipalities may regulate siting and design of middle housing provided that the regulations do not, individually or cumulatively, discourage the development of all middle housing types permitted in the area through unreasonable costs or delay. Provides that municipalities may regulate middle housing to comply with protective measures adopted under statewide land use planning goals. Limits home rule powers.