Rep. Dan Swanson

Urges the federal government to allocate more funding toward finding a cure for Lyme disease. Encourages the Illinois State Board of Education to begin health education to prevent tick bites for children who represent the highest risk group for tick-borne diseases. Declares the month of May 2026 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.

Declares the month of August 2026 as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. Encourages continuing research on spinal muscular atrophy and community support for those affected by the disease.

Maddy summaryHJR 48 designates a specific stretch of Illinois Route 131 (from the state line south to Illinois Route 173) as the "Lance Corporal Russell Rowe Memorial Highway" to honor a Marine Corps veteran who died in service during the 1965 Dominican Republic intervention. The resolution requests the Illinois Department of Transportation to install appropriate signs along this highway segment to commemorate his sacrifice. This bill does not create new laws or affect regulations, but formally names a public roadway in recognition of L.Cpl. Russell Rowe's service and death.

Declares the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026 as Read with Your Child Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages all Illinois schools to promote Read with Your Child Week with appropriate activities.

Expresses reflecting on the heinous Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and remembers the lives of the civilians, soldiers, and defenders who expressed unwavering support for the State of Israel. Extends sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this brutal assault, including the families of the 46 American citizens who lost their lives. Expresses standing steadfast in the face of terrorism and violent acts and remaining committed to lasting peace and stability for the State of Israel.

Commends Carl Sandburg College clubs and the Student Development division for their incredible service and the thousands of hours they have dedicated to the betterment of their community.

Amends the Public Higher Education Act, the Board of Higher Education Act, and the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that a resident of the State who is not lawfully present in the United States is not eligible, on the basis of residence within the State, for any postsecondary educational benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident. Provides that any benefit conferred to a nonresident of the State who is lawfully present in the United States may not be lesser in amount, duration, or scope than the benefit conferred to a State resident who is unlawfully present in the United States.

Designates U.S. Highway 250 from the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Illinois Route 130 in Olney to 10 miles West of Olney on U.S. Highway 50 as the "Sgt. Levi Ridgley Memorial Highway".

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that qualified expenses related to special needs services include elementary and secondary school expenses incurred as a result of a recognized disability or an individualized education program. Makes conforming changes to the definition of "eligible educational institution". Defines "recognized disability" as a physical, developmental, or learning disability recognized by the State Board of Education.

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to, on or before January 1, 2027, submit a report to the General Assembly regarding the status and availability of agricultural education programs in the State. Effective immediately.