Rep. Jackie Haas

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 210) congratulating the Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, on its 150th anniversary. It formally recognizes the village's founding history, including its French-Canadian roots, incorporation in 1875, and cultural landmarks like the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The resolution, adopted by the Illinois House of Representatives, expresses respect for the community's history and commits to presenting a formal copy to the village. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Amends the Department of Early Childhood Act. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2026, a preschool educational program funded by the Department of Early Childhood may admit children ages 3 to 5 who do not otherwise qualify for program services under the low income or at-risk criteria described under the Act if and only if open enrollment slots are available in the program after all reasonable efforts have been made to fill those slots with qualifying children. Provides that a preschool educational program that admits non-qualifying children must demonstrate, as prescribed by the Department, that it made all reasonable efforts to fill all enrollment slots with qualifying children. Provides that failure to demonstrate such efforts may result in a reduction in the grant amount awarded for the program. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction for any amounts paid by the taxpayer's employer on behalf of the taxpayer as part of an educational assistance program. Creates an income tax deduction for any amounts paid by the taxpayer on behalf of an employee of the taxpayer as part of an educational assistance program. Provides that the deductions are limited to the first $5,250 of such assistance so furnished to any individual. Effective immediately.

Amends the Small Estates Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Allows a small estate affidavit to be used to transfer personal property in a decedent's estate if: (1) no letters of office are outstanding on the decedent's estate and no petition for letters is contemplated or pending in the State or in any other jurisdiction; and (2) the decedent's personal estate passing to any party by intestacy or under a will is limited to tangible and intangible personal property not exceeding $150,000 and motor vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes registered with the Secretary of State. Makes a corresponding change in the form for a small estate affidavit. Provides that the changes made to the Act apply to a decedent whose date of death is on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Schedules xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance. Provides that notwithstanding the scheduling of xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance, xylazine shall not be considered a controlled substance when: (1) used by licensed Illinois veterinarians dispensing or prescribing for, or administering to, a nonhuman species of a drug containing xylazine that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; (2) used by licensed Illinois veterinarians dispensing or prescribing for, or administering to, a nonhuman species that is permissible under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (3) manufactured, distributed, or used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for manufacturing an animal drug approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (4) used by a licensed certified euthanasia technician employed by a certified euthanasia agency; or (5) used by a wildlife biologist engaged in legal or authorized fieldwork under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian.

Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides that the Business Enterprise Council shall develop a procedure to recognize, without additional evidence of Business Enterprise Program eligibility, the certification of businesses owned by minorities, women, or persons with disabilities certified by the Secretary of State. Provides that the Business Enterprise Council shall accept certification from a Small Business Development Center as part of its automatic certification process.

Amends the Fire Departments and Protection Division of the Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that municipalities and fire protection districts may fix, charge, and collect reasonable fees from residents for any response, time, or services to residents for nonemergency calls for services rendered by a fire protection district. Defines "nonemergency calls for services" for the purposes of the provisions.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for each individual who (i) serves as a first responder for at least 10 months during the taxable year and (ii) incurs unreimbursed qualified wellness expenses during the taxable year. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the unreimbursed qualified wellness expenses incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year, up to a maximum of $250 per eligible taxpayer. Sets forth limitations on the aggregate amount of credits that may be awarded under the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Provides that no veteran who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for admission into a Veterans Home shall be denied admission on account of a prior conviction for a crime of violence as defined in the Crime Victims Compensation Act if the veteran completed his or her sentence 20 or more years prior to applying for admission into the Veterans Home.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that, for taxable years ending on or after December 31, 2025, the maximum amount of the education expense credit is $1,500 (currently, $750). Effective immediately.