Rep. La Shawn Ford

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the child care assistance program, provides that notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Human Services shall include all federal holidays as paid days that are eligible for reimbursement under any purchase of service contract or voucher payment agreement the Department enters into, renews, or extends with a child care provider under the child care assistance program.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to conduct a study on managed care pharmacy access standards. Provides that the study shall review the current access standards, with a focus on disproportionately impacted areas. Requires the Department to seek input from consumers of pharmacy services. Requires the Department to report its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2026 and to publish the report on the Department's website. Provides that any retail pharmacy that is enrolled as an eligible retail pharmacy provider in the medical assistance program and is not sanctioned under investigation for fraud, waste, or abuse shall provide retail pharmacy services to any medical assistance recipient who resides in the same zip code as the pharmacy, regardless of whether the retail pharmacy is contracted to provide pharmacy services for the managed care organization that the recipient is enrolled with. Requires the managed care organization to pay the retail pharmacy the managed care organization's standard contractual rate. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that if the defendant has been incarcerated for a Class 4 felony or a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor and has been released from imprisonment, the court shall impose an unconditional sentence in any case in which the court is of the opinion that no proper purpose would be served by imposing any condition upon the defendant's release. Provides that when an unconditional sentence is imposed for a felony, the court shall set forth in the record the reasons for its action.

Amends the School Code. Allows a METT Educator District License for teaching a course in manufacturing, engineering, technology, or a trade (METT) to be issued to an applicant who has at least 10,000 working hours in a trade. Provides that a METT Educator District License may be issued to qualified individuals who have not obtained a bachelor's degree or an equivalent number of hours in an educational program at an institution of higher education. Provides that a METT Educator District License is valid until June 30 immediately following 5 years of the license being issued and may be renewed. Provides that a METT Educator District License is valid only for the teaching of a course that the State Board of Education has identified as related to the work experience of the licensee. Sets forth other provisions regarding the license. Amends the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Provides that the State Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or the Department of Labor, shall expand a database to identify METT labor shortages. Provides that by July 1, 2028, school districts in identified regions shall be notified by the State Board and shall participate in a College and Career Pathway Endorsement program and offer a METT endorsement. Makes other changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Dr. Amour Jean Logan Andrews, a Chicago educator and community leader who passed away. The Illinois House of Representatives formally mourned her death, recognizing her decades of work as an educator, founder of the AJLA Foundation, and advocate for underserved students and retired teachers. It expresses condolences to her family and acknowledges her trailblazing career in education and social justice. As a non-binding resolution, it has no effect on laws or policies and directly affects no individuals beyond honoring her legacy. The resolution was adopted by voice vote on March 12, 2025.

Creates the Prevention of Use of Hemp Cannabinoid Products Intended for Human Consumption by Ingestion or Inhalation by Persons Under 21 Years of Age Act. Permits the sale and possession of hemp cannabinoids by persons 21 years of age or over. Provides that no person shall offer or sell hemp cannabinoid products to consumers in the State unless the person applies for and holds a hemp retailer license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that no person shall sell ready-to-eat hemp products to end consumers without holding a hemp food establishment license issued by the Department of Public Health. Provides that a hemp food establishment that sells ready-to-eat cannabinoid products shall be exclusively licensed and located in the State. Provides that hemp food establishments and hemp retailers shall require proof of age from a purchaser of any cannabinoid products before selling the product to that person. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall administer and enforce the provisions of the Act relating to licensing and oversight of hemp distributors and hemp retailers unless otherwise provided in the Act. Establishes standards for the issuance of licenses under the Act. Provides for criminal and civil penalties for violation of the Act.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a commercial wind energy facility or commercial solar energy facility proposed to be located on property in an unincorporated area of the county within the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality and located adjacent to the corporate boundary of a municipality shall either be annexed to the municipality or be subject to the municipality's zoning regulations. Provides factors for determining if a request for siting approval or a special use permit for a commercial wind energy facility or a commercial solar energy facility, or modification of an approved siting or special use permit, is in compliance with the standards and conditions imposed in the Code, the zoning ordinance adopted consistent with the Code, and the conditions imposed under State and federal statutes and regulations. Provides that a county may not approve a request for siting approval or a special use permit for a commercial wind energy facility or a commercial solar energy facility or modification of an approved siting or special use permit, if the proposal shall disturb more than one acre of land, unless the facility owner has obtained a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Requires a facility owner to provide the county in which a commercial solar energy facility or commercial wind energy facility to be located, a deconstruction plan that has been prepared by a professional engineer who has been selected by the facility owner. Provides that, based on an initial evaluation or reevaluation during the county approval process, the county may require changes in the level of financial assurance used to calculate the financial assurance level from the facility owner. Amends the Renewable Energy Facilities Agricultural Impact Mitigation Act. Provides that the standard agricultural impact mitigation agreements shall be amended as needed to conform with the financial assurance procedures and requirements under specified provisions of the Counties Code. Makes other changes.

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Provides that the Secretary of State shall create an Office of Faith-Based Community Development Services to connect faith-based community organizations with grant opportunities, as well as provide assistance in completing grant applications. Provides that the Office of Faith-Based Community Development Services shall promote collaboration and unity among diverse groups, foster interfaith dialogue and interagency collaboration to offer comprehensive support services, ensure equitable distribution of resources across various community groups to support their missions and projects, leverage faith-based properties to increase housing opportunities, and develop guides on mental health, grant application processes, housing initiatives, and creating sensory-friendly spaces for the faith community. Provides that the Secretary of State shall appoint an Interfaith Advisory Council to advise the Office of Faith-Based Community Development Services and collaborate with religious communities in this State.

Condemns President Donald Trump's inexcusable pardons of his coconspirators and criminals convicted of attacking police officers, attacking our Capitol, and attacking our democracy.

Maddy summaryThis Illinois House resolution (HR 119) calls on President Trump to abandon proposed tariffs, arguing they would increase costs for Illinois families and businesses. It specifically highlights risks to Illinois agriculture (like soybeans), manufacturing, and the state's top trade relationships with Canada and Mexico - impacting thousands of jobs. The resolution does not create new laws but formally opposes the tariff plans based on economic projections of higher living costs and market instability. It is a symbolic statement, not a binding policy change.