Rep. Larry Walsh

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that the maximum amount for the credit for instructional materials and supplies shall be $500 for each semester in the taxable year for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026 (currently, $500 per taxable year). Effective immediately.

Amends the Regional Water Commission Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that in connection with a contract by a commission for the construction of all or any portion of a waterworks system or other public improvement of the commission, the commission must enter into a project labor agreement with the applicable local building trades council or the applicable local buildings trades council must enter into a project labor agreement with the general contractor selected by the commission (rather than the commission must enter into a project labor agreement with the applicable local building trades council) prior to the commencement of any and all construction, building, renovation, demolition, or any material change to the structure or land. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable years 2025 and thereafter, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $75,000 for all qualified property. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that if a full-time firefighter or firefighter/paramedic employed by a city, village, incorporated town, or township that meets certain requirements is not eligible to participate in a retirement fund created under the Downstate Firefighters Article of the Code, then he or she is eligible to participate, as a sheriff's law enforcement employee, under the IMRF Article of the Code. Specifies survivor and occupational disease disability benefits that are available to the qualifying firefighters. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Creates the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall award income tax credits to taxpayers who make authorized contributions to scholarship granting organizations for the purpose of awarding scholarships to eligible students who attend technical academies. Sets forth limitations with respect to the aggregate amount of credits awarded by the Department of Revenue under the program in a calendar year and the amount of credits awarded to an individual taxpayer. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 179) is a formal expression of condolence from the Illinois House of Representatives mourning the passing of Christine Lunningham, a longtime Joliet resident and Democratic precinct committeeperson. It honors her 40+ years of retail work, community involvement with the DNC, and family ties, extending sympathy to her surviving daughter, siblings, and extended family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any group beyond serving as a ceremonial tribute. The resolution was adopted by the Illinois House on March 11, 2025.

Amends the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. Provides that the definition of "employee" does not include an employee who is engaged in the operation of a vessel that is documented by the United States under a specified federal law. Effective immediately.

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Provides that any appointments to the Chicago Board of Education made by the Mayor of the City of Chicago shall be made with the advice and consent of the Chicago City Council. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors Mark Schneidewind for his retirement as Will County Farm Bureau Manager after 30+ years of service (1991-2025). It recognizes his work developing legislative relationships, creating the annual "legislative barn meeting" series, organizing lobby days, and leading community projects like Operation Care Package and Ag Olympics. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a ceremonial gesture from the Illinois House of Representatives to acknowledge his contributions to agricultural advocacy. It directly affects only Mark Schneidewind, expressing the House's respect for his career.

Maddy summaryHB 1299 is a technical amendment to Section 4-101 of the Illinois Pension Code, specifically addressing the administrative process for establishing firefighters' pension funds in downstate municipalities. It makes a minor correction to the language governing how city councils or boards of trustees create and manage these funds for firefighters and their dependents. The bill does not change benefit amounts, eligibility, or funding levels - it only adjusts the procedural wording in the existing pension code. This technical update affects the operational rules for downstate firefighter pension funds but has no direct impact on current beneficiaries or funding. The bill is currently pending in the Rules Committee after its initial filing and reading.