Rep. Sharon Chung

Declares May 2026 as Illinois Military Appreciation Month in the State of Illinois to honor the service, sacrifice, and continued contributions of veterans across our State. Encourages citizens, schools, businesses, veterans' organizations, and government entities across Illinois to observe Illinois Military Appreciation Month through activities that recognize veterans' ongoing impact, support their successful transition to civilian life, and strengthen connections between veterans and the communities they serve.

Amends the Illinois Housing Development Act. Provides that the Illinois Housing Development Authority shall ensure that program staff have expertise in the community land trust model and shall implement procedures that remove barriers to the timely and effective execution of approved community land trust projects. Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that property that is owned by a non-profit community land trust, as defined in the Community Land Trust Home Ownership Act, and that is used exclusively for the creation and maintenance of permanently affordable owner occupied single-family or multifamily residences is exempt beginning with the taxable year in which the property is acquired by the community land trust and continuing through the taxable year in which the property is sold to a homeowner. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 744 amends the Corporate Fiduciary Act. It makes a technical change to the section of the Act that defines its short title.

Declares June 2026 as Illinois Fallen Heroes Month in the State of Illinois to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen heroes across our State. Encourages citizens, schools, businesses, veterans' organizations, and government entities across the State to observe Illinois Fallen Heroes Month through ceremonies, tributes, and acts of remembrance that honor the legacy and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our nation. Affirms that these observances serve as a solemn counterpart to Illinois Military Appreciation Month, ensuring that we both honor those who continue to serve our communities and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Creates the Gender-Based Violence Article in the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that the Article applies to any motion to dispose of a claim that is based on, relates to, or is in response to the moving party's reporting gender-based violence. Provides that if a court finds that the civil action is based on the moving party reporting gender-based violence, it shall grant a motion to dismiss the claim unless it finds that the responding party has established by a preponderance of the evidence that the moving party's reporting gender-based violence was done with knowledge that the report was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. Provides that absent any additional corroborating evidence, specified pieces of evidence may not, on its own or in combination with each other, be used to establish that the moving party's reporting of gender-based violence was done with knowledge that the report was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. Sets forth motion and procedure standards for a motion filed under the Article. Establishes awards for attorney's fees and costs, injunctive relief, and damages. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Protect Survivors Reporting Act. Effective immediately.

States that it is of vital importance to protect Illinois farmland from irreversible conversion and fragmentation due to solar, industrial, and other large-scale developments. Affirms that farmland protection is consistent with and complementary to the goals of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and should be considered in clean-energy planning and implementation. Urges State agencies, local governments, and developers to prioritize renewable-energy and infrastructure projects on non-agricultural lands whenever practicable and to minimize impacts on prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance. Supports renewable-energy siting practices that protect soil health, drainage infrastructure, and long-term agricultural productivity, including appropriate decommissioning and land-restoration standards. Encourages transparent decision-making and meaningful community engagement to ensure that agricultural landowners and rural communities are protected from unintended long-term harm.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2027, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $33.92 to sustain a minimum wage of $20.75 per hour for direct service workers. Requires rates in subsequent State fiscal years to be no lower than the rates put into effect upon federal approval. Provides that in order for a provider of in-home services to be eligible to receive the $33.92 rate, the provider must pay a minimum wage of $20.75 per hour to all direct service workers employed by the provider. Requires providers of in-home services to certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers. Requires each provider of in-home services to submit cost reports to the Department consistent with a specified administrative rule in order to be eligible for the $33.92 rate for in-home services. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the described rate increases. Requires the Department, beginning January 1, 2027, to ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 79% of the total payments the provider receives for home care aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires annual direct service worker cost reports from providers; and requires the Department to amend existing rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs to reflect the increase in the direct service worker spending requirement from 77% to 79%.

Creates the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Infrastructure and Market Access Grant Program. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall administer grants to eligible applicants to increase agricultural production, strengthen farm viability, and expand market access. Defines "emerging farmer," "socially disadvantaged farmer," and related terms. Specifies allowable uses of grant funds, priorities for awards, and reporting requirements. Effective July 1, 2026.

Creates the Farmer Tax Benefit Act. Provides that taxpayers may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for an income tax credit in an amount equal to either (i) 100% of the fair market value of a qualified donation to a conservation agency of a land protection agreement or (ii) 50% of the fair market value of the qualified donation to a conservation agency of a fee simple interest or a remainder interest in qualified real property. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes.

Creates the River Access Modernization Act. Affirms the public's right to use navigable and recreationally suitable waters for canoeing, boating, kayaking, and angling, subject to protection of private property rights and environmental values. Provides that the public right of use does not include crossing private uplands or exiting onto private land without permission. Establishes landowner liability protections. Prohibits littering and alteration of flora and fauna. Grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Natural Resources to designate public access points, resolve conflicts, promote safety and conservation education, and maintain a listing of navigable waterways. Defines "navigable water" and "public recreational use".