Rep. Norine Hammond

Maddy summaryThis bill primarily updates tax and bond laws in Illinois to support large-scale construction projects known as megaprojects. It allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to certify specific building projects, granting eligible developers a temporary exemption from state and local taxes on building materials for up to 15 years. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that public corporations can no longer levy taxes to pay off bonds once the debt is fully paid or the bond matures. The bill also requires that future bond referenda be held during general elections rather than at regularly scheduled times, while making various technical adjustments to existing tax acts.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", provides that an abused child means a child whose parent or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent commits the act of grooming a child for the purpose of establishing or attempting to establish a romantic or sexual relationship (rather than commits the offense of grooming, as defined in the Criminal Code of 2012). Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act. Changes references from "electronic credential" to "mobile identification card". Provides that no relying party, including law enforcement, may take physical possession of a mobile identification card holder's mobile device for purposes of verifying the mobile identification card holder's identity. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Inserts conforming provisions concerning requirements for mobile driver's licenses. Makes other changes.

Amends the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in consultation with the Department on Aging and contracted PACE organizations, to develop and maintain comprehensive, high-quality educational and outreach materials designed to inform eligible persons, their families, and caregivers about the PACE program. Provides that the materials shall be produced in a professional, easy-to-read, and visually engaging format and at a minimum contain information that explains the integrated, interdisciplinary model of care provided by PACE, details the eligibility requirements and the voluntary enrollment process, outlines the specific benefits, and provides contact information for all active PACE organizations in the State. Requires the materials to be in both printed and electronic formats and translated into the 3 most commonly spoken languages in the State other than English. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to distribute the materials to Area Agencies on Aging, local health departments, and hospitals in PACE covered service areas; and to require each contracted PACE organization to maintain a supply for public distribution.

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade beginning with the 2028-2029 school year must successfully complete either 2 years of foreign language courses or at least 2 years of career-focused coursework that has been authorized by the State Board of Education as meeting the requirements for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (rather than requiring the successful completion of 2 years of foreign language courses). Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Provides that a public university may not require State public high school graduates, as a condition of acceptance, to have completed any years of foreign language courses unless the university permits, as an alternative to completion of a foreign language course, attainment of a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHR 112 is a resolution that expresses the belief that the Illinois Income Tax Act should not be amended to permit the taxation of retirement income. It advocates against any future changes that would allow the state to tax the income of retirees in Illinois.

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is an authorized agent, a representative or employee of a licensed contractor of a public utility, a provider of telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force shall review the effectiveness of its efforts in deterring and investigating the problem of recyclable metal theft specific to telecommunications wires, burned wire, and any other equipment used to provide (i) telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Task Force shall consider and develop long-term solutions, both legislative and enforcement-driven, for the rising problem of theft of these wires and equipment in this State. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of one representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Provides that the Task Force shall, by October 31 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. Changes the definition of the term "recyclable metal". Defines the terms "burned wire" and "telecommunications wire".

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that every licensed pharmacy directly serving patients at a physical location shall conspicuously post a sign provided by the Department of Human Services that contains the following: (i) a statement that the Department of Human Services runs a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; (ii) the Lifeline number; and (iii) any other information the Department of Human Services deems appropriate. Provides that the sign shall be printed in color ink or displayed electronically in color, measure at least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, and be posted at either a cashier counter or a waiting area that is clearly visible to patients. Requires licensed pharmacies that do not maintain a physical location that directly serves patients to include a copy of the sign with any dispensed prescriptions. Provides that the sign shall also be available to download on the Department of Human Services's website.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates for International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 license plates. Provides that an applicant for the special plate shall be charged a $30 fee for original issuance. Creates the Sweeney Classic Fund. Makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act.

Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Changes the name of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to the Illinois School for the Blind. Makes conforming changes to the Personnel Code, the School Code, the School Safety Drill Act, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, and the MRSA Prevention, Control, and Reporting Act.