Rep. Mike Coffey

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Provides that if both spouses are eligible covered members and are employees under the State Employees Article of the Illinois Pension Code, then one spouse may enroll the other spouse as an eligible dependent if: (1) both spouses provide to the Department of Central Management Services, upon the request of the Department of Central Management Services, an attestation that the member and the member's spouse have elected for the spouse to be enrolled as a dependent; and (2) the spouses continue to be married. Provides that upon electing to enroll in the program of group health benefits as an eligible dependent under the amendatory provisions, a member forfeits his or her rights as a member under the Act with respect to the program of group health benefits during the period when that election is in effect. Makes conforming changes to the definition of "dependent" and provisions concerning contributions.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no person may be retained in service as an investigator to investigate and enforce provisions of the Act administered by the Secretary of State after he or she has reached 65 (instead of 60) years of age. Removes the exemption for persons employed in the title of Capitol Police Investigator.

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys in the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Fund may not be appropriated, assigned, or transferred to another State fund. Effective immediately.

Creates the Public Safety Career Pathways Act. Requires a participating public or nonpublic high school or school district to provide access to at least one Pipeline Program in a public safety field. Allows an individual 18 years of age or older to participate in a Fire and Emergency Medical Services Pathway. Provides that a law enforcement agency may establish a Cadet Program for individuals 18 to 20 years of age interested in pursuing sworn law enforcement employment. Provides that a Pipeline Program may also include training or supervised experience leading to certain other careers. Requires the State Board of Education to develop a model memorandum of understanding for institutions and local public safety partners. Requires a local public safety partner participating in a Pipeline Program to maintain all insurance required under State law. Provides that participation in a Pipeline Program does not create civil liability for a local public safety partner beyond its statutory duties, as long as the local public safety partner acts in good faith and complies with safety requirements. Provides that compensation for a Pipeline Program participant is optional and may be determined by the local public safety partner. Allows the State Board to provide tuition assistance to eligible participants in certified fire services, emergency medical services, or law enforcement preparatory programs. Requires a local public safety partner to comply with all safety requirements applicable to minors and trainees. Sets forth provisions concerning employee status, background checks, reporting, and rulemaking. Repeals the Act 5 years after the effective date. Effective immediately.

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fee for a fishing or hunting license is $5 for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit of $250 for taxpayers who make 4 or more qualified donations of human whole blood or human blood components during the taxable year. Effective immediately.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the State Finance Act. Provides for a sales tax holiday on school supplies during the first 7 days of August of each calendar year. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Revenue shall reimburse eligible municipalities for revenue loss associated with tax exempt State property located in the municipality. Provides that the aggregate amount of reimbursements for all taxing districts in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000,000. Sets forth the amount of the reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Eliminates the flat weight tax for all owners of trailers that are not farm trailers and that weigh 3,000 pounds or less.

Amends the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. In a provision setting forth the specified household income eligibility limits used to determine eligibility for reduced vehicle registration fees and free transit services, provides that the Department on Aging shall (rather than may) adopt rules such that on January 1, 2026, and thereafter, the specified household income eligibility limits shall be changed to reflect the annual cost of living adjustment in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Effective immediately.