Rep. Sue Scherer

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 State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Provides that, by no later than January 1, 2026, the Department of Central Management Services shall, by rule, establish a program to allow the active members of TRS and their dependent beneficiaries to participate in the program of group health benefits made available under the Act to TRS benefit recipients and TRS dependent beneficiaries, including the program of group health benefits for Medicare-primary members and their Medicare-primary dependents, in lieu of health benefits otherwise provided by the school district. Provides that the Department of Central Management Services shall adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the program, including, but not limited to, the manner of electing to participate in the program, eligibility for participation in the program, and contributions for coverage through the program. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Removes provision stating that no organization licensee conducting its race meeting in a county bordering the Mississippi River and having a population greater than 230,000 may be a host track for its race meeting. Makes changes in provisions regarding organizations that may not conduct a horse race meeting, the standardbred racetrack in Cook County, the application for an organization license, and wagering. Adds provisions concerning the standardbred racetrack in Macon County. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch for becoming the first Black lawmaker elected as Illinois House Speaker in the state's 200+ year history. The resolution formally celebrates his leadership during Black History Month and acknowledges his re-election as Speaker in 2023 and 2025. It serves as a symbolic gesture from the Illinois House of Representatives to honor his historic role, with no new laws or policy changes enacted.

Congratulates Illinois State Archives Director David Joens on his retirement after 20 years as director and 35 years in state government and public service.

Amends the Massage Licensing Act. Provides that, immediately after a person licensed under the Act has been charged with the offense of prostitution, rape, or sexual misconduct or with any crime that subjects the licensee to compliance with the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act, then the prosecuting attorney shall provide notice to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation of the licensee's name, address, practice address, and license number and a copy of the criminal charges filed. Provides that, within 5 business days after receiving notice from the prosecuting attorney, the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation shall issue an administrative order that the licensee shall practice only with a chaperone who is a licensed health care worker present during all patient encounters pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Provides that the chaperone shall provide written notice to all of the licensee's patients before treatment explaining the Department's order to use a chaperone and each patient shall sign an acknowledgment that he or she received the notice. Provides that, within 5 business days after receipt of the administrative order, the licensee shall provide to the Department a written plan of compliance with the administrative order that is acceptable to the Department. Provides that failure to comply with the administrative order, failure to file a compliance plan, or failure to follow the compliance plan shall subject the licensed massage therapist to temporary suspension of his or her license until the completion of the criminal proceedings. Provides that, if the licensee is not convicted of the charge or if any conviction is later overturned by a reviewing court, the administrative order shall be vacated and removed from the licensee's record. Provides that the Department may adopt rules to implement the provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that the month of October of each year is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to be observed throughout the State as a month set apart to promote awareness of domestic violence and to support advocacy activities that will reduce its prevalence in the State.

Maddy summaryHB 587 is a technical amendment to the Caregiver Advise, Record, and Enable Act that updates the bill's short title. It does not change the substantive rules or requirements for caregivers or healthcare providers. The legislation focuses solely on correcting the official name of the existing law.

Creates the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. Provides that each employer shall provide to each employee, upon hire, or within 30 days after the effective date of the Act, whichever is later, a written description of each quota to which the employee is subject, including the quantified number of tasks to be performed or materials to be produced or handled, within a defined time period, and any potential adverse employment action that could result from failure to meet the quota. Provides that an employee shall not be required to meet a quota that prevents compliance with meal or rest periods or use of bathroom facilities, including reasonable travel time to and from bathroom facilities. Requires employers to post a notice of employees' rights under the Act and to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements. Establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with the Act. Provides for a private right of action. Sets forth provisions concerning definitions, employee's right to request records, enforcement, and severability. Effective 60 days after becoming law.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates the twenty-seventh day of June of each year as National PTSD Awareness Day to be observed throughout the State as a day of awareness and recognition of how post-traumatic stress disorder affects the lives of those impacted by it.