Rep. Harry Benton

Maddy summaryHB 4669 designates the Italian beef sandwich as Illinois' official state sandwich under the State Designations Act. This bill directly affects all Illinois residents by formally recognizing a popular local food item in state law. The key provision adds Section 110 to the State Designations Act, explicitly naming the Italian beef sandwich as the state's official sandwich. It has no regulatory or financial impact, serving solely as a ceremonial designation.

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is located within a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Specifies that a project that is located within a distressed community, regardless of whether the project is located within a distressed location, is eligible for assistance up to 90% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is not located in a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 75% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the making of grants under the Act for projects that are located in distressed locations and distressed communities. Sets limits on the appropriated amounts that may be used for grants to distressed communities and distressed locations. Repeals a provision that required the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report. Repeals provisions that define terms. Adds other definitions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Natural Resources.

Amends the Prior Authorization Reform Act and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a health insurance issuer, the fee-for-service medical assistance program, and a Medicaid managed care organization may not require prior authorization for the following prescription drug types and their therapeutic equivalents approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration: human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis medication or human immunodeficiency virus treatment medication. Effective January 1, 2027.

Designates Harlem Avenue in Chicago from 79th Street to 111th Street as Little Palestine Way in honor of the countless contributions of the Palestinian-American community. Commends both past and present generations of Palestinian-American leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, cultural organizers, women's organizations, faith leaders, and families for ensuring that Harlem Avenue remains a thriving hub of Palestinian-American life, identity, and contribution in Illinois.

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Provides that the Secretary of State shall provide for the publication of the Illinois Blue Book no later than 90 days after the inauguration of each new General Assembly.

Designates the portion of Interstate Route 80 of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways within the State of Illinois, from mile marker 26 to mile marker 51, as the "U.S. Marine Corps Highway Semper Fidelis".

Creates the Labor Compliance Disclosure for Health Care Facilities Act. Requires each applicant to submit a labor compliance disclosure statement as a condition of approval by the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority for any project involving State-supported bonds or financing. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority shall consider disclosed labor violations as part of their assessment of: (1) financial feasibility; (2) management capability; and (3) public interest and community impact. Sets forth provisions concerning verification and interagency coordination and penalties for non-disclosure or misrepresentation. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority shall adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the Act no later than 90 days after the effective date of the Act.

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".

Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that an auxiliary officer is a law enforcement officer for purposes of the Act. Amends the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Act. Specifies that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board must make grants to units of local government in Illinois and Illinois public universities for, among other things, purchasing or leasing officer-worn body cameras and associated technology for auxiliary officers and training auxiliary officers. Defines "auxiliary officer" for purposes of both Acts.

Creates the Fuel Gas Detector and Alarm Act. Requires the installation of a fuel gas detector and alarm in certain buildings. Sets forth fuel gas detector and alarm standards and requirements for residential rental units. Details fuel gas detector and alarm requirements in the event of a sale or exchange of a building. Provides for a civil penalty, set by local ordinance. Limits liability. Requires noninterference with fuel gas detectors and alarms. Effective January 1, 2026.