Sen. Laura Ellman

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program, provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2026, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $32.75 to sustain a minimum wage of $20 per hour for direct service workers. As a condition of their eligibility for the $32.75 in-home services rate, requires in-home services providers to (i) certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers and (ii) submit cost reports. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases. Provides that beginning January 1, 2028, the Department shall ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 80% of total payments the provider receives for homecare aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires the Department to adopt rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs. Authorizes the Department to sanction a provider that fails to meet the requirements of the amendatory Act. Defines terms.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county shall not adopt, enforce, or implement any ordinance, resolution, policy, program, or other regulation that contains certain provisions such as imposing or threatening to impose a penalty against a resident, property owner, tenant, landlord, or other person as a consequence of requests for law enforcement or emergency assistance, on their own behalf or on behalf of another person in need of assistance, including, but not limited to, a request related to an incident of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or another act of violence or concerning an individual with a disability or a person entitled to protections under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that if a county adopts, enforces, or implements a crime-free housing or nuisance ordinance, resolution, policy, program, or other regulation, then the county shall create the Office of the Crime Free Housing Coordinator. Provides that the coordinator shall be designated by the county board and shall have no less than 3 years of experience in social work, social services, or community advocacy. Provides that the coordinator shall receive fair housing training from a qualified fair housing program, including training specific to housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other victims, persons with disabilities, and persons entitled to protection under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that any resident, property owner, tenant, landlord, or other person that receives a notice to quit due to a violation of a crime-free housing or nuisance ordinance, resolution, policy, program, or other regulation shall be directed to the Office of the Crime Free Housing Coordinator by the county. Provides that a home rule county may not regulate tenancy in a manner inconsistent with this provision. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code and the Housing Authorities Act to make conforming changes.

Appropriates $6,100,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Agriculture for costs associated with the Crop Insurance Rebate Initiative to provide incentives for at least 1,000,000 acres of eligible land. Effective July 1, 2025.

Amends the Flood Control Act of 1945. Requires, not later than July 1, 2026 and before the end of each successive 5-year period after that date, the Department of Natural Resources to prepare and adopt a comprehensive State flood. Provides that the State flood plan must: (1) provide for orderly preparation for and response to flood conditions to protect against the loss of life and property; (2) be a guide to State and local flood control policy; and (3) contribute to water development where possible. Provides that the Department shall adopt guidance principles for the State flood plan that reflect the public interest of the entire State. Requires the Department to: (1) designate flood planning regions corresponding to each river basin; (2) provide technical and financial assistance to the flood planning groups; and (3) adopt guidance principles for the regional flood plans, including procedures for amending adopted plans. Requires the Department to prepare and adopt a plan describing the repair and maintenance needs of flood control dams and prepare and adopt a new plan before the end of the 10th year following the adoption of a plan. Creates the State Flood Plan Implementation Advisory Committee to review the overall operation, function, and structure of the State flood plan and rules adopted by the Department to implement the State flood plan.

Congratulates Oswald's Pharmacy on its 150th anniversary. Acknowledges its deep-rooted history, its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Naperville community, and its significant contribution to the fabric of Illinois' small businesses.

Congratulates Anderson's Bookshop on achieving its 150th anniversary. Acknowledges its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of the Naperville and surrounding communities, its unwavering commitment to promoting literacy and a love of books, and its significant contributions as a true community partner.

Congratulates the Naperville Fire Department on its 150 years of service. Commends all individuals who have served and are currently serving the Naperville Fire Department for their commitment to the safety of their community and the residents of the City of Naperville. Honors all firefighters who have perished in the line of service to the Naperville Fire Department, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice while protecting their community.

Creates the Wetlands Protection Act. Provides that no person may discharge dredged or fill material into a State jurisdictional wetland except with a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Exempts certain activities from the requirements of the Act. Sets forth procedures for individual permit applications and other related procedural requirements. Provides that the Department shall not issue an individual permit unless the Environmental Protection Agency certifies to the Department that there will not be a violation of State water quality standards. Provides that the Department may issue an after-the-fact permit in certain emergency circumstances. Sets forth financial assurance requirements. Authorizes the Department to adopt general permits under the Act. Provides that any person who intends to conduct a regulated activity may do so in accordance with a general permit issued by the Department, which pre-authorizes a category of activities with minimal adverse effects. Provides procedures and requirements regarding preconstruction notifications. Provides that certain entities may establish and operate a mitigation bank or in lieu fee program. Describes procedures and requirements for mitigation banks. Grants the Department rulemaking powers. Provides that the Department shall prepare certain reports and studies. Provides for the review of final decisions of the Department. Provides for investigations by the Department and enforcement by a State's Attorney or the Attorney General. Provides for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day of violation, with interest after judgment, and with certain costs, fees, and expenses, payable to the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that any person may file a complaint with the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning a violation of the Act, a rule adopted under the Act, a condition of a permit issued under the Act, or an order of the Pollution Control Board issued under the Act. Provides for county and special district stormwater program authorities to control or regulate activities in any wetlands within their jurisdiction. Establishes the Wetlands Protection Fund. Provides that a permit review fee for all permit applications is to be set by the Department by rule. Makes corresponding changes to the State Finance Act. Makes findings. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, May 08, 2025, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 13, 2025, or until the call of the President; and when the House of Representatives adjourns on Friday, May 09, 2025, it stands adjourned until Tuesday, May 13, 2025, or until the call of the Speaker.

Appropriates $10,500,000 to the Department of Agriculture from the Partners for Conservation Fund for grants to Soil and Water Conservation Districts for ordinary and contingent administrative expenses. Effective July 1, 2025.