Sen. Cristina Castro

Amends the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Law. Provides that the Director of Insurance shall have the authority to apply for and implement programs that increase the affordability of or access to health insurance coverage, including for populations currently not eligible to enroll in the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange, through federal 1332 waivers, 1331 authority, or other available federal waivers and authorities.

Congratulates the Gail Borden Public Library District on its 150th anniversary. Wishes the library district continued success in its endeavors to best serve its community and visitors.

Congratulates William E. "Bill" Cogley on his retirement from the City of Elgin. Thanks him for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication throughout his 34-year career.

Amends the Live Theater Production Tax Credit Act. Provides that a pre-Broadway production must be performed with the goal of having a presentation scheduled for Broadway's Theater District in New York City after its Illinois presentation (currently, the production must have a presentation scheduled for Broadway's Theater District in New York City within 12 months after its Illinois presentation). Provides that the total amount of tax credits awarded pursuant to the Act for the State fiscal year ending on June 30, 2024 shall not exceed $4,000,000 (currently, $2,000,000). Effective immediately.

Amends the Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Short-Term Rental Occupation Tax Act. Imposes taxes upon short-term rental transactions facilitated by a hosting platform. Provides that one tax is imposed at the rate of 5% of 94% of the gross rental receipts from the transaction. Provides that an additional tax is imposed at the rate of 1% of 94% of the gross rental receipts from the transaction. Provides that operators of short-term rentals shall obtain a business license from the Department of Revenue. Amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Governor Succession Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the line of succession for the office of Governor.

Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title.

Creates the Low Carbon Fuel Standards Program Act. Establishes the Low Carbon Standards Program to be administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Provides that the Program shall establish declining carbon intensity standards, expressed in terms of the carbon intensity of transportation fuels, to be achieved during each compliance period. Provides that providers of transportation fuel must demonstrate that the mix of fuels they supply for use in Illinois meets the carbon intensity benchmarks of the program for each annual compliance period. Effective immediately.

Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that State travel reimbursement rates for, among other things, common carrier transportation shall be set at the maximum rates established by the federal government for travel expenses, subsistence expenses, and mileage allowances. Effective immediately.