Sen. Cristina Castro

Creates the Buy-Now-Pay-Later Loan Regulation Act. Provides that it is unlawful for a person to act as a buy-now-pay-later lender unless the person registers with the Division of Financial Institutions of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sets forth requirements for registration; duties and powers of the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation; and administrative procedures. Provides that a buy-now-pay-lender shall provide specified disclosures to recipients. Provides that a violation of the Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to make a conforming change.

Amends the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act. Provides that it shall be deemed a violation for a manufacturer, a distributor, a wholesaler, or other specified entity to distribute new motor vehicles directly to consumers or to circumvent franchise distribution obligations under the Act. Provides that it shall be deemed a violation for any manufacturer with an established franchise dealer network in the State to engage in the sale, lease, or servicing of new motor vehicles in a manner that bypasses or competes with the manufacturer's existing franchisee network. Makes conforming and other changes. Defines terms.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Required the Department of Human Services to provide informational materials about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program to: persons who are placed in a facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act, the MC/DD Act, or the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013; persons with disabilities who receive services funded by or administered in conjunction with the Department, including, but not limited to, home and community based services, home-based support services, PUNS services, home care services, and services at a Center for Independent Living. Provides that the informational materials shall be provided when a person first enrolls for such services and as part of any annual process required for the person to maintain eligibility for such services. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials in an electronic format to the Department and distribute the materials to eligible persons.

Creates the Disposable Food Service Container Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2030, a person may not sell or distribute in this State a disposable food service container that is composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam. Specifies that the prohibition does not apply to any activity authorized under an ordinance or resolution adopted by a unit of local government on or before January 1, 2024 or with respect to sales made to a unit of local government for use by the unit of local government for its internal operations. Sets forth penalties for violations of the Act. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Carol Gieske on her retirement from the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. The bill recognizes her leadership as the organization's president and CEO, highlighting her contributions to local economic development and community engagement. It also acknowledges her previous successful roles at the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation and the United Way of Elgin. The resolution concludes by ordering that a copy be presented to Gieske as a symbol of respect.

Creates the Dependency Determinations for Unaccompanied Children Act. Creates a process for an unaccompanied child in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement housed in Illinois who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents to file a petition seeking a finding of dependency under the Act. Provides that a child declared dependent is eligible for oversight and services as ordered by the court and may be referred for psychological, educational, medical, or social services deemed necessary as a result of parental abuse, abandonment, or neglect or for protection against trafficking or domestic violence. Defines terms. Makes legislative findings. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mid-Illinois Medical District Act. Expands the boundaries of the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Makes changes to the powers of the Mid-Illinois Medical District Commission. Requires the Commission to hold a regular meeting on the second Thursday of February in even-numbered years for the election of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer from among its members and to hold meetings annually for the adoption of a budget and for other business purposes (rather than holding annual meetings for all purposes). Provides that the Commission may not acquire property between 11th Street on the east, Madison Street on the north, Walnut Street on the west, and South Grand Avenue on the south by exercising the right of eminent domain under the Eminent Domain Act. Authorizes the Commission to construct or cause to be constructed, among other things, housing, educational buildings, and research facilities. Requires the Commission's master plans to be delivered to (rather than approved by) the advisory council and the Springfield city council.

Maddy summarySB 329 amends the Code of Civil Procedure. It makes a technical change specifically to a short title section within the existing law.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that a group policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2026 shall provide coverage for evidence-based cancer imaging for individuals with an increased risk of cancer as recommended by the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines. Provides that this coverage shall be provided without cost-sharing, and the requirements of the Act shall not apply to the extent that providing coverage would disqualify a high-deductible health plan from eligibility for a health savings account.

Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Provides that first full week of March each year is designated as Soil Health Week to be observed throughout the State as a week to celebrate and raise awareness regarding the importance of soil health to Illinois agriculture and Illinois farmers. Effective immediately.