Sen. Seth Lewis

Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Revenue, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, shall conduct a study to evaluate the property tax system in the State. Provides that the Department may also determine whether the existing property tax levy, assessment, appeal, and collection process is reasonable and fair and may issue recommendations to improve that process.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Allows the Secretary of State to issue a mobile Illinois Identification Card or mobile driver's license to an individual who is otherwise eligible to hold a physical credential, in addition to an identification card or driver's license, if the Secretary of State has issued an identification card or driver's license to the person. Allows the Secretary to enter into agreements or to contract with an agency of the State, another state, the United States, or a third party to facilitate the issuance, use, and verification of a mobile identification card or driver's license issued by the Secretary or another state. Requires the data elements that are used to build an electronic credential to match the individual's current Department record. Requires all mobile identification cards and driver's licenses issued by the Secretary to be in accordance with the most recent standards of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Provides that, when required by law and upon request by law enforcement, a credential holder must provide the credential holder's physical credential. Provides that the display of a mobile identification card and driver's license shall not serve as consent or authorization for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to search, view, or access any other data or application on the mobile device.

Maddy summaryThis Illinois law authorizes the Secretary of State to issue specialty license plates specifically for motorcycles. The legislation also expands these options to include autocycles, which are three-wheeled vehicles designed for riders with disabilities. By amending the state's vehicle code in multiple sections, the bill ensures that both motorcycles and autocycles can display these special plates under the same rules. The changes took effect on January 1, 2025, allowing eligible vehicle owners to apply for these plates starting that date.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for taxable year 2024, the maximum income limitation for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption is $75,000. Provides that, for taxable year 2025 and subsequent taxable years, the maximum income limitation shall be adjusted by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Effective immediately.

Proposes to amend the Suffrage and Elections Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that every United States citizen who has attained the age of 18 or any other voting age required by the United States for voting (currently voting in State elections) and who has been a permanent resident of this State for at least 30 days next preceding any election shall have the right to vote at such election.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer is a Class 4 felony instead of a Class A misdemeanor and that a third or subsequent violation is a Class 3 felony instead of a Class 4 felony. Provides that aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer is a Class 3 felony instead of a Class 4 felony and that a second or subsequent violation is a Class 2 felony instead of a Class 3 felony. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a deduction for amounts that are disallowed as a deduction on the taxpayer's federal income tax return because of the $10,000 limitation under the federal Internal Revenue Code on deductions for certain State and local taxes. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes a minor technical update to the law governing the occupation tax for cigarette machine operators. Specifically, it amends the official short title of the existing Cigarette Machine Operators' Occupation Tax Act. The legislation does not change tax rates, add new fees, or alter the rules for who must pay the tax. It was signed into law and became effective on July 1, 2024, primarily to correct the name of the statute.

Maddy summaryHB 681 is a technical amendment to the Criminal Code that updates the short title of a specific section. This change does not alter any criminal laws or affect the behavior of individuals. The bill involves only a clerical adjustment to the document's naming convention rather than introducing new rules or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act in Illinois to strengthen the information and support services provided to victims throughout the criminal justice process. It requires law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and corrections officials to notify victims about case status, court dates, plea negotiations, and the final outcomes of their cases. Additionally, the legislation mandates that victim advocates inform individuals about available social services, financial assistance, and their legal rights to have support persons or translators present at proceedings. The bill also ensures victims are informed about the potential release of defendants and how to access information regarding the defendant's imprisonment duration.