Sen. Mattie Hunter

Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Election Code, the Children and Family Services Act, the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, the Township Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the Public Library District Act of 1991, the School Code, the Home Medical Equipment and Services Provider License Act, the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, the Illinois Gambling Act, the Liquor Control Act of 1934, and the Criminal Code of 2012. Makes changes in these Acts to provisions concerning whether a conviction for certain criminal offenses disqualifies an individual from serving in one of the specified public offices or on one of the specified boards and commissions. Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Eliminates the felony murder provisions from the first degree murder statute. Provides that a person commits second degree murder when he or she, acting alone or with one or more participants, commits or attempts to commit a forcible felony, other than first degree murder, and in the course of or in furtherance of the crime or flight from the crime, he or she or another participant causes the death of a person, other than one of the participants. Provides that it is an affirmative defense to the charge that the defendant: (1) was not the only participant in the underlying crime; (2) did not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, request, command, importune, cause, or aid in the commission of the crime; (3) was not armed with a deadly weapon; and (4) did not engage himself or herself in or intend to engage in and had no reasonable ground to believe that any other participant intended to engage in conduct likely to result in death or serious bodily injury. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides for relief from judgment for defendants convicted of first degree murder committed before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that nothing in these provisions prevents a movant from applying for any other relief.

Mourns the death of Melissa Bowie of Chicago.

Mourns the death of David Michael Milliner.

Creates the Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Act. Provides that, beginning on the effective date of the Act, any food offered for retail sale in this State is misbranded if it is entirely or partially produced with genetic engineering and that fact is not disclosed in a specified manner. Provides that the Act shall not be construed to require the listing of specific ingredients as genetically engineered. Creates exemptions from the requirements of the Act. Creates a right of action for violatios of the Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules necessary to implement the Act. Defines terms. Contains a severability provision. Effective January 1, 2025.

Amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act. Provides that an entity licensed under the Act shall enter information regarding each loan that exceeds $500 (rather than all loans) into the consumer reporting service database and shall follow the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's related rules. Effective immediately.

Creates the Abuse and Corruption by Public Officials in the City of Chicago Task Force Act. Creates the Abuse and Corruption by Public Officials in the City of Chicago Task Force and provides that the Task Force shall study the economic and social impact that abuse and corruption committed by public officials has on the City of Chicago and develop and propose policies and procedures to prevent future misuse of power. Sets forth the membership of the Task Force, who shall serve without compensation. Includes provisions on Task Force meetings and administrative support. Requires the Task Force to review available research, data, and best practices and take expert witness testimony and to produce and submit a report detailing the Task Force's findings, recommendations, and needed resources to the General Assembly and the Governor on or before June 30, 2026. Repeals the Act and dissolves the Task Force on January 1, 2027. Effective immediately.

Mourns the death of Stanley Joseph Martin of Springfield.

Mourns the passing of Charmayne C. Simmons.

Creates the License to Read Act. Defines terms. Provides that the State Librarian may negotiate with publishers of e-books and e-audiobooks on behalf of libraries on reasonable terms that would enable libraries to acquire necessary licenses to provide library users with access to e-books and e-audiobooks. Provides that the State Librarian may award grants that develop, expand, or support the acquisition of access to e-books and e-audiobooks in Illinois. Creates the License to Read Fund to deposit fees or other funds received for the purposes of the Act. Includes other provisions relating to legislative findings, assistance from other agencies or entities, and rules. Amends the State Library Act. Provides that the State Library's support and implementation of library services on a statewide basis includes the effective sharing of resources and services among libraries to promote access to information in both print and electronic format. Provides that the State Library may cooperate with acquiring and sharing electronic resources, e-books, and e-audiobooks. Includes other provisions relating to electronic resources, including e-books and e-audiobooks. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.