Sen. Patrick Joyce

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses legislative support for the Downstate Operating Assistance Program (DOAP). It does not create new policies, alter funding, or directly affect any programs or individuals - it is a symbolic statement of endorsement. The resolution was formally introduced and referred to committee on March 19, 2025. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on the DOAP or its operations.

Amends the Governmental Account Audit Act. Provides that any governmental unit receiving revenue of less than $1,500,000 (rather than $850,000) for any fiscal year shall, in lieu of causing an annual audit of the accounts of the unit to be made, either (i) cause an audit of the accounts of the unit to be made once every 4 years and file with the Comptroller an annual financial report containing information required by the Comptroller or (ii) file with the Comptroller an annual financial report containing information required by the Comptroller, a copy of which has been provided to each member of that governmental unit's board of elected officials, presented either in person or by a live phone or web connection during a public meeting, and approved by a 3/5 majority vote. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Appropriates $2,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for grants to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to fund wetland protection, enhancement, and restoration projects in the State of Illinois, to fund education and outreach for media, volunteers, members, and the general public regarding waterfowl and wetlands conservation in the State of Illinois, and to cover reasonable cost for Ducks Unlimited plate advertising and administration of the wetland conservation projects and education program.

Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law. Requires the Department of Central Management Services to develop a fire engine bid specification, in consultation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Fire Advisory Commission, to provide necessary bidding information. Amends the Illinois Finance Authority Act. In provisions concerning the fire truck revolving loan program, provides that a loan for the purchase of fire trucks or brush trucks may not exceed $500,000 (instead of $350,000) to any fire department or fire protection district.

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions regarding a certificate of public convenience and necessity, makes changes to the limitations on the construction of a nuclear power reactor. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, construction may commence on an advanced nuclear reactor (rather than a new nuclear power reactor with a nameplate capacity of 300 megawatts of electricity or less) within the State under specified conditions. Defines "advanced nuclear reactor". Makes other changes.

Creates the Insurance Rate Transparency Law as an Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, each insurer offering automobile and homeowners insurance policies in Illinois shall maintain a publicly accessible website displaying a summary of the annual percentage increase or decrease in premium rates for homeowners insurance policies and automobile insurance policies. Requires the website to display the rate-change data for the previous 5 years, updated annually by no later than January 31 of each year, and specified other data. Sets forth provisions concerning the format of the renewal notice; enforcement of the requirements by the Department of Insurance; penalties; and rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board may not charge retired law enforcement officers more than $30 annually to complete the annual certification of retired law enforcement officers qualified under federal law to carry a concealed weapon.

Creates the Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study Act. Provides that the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shall commission an independent study on the City of Chicago's water contracts with distributing municipalities, including detailed information on the agreements and costs associated with those agreements. Provides that the study shall also assess the potential cost impacts of establishing an alternative stream of water distribution, such as through the creation of a Southwest Water Authority or similar entity. Provides that the Commission shall hold at least 2 public hearings to solicit input from municipal representatives, water industry experts, and other stakeholders and include any relevant information resulting from those hearings in the study. Provides that the Commission shall complete the study and submit a report that includes an executive summary, detailed findings, and any recommendations resulting from the study to the General Assembly and the Governor no later than one year after the effective date of the Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code and Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county or municipality may not adopt any regulation that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the use of natural gas in new construction without a referendum. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers.

Amends the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act. Provides that each person, other than a seller or holder, who signs a retail installment contract may be held liable only to the extent that he actually receives the motor vehicle described or identified in the contract, except that a parent or spouse or any other person who co-signs such retail installment contract (rather than any other person listed as an owner of the motor vehicle on the Certificate of Title issued for the motor vehicle who co-signs such retail installment contract) may be held liable to the full extent of the deferred payment price notwithstanding such parent or spouse or any other person listed as an owner has not actually received the motor vehicle described or identified in the contract and except to the extent such person other than a seller or holder, signs in the capacity of a guarantor of collection.