Sen. John Curran

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall recognize a concealed carry permit or license issued to a person age 21 years of age or older: (i) by a state whose requirements to obtain a permit or license are substantially similar to the training requirements under the Act or (ii) by any contiguous state with which Illinois has entered into a reciprocal agreement. Provides that a nonresident is subject to the same laws and restrictions as a license holder under the Act. Provides that if a resident of another state who is permitted to carry under this provision establishes legal residence in this State, the license or permit shall be valid in this State for 90 days following the date on which the holder of the license or permit establishes legal residence in this State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the prohibition against a licensee carrying a firearm into any building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government does not apply to any rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation or to buildings located in rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation. Eliminates a provision that a licensee shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds. Eliminates a provision that a licensee shall not knowingly carry a firearm in any public park, athletic area, or athletic facility under the control of a municipality or park district. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall conduct an access to nutritious food program to establish and operate projects and strategies within food deserts that focus on: (1) distribution of fresh and nutritious food; and (2) education in food preparation and nutrition. Provides that the Department shall promote the sharing of information concerning best practices and programs, including specified projects, that have proven to be effective in improving distribution of fresh and nutritious food and education in food preparation and nutrition. Provides that the Department shall convene an annual meeting of nonprofit organizations and other interested parties to share best practices and information on programs, including specified projects, that have proven to be effective in improving distribution of fresh and nutritious food and education in food preparation and nutrition. Defines "food desert" and "program".

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2028, no person may knowingly cause or allow the mixing of a photovoltaic module with municipal waste that is intended for disposal at a landfill. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2028, no person may knowingly cause or allow the disposal of a photovoltaic module in a sanitary landfill. Defines "consumer electronic device" and "photovoltaic module". Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Provides that, for aircraft purchased on or after January 1, 2025, "use as rolling stock moving in interstate commerce" occurs when, during a 24-month period (currently, a 12-month period), the rolling stock has carried persons or property for hire in interstate commerce for more than 50% of its total trips for that period or for more than 50% of its total miles for that period. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Lowers the minimum age in which a person who is not an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or the Illinois National Guard may apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card without parental or legal guardian consent from 21 years of age to 18 years of age. Provides that an applicant who is 18 (rather than 21) years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to the photograph requirement must furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029.

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.

Amends the Gas Use Tax Law. Exempts certain business enterprises from taxation under the Act. Amends the Gas Revenue Tax Act. Provides that the definition of "gross receipts" does not include consideration received from certain business enterprises. Amends the Electricity Excise Tax Law. Provides that the tax under the Act is not imposed with respect to any use by the purchaser in the process of manufacturing or assembling tangible personal property for wholesale or for retail sale or lease. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that for any license of a health care professional that expires during a public health emergency declared by the Governor, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall extend the expiration date of that license by 3 months. Provides that the fees for renewal of that license and the expiration date of the renewed license shall be the same fees and expiration date as though the license was renewed on the original expiration date. Defines "health care professional". Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Creates a homestead exemption in the amount of a reduction of $5,000 from the equalized assessed value of property of the surviving spouse of a police officer or firefighter who is killed in the line of duty. Effective immediately.