Sen. Linda Holmes

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. In provisions concerning medical debt, provides that it is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act for any person: (1) to use a medical debt listed on a consumer credit report as a negative or adverse factor when making a credit decision; or (2) to furnish information regarding a medical debt to a consumer reporting agency. Provides that a medical debt is void and unenforceable if a person to whom a medical debt is owed or an agent of that person knowingly furnishes information regarding the medical debt to a consumer reporting agency.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that the corporate authorities of a municipality may license and regulate all commercial operations within the municipality's boundaries, whether for profit or not for profit, but may not impose any tax upon their operations except as otherwise authorized by law. Limits the definition of "commercial operations" to exclude agritourism operations, agricultural properties, agribusinesses, agritourism activities, agricultural experiences, and pollution control facilities.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits unlawful use of a covered animal (rather than an elephant) in a traveling animal act when he or she knowingly allows for the participation of a covered animal (rather than an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) or Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) protected under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973) in a traveling animal act. Provides that the provision does not apply to a performance of covered animals (rather than an exhibition of elephants) at a non-mobile, permanent institution, or other fixed facility, if the covered animal is not transported to such location for the purpose of such performance. Provides that unlawful use of a covered animal in a traveling animal act is a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that the provisions are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other laws protecting animal welfare. Provides that the provision may not be construed to limit any State law or rules protecting the welfare of animals or to prevent a local governing body from adopting and enforcing its own animal welfare laws and regulations. Defines "covered animal" to mean: (1) elephantidae; (2) felidae, but excluding a domestic cat; (3) non-human primate; and (4) ursidae, or any of their hybrids. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2026.

Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that, if the Illinois Gaming Board is otherwise authorized to issue licenses to conduct Internet gaming, the Board shall not issue a license if the applicant or any of its affiliates is knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, revenue that is derived from (i) any jurisdiction on the Black List of Money Laundering Countries, as established by the Financial Action Task Force, or (ii) any jurisdiction designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism. Provides that, if at any time during licensure, the Board determines that the licensee or any of its affiliates is knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, revenue that is derived from any jurisdiction on the Black List of Money Laundering Countries, as established by the Financial Action Task Force, or any jurisdiction designated by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism, then the Board shall impose a penalty of license revocation if it determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that it would further the public interest to discontinue such operations of the interactive gaming licensee. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, by July 1, 2027, the school board of each school district in the State that offers its employees a retirement savings plan established under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 may enter into a contract with one or more vendors to provide participants with plan investments options. Provides that a vendor selected under after the effective date of the Act must be mutually agreed upon by the affected collective bargaining unit or units and the school board must ensure that the vendor follows the specified investment guidelines. Permits a specified vendor offering a plan to charge an investment advisory representative fee not to exceed 0.50% annually. Provides that, if a new vendor is chosen to administer a retirement saving plan that is offered by the specified school board of a school district, an employee of the school district may opt out of having the employee's individual 403(b) assets transferred to that new vendor. Limits applicability of the provisions to contracts entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act.

Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Provides that each public body shall, promptly, either comply with or deny a request for public records within 15 business days (rather than 5 business days) after its receipt of the request, unless extended for an additional 10 business days (rather than 5 business days) for specified reasons. Provides that commercial requests must be responded to within 30 business days (rather than 21 working days).

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that, upon adoption of an enacting ordinance by a majority vote of the corporate authorities then holding office, a municipality with a population of more than 5,000 may exercise the powers and authorities provided to home rule units under Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution. Effective January 1, 2027.

Creates the DNA Match Notification, Tracking, and Accountability Act. Provides that, no later than one year after the effective date of the Act, the Illinois State Police shall establish and maintain a statewide automated DNA match tracking system to solve cases. Provides that the Illinois State Police may (1) purchase a commercial off-the-shelf software system for tracking if the system meets all of the requirements and (2) apply for federal funding to establish and maintain the automated DNA match tracking system. Provides that the automated DNA match tracking system shall (1) be electronic and cloud-based; (2) receive DNA match notifications from all accredited crime laboratories; (3) automatically route notifications and reminders to designated receiving agencies; (4) record and time-stamp subsequent actions taken by receiving agencies and flag notifications for supervisory review upon missed deadlines or inactivity; (5) produce audit logs, compliance reports, and performance metrics; and (6) ensure data security consistent with applicable privacy and information security laws.

Authorizes the Director of Central Management Services to execute and deliver a quit claim deed for specified real property in Will County to the Forest Preserve District of Will County upon the payment of $1, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Sanitary Food Preparation Act. Provides that, if a food distribution facility is engaged in the collection, storage, packaging, or distribution of food to consumers, then that facility is subject to all provisions of the Act and rules adopted under the Act. Provides that the registered sanitarian of a county health department of where a food distribution facility is located shall have the power to enforce and observe the rules and orders of the Department of Public Health and the provisions of this Section. Defines "food distribution facility".