Sen. Sally Turner

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that if a consistent DNA profile has been identified by comparing evidence with a known standard from a suspect or with DNA profiles in the CODIS database, the Illinois State Police shall utilize the Electronic Laboratory Information Management System to notify the investigating law enforcement agency of the results in writing, and the Illinois State Police shall provide an automatic courtesy copy of the written notification to the appropriate State's Attorney's Office for tracking and further action, as necessary.

Amends the Downstate Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. In a provision concerning the contribution required to establish service credit for certain service as a teacher or administrator employed by a private school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, changes the amount of the interest payment required to establish that service credit from interest at the actuarially assumed rate to regular interest.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual plan of accident and health insurance or managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 shall provide coverage for medically prescribed seizure detection devices. Requires all covered seizure detection devices to be approved for use by individuals, and for the choice of device to be made based upon the individual's circumstances and medical needs in consultation with the individual's medical provider. Sets forth provisions prohibiting prior authorization and cost-sharing, as specified. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under the provisions of those Acts. Effective immediately.

Amends the Human Trafficking Resource Center Notice Act. Requires that the Department of Transportation post a notice as required under the Act in all public restrooms of each roadside rest area.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a caregiver also commits criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person or person with a disability when he or she knowingly: (1) performs acts that create the substantial likelihood that the person's life will be endangered, health will be injured, or pre-existing physical or mental condition will deteriorate; or (2) fails to perform acts that he or she knows or reasonably should know are necessary to maintain or preserve the life or health of the person and that failure creates a substantial likelihood that the person's life will be endangered, health will be injured, or pre-existing physical or mental condition will deteriorate. Provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor. Defines "voluntarily assumed the responsibilities for care". Changes the definition of "caregiver". In the statute concerning financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability, defines "undue influence".

Amends the Illinois Lottery Law. In a provision concerning a scratch-off for the benefit of Illinois veterans, provides that the 3-member funding authorization committee appointed by the Director of Veterans Affairs shall meet twice a year (instead of on a quarterly basis), at minimum.

Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided; and (2) includes guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices during instructional time. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time: (1) when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes; (2) in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual; (3) when a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or (4) to fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 plan developed under Section 504; or (5) when the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Prohibits a district from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, the deployment of a School Resource Officer, or local law enforcement officer. Requires each school board to review the effectiveness of its wireless communication device policy at least every 3 years.

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall prioritize projects that incorporate construction, materials, designs, products, or technologies that increase accessibility and usability beyond the highest standards established under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or federal regulations promulgated under that Act. Requires the Department to adopt rules to establish this priority within its grant application review process under the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Volunteer Emergency Worker Job Protection Act. Provides that employment protections for volunteer emergency workers apply to volunteer emergency workers participating in required training, including a prohibition on termination and penalizing (rather than only termination). Provides that the employer may not require the employee to take vacation time or other compensatory time in order to respond to an emergency or participate in training. Provides that the Act does not apply to any employer that is a municipality with a population of 15,000 or more (currently 7,500 or more). Makes conforming changes.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxing district's budget and appropriation ordinance and estimate of revenues may be filed electronically with the county clerk. Provides that, if a taxing district's budget and appropriation ordinance and estimate of revenues are filed electronically with the county clerk, the county clerk shall accept and acknowledge that electronic filing by providing a receipt to the taxing district. Effective immediately.