Sen. Doris Turner

Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Provides that coursework related to psychology shall count toward the semester hours that an early childhood teacher must obtain to be qualified as an early childhood teacher. Provides that, before July 1, 2026, the Department of Children and Family Services shall publish and maintain on its website a full and complete list of courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for a child care teacher. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood shall publish and maintain on its website a full and complete list of courses that qualify toward the attainment of the required qualifications for a child care teacher.

Amends the Illinois Explosives Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Provides that no person shall acquire, possess, use, transfer, or dispose of explosive materials unless the person has obtained a valid Illinois Individual Explosives License issued by the Department of Natural Resources, except as provided in the Act. In provisions concerning qualifications for licensure, provides that no person shall qualify to hold a license who is an unlawful user of or addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance or has been adjudicated a person with a mental disability as defined in the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act or the person's FOID card is suspended or revoked. Provides that upon receipt of a second revocation of an explosives license, the person shall no longer be eligible to apply for an Illinois individual explosive license. Provides that any bulk storage or holding of consumer fireworks in quantities of 1,001 pounds or greater that is not in compliance with the Pyrotechnic Use Act or the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act must be stored in a Department certified Type 1, Type 2, or Type 4 magazine and must meet the distancing requirements for low explosives in applicable law. Provides that no consumer firework cake, designed for consumer use, shall exceed 500 grams in total explosive chemical composition. Provides that any person transporting explosive materials in the State shall comply with the placard requirements, as required by federal administrative rule. Makes other changes.

Amends the School Code. Provides that no institution of higher education shall establish or maintain any policy which requires student teaching for preservice teachers to be unpaid. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Requires a school district to provide training on school evacuation drills and law enforcement lockdown drills to all school personnel serving in a substitute capacity.

Amends the State Universities Civil Service Act. Provides that nothing in the Act or any rules adopted under the Act prevents the parties to a collective bargaining agreement from agreeing to a provision that enhances employee rights. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. With respect to prerequisites to receiving a high school diploma, provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, agricultural education, agricultural business, or any other course that relates to agriculture satisfies the vocational education requirement. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person who commits the offense of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images may be tried in any one of the following counties in which: (1) the offense occurred; or (2) the victim resides.

Amends the Employee Blood and Organ Donation Leave Act. Provides that a participating employee or part-time employee (rather than an employee) may use up to 10 days of leave in any 12-month period to serve as an organ donor. Provides that, for a part-time employee using leave to serve as an organ donor, the employer shall calculate the daily average pay the part-time employee received during his or her previous 2 months of employment and compensate the part-time employee in the amount of the daily average pay for the leave days used.

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Changes the repeal date of the Professional Geologist Licensing Act from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. Adds provisions concerning the applicant's or licensee's address of record and email address of record; the inclusions of the applicant's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on an application; and placing a license on inactive status. Makes changes in provisions concerning exemptions; restrictions and limitations; powers and duties of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; the Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists; applications for original license; examinations; qualifications for licensure; endorsement; expiration and renewal of license; returned checks and fines; disciplinary actions; injunctive actions; investigations; findings and recommendations by the Board; rehearings; appointments of hearing officers; surrender of license; violations; and confidentiality. Makes other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 2179 makes a technical amendment to the Nursing Home Care Act. The bill specifically modifies a section related to the short title of the Act. This is a minor, technical adjustment to existing law.