Sen. Jil Tracy

Amends the Illinois State Auditing Act. Provides that, in calendar years 2027, 2032, 2037, 2042, and 2047, the Auditor General shall conduct a performance audit of (i) the programs and procurement activities administered by the Illinois Power Agency to implement the Renewable Portfolio Standard and (ii) the Adjustable Block program established under the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that the performance audits shall address specified questions related to renewable energy, solar vendors, and other issues. Provides that performance audits shall each include physical inspections of 3 random solar sites funded through the Adjustable Block program. Provides that the Auditor General shall consult with energy experts in the audit process and may employ an energy consulting firm. Provides for the Auditor General to report findings and recommendations. Repeals the provisions added by the amendatory Act on July 1, 2050. Effective immediately.

Amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning energy storage systems, provides that the farmland drainage plan that a facility owner must file with a county shall include, among other things, plans to repair any subsurface drainage affected during construction or deconstruction using procedures outlined in the agricultural impact mitigation agreement (rather than outlined in the decommissioning plan) and procedures for the repair and restoration of surface drainage affected during construction or deconstruction. Provides that a county shall (rather than may) require a facility owner to provide a decommissioning plan to the county. Makes changes to the requirements of a decommissioning plan. Provides that a county shall (rather than may) require the facility owner to submit to the county (i) a commercial operation a commissioning report meeting specified requirements of specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association; (ii) a hazard mitigation analysis meeting specified requirements of specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association; (iii) an emergency operations plan meeting specified requirements of specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association; and (iv) a warning that complies with specified publications of the National Fire Protection Association. Provides that the energy storage system owner shall enter into one agricultural impact mitigation agreement for each energy storage system. Requires the agricultural impact mitigation agreement for an energy storage system to include specified plans. Requires a commercial renewable energy facility owner to make available a copy of the signed agricultural impact mitigation agreement at the site of the commercial renewable energy facility during any construction or deconstruction activities. Makes other changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 586) honoring Janell Farmer of Quincy, Illinois, following her death on January 15, 2026. It formally expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to her family and community, highlighting her life as a pharmaceutical sales representative, educator, and active volunteer at John Wood Community College and local organizations. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it serves solely as a memorial gesture. It was introduced and referred to the Resolutions Consent Calendar on January 27, 2026.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Reverts provisions regarding greenhouse gases to the language existing before changes made by amendment under P.A. 102-662. Repeals a provision defining "clean energy". Effective immediately.

Amends the Lobbyist Registration Act. Directs the Secretary of State to grant a waiver of the lobbyist registration fee for any not-for-profit entity with total expenses of less than $1,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year that is classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including a waiver for any lobbyist that exclusively lobbies on behalf of such an entity.

Creates the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force Act. Sets forth findings of the General Assembly. Creates the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall monitor the reliability of the Illinois power grid. Contains provisions concerning: the membership of the Task Force; duties of the Task Force; administrative support; and an annual report. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that the Carbon Capture Infrastructure Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury and shall be administered by the Illinois Power Agency. Provides that $10,000,000 shall be transferred from the Illinois Power Agency Renewable Energy Resources Fund to the Carbon Capture Infrastructure Fund. Provides that the Agency shall award grants from the fund to carbon producing power plants for the construction of new carbon capture storage systems. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Carbon Capture Infrastructure Fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that when compensation for labor or services is ordinarily paid immediately upon the rendering of the labor or services, the trier of fact may infer that the labor or services were obtained by deception if the person refuses to pay or absconds without payment or without an offer to pay for the labor or services. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 552) honoring Gary L. McCaskill of Timewell, Illinois, following his passing on December 16, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, including his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict, his family, his involvement in horse showing and Timewell Baptist Church, and his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. It expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family and friends. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Charles Edward "Chuck" Radel, a Quincy educator and community leader who died on October 19, 2025. The resolution, adopted by the Illinois Senate on January 14, 2026, expresses condolences to his family and recognizes his 33-year career with the Quincy Public School District, his community service, and his role in creating local historical initiatives. It does not establish new laws or policies; it is a formal expression of respect for his life and contributions. The resolution was unanimously supported by all senators.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 524) honoring Father Daren J. Zehnle, a Quincy-based Catholic priest who served multiple parishes and the Catholic community in Illinois. The Illinois Senate adopted the resolution to express condolences to his family and community following his death on November 27, 2025. It details his life, education, priesthood service, and personal interests but does not create any new laws or policies. As a procedural memorial, it has no direct impact on legislation or constituents.