Sen. Chris Balkema

Amends the Smoke Detector Act. Bans, beginning December 31, 2027, the selling, offering for sale, or giving as a gift a smoke detector that is not designed to receive primary power from the building wiring or does not meet certain battery requirements set forth in the Act. Specifies that this does not prohibit manufacturing within the State and distributing, selling, offering for sale, or giving as a gift outside the State any smoke detector. Specifies that a person who violates this requirement is guilty of a petty offense and is subject to a fine. Defines "person" within certain provisions of the Act.

Creates the Illinois Educational Choice for Children Act. Provides that on or before January 1, 2027 and annually thereafter, the Governor shall submit to the United States Secretary of the Treasury a list of scholarship granting organizations to opt-in to the federal school choice program under the federal Educational Choice for Children Act. Allows the Governor to develop the list of scholarship granting organizations in consultation with other appropriate State agencies. Requires the submission of the list of scholarship granting organizations to be in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Governor to send a copy of the list of scholarship granting organization to the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Revenue. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month within the State of Illinois. The measure aims to recognize the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation and state, highlighting their roles in founding democratic ideals, cultural development, and public service. By declaring this specific month, the legislation encourages reflection on Jewish heritage and promotes understanding and respect for diverse cultures. The resolution does not alter laws or budgets but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the community's legacy in Illinois.

Declares May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and urges all Americans to join in supporting ALS research, advocating for increased funding, and standing in solidarity with those affected by this relentless disease.

Creates the Educational Choice for Children Act. Requires the State Board of Education to submit to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States and publish on the website of the State Board a list of all scholarship granting organizations that meet the requirements of certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and that are located in the State. Provides that the State Board may establish rules governing the process and documentation necessary for an entity to demonstrate that it qualifies to be included as a scholarship granting organization on the list. Requires the State Board to comply with all federal regulations pertaining to the administration of the federal tax credit established under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that the State is eligible to participate in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026. Provides that qualifying scholarship granting organizations on the list may provide scholarships for any qualified elementary or secondary education expense, to the extent allowed under federal law. Provides that the General Assembly voluntarily elects the State to: (1) participate in the federal tax credit for individuals who make qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations within the State; and (2) identify scholarship granting organizations located in the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Makes changes to defined terms. Replaces references to Primary Stroke Centers with Stroke Centers. Provides that a hospital that no longer meets nationally recognized, evidence-based standards for Stroke Centers, loses its Stroke Center certification, or has any change to its designation level shall notify the Department of Public Health and the Regional EMS Advisory Committee within 5 business days. Requires the Department to consult with the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee for the adoption or deletion of approved stroke designation levels. Provides that the approved stroke designation levels shall coincide with the stroke designation levels recognized by Department-approved certifying bodies. Requires the Department to establish reporting requirements for designated Stroke Centers to capture information using new or existing electronic reporting tools for statewide data collection and certification purposes. Removes provisions concerning previous Stroke Center designations. Makes other changes.

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Provides that the comprehensive assessment of a patient prior to the patient's admission to an establishment shall be completed by a physician or a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. In provisions concerning licensure of an establishment, changes education requirements for the full-time director of an establishment. Makes changes to the definition of "medication administration" in provisions concerning service requirements. Provides that a licensed health care professional may be employed (instead of may not be employed) by the owner or operator of the establishment, its parent entity, or any other entity with ownership common to either the owner or operator of the establishment or parent entity, including, but not limited to, an affiliate of the owner or operator of the establishment, if the resident chooses to utilize the services of the licensed health care professional working within the scope of the professional's practice. Sets forth provisions concerning an emergency plan and disaster preparedness. Provides that incidents must be reported to the Department of Public Health within 24 hours after the incident or by the end of the next business day. Provides that staff in an establishment may be trained to assist in a nonemergency lift of a resident. Provides that repeated technical infractions by an establishment within a calendar year may result in a Type 3 violation.

Creates the Healing Through History Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide prospective adoptive families, no less than 30 days prior to adoption finalization, with a complete, unredacted copy of the child's full case record, including, but not limited to: (i) all placement histories and foster home records; (ii) all caseworker notes and observations; (iii) all educational, psychological, and behavioral reports; (iv) all therapy or counseling notes, subject to certain federal requirements; and (v) all medical records in full, including historical records. Provides that former foster youth aged 18 or older are entitled to receive the same information and records at no cost in both physical and digital form. Contains provisions concerning ongoing record access post-adoption or post-emancipation; the development of Department protocols and infrastructure necessary to collect, preserve, and transmit full child records; exemption and confidentiality protections; federal disclosure requirements; and other matters. Effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 939 amends the School Code by making a technical correction to the short title of a specific section. It does not change any substantive educational policies or programs. This procedural adjustment solely affects the formal naming of a section within the School Code. No new requirements, funding, or direct impacts on students, schools, or educators are created by this bill.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of Linda Joyce Hanback, a resident of Yorkville who passed away on May 6, 2026. The bill formally records her death and extends condolences to her surviving family, including her husband of 55 years, three children, and ten grandchildren. It highlights her roles as a respiratory therapist, devoted family member, and active volunteer with Compassion International and Helmar Lutheran Church. A copy of the resolution will be presented to her family as an expression of sympathy from the Illinois Senate.