Sen. Chris Balkema

Amends the Human Services Act. Provides for grants to food banks for venison. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides for an optional Hunter Food Bank Stamp to have hunters help end hunger in Illinois. In a provision regarding a separate harvest period for deer, directs the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules that will cause a county to be open for hunting during the special harvest period if more than 5 deer removal permit requests were made in the county in the preceding year. Provides that, at the request of a landowner or tenant, the Department shall transfer to that individual an unused firearm deer permit from the regular season for the taking of deer to be used during the separate harvest period to hunt upon the individual's land only and for the taking of antlerless deer only, and that transferred permit shall be transferable in the same manner as permits under certain provisions regarding special deer, turkey, and combination hunting licenses for landowners. In a provision regarding authority to kill wildlife responsible for damage, provides that the holder of a deer removal permit issued by the Department may transfer the permit to any individual meeting certain requirements. Provides that the Department shall make publicly available on its website applications for deer removal permits and instructions on how to apply for those permits. Provides that the Department shall acknowledge receipt of each application for a deer removal permit within one business day, complete any investigation required, and issue or deny the requested deer removal permit within 5 business days. Provides that, in the event of failure to deny an application for a deer removal permit within 5 business days, the application shall be deemed approved. Provides that a deer removal permit issued by the Department is valid from the date of its issuance until December 31 of the same calendar year. Makes technical changes. Makes conforming changes in the State Finance Act.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that a data center also includes a quantum research facility.

Amends the Sex Offender Registration Act. Provides that "sex offense" includes a violation or attempted violation of: (1) involuntary servitude, provided the offense was for commercial sexual activity, a sexually explicit performance, or other sexual services; (2) involuntary sexual servitude of a minor; or (3) trafficking in persons, provided the offense was for commercial sexual activity, a sexually explicit performance, or other sexual services.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program, provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2026, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $32.75 to sustain a minimum wage of $20 per hour for direct service workers. As a condition of their eligibility for the $32.75 in-home services rate, requires in-home services providers to (i) certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers and (ii) submit cost reports. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases. Provides that beginning January 1, 2028, the Department shall ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 80% of total payments the provider receives for homecare aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires the Department to adopt rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs. Authorizes the Department to sanction a provider that fails to meet the requirements of the amendatory Act. Defines terms.

Declares June 13, 2025 as SURS Retiree Appreciation Day in the State of Illinois to honor and recognize the ongoing contributions and value of SURS retirees across the State.

Maddy summarySJR 24 declares May 7, 2025, as Illinois Bacon Day. It invites all Illinoisans to observe the day by enjoying bacon and thanking pig farmers.

Amends the Township Code. Provides that a township may regulate commercial wind energy facilities, commercial solar energy facilities, or both. Provides that a township may use any of its zoning powers in the regulation of commercial wind energy facilities and commercial solar energy facilities and may prohibit commercial wind energy facilities, commercial solar energy facilities, or both. Provides that a township's regulations over commercial wind energy facilities and commercial solar energy facilities shall prevail over county regulations but not over municipal regulations. Defines terms. Amends the Renewable Energy Facilities Agricultural Impact Mitigation Act making conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that all election authorities shall provide regular updates to the State Board of Elections concerning votes tabulated by that election authority. Provides that the State Board of Elections shall make this information available to the public at least every 48 hours. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2026, the State Board of Elections shall adopt standards concerning how election authorities release information about the total number of vote by mail ballots that have been tabulated by the election authority. Provides that, beginning with the 2026 primary election and all primary, consolidated, general and special elections thereafter, all election authorities shall adhere to the standards adopted by the State Board of Elections. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that a licensee requesting a new license because of a change of name or change of address, or because the person's license was lost, destroyed, or stolen shall submit $5, which shall be deposited into the State Police Firearm Services Fund.

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Changes from 3 years to 5 years the added sentence for the knowing manufacture or delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance when the substance containing the controlled substance contains any amount of fentanyl. Provides that excluding violations of the Act when the controlled substance is fentanyl, for any person sentenced to a term of imprisonment with respect to violations of the knowing possession of a controlled substance, when the substance containing the controlled substance contains any amount of fentanyl, 3 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court, and the maximum sentence for the offense shall be increased by 3 years.