Sen. Chris Balkema

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1222 proposes to repeal the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. This means that individuals would no longer be required to possess a FOID card to legally acquire or possess firearms and ammunition. The bill also makes necessary conforming changes to other existing laws to ensure consistency with the repeal. If enacted, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that an applicant for voter registration shall provide a valid and unexpired driver's license; social security card; public aid identification card; utility bill; lease or contract for a residence; civic, union, or professional association membership card; United States passport; or any other form of identification or documentation issued by the federal, State, or unit of local government that contains the applicant's residential address. Provides that the affidavits required for voter registration include additional affirmations concerning the residency of the applicant.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Eliminates a provision that a licensee under the Act shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, or in any building, real property, or parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit in an amount equal to 10% of the manufacturing capital expenditures incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year or, if the taxpayer is located in a rural or economically challenged area, 15% of those expenditures. Provides that the total amount of credits awarded under these provisions may not exceed $10,000,000 for any particular taxpayer in any taxable year, except that, if the capital investment is made in a rural or economically challenged area, then the maximum amount awarded for any particular taxpayer in any taxable year shall be $20,000,000. Effective immediately.

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the prohibition against carrying a firearm into any building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government does not apply to any rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation or to buildings located in rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, eliminating the requirement for individuals to possess this specific identification card to own or acquire firearms. It also makes necessary adjustments to other related laws to ensure consistency with this change. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires a school board to allow a student who resides in the school district but attends a nonpublic school to participate in extracurricular athletic activities sponsored by the district without being required to enroll or complete coursework at a public school within the district if certain conditions are met. Effective immediately.

Amends Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates a legacy tax credit for businesses that are headquartered in the State. Creates an employee tax credit and a collective bargaining employee tax credit. Effective immediately.

Creates the Stop Squatters Act. Creates a process for local law enforcement to remove a person who is unlawfully occupying residential or commercial property without any right to do so. Requires the property owner to file a complaint with local law enforcement alleging facts to trigger the Act. Provides that law enforcement is entitled to a reasonable fee to remove an unauthorized occupant and provides legal protection to law enforcement for acting on a complaint. Provides that if the complaint is found to be false, the property owner shall indemnity the law enforcement agency. Creates a civil action of action for a person who was wrongfully removed. Creates a civil cause of action for the property owner for damages by the wrongful occupant. Amends the Criminal Code of 20212. Creates a Class 4 felony for making a false statement to detain real property and fraudulent sale or lease of residential real property".

Amends the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Provides that the prohibition against a licensee carrying a firearm into any building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government does not apply to any rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation or to buildings located in rest areas under the control of the Department of Transportation. Eliminates a provision that a licensee shall not knowingly carry a firearm on any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds. Eliminates a provision that a licensee shall not knowingly carry a firearm in any public park, athletic area, or athletic facility under the control of a municipality or park district. Effective immediately.