Sen. Laura Fine

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public Utilities Act to rename it the Wetlands Protection Act and establish a comprehensive state framework for protecting Illinois' wetlands and small streams. It defines various types of wetlands, such as bogs and bottomland hardwoods, and creates a permit system managed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or approved local districts to regulate activities that could harm these areas. The legislation aims to restore protections for water bodies that may no longer be covered by federal laws following recent Supreme Court rulings, ensuring continued benefits like flood control, water filtration, and habitat preservation.

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 an annual budget of less than $5,000,000 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.

Amends the Illinois Banking Act. Provides that a financial institution shall investigate promptly and determine whether fraud has occurred within 10 business days after receiving a notice of fraud. Provides that the financial institution shall report the results of the investigation to the consumer within 3 business days after completing its investigation. Provides that if the financial institution determines that fraud has occurred, the financial institution shall credit the customer with the amount of the fraud within one business day. Provides that if the financial institution is unable to complete its investigation within 10 business days, the financial institution may take up to 45 days after receipt of a notice of fraud to investigate and determine whether fraud has occurred so long as the financial institution provisionally credits the consumer's account in the amount of the alleged fraud, including interest if applicable, within 10 business days after receiving the fraud notice. Provides that if the financial institution has a reasonable basis for believing that fraud has occurred and if the consumer notifies the financial institution within 2 business days after learning of the alleged fraud, then the financial institution may withhold a maximum of $50 from the amount credited.

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates a distiller showcase permit and a class 3 craft distiller license. Provides that a class 3 craft distiller license, which may be issued to a distiller or a non-resident dealer, shall allow the manufacture of no more than 100,000 gallons of spirits per year and shall allow the sale of no more than 5,000 gallons of spirits in the aggregate from the class 3 craft distiller's in-state or out-of-state class 3 craft distillery premises to retail licensees, class 3 brewers, and class 3 craft distillers as long as the class 3 craft distiller licensee meets certain requirements. Authorizes a class 3 craft distiller to self-distribute subject to certain requirements and limitations. Provides that a spirits showcase permit shall allow an Illinois-licensed distributor to transfer a portion of its spirits inventory from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license, and, in the case of a class 3 craft distiller, transfer only spirits the class 3 craft distiller manufactures from its licensed premises to the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license; and to sell or offer for sale at retail, only in the premises specified in the spirits showcase permit license, the transferred or delivered spirits for on or off premises consumption, but not for resale in any form and to sell to non-licensees not more than 156 fluid ounces of spirits per person. Provides that a distilling pub license shall allow the licensee to manufacture up to 10,000 gallons (instead of 5,000 gallons) of spirits per year on the premises specified in the license.

Appropriates $5,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for a grant to Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, USA for program and operating expenses for youth-development based sports initiatives. Effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates $9,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Public Health for continued funding to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Provides that the physical examination required by the Act may (instead of may not) be performed by remote means, including telemedicine. Effective immediately.

Appropriates $15,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for costs associated with the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program Act. Effective July 1, 2024.

Appropriates $16,358,900 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services Bureau for grants to independent living centers. Effective July 1, 2024.

Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Creates the distillery shipper's license. Provides that a distillery shipper's license shall allow a person with an Illinois distiller license, a craft distiller license, a class 1 craft distiller license, or class 2 craft distiller license or who is licensed to make spirits under the laws of another state to ship spirits directly to a resident of this State who is 21 years of age or older for that resident's personal use and not for resale. Sets forth provisions concerning licensure application; fees; recordkeeping; and shipping and delivery of spirits. Preempts home rule powers. Makes conforming and other changes.