During legislative action from March 18-20, several bills tracked by the Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) were moved out of House Committees. The Senate did not convene that week. The approved bills are listed below under the committee where they were considered.
House Appropriations - Pensions and Personnel
HB 5540 amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, if the payment of a retirement annuity is made to an annuitant more than one month after that retirement annuity payment became payable, then the Fund shall pay interest to the annuitant in an amount equal to 6% of that payment of the retirement annuity. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning the municipal employee's continuance privilege, provides that if an employee has elected to have the monthly premium deducted by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund from the employee's monthly pension payment, then the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund shall promptly remit the premium payments to the insurance company, regardless of whether the employee's monthly pension payment has been paid to the employee. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.
This bill is presently under review.
House Counties and Townships Committee
HB 3003 amends the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act. In provisions concerning offices a member of a county board may hold during the member's term of office, provides that a member of the county board may serve as a member of an intergovernmental joint self-insurance pool board during the county board member's term of office. Effective immediately.
ISACo supports the bill.
HB 5558 amends the Counties Code. In provisions concerning county law libraries, provides that county law libraries shall be open whenever the court house is open, unless the law library is closed based on operational necessity or as determined by the county board. Authorizes other appropriate county offices (rather than only the county treasurer) to retain fees and charges of the clerk in a County Law Library Fund and disburse those funds when ordered to do so.
ISACo supports the bill.
House Energy and Environment Committee Action
HB 5475 amends to the Environmental Protection Act to introduce a comprehensive framework for monitoring perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as forever chemicals or PFAS, within the state’s water and waste infrastructure. Under these new requirements, any facility designated by the state or federal Environmental Protection Agency as a major facility must incorporate periodic sampling into its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits. For publicly owned treatment works, this mandates the testing of influent, effluent, and biosolids for all PFAS compounds for which accredited analytical methods exist. Other major facilities are required to conduct regular sampling of their effluent to ensure these substances are tracked before they are released into the environment.
The legislation further strengthens the permit application process by requiring any entity seeking a wastewater discharge permit to fully characterize its discharge through sampling if there is a potential for PFAS to be present. This oversight extends to the land application of sludge or biosolids, as the Agency is prohibited from issuing such permits unless the application includes specific sample results for these chemicals. Once a permit for land application is granted, the facility must continue to perform periodic sampling to maintain compliance. For county governments and local municipalities that operate treatment plants or manage agricultural land application programs, these provisions establish a mandatory testing standard designed to identify and mitigate the spread of persistent chemical contaminants in local soil and water supplies.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
House Ethics and Elections Committee Action
HB 1169 seeks to amend the Lobbyist Registration Act by waiving registration fees for 501(c)(3) entities with annual budgets under $5 million, a move designed to reduce financial barriers for smaller non-profit organizations engaging in the legislative process. This legislation would impact ISACo staff. ISACo supports the bill.
HB 1314 would amend the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to clarify the authority of counties to establish their own independent ethics commissions. This legislation provides a standardized legal framework for the creation of County Ethics Commissions and the appointment of Executive Inspectors General, allowing county boards to manage administrative misconduct inquiries internally rather than relying solely on state-level entities. Under this bill, the commission would have jurisdiction over county board members, elected constitutional officers, and county employees, with members appointed by the County Board Chair with the advice and consent of the Board.
ISACo supports the bill.
House Executive Committee
HB 5181 amends the Election Code, the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Children and Family Services Act, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Energy Conservation and Coal Development Act, the Illinois Finance Authority Act, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act, the Balanced Budget Note Act, the State Finance Act, the Illinois Income Tax Act, the Illinois Pesticide Act, the Illinois Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Act, the Habitat Endowment Act, the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the Adoption Act to make changes to provisions concerning specified funds. Amends the State Employee Housing Act, the Illinois Lottery Law, the Military Code of Illinois, the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, the Illinois Procurement Code, the School Code, the Hospital Licensing Act, the Prevention of Unnecessary Institutionalization Act, the Adult Protective Services Act, the Autism Spectrum Disorders Reporting Act, the Illinois Solid Waste Management Act, the Recycled Newsprint Use Act, the Illinois Cool Cities Act, and the Illinois Chemical Safety Act to make various changes.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
House Health Care Licenses Committee
HB 5168 amends the Health Care Violence Prevention Act. Makes changes to defined terms. In provisions concerning workplace safety, provides that a health care worker may not be discouraged from contacting law enforcement or the Department of Public Health regarding workplace violence, and a health care provider may not maintain a policy that limits such contact. Adds additional requirements to the workplace violence prevention program, including reporting requirements and identifying the need for additional security and alarms, adequate exit routes, monitoring systems, barrier protections, lighting, entry procedures, and systems to identify and flag persons who have previously committed violent acts in the health care provider space. Sets forth provisions concerning violent incident investigations, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements for health care providers regarding violent incidents. Establishes penalties for failure to comply with the Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from public disclosure workplace violence records maintained by health care providers as required under a specified provision of the Health Care Violence Prevention Act.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
House Housing Committee
HB 5424 amends the Comprehensive Housing Planning Act. Requires the State to prepare and be guided by a 3-year Comprehensive Housing Plan, that is consistent with the affirmative fair housing provisions of the Illinois Human Rights Act and specifically addresses specified underserved populations including low-income households, individuals, and older adults with a population-specific need; survivors of gender-based violence; unnecessarily institutionalized persons; veterans; and youth, including those aging out of the foster care system; and any other high need population, as determined by the State Housing Task Force, to be defined in the Comprehensive Housing Plan, and revisited each planning cycle, as needed. Requires the Comprehensive Housing Plan to reflect the State's commitment to an affordable housing approach for priority populations that promotes access to opportunity and resources for low-income households through certain priority initiatives. Expands the membership on the State Housing Task Force to include the Directors or Secretaries of several State departments and agencies. Requires the State Housing Task Force to, in addition to other activities: (i) adopt a mission statement no later than June 30, 2027 that may be updated during each Comprehensive Housing Plan 3-year cycle, as needed; (ii) oversee the implementation of the Comprehensive Housing Plan; and (iii) vote on research questions and affordable housing topics, which will serve as a framework for meetings and activities, and on definitions to ensure they are aligned with State initiatives. Prohibits the Illinois Housing Development Authority from directly or indirectly having a financial interest in an Authority contract. Repeals a provision concerning the Interagency Committee and removes all references to the Interagency Committee.
This bill is presently under review.
House Human Services Committee
HB 5027 removes references to the Department of Human Services' Division of Mental Health and Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery in various Acts, including, but not limited to, the Substance Use Disorder Act, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, and the County Jail Act. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and other acts to reference the Department of Human Services' Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (rather than by the Division of Mental Health). Makes other conforming changes. Repeals the Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center Task Force Act, the Advisory Council on Early Identification and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions Act, and the Strengthening and Transforming Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Illinois Act. Repeals a provision in the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency. Repeals a provision in the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act requiring the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health to initially implement the Act as a 2-year pilot program.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
House Labor and Commerce Committee
HB 4980, known as the Meaningful Human Control of Artificial Intelligence Act, marks a significant legislative effort in Illinois to regulate the intersection of public administration and emerging technology. At its core, the proposed law seeks to prevent the unchecked delegation of government authority to automated decision-making systems. By mandating that humans remain "in the loop," the bill aims to preserve accountability and transparency in functions ranging from public employment to the distribution of essential social services. For county governments, which often serve as the primary interface between citizens and the state, this legislation introduces a complex set of new mandates, operational hurdles, and legal liabilities.
The scope of the Act is broad, defining automated decision-making systems as any software that uses algorithms or artificial intelligence to automate, support, or replace human judgment. Under this framework, a county government or its contractors would be prohibited from using such systems unless they ensure meaningful and continuing human review. This requirement is not a mere formality; it dictates that the human overseer must have the technical understanding to interpret the system's logic and the actual authority to override its conclusions. Furthermore, the bill explicitly forbids the use of these technologies to "predict" an individual’s personality or emotional state, a provision that targets the growing use of AI in hiring and psychological assessment.
For county administrative offices, the most immediate impact would be felt in the procurement and implementation phases of new software. Before any automated system can be deployed, the county would be required to perform a comprehensive initial impact assessment. This assessment must document the specific objectives of the system, the data sets used to train it, and a rigorous analysis of whether the tool could result in discriminatory outcomes. These reports would not be one-time requirements, as the bill mandates updated assessments every two years to account for "algorithmic drift" or changes in how the software processes local data. This creates a perpetual cycle of technical auditing that many smaller or mid-sized counties may not currently have the internal expertise to manage.
Labor relations and human resources within county governments would also face a fundamental shift. The Act stipulates that no public employer may implement an automated system that affects workers without first notifying and negotiating with relevant labor organizations. This effectively makes the use of AI a mandatory subject of collective bargaining. If a county department wishes to use software to track employee productivity or screen job applicants, it must prove to union representatives and the state that these tools do not infringe upon existing employee rights or safety standards. This layer of oversight is intended to protect public servants from "management by algorithm," where workers might otherwise be penalized by software they do not understand and cannot challenge.
ISACo opposes the bill.
HB 5208 provides that the Act may be referred to as the Zachary's Parent Protection Act. Amends the Family Bereavement Leave Act. Changes the name of the Act to the Bereavement Leave Act. Sets forth provisions concerning family bereavement leave, child extended bereavement leave, and general bereavement leave. Provides for the qualifying requirements, notice requirements, and length of leave provided under those circumstances. Provides that the bereavement leave provided under the Act is in addition to the unpaid leave time allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Provides that the Department of Labor shall review complaints to determine whether there is cause for investigation. Makes changes to definitions. Repeals the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act. Amends the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act and the Child Labor Law of 2024 to make conforming changes.
This bill is presently under review.
House State Government Administration Committee
HB 4541 amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Includes within the definition of "property" any overpayment made by any person to a government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, including, but not limited to, a payment for any tax, license, or fee that was made in excess of the amount ultimately required of the payor. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act is a restatement and clarification of existing law. Effective immediately.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
HB 5040 amends the State Comptroller Act. Prohibits the State Comptroller from withholding, offsetting, or otherwise applying against any debt any funds payable to a unit of local government if those funds are restricted for a specific purpose by federal or State law, county ordinance, or grant agreement. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Exempts all funds, revenues, or accounts that are restricted by federal law, State, law, county ordinance, or grant agreement for a specific public purpose from garnishment, attachment, or any other legal process to satisfy a judgment or debt. Effective immediately.
This bill is presently under review.
House Restorative Justice and Public Safety Committee
HB 4639 amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that either the court or the State's Attorney, or both, (rather than the State's Attorney) or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, may establish community mediation programs designed to provide citizen participation in addressing juvenile delinquency. Provides that prior to entering a sentence, the court shall require the parties involved to consider participation in a restorative practice, such as a conference or circle as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, to identify and repair harm to the extent possible, address trauma, reduce the likelihood of further harm, and strengthen community ties by focusing on the needs and obligations of all parties involved through a participatory process. Provides that participation in the process shall be voluntary by all parties, and any resulting agreement shall contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations. Provides that the agreement shall be recommended to the court as an alternative to sentencing.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
HB 5302 amends the County Department of Corrections Division of the Counties Code, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the County Jail Act. Provides that, upon the release of a prisoner or committed person from a county correctional institution, county jail, or Department of Corrections correctional institution or facility, the sheriff, warden, or Department shall provide the prisoner or committed person with an opioid antagonist if the prisoner was incarcerated for drug-related charges or was identified as having a substance use disorder.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
HB 5434 creates the Emerging Adult Criminal Justice Task Force Act. Establishes the Emerging Adult Criminal Justice Task Force within the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Provides that the Task Force shall hold public meetings. Requires at least 3 meetings of the Task Force to be held in different regions of Illinois. Provides that the first meeting of the Task Force shall be held within 60 days after the appointment of its members. Provides that the Task Force shall review Illinois law and practices affecting emerging adults across pretrial, sentencing, corrections, supervision, and reentry. Provides that the Task Force shall develop recommendations for statutory, policy, and programmatic improvements to the Illinois criminal justice system. Allows any Task Force member to prepare a written dissent or statement of concern regarding any finding or recommendation. Provides that the Task Force shall submit an interim report summarizing preliminary findings, analyses, and recommendations, to the Governor and the General Assembly, no later than January 31, 2027. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a final report, including all final findings and recommendations, draft statutory language, and estimated fiscal impacts, no later than December 1, 2027. Repeals the Act on June 30, 2028. Effective immediately.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
House Revenue and Finance Committee
HB 4786 repeals the Messages Tax Act. Makes changes concerning cross-references to that Act. Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and various Acts imposing local use and occupation taxes to replace references to "alcoholic beverages" with "alcoholic liquor taxable under Section 8-1 of the Liquor Control Act". Makes technical changes concerning incorporation of provisions of the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act into various other Acts. Amends the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act to make changes concerning re-renters of hotel rooms. Effective immediately.
This bill is presently under review.
HB 5237 amends the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that neither a county nor a municipality may impose a tax on businesses calculated based on the number of employees of the business. Effective immediately.
ISACo opposes the bill.
House Rules Committee Action
SB 2102 was approved by the House Rules Committee and sent directly to the House floor after having been previously approved unanimously by the House Revenue Committee in 2025.
The bill provides that a taxing district's budget and appropriation ordinance and estimate of revenues may be filed electronically with the county clerk. Provides that, if a taxing district's budget and appropriation ordinance and estimate of revenues are filed electronically with the county clerk, the county clerk shall accept and acknowledge that electronic filing by providing a receipt to the taxing district.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
House Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committee
HB 4867 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Exempts from the prohibition of the use of green oscillating, flashing, or rotating lights on motor vehicles or equipment any motor vehicle or equipment owned by the State, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, local authorities, and contractors when the lights on those vehicles or equipment are used in combination with amber or amber and white oscillating, flashing, or rotating lights, but only when such vehicles or equipment are engaged in maintenance or construction operations within the limits of construction projects. Effective immediately.
ISACo has no position on the bill.
HB 5081 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. With regard to automated speed enforcement systems in safety zones, provides that "safety zone" does not include any roadway in which the 30 mile per hour speed limit is decreased by local ordinance without an engineering or traffic investigation. Provides that a local authority or park district shall determine and declare by ordinance a reasonable and safe absolute maximum speed which: decreases the limit within an urban district which shall not require an engineering or traffic investigation to a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour, but not less than 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed limit of 10 miles per hour in an alley; increases the limit within an urban district, but not to more than 55 miles per hour, if after increasing the limit within an urban district an engineering or traffic investigation is required to decrease the limit; or decreases the limit within a residence district which shall not require an engineering or traffic investigation to a maximum speed limit of 20 (rather than not to less than 25) miles per hour. Requires a park district, city, village, incorporated town, or county board to post a sign designating the new speed limit. Makes other changes.
ISACo supports the bill.
House Veterans Affairs Committee
HB 4336 amends the Counties Code, Township Code, and Illinois Municipal Code to clarify the scope of building permit fee waivers for veterans with disabilities. Under current law, disabled veterans (or their caregivers) are not charged building permit fees for home improvements needed to accommodate their disability. This bill expands and clarifies what counts as a “building permit fee” by explicitly stating that the exemption applies not only to the base permit fee, but also to related costs such as plan review or examination fees, inspection fees, and reinspection fees.
The legislation applies uniformly to counties, townships, and municipalities, and reinforces that these local governments may not impose any of these charges when the improvements are necessary to accommodate a veteran’s disability. Veterans must still complete required permit applications and provide proof of their status, but the bill ensures they are fully exempt from all associated permitting costs tied to accessibility improvements.
ISACo opposes the bill.
These bills now move forward for further consideration by the full House.
In addition to these bills advancing, the House moved a large number of appropriation and "shell" bills out of committee ahead of the March 27 committee deadline.