Summary as Introduced
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 that provides coverage for: habilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental; rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering; or habilitative services and rehabilitative services shall provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental, and shall provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering. Sets forth requirements and limitations for the coverage. Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage under those provisions. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective January 1, 2027.
Staff Analysis
House Amendent 2
Overview
House Floor Amendment No. 2 to Senate Bill 40 is a wide-ranging energy and utility regulation bill that affects various domains of state and local governance, utility regulation, and environmental oversight. The legislation establishes multiple new regulatory frameworks, including integrated resource planning for certain utilities, data access provisions, loan programs for energy networks, and detailed property tax treatment for renewable energy infrastructure. Several provisions have direct and significant implications for Illinois counties.
Key County Impacts
1. Commercial Energy Storage Systems – Property Taxation
The amendment creates a new Division in the Property Tax Code specifically addressing commercial energy storage systems. Counties, through their chief county assessment officers (CCAO), will play a key role in:
• Applying a standardized formula to assess these systems based on rated kilowatt-hour capacity, trending factors, and depreciation allowances.
• Issuing new parcel identification numbers for energy storage sites upon receipt of required surveys.
• Collecting real estate taxes directly from system owners, not landowners, and managing abatements as authorized by the county board.
This represents a new administrative responsibility and a potentially valuable but complex revenue source for counties outside of Cook County (which is exempt under the bill) .
2. Commercial Wind and Solar – Clarifications and Adjustments
Amendments to existing sections in the Property Tax Code revise how counties must assess wind and solar systems. Changes include updated depreciation limits, clearer roles for CCAOs, and stipulations for reverting land to farmland assessment after energy infrastructure is removed. Counties must closely follow the new statutory valuation procedures and track reassessment timelines.
3. Solar Bill of Rights – Zoning and Regulatory Preemption
The bill adds a new Division to the Counties Code establishing the “Solar Bill of Rights.” This limits counties’ ability to impose restrictive zoning or permitting requirements on residential solar installations. It affirms the right of residents to install solar panels, subject only to reasonable local requirements, which may reduce county zoning discretion and increase resident complaints or legal inquiries.
4. Energy Storage System Oversight
Counties are given authority to abate taxes for commercial energy storage facilities upon majority vote of their governing boards. While this could be a tool to attract development, it also introduces a new layer of fiscal decision-making that may affect local revenues and policy alignment.
5. New Planning and Utility Review Requirements
While the integrated resource planning process established under the new Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Transparent Planning Act applies directly to utilities, counties may be indirectly involved as stakeholders—especially if county development plans intersect with future siting of infrastructure. Counties may need to participate in public input sessions and monitor IRPs that affect their jurisdictions.
6. Environmental and Infrastructure Implications
Amendments to the Environmental Protection Act and new requirements for large-scale water and energy users will affect counties that host industrial facilities. These counties may see increased demand for coordination with state agencies, utility providers, and businesses on permitting and infrastructure planning.
Conclusion
SB 40 (HFA 2) introduces complex new valuation procedures, planning mandates, and regulatory rights affecting counties. While it offers long-term opportunities to support the clean energy transition, it also imposes administrative burdens, potential reductions in zoning control, and new taxation responsibilities. Counties should begin preparing for implementation by updating assessor training, reviewing zoning codes for compliance with the Solar Bill of Rights, and engaging early with developers and utilities on siting and planning efforts.