HB4564 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 17580 HLH 31008 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB4564

Introduced 1/30/2026, by Rep. Dave Vella

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 605/605-1119 new
20 ILCS 605/605-1120 new
20 ILCS 605/605-1121 new
20 ILCS 605/605-1122 new
20 ILCS 605/605-1123 new
20 ILCS 605/605-1124 new
220 ILCS 5/2-204 new

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Sets forth the membership of the Working Group. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall review and propose a megaproject incentive framework for the State, including performance-based tax credits, capital assistance, and workforce training tools. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall continue to conduct annual international trade missions to priority markets. Provides for a statewide tourism connectivity plan. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish certain grant programs. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall monitor and annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the affordability, reliability, and capacity of energy for industrial users.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Sections 605-1119, 605-1120, 605-1121, 605-1122, 605-1123, and 605-1124 as follows:

(20 ILCS 605/605-1119 new)

Sec. 605-1119. Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group.

(a) The Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group is hereby established within the Department. The Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group shall include the following representatives appointed by the Governor:

(1) representatives of public universities and community colleges;

(2) representatives of Illinois Innovation Network institutions;

(3) representatives of advanced manufacturing partnerships;

(4) representatives of agribusiness and tourism organizations;

(5) representatives of local and regional economic development groups; and

(6) representatives of international trade entities.

(b) The Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group shall:

(1) study emerging research and development, commercialization, and innovation initiatives, with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, energy storage, biotechnology, and agriculture technology;

(2) recommend strategies to enhance site-readiness programs for major projects across all regions of the State; and

(3) provide advice to the Department on alignment with federal incentives.

(c) The Illinois Competitiveness and Innovation Working Group shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly.

(20 ILCS 605/605-1120 new)

Sec. 605-1120. Megaproject review. The Department shall review and propose a megaproject incentive framework for the State, including performance-based tax credits, capital assistance, and workforce training tools.

(20 ILCS 605/605-1121 new)

Sec. 605-1121. International trade mission. The Department shall continue to conduct annual international trade missions to priority markets, including Europe, East Asia, and emerging economies, to promote foreign direct investment, Illinois exports, international tourism, and higher education partnerships.

(20 ILCS 605/605-1122 new)

Sec. 605-1122. Hotel tax proposals. On or before July 1, 2026, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly proposing legislation to reinvest a portion of any new hotel tax revenue growth into global marketing campaigns, airline route development, downstate tourism expansion, and cultural and convention initiatives.

(20 ILCS 605/605-1123 new)

Sec. 605-1123. Statewide tourism connectivity plan. The Department, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and local tourism bureaus, shall develop a plan to connect Chicago's international gateway airports with downstate attractions, including, but not limited to, branded transportation partnerships, shuttle or express services to key regions, and coordinated visitor itineraries and marketing.

(20 ILCS 605/605-1124 new)

Sec. 605-1124. Agritourism and local food promotion. The Department shall establish grant programs to promote:

(1) agritourism destinations;

(2) local breweries, wineries, and distilleries;

(3) farm-to-table and regional food corridors; and

(4) seasonal festivals and cultural events.

Section 10. The Public Utilities Act is amended by adding Section 2-204 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/2-204 new)

Sec. 2-204. Report on energy for industrial users. The Commission shall monitor and annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the affordability, reliability, and capacity of energy for industrial users.