SB3272 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 18654 AAS 32097 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB3272

Introduced 2/3/2026, by Sen. Bill Cunningham

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

30 ILCS 500/1-10
220 ILCS 5/8-512

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that, to assist and support the Illinois Commerce Commission in the development of renewable energy access plan updates, the Commission may retain the services of technical and policy experts with relevant expertise and experience. Provides that the procurement is exempt from the requirements of the Illinois Procurement Code. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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

Section 5. The Illinois Procurement Code is amended by changing Section 1-10 as follows:

(30 ILCS 500/1-10)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-458)

Sec. 1-10. Application.

(a) This Code applies only to procurements for which bidders, offerors, potential contractors, or contractors were first solicited on or after July 1, 1998. This Code shall not be construed to affect or impair any contract, or any provision of a contract, entered into based on a solicitation prior to the implementation date of this Code as described in Article 99, including, but not limited to, any covenant entered into with respect to any revenue bonds or similar instruments. All procurements for which contracts are solicited between the effective date of Articles 50 and 99 and July 1, 1998 shall be substantially in accordance with this Code and its intent.

(b) This Code shall apply regardless of the source of the funds with which the contracts are paid, including federal assistance moneys. This Code shall not apply to:

(1) Contracts between the State and its political subdivisions or other governments, or between State governmental bodies, except as specifically provided in this Code.

(2) Grants, except for the filing requirements of Section 20-80.

(3) Purchase of care, except as provided in Section 5-30.6 of the Illinois Public Aid Code and this Section.

(4) Hiring of an individual as an employee and not as an independent contractor, whether pursuant to an employment code or policy or by contract directly with that individual.

(5) Collective bargaining contracts.

(6) Purchase of real estate, except that notice of this type of contract with a value of more than $25,000 must be published in the Procurement Bulletin within 10 calendar days after the deed is recorded in the county of jurisdiction. The notice shall identify the real estate purchased, the names of all parties to the contract, the value of the contract, and the effective date of the contract.

(7) Contracts necessary to prepare for anticipated litigation, enforcement actions, or investigations, provided that the chief legal counsel to the Governor shall give his or her prior approval when the procuring agency is one subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor, and provided that the chief legal counsel of any other procuring entity subject to this Code shall give his or her prior approval when the procuring entity is not one subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor.

(8) (Blank).

(9) Procurement expenditures by the Illinois Conservation Foundation when only private funds are used.

(10) (Blank).

(11) Public-private agreements entered into according to the procurement requirements of Section 20 of the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act and design-build agreements entered into according to the procurement requirements of Section 25 of the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

(12) (A) Contracts for legal, financial, and other professional and artistic services entered into by the Illinois Finance Authority in which the State of Illinois is not obligated. Such contracts shall be awarded through a competitive process authorized by the members of the Illinois Finance Authority and are subject to Sections 5-30, 20-160, 50-13, 50-20, 50-35, and 50-37 of this Code, as well as the final approval by the members of the Illinois Finance Authority of the terms of the contract.

(B) Contracts for legal and financial services entered into by the Illinois Housing Development Authority in connection with the issuance of bonds in which the State of Illinois is not obligated. Such contracts shall be awarded through a competitive process authorized by the members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority and are subject to Sections 5-30, 20-160, 50-13, 50-20, 50-35, and 50-37 of this Code, as well as the final approval by the members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority of the terms of the contract.

(13) Contracts for services, commodities, and equipment to support the delivery of timely forensic science services in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Chief Procurement Officer as provided in subsection (d) of Section 5-4-3a of the Unified Code of Corrections, except for the requirements of Sections 20-60, 20-65, 20-70, and 20-160 and Article 50 of this Code; however, the Chief Procurement Officer may, in writing with justification, waive any certification required under Article 50 of this Code. For any contracts for services which are currently provided by members of a collective bargaining agreement, the applicable terms of the collective bargaining agreement concerning subcontracting shall be followed.

On and after January 1, 2019, this paragraph (13), except for this sentence, is inoperative.

(14) Contracts for participation expenditures required by a domestic or international trade show or exhibition of an exhibitor, member, or sponsor.

(15) Contracts with a railroad or utility that requires the State to reimburse the railroad or utilities for the relocation of utilities for construction or other public purpose. Contracts included within this paragraph (15) shall include, but not be limited to, those associated with: relocations, crossings, installations, and maintenance. For the purposes of this paragraph (15), "railroad" means any form of non-highway ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways and "utility" means: (1) public utilities as defined in Section 3-105 of the Public Utilities Act, (2) telecommunications carriers as defined in Section 13-202 of the Public Utilities Act, (3) electric cooperatives as defined in Section 3.4 of the Electric Supplier Act, (4) telephone or telecommunications cooperatives as defined in Section 13-212 of the Public Utilities Act, (5) rural water or wastewater waste water systems with 10,000 connections or less, (6) a holder as defined in Section 21-201 of the Public Utilities Act, and (7) municipalities owning or operating utility systems consisting of public utilities as that term is defined in Section 11-117-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

(16) Procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Public Health to provide the delivery of timely newborn screening services in accordance with the Newborn Metabolic Screening Act.

(17) Procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Public Health to implement the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program and Opioid Alternative Pilot Program requirements and ensure access to medical cannabis for patients with debilitating medical conditions in accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act.

(18) This Code does not apply to any procurements necessary for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Public Health to implement the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act if the applicable agency has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this exemption and if the process is conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Sections 20-160, 25-60, 30-22, 50-5, 50-10, 50-10.5, 50-12, 50-13, 50-15, 50-20, 50-21, 50-35, 50-36, 50-37, 50-38, and 50-50 of this Code; however, for Section 50-35, compliance applies only to contracts or subcontracts over $100,000. Notice of each contract entered into under this paragraph (18) that is related to the procurement of goods and services identified in paragraph (1) through (9) of this subsection shall be published in the Procurement Bulletin within 14 calendar days after contract execution. The Chief Procurement Officer shall prescribe the form and content of the notice. Each agency shall provide the Chief Procurement Officer, on a monthly basis, in the form and content prescribed by the Chief Procurement Officer, a report of contracts that are related to the procurement of goods and services identified in this subsection. At a minimum, this report shall include the name of the contractor, a description of the supply or service provided, the total amount of the contract, the term of the contract, and the exception to this Code utilized. A copy of any or all of these contracts shall be made available to the Chief Procurement Officer immediately upon request. The Chief Procurement Officer shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than November 1 of each year that includes, at a minimum, an annual summary of the monthly information reported to the Chief Procurement Officer. This exemption becomes inoperative 5 years after June 25, 2019 (the effective date of Public Act 101-27).

(19) Acquisition of modifications or adjustments, limited to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, adaptive equipment, repairs, and replacement parts to provide reasonable accommodations (i) that enable a qualified applicant with a disability to complete the job application process and be considered for the position such qualified applicant desires, (ii) that modify or adjust the work environment to enable a qualified current employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position held by that employee, (iii) to enable a qualified current employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, and (iv) that allow a customer, client, claimant, or member of the public seeking State services full use and enjoyment of and access to its programs, services, or benefits.

For purposes of this paragraph (19):

"Assistive technology devices" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

"Assistive technology services" means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

"Qualified" has the same meaning and use as provided under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act when describing an individual with a disability.

(20) Procurement expenditures necessary for the Illinois Commerce Commission to hire third-party facilitators pursuant to Sections 16-105.17 and 16-108.18 of the Public Utilities Act, or an ombudsman pursuant to Section 16-107.5 of the Public Utilities Act, a facilitator pursuant to Section 16-105.17 of the Public Utilities Act, or a grid auditor pursuant to Section 16-105.10 of the Public Utilities Act.

(21) Procurement expenditures for the purchase, renewal, and expansion of software, software licenses, or software maintenance agreements that support the efforts of the Illinois State Police to enforce, regulate, and administer the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, the Firearms Restraining Order Act, the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act, the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS), the Uniform Crime Reporting Act, the Criminal Identification Act, the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act, and the Gun Trafficking Information Act, or establish or maintain record management systems necessary to conduct human trafficking investigations or gun trafficking or other stolen firearm investigations. This paragraph (21) applies to contracts entered into on or after January 10, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 102-1116) and the renewal of contracts that are in effect on January 10, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 102-1116).

(22) Contracts for project management services and system integration services required for the completion of the State's enterprise resource planning project. This exemption becomes inoperative 5 years after June 7, 2023 (the effective date of the changes made to this Section by Public Act 103-8). This paragraph (22) applies to contracts entered into on or after June 7, 2023 (the effective date of the changes made to this Section by Public Act 103-8) and the renewal of contracts that are in effect on June 7, 2023 (the effective date of the changes made to this Section by Public Act 103-8).

(23) Procurements necessary for the Department of Insurance to implement the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Law if the Department of Insurance has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this exemption. The procurement process shall be conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Sections 20-160 and 25-60 and Article 50 of this Code. A copy of these contracts shall be made available to the Chief Procurement Officer immediately upon request. This paragraph is inoperative 5 years after June 27, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 103-103).

(24) Contracts for public education programming, noncommercial sustaining announcements, public service announcements, and public awareness and education messaging with the nonprofit trade associations of the providers of those services that inform the public on immediate and ongoing health and safety risks and hazards.

(25) Procurements necessary for the Department of Early Childhood to implement the Department of Early Childhood Act if the Department has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this exemption. This exemption shall only be used for products and services procured solely for use by the Department of Early Childhood. The procurements may include those necessary to design and build integrated, operational systems of programs and services. The procurements may include, but are not limited to, those necessary to align and update program standards, integrate funding systems, design and establish data and reporting systems, align and update models for technical assistance and professional development, design systems to manage grants and ensure compliance, design and implement management and operational structures, and establish new means of engaging with families, educators, providers, and stakeholders. The procurement processes shall be conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Article 50 (ethics) and Sections 5-5 (Procurement Policy Board), 5-7 (Commission on Equity and Inclusion), 20-80 (contract files), 20-120 (subcontractors), 20-155 (paperwork), 20-160 (ethics/campaign contribution prohibitions), 25-60 (prevailing wage), and 25-90 (prohibited and authorized cybersecurity) of this Code. Beginning January 1, 2025, the Department of Early Childhood shall provide a quarterly report to the General Assembly detailing a list of expenditures and contracts for which the Department uses this exemption. This paragraph is inoperative on and after July 1, 2027.

(26) Procurements that are necessary for increasing the recruitment and retention of State employees, particularly minority candidates for employment, including:

(A) procurements related to registration fees for job fairs and other outreach and recruitment events;

(B) production of recruitment materials; and

(C) other services related to recruitment and retention of State employees.

The exemption under this paragraph (26) applies only if the State agency has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this paragraph (26). The procurement process under this paragraph (26) shall be conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Sections 20-160 and 25-60 and Article 50 of this Code. A copy of these contracts shall be made available to the Chief Procurement Officer immediately upon request. Nothing in this paragraph (26) authorizes the replacement or diminishment of State responsibilities in hiring or the positions that effectuate that hiring. This paragraph (26) is inoperative on and after June 30, 2029.

(27) Procurements necessary for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to implement changes to the State's Integrated Eligibility System to ensure the system's compliance with federal implementation mandates and deadlines, if the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the procurement to fall within this exemption.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for contracts with an annual value of more than $100,000 entered into on or after October 1, 2017 under an exemption provided in any paragraph of this subsection (b), except paragraph (1), (2), or (5), each State agency shall post to the appropriate procurement bulletin the name of the contractor, a description of the supply or service provided, the total amount of the contract, the term of the contract, and the exception to the Code utilized. The chief procurement officer shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than November 1 of each year that shall include, at a minimum, an annual summary of the monthly information reported to the chief procurement officer.

(c) This Code does not apply to the electric power procurement process provided for under Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act and Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act. This Code does not apply to the procurement of technical and policy experts pursuant to Section 1-129 of the Illinois Power Agency Act.

(d) Except for Section 20-160 and Article 50 of this Code, and as expressly required by Section 9.1 of the Illinois Lottery Law, the provisions of this Code do not apply to the procurement process provided for under Section 9.1 of the Illinois Lottery Law.

(e) This Code does not apply to the process used by the Capital Development Board to retain a person or entity to assist the Capital Development Board with its duties related to the determination of costs of a clean coal SNG brownfield facility, as defined by Section 1-10 of the Illinois Power Agency Act, as required in subsection (h-3) of Section 9-220 of the Public Utilities Act, including calculating the range of capital costs, the range of operating and maintenance costs, or the sequestration costs or monitoring the construction of clean coal SNG brownfield facility for the full duration of construction.

(f) (Blank).

(g) (Blank).

(h) This Code does not apply to the process to procure or contracts entered into in accordance with Sections 11-5.2 and 11-5.3 of the Illinois Public Aid Code.

(i) Each chief procurement officer may access records necessary to review whether a contract, purchase, or other expenditure is or is not subject to the provisions of this Code, unless such records would be subject to attorney-client privilege.

(j) This Code does not apply to the process used by the Capital Development Board to retain an artist or work or works of art as required in Section 14 of the Capital Development Board Act.

(k) This Code does not apply to the process to procure contracts, or contracts entered into, by the State Board of Elections or the State Electoral Board for hearing officers appointed pursuant to the Election Code.

(l) This Code does not apply to the processes used by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to procure supplies and services paid for from the private funds of the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Fund. As used in this subsection (l), "private funds" means funds derived from deposits paid into the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund and the earnings thereon.

(m) This Code shall apply regardless of the source of funds with which contracts are paid, including federal assistance moneys. Except as specifically provided in this Code, this Code shall not apply to procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Public Health to conduct the Healthy Illinois Survey in accordance with Section 2310-431 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 103-8, eff. 6-7-23; 103-103, eff. 6-27-23; 103-570, eff. 1-1-24; 103-580, eff. 12-8-23; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24; 103-865, eff. 1-1-25; 104-2, eff. 6-16-25; 104-417, eff. 8-15-25)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-458)

Sec. 1-10. Application.

(a) This Code applies only to procurements for which bidders, offerors, potential contractors, or contractors were first solicited on or after July 1, 1998. This Code shall not be construed to affect or impair any contract, or any provision of a contract, entered into based on a solicitation prior to the implementation date of this Code as described in Article 99, including, but not limited to, any covenant entered into with respect to any revenue bonds or similar instruments. All procurements for which contracts are solicited between the effective date of Articles 50 and 99 and July 1, 1998 shall be substantially in accordance with this Code and its intent.

(b) This Code shall apply regardless of the source of the funds with which the contracts are paid, including federal assistance moneys. This Code shall not apply to:

(1) Contracts between the State and its political subdivisions or other governments, or between State governmental bodies, except as specifically provided in this Code.

(2) Grants, except for the filing requirements of Section 20-80.

(3) Purchase of care, except as provided in Section 5-30.6 of the Illinois Public Aid Code and this Section.

(4) Hiring of an individual as an employee and not as an independent contractor, whether pursuant to an employment code or policy or by contract directly with that individual.

(5) Collective bargaining contracts.

(6) Purchase of real estate, except that notice of this type of contract with a value of more than $25,000 must be published in the Procurement Bulletin within 10 calendar days after the deed is recorded in the county of jurisdiction. The notice shall identify the real estate purchased, the names of all parties to the contract, the value of the contract, and the effective date of the contract.

(7) Contracts necessary to prepare for anticipated litigation, enforcement actions, or investigations, provided that the chief legal counsel to the Governor shall give his or her prior approval when the procuring agency is one subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor, and provided that the chief legal counsel of any other procuring entity subject to this Code shall give his or her prior approval when the procuring entity is not one subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor.

(8) (Blank).

(9) Procurement expenditures by the Illinois Conservation Foundation when only private funds are used.

(10) (Blank).

(11) Public-private agreements entered into according to the procurement requirements of Section 20 of the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act and design-build agreements entered into according to the procurement requirements of Section 25 of the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

(12) (A) Contracts for legal, financial, and other professional and artistic services entered into by the Illinois Finance Authority in which the State of Illinois is not obligated. Such contracts shall be awarded through a competitive process authorized by the members of the Illinois Finance Authority and are subject to Sections 5-30, 20-160, 50-13, 50-20, 50-35, and 50-37 of this Code, as well as the final approval by the members of the Illinois Finance Authority of the terms of the contract.

(B) Contracts for legal and financial services entered into by the Illinois Housing Development Authority in connection with the issuance of bonds in which the State of Illinois is not obligated. Such contracts shall be awarded through a competitive process authorized by the members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority and are subject to Sections 5-30, 20-160, 50-13, 50-20, 50-35, and 50-37 of this Code, as well as the final approval by the members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority of the terms of the contract.

(13) Contracts for services, commodities, and equipment to support the delivery of timely forensic science services in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Chief Procurement Officer as provided in subsection (d) of Section 5-4-3a of the Unified Code of Corrections, except for the requirements of Sections 20-60, 20-65, 20-70, and 20-160 and Article 50 of this Code; however, the Chief Procurement Officer may, in writing with justification, waive any certification required under Article 50 of this Code. For any contracts for services which are currently provided by members of a collective bargaining agreement, the applicable terms of the collective bargaining agreement concerning subcontracting shall be followed.

On and after January 1, 2019, this paragraph (13), except for this sentence, is inoperative.

(14) Contracts for participation expenditures required by a domestic or international trade show or exhibition of an exhibitor, member, or sponsor.

(15) Contracts with a railroad or utility that requires the State to reimburse the railroad or utilities for the relocation of utilities for construction or other public purpose. Contracts included within this paragraph (15) shall include, but not be limited to, those associated with: relocations, crossings, installations, and maintenance. For the purposes of this paragraph (15), "railroad" means any form of non-highway ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways and "utility" means: (1) public utilities as defined in Section 3-105 of the Public Utilities Act, (2) telecommunications carriers as defined in Section 13-202 of the Public Utilities Act, (3) electric cooperatives as defined in Section 3.4 of the Electric Supplier Act, (4) telephone or telecommunications cooperatives as defined in Section 13-212 of the Public Utilities Act, (5) rural water or wastewater waste water systems with 10,000 connections or less, (6) a holder as defined in Section 21-201 of the Public Utilities Act, and (7) municipalities owning or operating utility systems consisting of public utilities as that term is defined in Section 11-117-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

(16) Procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Public Health to provide the delivery of timely newborn screening services in accordance with the Newborn Metabolic Screening Act.

(17) Procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Public Health to implement the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program and Opioid Alternative Pilot Program requirements and ensure access to medical cannabis for patients with debilitating medical conditions in accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act.

(18) This Code does not apply to any procurements necessary for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Public Health to implement the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act if the applicable agency has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this exemption and if the process is conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Sections 20-160, 25-60, 30-22, 50-5, 50-10, 50-10.5, 50-12, 50-13, 50-15, 50-20, 50-21, 50-35, 50-36, 50-37, 50-38, and 50-50 of this Code; however, for Section 50-35, compliance applies only to contracts or subcontracts over $100,000. Notice of each contract entered into under this paragraph (18) that is related to the procurement of goods and services identified in paragraph (1) through (9) of this subsection shall be published in the Procurement Bulletin within 14 calendar days after contract execution. The Chief Procurement Officer shall prescribe the form and content of the notice. Each agency shall provide the Chief Procurement Officer, on a monthly basis, in the form and content prescribed by the Chief Procurement Officer, a report of contracts that are related to the procurement of goods and services identified in this subsection. At a minimum, this report shall include the name of the contractor, a description of the supply or service provided, the total amount of the contract, the term of the contract, and the exception to this Code utilized. A copy of any or all of these contracts shall be made available to the Chief Procurement Officer immediately upon request. The Chief Procurement Officer shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than November 1 of each year that includes, at a minimum, an annual summary of the monthly information reported to the Chief Procurement Officer. This exemption becomes inoperative 5 years after June 25, 2019 (the effective date of Public Act 101-27).

(19) Acquisition of modifications or adjustments, limited to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, adaptive equipment, repairs, and replacement parts to provide reasonable accommodations (i) that enable a qualified applicant with a disability to complete the job application process and be considered for the position such qualified applicant desires, (ii) that modify or adjust the work environment to enable a qualified current employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position held by that employee, (iii) to enable a qualified current employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, and (iv) that allow a customer, client, claimant, or member of the public seeking State services full use and enjoyment of and access to its programs, services, or benefits.

For purposes of this paragraph (19):

"Assistive technology devices" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

"Assistive technology services" means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

"Qualified" has the same meaning and use as provided under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act when describing an individual with a disability.

(20) Procurement expenditures necessary for the Illinois Commerce Commission to hire third-party facilitators pursuant to Sections 16-105.17 and 16-108.18 of the Public Utilities Act, or an ombudsman pursuant to Section 16-107.5 of the Public Utilities Act, a facilitator pursuant to Section 16-105.17 of the Public Utilities Act, a grid auditor pursuant to Section 16-105.10 of the Public Utilities Act, a facilitator, expert, or consultant pursuant to Sections 16-126.2 and 16-202 of the Public Utilities Act, a facilitator, expert, or consultant pursuant to Section 8-512 of the Public Utilities Act, a procurement monitor pursuant to Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act, an ombudsperson pursuant to Section 20-145 of the Public Utilities Act, or consultants and experts pursuant to Section 5-15 of the Utility Data Access Act.

(21) Procurement expenditures for the purchase, renewal, and expansion of software, software licenses, or software maintenance agreements that support the efforts of the Illinois State Police to enforce, regulate, and administer the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, the Firearms Restraining Order Act, the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act, the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS), the Uniform Crime Reporting Act, the Criminal Identification Act, the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act, and the Gun Trafficking Information Act, or establish or maintain record management systems necessary to conduct human trafficking investigations or gun trafficking or other stolen firearm investigations. This paragraph (21) applies to contracts entered into on or after January 10, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 102-1116) and the renewal of contracts that are in effect on January 10, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 102-1116).

(22) Contracts for project management services and system integration services required for the completion of the State's enterprise resource planning project. This exemption becomes inoperative 5 years after June 7, 2023 (the effective date of the changes made to this Section by Public Act 103-8). This paragraph (22) applies to contracts entered into on or after June 7, 2023 (the effective date of the changes made to this Section by Public Act 103-8) and the renewal of contracts that are in effect on June 7, 2023 (the effective date of the changes made to this Section by Public Act 103-8).

(23) Procurements necessary for the Department of Insurance to implement the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Law if the Department of Insurance has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this exemption. The procurement process shall be conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Sections 20-160 and 25-60 and Article 50 of this Code. A copy of these contracts shall be made available to the Chief Procurement Officer immediately upon request. This paragraph is inoperative 5 years after June 27, 2023 (the effective date of Public Act 103-103).

(24) Contracts for public education programming, noncommercial sustaining announcements, public service announcements, and public awareness and education messaging with the nonprofit trade associations of the providers of those services that inform the public on immediate and ongoing health and safety risks and hazards.

(25) Procurements necessary for the Department of Early Childhood to implement the Department of Early Childhood Act if the Department has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this exemption. This exemption shall only be used for products and services procured solely for use by the Department of Early Childhood. The procurements may include those necessary to design and build integrated, operational systems of programs and services. The procurements may include, but are not limited to, those necessary to align and update program standards, integrate funding systems, design and establish data and reporting systems, align and update models for technical assistance and professional development, design systems to manage grants and ensure compliance, design and implement management and operational structures, and establish new means of engaging with families, educators, providers, and stakeholders. The procurement processes shall be conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Article 50 (ethics) and Sections 5-5 (Procurement Policy Board), 5-7 (Commission on Equity and Inclusion), 20-80 (contract files), 20-120 (subcontractors), 20-155 (paperwork), 20-160 (ethics/campaign contribution prohibitions), 25-60 (prevailing wage), and 25-90 (prohibited and authorized cybersecurity) of this Code. Beginning January 1, 2025, the Department of Early Childhood shall provide a quarterly report to the General Assembly detailing a list of expenditures and contracts for which the Department uses this exemption. This paragraph is inoperative on and after July 1, 2027.

(26) Procurements that are necessary for increasing the recruitment and retention of State employees, particularly minority candidates for employment, including:

(A) procurements related to registration fees for job fairs and other outreach and recruitment events;

(B) production of recruitment materials; and

(C) other services related to recruitment and retention of State employees.

The exemption under this paragraph (26) applies only if the State agency has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the expenditure to fall within this paragraph (26). The procurement process under this paragraph (26) shall be conducted in a manner substantially in accordance with the requirements of Sections 20-160 and 25-60 and Article 50 of this Code. A copy of these contracts shall be made available to the Chief Procurement Officer immediately upon request. Nothing in this paragraph (26) authorizes the replacement or diminishment of State responsibilities in hiring or the positions that effectuate that hiring. This paragraph (26) is inoperative on and after June 30, 2029.

(27) Procurements necessary for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to implement changes to the State's Integrated Eligibility System to ensure the system's compliance with federal implementation mandates and deadlines, if the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has made a good faith determination that it is necessary and appropriate for the procurement to fall within this exemption.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for contracts with an annual value of more than $100,000 entered into on or after October 1, 2017 under an exemption provided in any paragraph of this subsection (b), except paragraph (1), (2), or (5), each State agency shall post to the appropriate procurement bulletin the name of the contractor, a description of the supply or service provided, the total amount of the contract, the term of the contract, and the exception to the Code utilized. The chief procurement officer shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than November 1 of each year that shall include, at a minimum, an annual summary of the monthly information reported to the chief procurement officer.

(c) This Code does not apply to the electric power procurement process provided for under Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act and Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act. This Code does not apply to the procurement of technical and policy experts pursuant to Section 1-129 of the Illinois Power Agency Act.

(d) Except for Section 20-160 and Article 50 of this Code, and as expressly required by Section 9.1 of the Illinois Lottery Law, the provisions of this Code do not apply to the procurement process provided for under Section 9.1 of the Illinois Lottery Law.

(e) This Code does not apply to the process used by the Capital Development Board to retain a person or entity to assist the Capital Development Board with its duties related to the determination of costs of a clean coal SNG brownfield facility, as defined by Section 1-10 of the Illinois Power Agency Act, as required in subsection (h-3) of Section 9-220 of the Public Utilities Act, including calculating the range of capital costs, the range of operating and maintenance costs, or the sequestration costs or monitoring the construction of clean coal SNG brownfield facility for the full duration of construction.

(f) (Blank).

(g) (Blank).

(h) This Code does not apply to the process to procure or contracts entered into in accordance with Sections 11-5.2 and 11-5.3 of the Illinois Public Aid Code.

(i) Each chief procurement officer may access records necessary to review whether a contract, purchase, or other expenditure is or is not subject to the provisions of this Code, unless such records would be subject to attorney-client privilege.

(j) This Code does not apply to the process used by the Capital Development Board to retain an artist or work or works of art as required in Section 14 of the Capital Development Board Act.

(k) This Code does not apply to the process to procure contracts, or contracts entered into, by the State Board of Elections or the State Electoral Board for hearing officers appointed pursuant to the Election Code.

(l) This Code does not apply to the processes used by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to procure supplies and services paid for from the private funds of the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Fund. As used in this subsection (l), "private funds" means funds derived from deposits paid into the Illinois Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund and the earnings thereon.

(m) This Code shall apply regardless of the source of funds with which contracts are paid, including federal assistance moneys. Except as specifically provided in this Code, this Code shall not apply to procurement expenditures necessary for the Department of Public Health to conduct the Healthy Illinois Survey in accordance with Section 2310-431 of the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 103-8, eff. 6-7-23; 103-103, eff. 6-27-23; 103-570, eff. 1-1-24; 103-580, eff. 12-8-23; 103-594, eff. 6-25-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24; 103-865, eff. 1-1-25; 104-2, eff. 6-16-25; 104-417, eff. 8-15-25; 104-458, eff. 6-1-26; revised 1-12-26.)

Section 10. The Public Utilities Act is amended by changing Section 8-512 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/8-512)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-458)

Sec. 8-512. Renewable energy access plan.

(a) It is the policy of this State to promote cost-effective transmission system development that ensures reliability of the electric transmission system, lowers carbon emissions, minimizes long-term costs for consumers, and supports the electric policy goals of this State. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Transmission planning, primarily for reliability purposes, but also for economic and public policy reasons is conducted by regional transmission organizations in which transmission-owning Illinois utilities and other stakeholders are members.

(2) Order No. 1000 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires regional transmission organizations to plan for transmission system needs in light of State public policies and to accept input from states during the transmission system planning processes.

(3) The State of Illinois does not currently have a comprehensive power and environmental policy planning process to identify transmission infrastructure needs that can serve as a vital input into the regional and interregional transmission organization planning processes conducted under Order No. 1000 and other laws and regulations.

(4) This State is an electricity generation and power transmission hub, and can leverage that position to invest in infrastructure that enables new and existing Illinois generators to meet the public policy goals of the State of Illinois and of interconnected states while cost-effectively supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector in this State.

(5) The nation has a need to readily access this State's low-cost, clean electric power, and this State also desires access to clean energy resources in other states to develop and support its low-carbon economy and keep electricity prices low in Illinois and interconnected States.

(6) Existing transmission infrastructure may constrain the State's achievement of 100% renewable energy by 2050, the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles in a just and equitable way, and electrification of additional sectors of the Illinois economy.

(7) Transmission system congestion within this State and the regional transmission organizations serving this State limits the ability of this State's existing and new electric generation facilities that do not emit carbon dioxide, including renewable energy resources and zero emission facilities, to serve the public policy goals of this State and other states, which constrains investment in this State.

(8) Investment in infrastructure to support existing and new electric generation facilities that do not emit carbon dioxide, including renewable energy resources and zero emission facilities, stimulates significant economic development and job growth in this State, as well as creates environmental and public health benefits in this State.

(9) Creating a forward-looking plan for this State's electric transmission infrastructure, as opposed to relying on case-by-case development and repeated marginal upgrades, will achieve a lower-cost system for Illinois' electricity customers. A forward-looking plan can also help integrate and achieve a comprehensive set of objectives and multiple state, regional, and national policy goals.

(10) Alternatives to overhead electric transmission lines can achieve cost-effective resolution of system impacts and warrant investigation of the circumstances under which those alternatives should be considered and approved. The alternatives are likely to be beneficial as investment in electric transmission infrastructure moves forward.

(11) Because transmission planning is conducted primarily by the regional transmission organizations, the Commission should be advocating for the State's interests at the regional transmission organizations to ensure that such planning facilitates the State's policies and goals, including overall consumer savings, power system reliability, economic development, environmental improvement, and carbon reduction.

(b) Consistent with the findings identified in subsection (a), the Commission shall open an investigation to develop and adopt a renewable energy access plan no later than December 31, 2022. To assist and support the Commission in the development of the plan, the Commission shall retain the services of technical and policy experts with relevant fields of expertise, solicit technical and policy analysis from the public, and provide for a 120-day open public comment period after publication of a draft report, which shall be published no later than 90 days after the comment period ends. The plan shall, at a minimum, do the following:

(1) designate renewable energy access plan zones throughout this State in areas in which renewable energy resources and suitable land areas are sufficient for developing generating capacity from renewable energy technologies;

(2) develop a plan to achieve transmission capacity necessary to deliver the electric output from renewable energy technologies in the renewable energy access plan zones to customers in Illinois and other states in a manner that is most beneficial and cost-effective to customers;

(3) use this State's position as an electricity generation and power transmission hub to create new investment in this State's renewable energy resources;

(4) consider programs, policies, and electric transmission projects that can be adopted within this State that promote the cost-effective delivery of power from renewable energy resources interconnected to the bulk electric system to meet the renewable portfolio standard targets under subsection (c) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act;

(5) consider proposals to improve regional transmission organizations' regional and interregional system planning processes, especially proposals that reduce costs and emissions, create jobs, and increase State and regional power system reliability to prevent high-cost outages that can endanger lives, and analyze of how those proposals would improve reliability and cost-effective delivery of electricity in Illinois and the region;

(6) make findings and policy recommendations based on technical and policy analysis regarding locations of renewable energy access plan zones and the transmission system developments needed to cost-effectively achieve the public policy goals identified herein;

(6.5) make findings and policy recommendations based on analysis regarding the impact of converting non-powered dams to hydropower dams relative to the alternative renewable energy resources; and

(7) present the Commission's conclusions and proposed recommendations based on its analysis and use the findings and policy recommendations to determine actions that the Commission should take.

(c) No later than December 31, 2025, and every other year thereafter, the Commission shall open an investigation to develop and adopt an updated renewable energy access plan that, at a minimum, evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the renewable energy access plan, recommends improvements to the renewable energy access plan, and provides changes to transmission capacity necessary to deliver electric output from the renewable energy access plan zones.

(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; 103-380, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-458)

Sec. 8-512. Renewable energy access plan.

(a) It is the policy of this State to promote cost-effective transmission system development that ensures reliability of the electric transmission system, lowers carbon emissions, minimizes long-term costs for consumers, and supports the electric policy goals of this State. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Transmission planning, primarily for reliability purposes, but also for economic and public policy reasons is conducted by regional transmission organizations in which transmission-owning Illinois utilities and other stakeholders are members.

(2) Order No. 1000 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires regional transmission organizations to plan for transmission system needs in light of State public policies and to accept input from states during the transmission system planning processes.

(3) The State of Illinois does not currently have a comprehensive power and environmental policy planning process to identify transmission infrastructure needs that can serve as a vital input into the regional and interregional transmission organization planning processes conducted under Order No. 1000 and other laws and regulations.

(4) This State is an electricity generation and power transmission hub, and can leverage that position to invest in infrastructure that enables new and existing Illinois generators to meet the public policy goals of the State of Illinois and of interconnected states while cost-effectively supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector in this State.

(5) The nation has a need to readily access this State's low-cost, clean electric power, and this State also desires access to clean energy resources in other states to develop and support its low-carbon economy and keep electricity prices low in Illinois and interconnected States.

(6) Existing transmission infrastructure may constrain the State's achievement of 100% renewable energy by 2050, the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles in a just and equitable way, and electrification of additional sectors of the Illinois economy.

(7) Transmission system congestion within this State and the regional transmission organizations serving this State limits the ability of this State's existing and new electric generation facilities that do not emit carbon dioxide, including renewable energy resources and zero emission facilities, to serve the public policy goals of this State and other states, which constrains investment in this State.

(8) Investment in infrastructure to support existing and new electric generation facilities that do not emit carbon dioxide, including renewable energy resources and zero emission facilities, stimulates significant economic development and job growth in this State, as well as creates environmental and public health benefits in this State.

(9) Creating a forward-looking plan for this State's electric transmission infrastructure, as opposed to relying on case-by-case development and repeated marginal upgrades, will achieve a lower-cost system for Illinois' electricity customers. A forward-looking plan can also help integrate and achieve a comprehensive set of objectives and multiple state, regional, and national policy goals.

(10) Alternatives to overhead electric transmission lines can achieve cost-effective resolution of system impacts and warrant investigation of the circumstances under which those alternatives should be considered and approved. The alternatives are likely to be beneficial as investment in electric transmission infrastructure moves forward.

(11) Because transmission planning is conducted primarily by the regional transmission organizations, the Commission should be advocating for the State's interests at the regional transmission organizations to ensure that such planning facilitates the State's policies and goals, including overall consumer savings, power system reliability, economic development, environmental improvement, and carbon reduction.

(12) Advanced transmission technologies have an important role to play in meeting the State's clean energy goals. For the purposes of this Section, "advanced transmission technology" is hardware or software that provides cost-effective increases to the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of existing transmission infrastructure, and includes, but is not limited to: (i) technology that dynamically adjusts the rated capacity of transmission lines based on real-time conditions; (ii) advanced power flow controls used to actively control the flow of electricity across transmission lines to optimize usage or relieve congestion; (iii) software or hardware used to identify optimal transmission grid configurations or enable routing power flows around congestion points; and (iv) advanced transmission line conductors that have a direct current electrical resistance at least 10% lower than existing conductors of a similar diameter on the transmission system.

(b) Consistent with the findings identified in subsection (a), the Commission shall open an investigation to develop and adopt an initial renewable energy access plan no later than December 31, 2022. To assist and support the Commission in the development of the plan, the Commission shall retain the services of technical and policy experts with relevant fields of expertise, solicit technical and policy analysis from the public, and provide for a 120-day open public comment period after publication of a draft report, which shall be published no later than 90 days after the comment period ends. The plan shall, at a minimum, do the following:

(1) designate renewable energy access plan zones throughout this State in areas in which renewable energy resources and suitable land areas are sufficient for developing generating capacity from renewable energy technologies;

(2) develop a plan to achieve transmission capacity necessary to deliver the electric output from renewable energy technologies in the renewable energy access plan zones to customers in Illinois and other states in a manner that is most beneficial and cost-effective to customers;

(3) use this State's position as an electricity generation and power transmission hub to create new investment in this State's renewable energy resources;

(4) consider programs, policies, and electric transmission projects that can be adopted within this State that promote the cost-effective delivery of power from renewable energy resources interconnected to the bulk electric system to meet the renewable portfolio standard targets under subsection (c) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act;

(5) consider proposals to improve regional transmission organizations' regional and interregional system planning processes, especially proposals that reduce costs and emissions, create jobs, and increase State and regional power system reliability to prevent high-cost outages that can endanger lives, and analyze of how those proposals would improve reliability and cost-effective delivery of electricity in Illinois and the region;

(6) make findings and policy recommendations based on technical and policy analysis regarding locations of renewable energy access plan zones and the transmission system developments needed to cost-effectively achieve the public policy goals identified herein;

(6.5) make findings and policy recommendations based on analysis regarding the impact of converting non-powered dams to hydropower dams relative to the alternative renewable energy resources; and

(7) present the Commission's conclusions and proposed recommendations based on its analysis and use the findings and policy recommendations to determine actions that the Commission should take.

(c) No later than December 31, 2025, and updated no later than 180 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly to incorporate changes pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 104th General Assembly, and every other year thereafter starting in 2028, the Commission shall open an investigation to develop and adopt a renewable energy access plan update that considers electric transmission projects, transmission policies, transmission alternatives, advanced transmission technologies, other ways to expand capacity on existing or future transmission, and transmission headroom and, at a minimum:

(1) evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the renewable energy access plan;

(2) recommends improvements to the renewable energy access plan;

(3) includes updated inputs and assumptions developed under the integrated resource plan developed and approved pursuant to Section 16-201 and Section 16-202;

(4) may request utilities and other parties to specifically identify all elements of the existing transmission system where advanced transmission technologies are likely to achieve enhanced system resilience or reliability, reduce potential siting conflicts or land impacts from the development of new transmission lines, promote the cost-effective delivery of power from renewable energy resources interconnected to the bulk electric system, enable the interconnection of renewable energy resources, or reduce curtailment of renewable energy resources. The plan must identify all elements of the existing transmission system which have experienced capacity constraints or congestion within the prior 2 years and explain whether any advanced transmission technology could reduce or resolve the capacity constraint or congestion;

(5) includes an evaluation of identified and proposed transmission projects, including proposed advanced transmission technology projects, based on independent analysis of costs and benefits, including customer bill impacts over the life of the project and achievement of State clean energy goals. Projects shall be evaluated in coordination with other proposals, and may include a combined evaluation of portfolios of projects;

(6) develops a recommended list of transmission projects and advanced transmission technology projects that achieve the clean energy public policy objectives of the State. Nothing in this Section shall limit the recommended list of transmission projects to those initially proposed. However, no transmission or advanced transmission technology project can be included in the recommended list unless evaluated; and

(7) considers additional mechanisms designed to capture the potential value of geographically diverse resources that proposed interregional transmission projects may provide.

The Commission may evaluate options for implementation of the recommended list of transmission projects and advanced transmission technology projects that achieve the clean energy public policy objectives of the State, including through the use of a state agreement approach or a similar structure made available through the relevant regional transmission organizations, and approves final recommendations on implementation.

The Commission may invite any interested party to identify transmission projects, including any associated network upgrades, necessary to facilitate achievement of the goals of the plan and the most recently approved integrated resource plan. Proposals for projects shall include a description of each project; a proposed target date for completion; an estimated timeline for development; the energy, capacity, and generation profile of renewable generation and energy storage enabled by the project; anticipated new loads served by the project; the proposed technology used, including the use of any advanced transmission technologies; and the status of any permits or approvals necessary. For projects with a target completion date of within 5 years from the date of proposal, the proposal must also include an estimated cost of the project and the proposed routing corridor. The Commission shall aim to complete the updated plan investigation within 12 months of opening.

(d) Each transmission-owning State utility serving more than 200,000 customers in this State may prepare a plan for integrating advanced transmission technologies into the utility's existing transmission system. The plan must identify all elements of the existing transmission system where advanced transmission technologies are likely to achieve any of the following purposes:

(1) enhance system resilience or reliability;

(2) reduce potential siting conflicts or land impacts from the development of new transmission lines;

(3) promote the cost-effective delivery of power from renewable energy resources interconnected to the bulk electric system to meet the renewable portfolio standard targets under subsection (c) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act;

(4) enable the interconnection of renewable energy resources to meet the renewable portfolio standard targets under subsection (c) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act; or

(5) reduce curtailment of renewable or zero-carbon resources.

The plan must identify all elements of the existing transmission system which have experienced capacity constraints or congestion within the prior 2 years and explain whether any advanced transmission technology could reduce or resolve the capacity constraint or congestion. Each transmission-owning State utility may submit an advanced transmission technology integration plan to the Commission for consideration as part of the Commission's updated renewable energy access plan investigation under subsection (c). In the Commission's updated renewable energy access plan, the Commission may evaluate, request modifications for, change the timelines of implementation for, and determine the next steps for each advanced transmission integration plan.

(e) Each transmission-owning State utility serving more than 200,000 customers in this State may conduct a comprehensive Transmission Headroom Study that shall identify, at a minimum, the points of interconnection with unused, existing transmission headroom on the State system, including available capacity behind existing, underutilized points of interconnection, and the amount of available headroom in megawatts at each identified point of interconnection. Each transmission-owning State utility may submit a Transmission Headroom Study to the Commission for consideration as part of the Commission's updated renewable energy access plan investigation under subsection (c).

(f) The Commission shall approve an updated renewable energy access plan if it finds that, at a minimum, the evidence in the investigation meets the criteria outlined in subsection (c) and demonstrates that the updated plan will support the clean energy public policy objectives of the State.

(g) The Commission shall notify the applicable regional transmission organizations and utilities of any final recommendations to support the clean energy public policy objectives of the State.

(h) Nothing in this Section alters the rights of transmission utilities (i) under rates on file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the Illinois Commerce Commission, (ii) under orders and determinations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or a regional transmission organization, or (iii) under applicable State laws and policies.

(i) To assist and support the Commission in the development of renewable energy access plan updates, the Commission may retain the services of technical and policy experts with relevant expertise and experience. Such procurement is exempt from the requirements of the Illinois Procurement Code under Section 1-10 of the Illinois Procurement Code.

(Source: P.A. 103-380, eff. 1-1-24; 104-458, eff. 6-1-26.)

Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.