HB0458ham001 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit

Filed: 4/15/2024

10300HB0458ham001 LRB103 04028 JRC 71547 a

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 458

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 458 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 1. This Act may be referred to as the Military Family Anti-Discrimination Act.

Section 5. The Illinois Identification Card Act is amended by changing Sections 4 and 5 as follows:

(15 ILCS 335/4)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-210)

Sec. 4. Identification card.

(a) The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois who applies for such card, or renewal thereof. No identification card shall be issued to any person who holds a valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit unless the person first surrenders to the Secretary of State the valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit. The card shall be prepared and supplied by the Secretary of State and shall include a photograph and signature or mark of the applicant. However, the Secretary of State may provide by rule for the issuance of Illinois Identification Cards without photographs if the applicant has a bona fide religious objection to being photographed or to the display of his or her photograph. The Illinois Identification Card may be used for identification purposes in any lawful situation only by the person to whom it was issued. As used in this Act, "photograph" means any color photograph or digitally produced and captured image of an applicant for an identification card. As used in this Act, "signature" means the name of a person as written by that person and captured in a manner acceptable to the Secretary of State.

(a-5) If an applicant for an identification card has a current driver's license or instruction permit issued by the Secretary of State, the Secretary may require the applicant to utilize the same residence address and name on the identification card, driver's license, and instruction permit records maintained by the Secretary. The Secretary may promulgate rules to implement this provision.

(a-10) If the applicant is a judicial officer as defined in Section 1-10 of the Judicial Privacy Act or a peace officer, the applicant may elect to have his or her office or work address listed on the card instead of the applicant's residence or mailing address. The Secretary may promulgate rules to implement this provision. For the purposes of this subsection (a-10), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(a-15) The Secretary of State may provide for an expedited process for the issuance of an Illinois Identification Card. The Secretary shall charge an additional fee for the expedited issuance of an Illinois Identification Card, to be set by rule, not to exceed $75. All fees collected by the Secretary for expedited Illinois Identification Card service shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special Services Fund. The Secretary may adopt rules regarding the eligibility, process, and fee for an expedited Illinois Identification Card. If the Secretary of State determines that the volume of expedited identification card requests received on a given day exceeds the ability of the Secretary to process those requests in an expedited manner, the Secretary may decline to provide expedited services, and the additional fee for the expedited service shall be refunded to the applicant.

(a-20) The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to a person committed to the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice upon receipt of the person's birth certificate, social security card, photograph, proof of residency upon discharge, and an identification card application transferred via a secure method as agreed upon by the Secretary and the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice. Illinois residency shall be established by submission of a Secretary of State prescribed Identification Card verification form completed by the respective Department.

(a-25) The Secretary of State shall issue a limited-term Illinois Identification Card valid for 90 days to a committed person upon release on parole, mandatory supervised release, aftercare release, final discharge, or pardon from the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice, if the released person is unable to present a certified copy of his or her birth certificate and social security card or other documents authorized by the Secretary, but does present a Secretary of State prescribed Identification Card verification form completed by the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice, verifying the released person's date of birth, social security number, and his or her Illinois residence address. The verification form must have been completed no more than 30 days prior to the date of application for the Illinois Identification Card.

Prior to the expiration of the 90-day period of the limited-term Illinois Identification Card, if the released person submits to the Secretary of State a certified copy of his or her birth certificate and his or her social security card or other documents authorized by the Secretary, a standard Illinois Identification Card shall be issued. A limited-term Illinois Identification Card may not be renewed.

(a-30) The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to a person upon conditional release or absolute discharge from the custody of the Department of Human Services, if the person presents a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, social security card, or other documents authorized by the Secretary, and a document proving his or her Illinois residence address. The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to a person prior to his or her conditional release or absolute discharge if personnel from the Department of Human Services bring the person to a Secretary of State location with the required documents. Documents proving residence address may include any official document of the Department of Human Services showing the person's address after release and a Secretary of State prescribed verification form, which may be executed by personnel of the Department of Human Services.

(a-35) The Secretary of State shall issue a limited-term Illinois Identification Card valid for 90 days to a person upon conditional release or absolute discharge from the custody of the Department of Human Services, if the person is unable to present a certified copy of his or her birth certificate and social security card or other documents authorized by the Secretary, but does present a Secretary of State prescribed verification form completed by the Department of Human Services, verifying the person's date of birth and social security number, and a document proving his or her Illinois residence address. The verification form must have been completed no more than 30 days prior to the date of application for the Illinois Identification Card. The Secretary of State shall issue a limited-term Illinois Identification Card to a person no sooner than 14 days prior to his or her conditional release or absolute discharge if personnel from the Department of Human Services bring the person to a Secretary of State location with the required documents. Documents proving residence address shall include any official document of the Department of Human Services showing the person's address after release and a Secretary of State prescribed verification form, which may be executed by personnel of the Department of Human Services.

(b) The Secretary of State shall issue a special Illinois Identification Card, which shall be known as an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, to any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois, who is a person with a disability as defined in Section 4A of this Act, who applies for such card, or renewal thereof. No Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card shall be issued to any person who holds a valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit unless the person first surrenders to the Secretary of State the valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit. The Secretary of State shall charge no fee to issue such card. The card shall be prepared and supplied by the Secretary of State, and shall include a photograph and signature or mark of the applicant, a designation indicating that the card is an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, and shall include a comprehensible designation of the type and classification of the applicant's disability as set out in Section 4A of this Act. However, the Secretary of State may provide by rule for the issuance of Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards without photographs if the applicant has a bona fide religious objection to being photographed or to the display of his or her photograph. If the applicant so requests, the card shall include a description of the applicant's disability and any information about the applicant's disability or medical history which the Secretary determines would be helpful to the applicant in securing emergency medical care. If a mark is used in lieu of a signature, such mark shall be affixed to the card in the presence of two witnesses who attest to the authenticity of the mark. The Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card may be used for identification purposes in any lawful situation by the person to whom it was issued.

The Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card may be used as adequate documentation of disability in lieu of a physician's determination of disability, a determination of disability from a physician assistant, a determination of disability from an advanced practice registered nurse, or any other documentation of disability whenever any State law requires that a person with a disability provide such documentation of disability, however an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card shall not qualify the cardholder to participate in any program or to receive any benefit which is not available to all persons with like disabilities. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, or evidence that the Secretary of State has issued an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, shall not be used by any person other than the person named on such card to prove that the person named on such card is a person with a disability or for any other purpose unless the card is used for the benefit of the person named on such card, and the person named on such card consents to such use at the time the card is so used.

An optometrist's determination of a visual disability under Section 4A of this Act is acceptable as documentation for the purpose of issuing an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card.

When medical information is contained on an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, the Office of the Secretary of State shall not be liable for any actions taken based upon that medical information.

(c) The Secretary of State shall provide that each original or renewal Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued to a person under the age of 21 shall be of a distinct nature from those Illinois Identification Cards or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards issued to individuals 21 years of age or older. The color designated for Illinois Identification Cards or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards for persons under the age of 21 shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

(c-1) Each original or renewal Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued to a person under the age of 21 shall display the date upon which the person becomes 18 years of age and the date upon which the person becomes 21 years of age.

(c-3) The General Assembly recognizes the need to identify military veterans living in this State for the purpose of ensuring that they receive all of the services and benefits to which they are legally entitled, including healthcare, education assistance, and job placement. To assist the State in identifying these veterans and delivering these vital services and benefits, the Secretary of State is authorized to issue Illinois Identification Cards and Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards with the word "veteran" appearing on the face of the cards. This authorization is predicated on the unique status of veterans. The Secretary may not issue any other identification card which identifies an occupation, status, affiliation, hobby, or other unique characteristics of the identification card holder which is unrelated to the purpose of the identification card.

(c-5) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, the Secretary of State shall designate a space on each original or renewal identification card where, at the request of the applicant, the word "veteran" shall be placed. The veteran designation shall be available to a person identified as a veteran under subsection (b) of Section 5 of this Act who was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(d) The Secretary of State may issue a Senior Citizen discount card, to any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois who is 60 years of age or older and who applies for such a card or renewal thereof. The Secretary of State shall charge no fee to issue such card. The card shall be issued in every county and applications shall be made available at, but not limited to, nutrition sites, senior citizen centers and Area Agencies on Aging. The applicant, upon receipt of such card and prior to its use for any purpose, shall have affixed thereon in the space provided therefor his signature or mark.

(e) The Secretary of State, in his or her discretion, may designate on each Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card a space where the card holder may place a sticker or decal, issued by the Secretary of State, of uniform size as the Secretary may specify, that shall indicate in appropriate language that the card holder has renewed his or her Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card.

(f) Upon providing required documentation, at the request of the applicant, the identification card may reflect Gold Star Family designation. The Secretary shall designate a space on each original or renewal of an identification card for such designation. This designation shall be available to a person eligible for Gold Star license plates under subsection (f) of Section 6-106 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

(Source: P.A. 102-299, eff. 8-6-21; 103-345, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-210)

Sec. 4. Identification card.

(a) The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois who applies for such card, or renewal thereof. No identification card shall be issued to any person who holds a valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit unless the person first surrenders to the Secretary of State the valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit. The card shall be prepared and supplied by the Secretary of State and shall include a photograph and signature or mark of the applicant. However, the Secretary of State may provide by rule for the issuance of Illinois Identification Cards without photographs if the applicant has a bona fide religious objection to being photographed or to the display of his or her photograph. The Illinois Identification Card may be used for identification purposes in any lawful situation only by the person to whom it was issued. As used in this Act, "photograph" means any color photograph or digitally produced and captured image of an applicant for an identification card. As used in this Act, "signature" means the name of a person as written by that person and captured in a manner acceptable to the Secretary of State.

(a-5) If an applicant for an identification card has a current driver's license or instruction permit issued by the Secretary of State, the Secretary may require the applicant to utilize the same residence address and name on the identification card, driver's license, and instruction permit records maintained by the Secretary. The Secretary may promulgate rules to implement this provision.

(a-10) If the applicant is a judicial officer as defined in Section 1-10 of the Judicial Privacy Act or a peace officer, the applicant may elect to have his or her office or work address listed on the card instead of the applicant's residence or mailing address. The Secretary may promulgate rules to implement this provision. For the purposes of this subsection (a-10), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(a-15) The Secretary of State may provide for an expedited process for the issuance of an Illinois Identification Card. The Secretary shall charge an additional fee for the expedited issuance of an Illinois Identification Card, to be set by rule, not to exceed $75. All fees collected by the Secretary for expedited Illinois Identification Card service shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special Services Fund. The Secretary may adopt rules regarding the eligibility, process, and fee for an expedited Illinois Identification Card. If the Secretary of State determines that the volume of expedited identification card requests received on a given day exceeds the ability of the Secretary to process those requests in an expedited manner, the Secretary may decline to provide expedited services, and the additional fee for the expedited service shall be refunded to the applicant.

(a-20) The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to a person committed to the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice upon receipt of the person's birth certificate, social security card, if the person has a social security number, photograph, proof of residency upon discharge, and an identification card application transferred via a secure method as agreed upon by the Secretary and the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice, if the person has a social security number,. Illinois residency shall be established by submission of a Secretary of State prescribed Identification Card verification form completed by the respective Department.

(a-25) The Secretary of State shall issue a limited-term Illinois Identification Card valid for 90 days to a committed person upon release on parole, mandatory supervised release, aftercare release, final discharge, or pardon from the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice, if the released person is unable to present a certified copy of his or her birth certificate and social security card, if the person has a social security number, or other documents authorized by the Secretary, but does present a Secretary of State prescribed Identification Card verification form completed by the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice, verifying the released person's date of birth, social security number, if the person has a social security number, and his or her Illinois residence address. The verification form must have been completed no more than 30 days prior to the date of application for the Illinois Identification Card.

Prior to the expiration of the 90-day period of the limited-term Illinois Identification Card, if the released person submits to the Secretary of State a certified copy of his or her birth certificate and his or her social security card, if the person has a social security number, or other documents authorized by the Secretary, a standard Illinois Identification Card shall be issued. A limited-term Illinois Identification Card may not be renewed.

(a-30) The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to a person upon conditional release or absolute discharge from the custody of the Department of Human Services, if the person presents a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, social security card, if the person has a social security number, or other documents authorized by the Secretary, and a document proving his or her Illinois residence address. The Secretary of State shall issue a standard Illinois Identification Card to a person prior to his or her conditional release or absolute discharge if personnel from the Department of Human Services bring the person to a Secretary of State location with the required documents. Documents proving residence address may include any official document of the Department of Human Services showing the person's address after release and a Secretary of State prescribed verification form, which may be executed by personnel of the Department of Human Services.

(a-35) The Secretary of State shall issue a limited-term Illinois Identification Card valid for 90 days to a person upon conditional release or absolute discharge from the custody of the Department of Human Services, if the person is unable to present a certified copy of his or her birth certificate and social security card, if the person has a social security number, or other documents authorized by the Secretary, but does present a Secretary of State prescribed verification form completed by the Department of Human Services, verifying the person's date of birth and social security number, if the person has a social security number, and a document proving his or her Illinois residence address. The verification form must have been completed no more than 30 days prior to the date of application for the Illinois Identification Card. The Secretary of State shall issue a limited-term Illinois Identification Card to a person no sooner than 14 days prior to his or her conditional release or absolute discharge if personnel from the Department of Human Services bring the person to a Secretary of State location with the required documents. Documents proving residence address shall include any official document of the Department of Human Services showing the person's address after release and a Secretary of State prescribed verification form, which may be executed by personnel of the Department of Human Services.

(b) The Secretary of State shall issue a special Illinois Identification Card, which shall be known as an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, to any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois, who is a person with a disability as defined in Section 4A of this Act, who applies for such card, or renewal thereof. No Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card shall be issued to any person who holds a valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit unless the person first surrenders to the Secretary of State the valid foreign state identification card, license, or permit. The Secretary of State shall charge no fee to issue such card. The card shall be prepared and supplied by the Secretary of State, and shall include a photograph and signature or mark of the applicant, a designation indicating that the card is an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, and shall include a comprehensible designation of the type and classification of the applicant's disability as set out in Section 4A of this Act. However, the Secretary of State may provide by rule for the issuance of Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards without photographs if the applicant has a bona fide religious objection to being photographed or to the display of his or her photograph. If the applicant so requests, the card shall include a description of the applicant's disability and any information about the applicant's disability or medical history which the Secretary determines would be helpful to the applicant in securing emergency medical care. If a mark is used in lieu of a signature, such mark shall be affixed to the card in the presence of two witnesses who attest to the authenticity of the mark. The Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card may be used for identification purposes in any lawful situation by the person to whom it was issued.

The Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card may be used as adequate documentation of disability in lieu of a physician's determination of disability, a determination of disability from a physician assistant, a determination of disability from an advanced practice registered nurse, or any other documentation of disability whenever any State law requires that a person with a disability provide such documentation of disability, however an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card shall not qualify the cardholder to participate in any program or to receive any benefit which is not available to all persons with like disabilities. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, or evidence that the Secretary of State has issued an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, shall not be used by any person other than the person named on such card to prove that the person named on such card is a person with a disability or for any other purpose unless the card is used for the benefit of the person named on such card, and the person named on such card consents to such use at the time the card is so used.

An optometrist's determination of a visual disability under Section 4A of this Act is acceptable as documentation for the purpose of issuing an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card.

When medical information is contained on an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card, the Office of the Secretary of State shall not be liable for any actions taken based upon that medical information.

(c) The Secretary of State shall provide that each original or renewal Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued to a person under the age of 21 shall be of a distinct nature from those Illinois Identification Cards or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards issued to individuals 21 years of age or older. The color designated for Illinois Identification Cards or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards for persons under the age of 21 shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

(c-1) Each original or renewal Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued to a person under the age of 21 shall display the date upon which the person becomes 18 years of age and the date upon which the person becomes 21 years of age.

(c-3) The General Assembly recognizes the need to identify military veterans living in this State for the purpose of ensuring that they receive all of the services and benefits to which they are legally entitled, including healthcare, education assistance, and job placement. To assist the State in identifying these veterans and delivering these vital services and benefits, the Secretary of State is authorized to issue Illinois Identification Cards and Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards with the word "veteran" appearing on the face of the cards. This authorization is predicated on the unique status of veterans. The Secretary may not issue any other identification card which identifies an occupation, status, affiliation, hobby, or other unique characteristics of the identification card holder which is unrelated to the purpose of the identification card.

(c-5) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, the Secretary of State shall designate a space on each original or renewal identification card where, at the request of the applicant, the word "veteran" shall be placed. The veteran designation shall be available to a person identified as a veteran under subsection (b) of Section 5 of this Act who was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(d) The Secretary of State may issue a Senior Citizen discount card, to any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois who is 60 years of age or older and who applies for such a card or renewal thereof. The Secretary of State shall charge no fee to issue such card. The card shall be issued in every county and applications shall be made available at, but not limited to, nutrition sites, senior citizen centers and Area Agencies on Aging. The applicant, upon receipt of such card and prior to its use for any purpose, shall have affixed thereon in the space provided therefor his signature or mark.

(e) The Secretary of State, in his or her discretion, may designate on each Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card a space where the card holder may place a sticker or decal, issued by the Secretary of State, of uniform size as the Secretary may specify, that shall indicate in appropriate language that the card holder has renewed his or her Illinois Identification Card or Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card.

(f) The Secretary shall designate a space on each original or renewal of an identification card, at the request of the applicant, for a designation as a Gold Star Family. This designation shall be available to a person eligible for Gold Star license plates under subsection (f) of Section 6-106 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

(Source: P.A. 102-299, eff. 8-6-21; 103-210, eff. 7-1-24; 103-345, eff. 1-1-24; revised 12-12-23.)

(15 ILCS 335/5) (from Ch. 124, par. 25)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-210)

Sec. 5. Applications.

(a) Any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois may file an application for an identification card, or for the renewal thereof, in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. Each original application shall be completed by the applicant in full and shall set forth the legal name, residence address and zip code, social security number, birth date, sex and a brief description of the applicant. The applicant shall be photographed, unless the Secretary of State has provided by rule for the issuance of identification cards without photographs and the applicant is deemed eligible for an identification card without a photograph under the terms and conditions imposed by the Secretary of State, and he or she shall also submit any other information as the Secretary may deem necessary or such documentation as the Secretary may require to determine the identity of the applicant. In addition to the residence address, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide a mailing address. If the applicant is a judicial officer as defined in Section 1-10 of the Judicial Privacy Act or a peace officer, the applicant may elect to have his or her office or work address in lieu of the applicant's residence or mailing address. An applicant for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card must also submit with each original or renewal application, on forms prescribed by the Secretary, such documentation as the Secretary may require, establishing that the applicant is a "person with a disability" as defined in Section 4A of this Act, and setting forth the applicant's type and class of disability as set forth in Section 4A of this Act. For the purposes of this subsection (a), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(a-5) Upon the first issuance of a request for proposals for a digital driver's license and identification card issuance and facial recognition system issued after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-513), and upon implementation of a new or revised system procured pursuant to that request for proposals, the Secretary shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female", or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the identification card application form. The sex designated by the applicant shall be displayed on the identification card issued to the applicant.

(b) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, for each original or renewal identification card application under this Act, the Secretary shall inquire as to whether the applicant is a veteran for purposes of issuing an identification card with a veteran designation under subsection (c-5) of Section 4 of this Act. The acceptable forms of proof shall include, but are not limited to, Department of Defense form DD-214, Department of Defense form DD-256 for applicants who did not receive a form DD-214 upon the completion of initial basic training, Department of Defense form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, or a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter. If the document cannot be stamped, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall advise the Secretary as to what other forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable.

For each applicant who is issued an identification card with a veteran designation, the Secretary shall provide the Department of Veterans' Affairs with the applicant's name, address, date of birth, gender, and such other demographic information as agreed to by the Secretary and the Department. The Department may take steps necessary to confirm the applicant is a veteran. If after due diligence, including writing to the applicant at the address provided by the Secretary, the Department is unable to verify the applicant's veteran status, the Department shall inform the Secretary, who shall notify the applicant that he or she must confirm status as a veteran, or the identification card will be cancelled.

For purposes of this subsection (b):

"Armed forces" means any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit.

"Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(b-1) An applicant who is eligible for Gold Star license plates under Section 3-664 of the Illinois Vehicle Code may apply for an identification card with space for a designation as a Gold Star Family. The Secretary may waive any fee for this application. If the Secretary does not waive the fee, any fee charged to the applicant must be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Secretary is authorized to issue rules to implement this subsection.

(c) All applicants for REAL ID compliant standard Illinois Identification Cards and Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards shall provide proof of lawful status in the United States as defined in 6 CFR 37.3, as amended. Applicants who are unable to provide the Secretary with proof of lawful status are ineligible for REAL ID compliant identification cards under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-106, eff. 1-1-20; 101-287, eff. 8-9-19; 101-513, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-210)

Sec. 5. Applications.

(a) Any natural person who is a resident of the State of Illinois may file an application for an identification card, or for the renewal thereof, in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. Each original application shall be completed by the applicant in full and shall set forth the legal name, residence address and zip code, social security number, if the person has a social security number, birth date, sex and a brief description of the applicant. The applicant shall be photographed, unless the Secretary of State has provided by rule for the issuance of identification cards without photographs and the applicant is deemed eligible for an identification card without a photograph under the terms and conditions imposed by the Secretary of State, and he or she shall also submit any other information as the Secretary may deem necessary or such documentation as the Secretary may require to determine the identity of the applicant. In addition to the residence address, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide a mailing address. If the applicant is a judicial officer as defined in Section 1-10 of the Judicial Privacy Act or a peace officer, the applicant may elect to have his or her office or work address in lieu of the applicant's residence or mailing address. An applicant for an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card must also submit with each original or renewal application, on forms prescribed by the Secretary, such documentation as the Secretary may require, establishing that the applicant is a "person with a disability" as defined in Section 4A of this Act, and setting forth the applicant's type and class of disability as set forth in Section 4A of this Act. For the purposes of this subsection (a), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(a-5) Upon the first issuance of a request for proposals for a digital driver's license and identification card issuance and facial recognition system issued after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-513), and upon implementation of a new or revised system procured pursuant to that request for proposals, the Secretary shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female", or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the identification card application form. The sex designated by the applicant shall be displayed on the identification card issued to the applicant.

(b) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, for each original or renewal identification card application under this Act, the Secretary shall inquire as to whether the applicant is a veteran for purposes of issuing an identification card with a veteran designation under subsection (c-5) of Section 4 of this Act. The acceptable forms of proof shall include, but are not limited to, Department of Defense form DD-214, Department of Defense form DD-256 for applicants who did not receive a form DD-214 upon the completion of initial basic training, Department of Defense form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, or a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter. If the document cannot be stamped, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall advise the Secretary as to what other forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable.

For each applicant who is issued an identification card with a veteran designation, the Secretary shall provide the Department of Veterans' Affairs with the applicant's name, address, date of birth, gender, and such other demographic information as agreed to by the Secretary and the Department. The Department may take steps necessary to confirm the applicant is a veteran. If after due diligence, including writing to the applicant at the address provided by the Secretary, the Department is unable to verify the applicant's veteran status, the Department shall inform the Secretary, who shall notify the applicant that he or she must confirm status as a veteran, or the identification card will be cancelled.

For purposes of this subsection (b):

"Armed forces" means any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit.

"Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(b-1) An applicant who is eligible for Gold Star license plates under Section 3-664 of the Illinois Vehicle Code may apply for an identification card with space for a designation as a Gold Star Family. The Secretary may waive any fee for this application. If the Secretary does not waive the fee, any fee charged to the applicant must be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Secretary is authorized to issue rules to implement this subsection.

(c) All applicants for REAL ID compliant standard Illinois Identification Cards and Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Cards shall provide proof of lawful status in the United States as defined in 6 CFR 37.3, as amended. Applicants who are unable to provide the Secretary with proof of lawful status are ineligible for REAL ID compliant identification cards under this Act.

(d) The Secretary of State may accept, as proof of date of birth and written signature for any applicant for a standard identification card who does not have a social security number or documentation issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security authorizing the applicant's presence in this country, any passport validly issued to the applicant from the applicant's country of citizenship or a consular identification document validly issued to the applicant by a consulate of that country as defined in Section 5 of the Consular Identification Document Act. Any such documents must be either unexpired or presented by an applicant within 2 years of its expiration date.

(Source: P.A. 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 103-210, eff. 7-1-24.)

Section 10. The Property Tax Code is amended by changing Section 15-169 and by adding Section 15-169.1 as follows:

(35 ILCS 200/15-169)

Sec. 15-169. Homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities.

(a) Beginning with taxable year 2007, an annual homestead exemption, limited to the amounts set forth in subsections (b) and (b-3), is granted for property that is used as a qualified residence by a veteran with a disability. Nothing in this Section requires the veteran with a disability to have an ownership interest in the qualified residence if (i) the veteran has a service connected disability of 100% and is deemed to be permanently and totally disabled, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, (ii) the property is owned by the veteran's immediate family caregiver, and (iii) the immediate family caregiver resides with the veteran on a full-time basis.

(b) For taxable years prior to 2015, the amount of the exemption under this Section is as follows:

(1) for veterans with a service-connected disability of at least (i) 75% for exemptions granted in taxable years 2007 through 2009 and (ii) 70% for exemptions granted in taxable year 2010 and each taxable year thereafter, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the annual exemption is $5,000; and

(2) for veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 50%, but less than (i) 75% for exemptions granted in taxable years 2007 through 2009 and (ii) 70% for exemptions granted in taxable year 2010 and each taxable year thereafter, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the annual exemption is $2,500.

(b-3) For taxable years 2015 and thereafter:

(1) if the veteran has a service connected disability of 30% or more but less than 50%, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, then the annual exemption is $2,500;

(2) if the veteran has a service connected disability of 50% or more but less than 70%, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, then the annual exemption is $5,000;

(3) if the veteran has a service connected disability of 70% or more, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, then the property is exempt from taxation under this Code; and

(4) for taxable year 2023 and thereafter, if the taxpayer is the surviving spouse of a veteran whose death was determined to be service-connected and who is certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a recipient of dependency and indemnity compensation under federal law, then the property is also exempt from taxation under this Code; and .

(5) for taxable year 2025 and thereafter, if the taxpayer is Gold Star Spouse, then, subject to the limitations of subsection (c), the property is also exempt from taxation under this Code regardless of whether the Gold Star Spouse otherwise qualifies under item (4).

(b-5) If a homestead exemption is granted under this Section and the person awarded the exemption subsequently becomes a resident of a facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act or a facility operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, then the exemption shall continue (i) so long as the residence continues to be occupied by the qualifying person's spouse or (ii) if the residence remains unoccupied but is still owned by the person who qualified for the homestead exemption.

(c) The tax exemption under this Section carries over to the benefit of the veteran's surviving spouse as long as the spouse holds the legal or beneficial title to the homestead, permanently resides thereon, and does not remarry. If the surviving spouse sells the property, an exemption not to exceed the amount granted from the most recent ad valorem tax roll may be transferred to his or her new residence as long as it is used as his or her primary residence and he or she does not remarry.

As used in this subsection (c):

(1) for taxable years prior to 2015, "surviving spouse" means the surviving spouse of a veteran who obtained an exemption under this Section prior to his or her death;

(2) for taxable years 2015 through 2022, "surviving spouse" means (i) the surviving spouse of a veteran who obtained an exemption under this Section prior to his or her death and (ii) the surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed in the line of duty at any time prior to the expiration of the application period in effect for the exemption for the taxable year for which the exemption is sought; and

(3) for taxable year 2023 and thereafter, "surviving spouse" means: (i) the surviving spouse of a veteran who obtained the exemption under this Section prior to his or her death; (ii) the surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed in the line of duty at any time prior to the expiration of the application period in effect for the exemption for the taxable year for which the exemption is sought; (iii) the surviving spouse of a veteran who did not obtain an exemption under this Section before death, but who would have qualified for the exemption under this Section in the taxable year for which the exemption is sought if he or she had survived, and whose surviving spouse has been a resident of Illinois from the time of the veteran's death through the taxable year for which the exemption is sought; and (iv) the surviving spouse of a veteran whose death was determined to be service-connected, but who would not otherwise qualify under item (i), (ii), or (iii), if the spouse (A) is certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a recipient of dependency and indemnity compensation under federal law at any time prior to the expiration of the application period in effect for the exemption for the taxable year for which the exemption is sought and (B) remains eligible for that dependency and indemnity compensation as of January 1 of the taxable year for which the exemption is sought; and .

(4) for taxable year 2025 and thereafter, "surviving spouse" means any person described in paragraph (3) and also includes any Gold Star Spouse.

(c-1) Beginning with taxable year 2015, nothing in this Section shall require the veteran to have qualified for or obtained the exemption before death if the veteran was killed in the line of duty.

(d) The exemption under this Section applies for taxable year 2007 and thereafter. A taxpayer who claims an exemption under Section 15-165 or 15-168 may not claim an exemption under this Section.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (e), each taxpayer who has been granted an exemption under this Section must reapply on an annual basis. Application must be made during the application period in effect for the county of his or her residence. The assessor or chief county assessment officer may determine the eligibility of residential property to receive the homestead exemption provided by this Section by application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. The determination must be made in accordance with guidelines established by the Department.

On and after May 23, 2022 (the effective date of Public Act 102-895), if a veteran has a combined service connected disability rating of 100% and is deemed to be permanently and totally disabled, as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the taxpayer who has been granted an exemption under this Section shall no longer be required to reapply for the exemption on an annual basis, and the exemption shall be in effect for as long as the exemption would otherwise be permitted under this Section.

(e-1) If the person qualifying for the exemption does not occupy the qualified residence as of January 1 of the taxable year, the exemption granted under this Section shall be prorated on a monthly basis. The prorated exemption shall apply beginning with the first complete month in which the person occupies the qualified residence.

(e-5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each chief county assessment officer may approve this exemption for the 2020 taxable year, without application, for any property that was approved for this exemption for the 2019 taxable year, provided that:

(1) the county board has declared a local disaster as provided in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act related to the COVID-19 public health emergency;

(2) the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2020 is the same as the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2019;

(3) the exemption for the 2019 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption as defined by this Code; and

(4) the applicant for the 2019 taxable year has not asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2019 or 2020 taxable years.

Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a veteran whose service connected disability rating has changed since the 2019 exemption was granted from applying for the exemption based on the subsequent service connected disability rating.

(e-10) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each chief county assessment officer may approve this exemption for the 2021 taxable year, without application, for any property that was approved for this exemption for the 2020 taxable year, if:

(1) the county board has declared a local disaster as provided in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act related to the COVID-19 public health emergency;

(2) the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2021 is the same as the owner of record of the property as of January 1, 2020;

(3) the exemption for the 2020 taxable year has not been determined to be an erroneous exemption as defined by this Code; and

(4) the taxpayer for the 2020 taxable year has not asked for the exemption to be removed for the 2020 or 2021 taxable years.

Nothing in this subsection shall preclude a veteran whose service connected disability rating has changed since the 2020 exemption was granted from applying for the exemption based on the subsequent service connected disability rating.

(f) For the purposes of this Section:

"Gold Star Spouse" means a person who was married to an Illinois resident who was a veteran and who was killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States at any time before the expiration of the application period in effect for the exemption for the taxable year for which the exemption is sought.

"Immediate family" means the parent, spouse, sibling, or child of the veteran with a disability.

"Immediate family caregiver" means a member of the veteran's immediate family who provides the veteran ongoing assistance with one or more of the activities of daily living.

"Qualified residence" means real property, but less any portion of that property that is used for commercial purposes, with an equalized assessed value of less than $250,000 that (i) is the primary residence of a veteran with a disability or (ii) is the primary residence of a surviving spouse who is eligible to claim an exemption under this Section. Property rented for more than 6 months is presumed to be used for commercial purposes. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, beginning in taxable year 2025, if property is rented to a veteran with a service connected disability as the veteran's primary residence, and the veteran's percentage of service connected disability entitles the veteran to an exemption under this Section as provided in subsection (b), then the portion of the property that is rented to the veteran is not presumed to be used for commercial purposes if the lessor provides the veteran with a credit against his or her monthly rent in an amount equal to the estimated property tax savings attributable to the exemption, as determined by the chief county assessment officer.

"Veteran" means an Illinois resident who has served as a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty or State active duty, a member of the Illinois National Guard, or a member of the United States Reserve Forces and who has received an honorable discharge.

(Source: P.A. 102-136, eff. 7-23-21; 102-895, eff. 5-23-22; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

(35 ILCS 200/15-169.1 new)

Sec. 15-169.1. Gold Star Parent homestead exemption.

(a) Beginning in taxable year 2025, Gold Star Parent homestead property is entitled to an annual homestead exemption, limited to a reduction in the equalized assessed value of the homestead property equal to 50% of the equalized assessed value of the homestead property.

(b) This exemption is terminated for the next taxable year after the Gold Star Parent or Parents move or die. It also terminates if the Gold Star Parents become legally separated or have their marriage dissolved. The exemption is not transferable to any other person or real property.

(c) If a homestead exemption has been granted under this Section and the person awarded the exemption later becomes a resident of a facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act, the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013, the ID/DD Community Care Act, or the MC/DD Act, then the exemption shall continue so long as the residence remains unoccupied but is still owned by the person qualified for the homestead exemption.

(d) Each taxpayer who has been granted an exemption under this Section must reapply on an annual basis. Application must be made during the application period in effect for the county of his or her residence. The assessor or chief county assessment officer may determine the eligibility of residential property to receive the homestead exemption provided by this Section by application, visual inspection, questionnaire, or other reasonable methods. The determination must be made in accordance with guidelines established by the Department.

(e) The exemption under this Section is in addition to any other homestead exemption provided in this Article 15. Notwithstanding Sections 6 and 8 of the State Mandates Act, no reimbursement by the State is required for the implementation of any mandate created by this Section.

(f) As used in this Section:

"Gold Star Parent" means the parent of an Illinois resident who was killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States at any time before the expiration of the application period in effect for the exemption for the taxable year for which the exemption is sought.

"Gold Star Parent homestead property" means real property, but less any portion of that property that is used for commercial purposes, with an equalized assessed value of less than $250,000 that is owned and occupied as the principal residence of a Gold Star Parent who has an ownership interest in the property, legal, equitable, or as a lessee, and who is liable for the payment of property taxes on the property. Property rented for more than 6 months is presumed to be used for commercial purposes.

Section 15. The School Code is amended by changing Section 10-22.5a as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/10-22.5a) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.5a)

Sec. 10-22.5a. Attendance by dependents of United States military personnel, foreign exchange students, and certain nonresident pupils.

(a) To enter into written agreements with cultural exchange organizations, or with nationally recognized eleemosynary institutions that promote excellence in the arts, mathematics, or science. The written agreements may provide for tuition free attendance at the local district school by foreign exchange students, or by nonresident pupils of eleemosynary institutions. The local board of education, as part of the agreement, may require that the cultural exchange program or the eleemosynary institutions provide services to the district in exchange for the waiver of nonresident tuition.

To enter into written agreements with adjacent school districts to provide for tuition free attendance by a student of the adjacent district when requested for the student's health and safety by the student or parent and both districts determine that the student's health or safety will be served by such attendance. Districts shall not be required to enter into such agreements nor be required to alter existing transportation services due to the attendance of such non-resident pupils.

(a-5) If, at the time of enrollment, a dependent of United States military personnel is housed in temporary housing located outside of a school district, but will be living within the district within 6 months after the time of initial enrollment, the dependent must be allowed to enroll, subject to the requirements of this subsection (a-5), and must not be charged tuition. Any United States military personnel attempting to enroll a dependent under this subsection (a-5) shall provide proof that the dependent will be living within the district within 6 months after the time of initial enrollment. Proof of residency may include, but is not limited to, postmarked mail addressed to the military personnel and sent to an address located within the district, a lease agreement for occupancy of a residence located within the district, or proof of ownership of a residence located within the district. A school district shall allow a dependent of United States military personnel who is housed in temporary housing located outside of a school district, but will be living within the district within 6 months after the time of initial enrollment, to be educated through an electronic learning program or remote learning program for the time period that the dependent is housed in temporary housing under this subsection (a-5).

If a dependent of United States military personnel is moving out of this State because the United States military personnel received a permanent change of station order, then the student shall be allowed to remain enrolled in the school district and be educated through an electronic learning program or remote learning program until a student enrolls in another school district.

(b) Nonresident pupils and foreign exchange students attending school on a tuition free basis under such agreements and nonresident dependents of United States military personnel attending school on a tuition free basis may be counted for the purposes of determining the apportionment of State aid provided under Section 18-8.05 or 18-8.15 of this Code. No organization or institution participating in agreements authorized under this Section may exclude any individual for participation in its program on account of the person's race, color, sex, religion or nationality.

(Source: P.A. 102-126, eff. 7-23-21.)

Section 20. The Public University Tuition Statement Act is amended by adding Section 20 as follows:

(110 ILCS 63/20 new)

Sec. 20. Residency waiver for military families. Requires public universities and community colleges as defined by the Public Community College Act to waive any residency requirement for an active-duty military member, spouse, or dependent if residing in this State so that the member, spouse, or dependent may pay in-State tuition as long as he or she resides in the State and as long as the member serves on active duty.

Section 25. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Sections 6-106 and 6-110 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/6-106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-106)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-210)

Sec. 6-106. Application for license or instruction permit.

(a) Every application for any permit or license authorized to be issued under this Code shall be made upon a form furnished by the Secretary of State. Every application shall be accompanied by the proper fee and payment of such fee shall entitle the applicant to not more than 3 attempts to pass the examination within a period of one year after the date of application.

(b) Every application shall state the legal name, social security number, zip code, date of birth, sex, and residence address of the applicant; briefly describe the applicant; state whether the applicant has theretofore been licensed as a driver, and, if so, when and by what state or country, and whether any such license has ever been cancelled, suspended, revoked or refused, and, if so, the date and reason for such cancellation, suspension, revocation or refusal; shall include an affirmation by the applicant that all information set forth is true and correct; and shall bear the applicant's signature. In addition to the residence address, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide a mailing address. In the case of an applicant who is a judicial officer or peace officer, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide an office or work address in lieu of a residence or mailing address. The application form may also require the statement of such additional relevant information as the Secretary of State shall deem necessary to determine the applicant's competency and eligibility. The Secretary of State may, in his discretion, by rule or regulation, provide that an application for a drivers license or permit may include a suitable photograph of the applicant in the form prescribed by the Secretary, and he may further provide that each drivers license shall include a photograph of the driver. The Secretary of State may utilize a photograph process or system most suitable to deter alteration or improper reproduction of a drivers license and to prevent substitution of another photo thereon. For the purposes of this subsection (b), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(b-3) Upon the first issuance of a request for proposals for a digital driver's license and identification card issuance and facial recognition system issued after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-513), and upon implementation of a new or revised system procured pursuant to that request for proposals, the Secretary shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female" or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the driver's license application form. The sex designated by the applicant shall be displayed on the driver's license issued to the applicant.

(b-5) Every applicant for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or permit shall provide proof of lawful status in the United States as defined in 6 CFR 37.3, as amended. Applicants who are unable to provide the Secretary with proof of lawful status may apply for a driver's license or permit under Section 6-105.1 of this Code.

(c) The application form shall include a notice to the applicant of the registration obligations of sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act. The notice shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subsection (c), "sex offender" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2 of the Sex Offender Registration Act.

(d) Any male United States citizen or immigrant who applies for any permit or license authorized to be issued under this Code or for a renewal of any permit or license, and who is at least 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age, must be registered in compliance with the requirements of the federal Military Selective Service Act. The Secretary of State must forward in an electronic format the necessary personal information regarding the applicants identified in this subsection (d) to the Selective Service System. The applicant's signature on the application serves as an indication that the applicant either has already registered with the Selective Service System or that he is authorizing the Secretary to forward to the Selective Service System the necessary information for registration. The Secretary must notify the applicant at the time of application that his signature constitutes consent to registration with the Selective Service System, if he is not already registered.

(e) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, for each original or renewal driver's license application under this Code, the Secretary shall inquire as to whether the applicant is a veteran for purposes of issuing a driver's license with a veteran designation under subsection (e-5) of Section 6-110 of this Code. The acceptable forms of proof shall include, but are not limited to, Department of Defense form DD-214, Department of Defense form DD-256 for applicants who did not receive a form DD-214 upon the completion of initial basic training, Department of Defense form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, or a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter. If the document cannot be stamped, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall advise the Secretary as to what other forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable.

For each applicant who is issued a driver's license with a veteran designation, the Secretary shall provide the Department of Veterans' Affairs with the applicant's name, address, date of birth, gender and such other demographic information as agreed to by the Secretary and the Department. The Department may take steps necessary to confirm the applicant is a veteran. If after due diligence, including writing to the applicant at the address provided by the Secretary, the Department is unable to verify the applicant's veteran status, the Department shall inform the Secretary, who shall notify the applicant that he or she must confirm status as a veteran, or the driver's license will be cancelled.

For purposes of this subsection (e):

"Armed forces" means any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit.

"Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(f) An applicant who is eligible for Gold Star license plates under Section 3-664 of this Code may apply for an original or renewal driver's license with space for a designation as a Gold Star Family. The Secretary may waive any fee for this application. If the Secretary does not waive the fee, any fee charged to the applicant must be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Secretary is authorized to issue rules to implement this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 101-106, eff. 1-1-20; 101-287, eff. 8-9-19; 101-513, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-210)

Sec. 6-106. Application for license or instruction permit.

(a) Every application for any permit or license authorized to be issued under this Code shall be made upon a form furnished by the Secretary of State. Every application shall be accompanied by the proper fee and payment of such fee shall entitle the applicant to not more than 3 attempts to pass the examination within a period of one year after the date of application.

(b) Every application shall state the legal name, zip code, date of birth, sex, and residence address of the applicant; briefly describe the applicant; state whether the applicant has theretofore been licensed as a driver, and, if so, when and by what state or country, and whether any such license has ever been cancelled, suspended, revoked or refused, and, if so, the date and reason for such cancellation, suspension, revocation or refusal; shall include an affirmation by the applicant that all information set forth is true and correct; and shall bear the applicant's signature. In addition to the residence address, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide a mailing address. In the case of an applicant who is a judicial officer or peace officer, the Secretary may allow the applicant to provide an office or work address in lieu of a residence or mailing address. The application form may also require the statement of such additional relevant information as the Secretary of State shall deem necessary to determine the applicant's competency and eligibility. The Secretary of State may, in his discretion, by rule or regulation, provide that an application for a drivers license or permit may include a suitable photograph of the applicant in the form prescribed by the Secretary, and he may further provide that each drivers license shall include a photograph of the driver. The Secretary of State may utilize a photograph process or system most suitable to deter alteration or improper reproduction of a drivers license and to prevent substitution of another photo thereon. For the purposes of this subsection (b), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(b-1) Every application shall state the social security number of the applicant; except if the applicant is applying for a standard driver's license and, on the date of application, is ineligible for a social security number, then:

(1) if the applicant has documentation, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, authorizing the applicant's presence in this country, the applicant shall provide such documentation instead of a social security number; and

(2) if the applicant does not have documentation described in paragraph (1), the applicant shall provide, instead of a social security number, the following:

(A) documentation establishing that the applicant has resided in this State for a period in excess of one year;

(B) a passport validly issued to the applicant from the applicant's country of citizenship or a consular identification document validly issued to the applicant by a consulate of that country as defined in Section 5 of the Consular Identification Document Act, as long as such documents are either unexpired or presented by an applicant within 2 years of its expiration date; and

(C) a social security card, if the applicant has a social security number.

(b-3) Upon the first issuance of a request for proposals for a digital driver's license and identification card issuance and facial recognition system issued after January 1, 2020 (the effective date of Public Act 101-513), and upon implementation of a new or revised system procured pursuant to that request for proposals, the Secretary shall permit applicants to choose between "male", "female" or "non-binary" when designating the applicant's sex on the driver's license application form. The sex designated by the applicant shall be displayed on the driver's license issued to the applicant.

(b-5) Every applicant for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or permit shall provide proof of lawful status in the United States as defined in 6 CFR 37.3, as amended.

(c) The application form shall include a notice to the applicant of the registration obligations of sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act. The notice shall be provided in a form and manner prescribed by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subsection (c), "sex offender" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2 of the Sex Offender Registration Act.

(d) Any male United States citizen or immigrant who applies for any permit or license authorized to be issued under this Code or for a renewal of any permit or license, and who is at least 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age, must be registered in compliance with the requirements of the federal Military Selective Service Act. The Secretary of State must forward in an electronic format the necessary personal information regarding the applicants identified in this subsection (d) to the Selective Service System. The applicant's signature on the application serves as an indication that the applicant either has already registered with the Selective Service System or that he is authorizing the Secretary to forward to the Selective Service System the necessary information for registration. The Secretary must notify the applicant at the time of application that his signature constitutes consent to registration with the Selective Service System, if he is not already registered.

(e) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, for each original or renewal driver's license application under this Code, the Secretary shall inquire as to whether the applicant is a veteran for purposes of issuing a driver's license with a veteran designation under subsection (e-5) of Section 6-110 of this Code. The acceptable forms of proof shall include, but are not limited to, Department of Defense form DD-214, Department of Defense form DD-256 for applicants who did not receive a form DD-214 upon the completion of initial basic training, Department of Defense form DD-2 (Retired), an identification card issued under the federal Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, or a United States Department of Veterans Affairs summary of benefits letter. If the document cannot be stamped, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide a certificate to the veteran to provide to the Secretary of State. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs shall advise the Secretary as to what other forms of proof of a person's status as a veteran are acceptable.

For each applicant who is issued a driver's license with a veteran designation, the Secretary shall provide the Department of Veterans' Affairs with the applicant's name, address, date of birth, gender and such other demographic information as agreed to by the Secretary and the Department. The Department may take steps necessary to confirm the applicant is a veteran. If after due diligence, including writing to the applicant at the address provided by the Secretary, the Department is unable to verify the applicant's veteran status, the Department shall inform the Secretary, who shall notify the applicant that he or she must confirm status as a veteran, or the driver's license will be cancelled.

For purposes of this subsection (e):

"Armed forces" means any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including a member of any reserve component or National Guard unit.

"Veteran" means a person who has served in the armed forces and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(f) An applicant who is eligible for Gold Star license plates under Section 3-664 of this Code may apply for an original or renewal driver's license with space for a designation as a Gold Star Family. The Secretary may waive any fee for this application. If the Secretary does not waive the fee, any fee charged to the applicant must be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. The Secretary is authorized to issue rules to implement this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 103-210, eff. 7-1-24.)

(625 ILCS 5/6-110) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 6-110)

Sec. 6-110. Licenses issued to drivers.

(a) The Secretary of State shall issue to every qualifying applicant a driver's license as applied for, which license shall bear a distinguishing number assigned to the licensee, the legal name, signature, zip code, date of birth, residence address, and a brief description of the licensee.

Licenses issued shall also indicate the classification and the restrictions under Section 6-104 of this Code. The Secretary may adopt rules to establish informational restrictions that can be placed on the driver's license regarding specific conditions of the licensee.

A driver's license issued may, in the discretion of the Secretary, include a suitable photograph of a type prescribed by the Secretary.

(a-1) If the licensee is less than 18 years of age, unless one of the exceptions in subsection (a-2) apply, the license shall, as a matter of law, be invalid for the operation of any motor vehicle during the following times:

(A) Between 11:00 p.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Saturday;

(B) Between 11:00 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday; and

(C) Between 10:00 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, and 6:00 a.m. on the following day.

(a-2) The driver's license of a person under the age of 18 shall not be invalid as described in subsection (a-1) of this Section if the licensee under the age of 18 was:

(1) accompanied by the licensee's parent or guardian or other person in custody or control of the minor;

(2) on an errand at the direction of the minor's parent or guardian, without any detour or stop;

(3) in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel;

(4) going to or returning home from an employment activity, without any detour or stop;

(5) involved in an emergency;

(6) going to or returning home from, without any detour or stop, an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by a government or governmental agency, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the licensee, without any detour or stop;

(7) exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly; or

(8) married or had been married or is an emancipated minor under the Emancipation of Minors Act.

(a-2.5) The driver's license of a person who is 17 years of age and has been licensed for at least 12 months is not invalid as described in subsection (a-1) of this Section while the licensee is participating as an assigned driver in a Safe Rides program that meets the following criteria:

(1) the program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America or another national public service organization; and

(2) the sponsoring organization carries liability insurance covering the program.

(a-3) If a graduated driver's license holder over the age of 18 committed an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles or any violation of Section 6-107 or Section 12-603.1 of this Code in the 6 months prior to the graduated driver's license holder's 18th birthday, and was subsequently convicted of the offense, the provisions of subsection (a-1) shall continue to apply until such time as a period of 6 consecutive months has elapsed without an additional violation and subsequent conviction of an offense against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles or Section 6-107 or Section 12-603.1 of this Code.

(a-4) If an applicant for a driver's license or instruction permit has a current identification card issued by the Secretary of State, the Secretary may require the applicant to utilize the same residence address and name on the identification card, driver's license, and instruction permit records maintained by the Secretary. The Secretary may promulgate rules to implement this provision.

(a-5) If an applicant for a driver's license is a judicial officer or a peace officer, the applicant may elect to have his or her office or work address listed on the license instead of the applicant's residence or mailing address. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules to implement this subsection (a-5). For the purposes of this subsection (a-5), "peace officer" means any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order or to make arrests for a violation of any penal statute of this State, whether that duty extends to all violations or is limited to specific violations.

(b) Until the Secretary of State establishes a First Person Consent organ and tissue donor registry under Section 6-117 of this Code, the Secretary of State shall provide a format on the reverse of each driver's license issued which the licensee may use to execute a document of gift conforming to the provisions of the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act. The format shall allow the licensee to indicate the gift intended, whether specific organs, any organ, or the entire body, and shall accommodate the signatures of the donor and 2 witnesses. The Secretary shall also inform each applicant or licensee of this format, describe the procedure for its execution, and may offer the necessary witnesses; provided that in so doing, the Secretary shall advise the applicant or licensee that he or she is under no compulsion to execute a document of gift. A brochure explaining this method of executing an anatomical gift document shall be given to each applicant or licensee. The brochure shall advise the applicant or licensee that he or she is under no compulsion to execute a document of gift, and that he or she may wish to consult with family, friends or clergy before doing so. The Secretary of State may undertake additional efforts, including education and awareness activities, to promote organ and tissue donation.

(c) The Secretary of State shall designate on each driver's license issued a space where the licensee may place a sticker or decal of the uniform size as the Secretary may specify, which sticker or decal may indicate in appropriate language that the owner of the license carries an Emergency Medical Information Card.

The sticker may be provided by any person, hospital, school, medical group, or association interested in assisting in implementing the Emergency Medical Information Card, but shall meet the specifications as the Secretary may by rule or regulation require.

(d) The Secretary of State shall designate on each driver's license issued a space where the licensee may indicate his blood type and RH factor.

(e) The Secretary of State shall provide that each original or renewal driver's license issued to a licensee under 21 years of age shall be of a distinct nature from those driver's licenses issued to individuals 21 years of age and older. The color designated for driver's licenses for licensees under 21 years of age shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

(e-1) The Secretary shall provide that each driver's license issued to a person under the age of 21 displays the date upon which the person becomes 18 years of age and the date upon which the person becomes 21 years of age.

(e-3) The General Assembly recognizes the need to identify military veterans living in this State for the purpose of ensuring that they receive all of the services and benefits to which they are legally entitled, including healthcare, education assistance, and job placement. To assist the State in identifying these veterans and delivering these vital services and benefits, the Secretary of State is authorized to issue drivers' licenses with the word "veteran" appearing on the face of the licenses. This authorization is predicated on the unique status of veterans. The Secretary may not issue any other driver's license which identifies an occupation, status, affiliation, hobby, or other unique characteristics of the license holder which is unrelated to the purpose of the driver's license.

(e-5) Beginning on or before July 1, 2015, the Secretary of State shall designate a space on each original or renewal driver's license where, at the request of the applicant, the word "veteran" shall be placed. The veteran designation shall be available to a person identified as a veteran under subsection (e) of Section 6-106 of this Code who was discharged or separated under honorable conditions.

(e-7) Upon providing required documentation, at the request of the applicant, the driver's license may reflect Gold Star Family designation. The Secretary shall designate a space on each original or renewal driver's license for such designation. This designation shall be available to a person eligible for Gold Star license plates under subsection (f) of Section 6-106 of this Code.

(f) The Secretary of State shall inform all Illinois licensed commercial motor vehicle operators of the requirements of the Uniform Commercial Driver License Act, Article V of this Chapter, and shall make provisions to insure that all drivers, seeking to obtain a commercial driver's license, be afforded an opportunity prior to April 1, 1992, to obtain the license. The Secretary is authorized to extend driver's license expiration dates, and assign specific times, dates and locations where these commercial driver's tests shall be conducted. Any applicant, regardless of the current expiration date of the applicant's driver's license, may be subject to any assignment by the Secretary. Failure to comply with the Secretary's assignment may result in the applicant's forfeiture of an opportunity to receive a commercial driver's license prior to April 1, 1992.

(g) The Secretary of State shall designate on a driver's license issued, a space where the licensee may indicate that he or she has drafted a living will in accordance with the Illinois Living Will Act or a durable power of attorney for health care in accordance with the Illinois Power of Attorney Act.

(g-1) The Secretary of State, in his or her discretion, may designate on each driver's license issued a space where the licensee may place a sticker or decal, issued by the Secretary of State, of uniform size as the Secretary may specify, that shall indicate in appropriate language that the owner of the license has renewed his or her driver's license.

(h) A person who acts in good faith in accordance with the terms of this Section is not liable for damages in any civil action or subject to prosecution in any criminal proceeding for his or her act.

(i) The Secretary shall designate a space on each original or renewal of a driver's license, at the request of the applicant, for a designation as a Gold Star Family. This designation shall be available to a person eligible for Gold Star license plates under subsection (f) of Section 6-106 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 97-263, eff. 8-5-11; 97-739, eff. 1-1-13; 97-847, eff. 1-1-13; 97-1127, eff. 1-1-13; 98-323, eff. 1-1-14; 98-463, eff. 8-16-13.)

Section 30. The Museum Disposition of Property Act is amended by adding Section 47 as follows:

(765 ILCS 1033/47 new)

Sec. 47. Waiver of fee. A museum may not charge any fee to an Illinois resident who shows a driver's license or identification card that provides the resident has a notation on the license or card that the resident is a Gold Star Family member.

Section 35. The Illinois Human Rights Act is amended by changing Section 1-103 as follows:

(775 ILCS 5/1-103) (from Ch. 68, par. 1-103)

Sec. 1-103. General definitions. When used in this Act, unless the context requires otherwise, the term:

(A) Age. "Age" means the chronological age of a person who is at least 40 years old, except with regard to any practice described in Section 2-102, insofar as that practice concerns training or apprenticeship programs. In the case of training or apprenticeship programs, for the purposes of Section 2-102, "age" means the chronological age of a person who is 18 but not yet 40 years old.

(B) Aggrieved party. "Aggrieved party" means a person who is alleged or proved to have been injured by a civil rights violation or believes he or she will be injured by a civil rights violation under Article 3 that is about to occur.

(B-5) Arrest record. "Arrest record" means:

(1) an arrest not leading to a conviction;

(2) a juvenile record; or

(3) criminal history record information ordered expunged, sealed, or impounded under Section 5.2 of the Criminal Identification Act.

(C) Charge. "Charge" means an allegation filed with the Department by an aggrieved party or initiated by the Department under its authority.

(D) Civil rights violation. "Civil rights violation" includes and shall be limited to only those specific acts set forth in Sections 2-102, 2-103, 2-105, 3-102, 3-102.1, 3-103, 3-102.10, 3-104.1, 3-105, 3-105.1, 4-102, 4-103, 5-102, 5A-102, 6-101, 6-101.5, and 6-102 of this Act.

(E) Commission. "Commission" means the Human Rights Commission created by this Act.

(F) Complaint. "Complaint" means the formal pleading filed by the Department with the Commission following an investigation and finding of substantial evidence of a civil rights violation.

(G) Complainant. "Complainant" means a person including the Department who files a charge of civil rights violation with the Department or the Commission.

(G-5) Conviction record. "Conviction record" means information indicating that a person has been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or other criminal offense, placed on probation, fined, imprisoned, or paroled pursuant to any law enforcement or military authority.

(H) Department. "Department" means the Department of Human Rights created by this Act.

(I) Disability.

(1) "Disability" means a determinable physical or mental characteristic of a person, including, but not limited to, a determinable physical characteristic which necessitates the person's use of a guide, hearing or support dog, the history of such characteristic, or the perception of such characteristic by the person complained against, which may result from disease, injury, congenital condition of birth or functional disorder and which characteristic:

(a) For purposes of Article 2, is unrelated to the person's ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position and, pursuant to Section 2-104 of this Act, a person's illegal use of drugs or alcohol is not a disability;

(b) For purposes of Article 3, is unrelated to the person's ability to acquire, rent, or maintain a housing accommodation;

(c) For purposes of Article 4, is unrelated to a person's ability to repay;

(d) For purposes of Article 5, is unrelated to a person's ability to utilize and benefit from a place of public accommodation;

(e) For purposes of Article 5, also includes any mental, psychological, or developmental disability, including autism spectrum disorders.

(2) Discrimination based on disability includes unlawful discrimination against an individual because of the individual's association with a person with a disability.

(J) Marital status. "Marital status" means the legal status of being married, single, separated, divorced, or widowed.

(J-1) Military status. "Military status" means a person's status on active duty in or status as a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, status as a current member or veteran of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the United States Army Reserve, United States Marine Corps Reserve, United States Navy Reserve, United States Air Force Reserve, and United States Coast Guard Reserve, or status as a current member or veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard or Illinois Air National Guard.

(J-5) Military family status. "Military family status" includes a family member, caregiver, or survivor of a person who has military status.

(K) National origin. "National origin" means the place in which a person or one of his or her ancestors was born.

(K-5) "Order of protection status" means a person's status as being a person protected under an order of protection issued pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, Article 112A of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, the Stalking No Contact Order Act, or the Civil No Contact Order Act, or an order of protection issued by a court of another state.

(L) Person. "Person" includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations or organizations, labor organizations, labor unions, joint apprenticeship committees, or union labor associations, corporations, the State of Illinois and its instrumentalities, political subdivisions, units of local government, legal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy or receivers.

(L-5) Pregnancy. "Pregnancy" means pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.

(M) Public contract. "Public contract" includes every contract to which the State, any of its political subdivisions, or any municipal corporation is a party.

(M-5) Race. "Race" includes traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.

(N) Religion. "Religion" includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, except that with respect to employers, for the purposes of Article 2, "religion" has the meaning ascribed to it in paragraph (F) of Section 2-101.

(O) Sex. "Sex" means the status of being male or female.

(O-1) Sexual orientation. "Sexual orientation" means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender-related identity, whether or not traditionally associated with the person's designated sex at birth. "Sexual orientation" does not include a physical or sexual attraction to a minor by an adult.

(O-5) Source of income. "Source of income" means the lawful manner by which an individual supports himself or herself and his or her dependents.

(P) Unfavorable military discharge. "Unfavorable military discharge" includes discharges from the Armed Forces of the United States, their Reserve components, or any National Guard or Naval Militia which are classified as RE-3 or the equivalent thereof, but does not include those characterized as RE-4 or "Dishonorable".

(Q) Unlawful discrimination. "Unlawful discrimination" means discrimination against a person because of his or her actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service as those terms are defined in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-362, eff. 1-1-22; 102-419, eff. 1-1-22; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 102-896, eff. 1-1-23; 102-1102, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

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.".