Labor & Employment (Unemployment)

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, school districts and public institutions of higher education are eligible to receive unemployment insurance aid. Sets forth provisions concerning the calculation of the amount of unemployment insurance aid to be given to each school district and public institutions of higher education. Provides that, if the total unemployment insurance aid for a fiscal year is greater than the annual appropriation for that year, the State Board of Education or the Board of Higher Education shall proportionately reduce the aid payment to each school district and public institution of higher education. Sets forth reporting requirements. Makes conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Department of Employment Security Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Employment Security shall create a self-employment assistance program to provide benefits to individuals who are working to start a business in the State and who are otherwise eligible to receive benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that a participant in the program shall be deemed to be actively engaged in seeking work as required under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that benefits paid to a participant in the program are considered to be benefits paid under the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Employment Security shall adopt rules to implement and administer the program.

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. Provides that the Department of Employment Security shall make payments to beneficiaries under the Act based on the State's average unemployment rate. Effective January 1, 2026.