SB0177 Summary

• Adds subsection (qq) to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act allowing the Department to adopt emergency rules to implement the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act without the standard 24-month limitation on emergency rulemaking.

• Amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act to expand the Illinois Works Review Panel from 11 to 25 members, with increased legislative appointments and includes grant agreements funding State contracts in the apprenticeship initiative requirements.

• Modifies apprenticeship utilization requirements for public works projects estimated at $500,000 or more, establishing a 10% apprentice labor hour goal and allowing the Department discretionary authority to reduce or waive goals based on specific circumstances.

• Establishes the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program allowing contractors and subcontractors to earn bid credits for employing apprentices who completed the Illinois Works Preapprenticeship Program, with credits usable on future State public works contracts.

• Updates the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act to include 20% contracting goals for State construction contracts (with 11% for minorities, 7% for women-owned businesses, and 2% for businesses owned by persons with disabilities) and clarifies "commercially useful function" requirements aligned with federal regulations.