HB2473 Summary

• Transfers nuclear safety regulatory authority from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), updating agency references throughout multiple nuclear-related statutes.

• Authorizes IEMA-OHS to adopt rules by January 1, 2026 for regulation of small modular reactors (SMRs) with nameplate capacity of 300 megawatts or less, including criteria for decommissioning, environmental monitoring, emergency preparedness, and fee structures.

• Permits construction of new nuclear power reactors with 300 megawatts or less capacity beginning January 1, 2026, provided all required federal and state permits and decommissioning funding approvals are obtained; exempts existing reactors from new requirements.

• Directs IEMA-OHS to commission a study by January 1, 2025 on small modular reactor development potential in Illinois, with public comment period and reporting to the General Assembly; study provision repeals January 1, 2027.

• Establishes definitions of "small modular reactor," "nuclear power plant," "nuclear power reactor," and "nuclear facilities" throughout multiple statutes governing radiation protection, waste management, and nuclear safety.