IL SB0143

Creates a voluntary public financing program for Illinois Supreme Court and Appellate Court judicial campaigns, administered by the State Board of Elections, available for elections beginning in 2027

Establishes the Illinois Judicial Election Democracy Trust Fund with $40 million in annual transfers from income tax revenues starting January 1, 2026, plus a $3 tax checkoff option for taxpayers

Requires candidates seeking public financing to collect qualifying contributions of $5-$100 from district residents totaling $25,000 (First Judicial District) or $15,000 (other districts) during the qualifying period

Provides eligible candidates $525,000 for Supreme Court general elections and $175,000 for Appellate Court general elections, with funds distributed via "fair election debit cards" and only available in races where all candidates participate in the program

Limits seed money contributions to $1,000 per contributor and personal funds to $25,000 (First District) or $15,000 (other districts), with violations subject to fines up to $10,000 per violation and required repayment of distributed funds