HB1648 – 40 ILCS 5/4-135
Amends the Downstate Firefighter Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that an annuitant or disability beneficiary may direct, in writing, that a monthly payment be made to an association or organization with which the annuitant or disability beneficiary or the annuitant’s or disability beneficiary’s surviving spouse may be affiliated by virtue of his or her fire service or for hospitalization insurance purposes. Passed both houses and sent to the Governor on June 20, 2025.
HB3193 – 40 ILCS 5/1-107
Amends the Illinois Pension Code on the issue of Indemnification for trustees, consultants, and employees of the retirement systems. Changed the indemnification provision from may indemnify to shall indemnify, which requires Article 3 and Article 4 pension funds to indemnify (protect) their trustees and staff from legal claims and lawsuits related to negligent or wrongful acts committed while acting within the scope of their official duties. However, no indemnification is allowed for acts involving willful misconduct or gross negligence.
Additionally, pension boards are authorized to purchase insurance to cover potential liability or losses for trustees, staff, and consultants. This insurance must be obtained from a company licensed to operate in Illinois.
HB3193 – 40 ILCS 5/3-110.12, 3-110.15 & 4-108(10), 4-108.9
This bill opens up a 6-month window (starting from the effective date of the amendatory act of the 104th General Assembly) and allows active members to transfer up to 8 years of creditable service between Article 3 and Article 4 pension funds. It is important to note that the member must not have been subject to discipline when he or she terminated employment.