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SB 1185

SB 1185 - This act moves the general municipal election day from the first Tuesday after the first Tuesday in April to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Additionally, all bond and tax elections must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. The act further modifies provisions for school board elections. Under current law, elections for school board members are held on either the general municipal election day or such day as is specified in the county charter, with terms of office ranging from three years to six years, depending on the district. This act requires all such elections to be held at the November general election and makes all such terms four years. This act has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. This act contains provisions identical to SB 485 (2025) and similar to the truly agreed to SS/SB 1002 (2026), SB 839 (2026), SB 1185 (2026), HB 1613 (2026), HB 1722 (2026), HB 3013 (2026), HB 539 (2025), HB 2536 (2024), SB 234 (2023), SB 740 (2022), HCS/HB 2306 (2022), SB 150 (2021), HB 920 (2021), SB 414 (2021), HB 361 (2019), and HCS/HB 1424 (2018). SCOTT SVAGERA

2026 Regular Session

Creates a presumption of disability for Chicago police applying for benefits when reinstatement is denied for incapacity, unless offered reinstatement or limited duty.

Second Read and Referred S Education Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1185

Summary — SB1185 (PEN CD — Chicago Police Disability)

Note: the supplied document includes text from multiple, unrelated bills (including an Arizona bill on public restrooms and water). This summary focuses on the bill described by the title "PEN CD‑CHI POLICE‑DISABILITY" — the Illinois SB1185 that amends the Chicago Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code.

Main purpose

SB1185 creates a legal presumption of disability for Chicago policemen applying for disability pension benefits when the employer has denied their reinstatement because of a physical or mental incapacity. It limits circumstances under which a disability claim may be denied and establishes entitlement to benefits for certain claimants denied after the bill’s effective date.

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 5-156.5 to the Illinois Pension Code (Chicago Police Article).
    • Presumption of disability: A policeman who applies for disability benefits and whose employer has denied reinstatement because of a physical or mental incapacity "shall be presumed to be disabled" for purposes of the Article.
    • Limit on denial of benefits: A policeman who otherwise meets the statutory eligibility requirements cannot be denied a disability benefit unless and until the employer either (1) reinstates the officer as a policeman or (2) offers the officer a limited‑duty position.
    • Entitlement following improper denial: Any policeman denied a disability benefit without an offer of reinstatement or a limited‑duty position after the effective date of this amendatory Act is entitled to receive disability benefits.
  • Amends the State Mandates Act to add an “exempt mandate” provision (30 ILCS 805/8.49): the implementation of mandates created by this act does not require state reimbursement to local units of government.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon becoming law (per the bill language).

Who is affected

  • Directly: Chicago policemen (members of the Chicago Police Article pension system) who apply for disability retirement benefits and whose employers cite incapacity to deny reinstatement.
  • Indirectly: The Chicago Police pension fund and municipal employers (City of Chicago or relevant agencies), which may see changes in disability benefit approvals and associated fiscal impacts.
  • Local governments: The State Mandates Act amendment means any costs tied to this change are not subject to state reimbursement.

Potential impacts

  • Administrative and fiscal:
    • Likely increase in the number of successful disability claims for Chicago policemen in situations where employers have refused reinstatement on incapacity grounds, shifting more obligations to the pension system.
    • Employers may respond by offering limited‑duty positions or reinstatement to avoid triggering the presumption, which could affect personnel and workplace accommodations.
    • The “no reimbursement” mandate exposes local employers/pension funds to costs without state offset.
  • Legal/practical:
    • Lowers the evidentiary burden on applicants in cases where reinstatement is denied due to incapacity.
    • Could reduce litigation over disability denials if employers opt to offer limited duty/reinstatement or accept disability determinations.

Procedural status (as provided)

  • Introduced in the Illinois Senate by Sen. Robert F. Martwick on January 24, 2025.
  • Referred to committee(s) (status noted as “Referred to Assignments” in the materials provided).
  • The bill text states the act takes effect upon becoming law.

If you want, I can:
- Produce a concise fiscal/fund impact estimate structure (what data would be needed);
- Draft a one‑page explainer for city HR/pension administrators on operational implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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