Illinois Governor Signs Key Legislation Extending Professional Practice Acts and Clarifying Mental Health Services
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed several pieces of legislation into law, including significant extensions for various professional practice acts and amendments to the Community emergency Services and Support Act. These measures aim to ensure the continued regulation and operation of essential professions and to enhance behavioral health crisis response.
Among the signed bills is SB2494, wich provides a five-year sunset extension for the Illinois Dental Practice Act. This extension ensures the continued oversight and regulation of dental professionals in the state. Similarly, SB2495 extends the sunset of the Respiratory Care Practice Act for five years and also includes an extension for the Athletic Trainers Practice Act. SB2496 grants a five-year sunset extension to the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology (“BCENT”) Act, maintaining regulatory frameworks for these sectors. SB2497 extends the life of the Illinois Physical therapy Act for five years.
In addition to these practice act extensions, SB2500 amends the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. This amendment clarifies the role of mobile mental health relief providers in responding to behavioral health crises, a critical step in improving mental healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. SB2506 extends the operational period of the Task Force on Interjurisdictional Industrial Zoning Impact and modifies its appointment requirements.
Most of the legislation, including the practice act extensions, will become effective on January 1, 2026. However, the immediate five-year extensions of the sunset repeal dates are in effect sooner. SB2506, concerning the Task Force on Interjurisdictional Industrial Zoning Impact, is effective immediately.
