b'END OF SESSION REPORTsuch victory. Due to the collabora- is the first BIPA-related reform bill tion of Senator DeWitte and the Illi- to make its way through the full leg-nois Chamber Tax Institute, Illinoisislative process passing the Senate 46-will now be in line with the rest of13-0 and the House 81-30-0. The bill the country in how these leases arenow heads to Governor J.B. Pritzkers treated by IDOR.desk where it is expected to be signed However, the Chamber has sig- shortly. nificant concerns about the revenueThe Illinois Supreme Court effec-bill (HB4951) that passed in that ittively directed the General Assem-will ultimately be balanced on thebly to clarify the intent of damages backs of the taxpayers and business- calculations in BIPA so judges for es of Illinois. With an increase ofmany existing cases have not award-more than $1B in revenue withouted damages while waiting for the commensurate cuts, it poses substan- conclusion of the legislative process. tial problems moving forward withTo that end, the business community ARPA funds expiring in 2025 andhas been seeking retroactivity as partIf you have any pending transportation funding gapsof any BIPA reform.going unaddressed. Growing ourIn addition, many companiesquestions or would like revenue base is a worthwhile effort,are requesting a security exceptionto discuss any of these however, growth efforts will be forwhich would exempt specific sit-naught unless we apply fiscal balanceuations from BIPA. Current BIPAlegislative matters, and retain opportunities to helplanguage prevents the use of facial existing businesses grow. We lookrecognition technology that could beplease feel free to reach forward to being part of that conver- used to improve personal security forout to our team.sation.individuals as well as in the trans-Please view the Tax Instituteportation environment. Without the update beginning on page 41 of thissecurity exemption, the opportunity report for an in-depth look at majorfor further tech investment in Illinois tax legislation for the business com- could dissipate. For this reason, the munity that was considered through- Illinois Chamber opposed SB2979 out the entire Spring.along with the great majority of the General AssemblybusinessQuick review of what the bill Acknowledges Need fordoes and does not do: The bill BIPA Reform, SB 2979includes a damage cap based on a Passes Both Housesper person basis rather than a per Senator President Pro Tempore Billinstance or per swipe approach. Cunningham has been involved inThe current version of SB2979 also discussions to make changes to Illi- allows for electronic opt-in rather nois Biometric Information Privacythan a paper-based requirement. Act (BIPA) for several years. He isBoth of these measures are signifi-the Senate sponsor of SB2979 whichcant improvements and are especially JUNE 20243'