POLICE-LINE-OF-DUTY DISABILITY

Amends the Downstate Police Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, any line-of-duty disability pension shall be at least $40,000 per year (instead of $400 per month), without regard to whether the disability or death of the police officer occurred before July 1, 2026. In provisions concerning an annual increase in the line-of-duty disability pension, removes requirements that an applicant must file an affidavit stating that the applicant has not earned any income from gainful employment during the most recently concluded tax year; have service credit in the Fund for at least 7 years of active duty; and have been receiving a line-of-duty disability pension for a period which, when added to the officer's total service credit in the Fund, equals at least 20 years. Provides that, if a disabled police officer is receiving a line-of-duty disability pension and is an annuitant of a municipality that sponsors a group hospital and medical plan that includes police officers or is participating in certain group insurance coverage, then the pension fund shall pay the total monthly premium on behalf of that police officer for such group insurance coverage. Amends the Property Tax Code. Sets forth a homestead exemption for property owned by a person receiving a line-of-duty disability pension in an amount equal to 50% of the equalized or assessed value of the property if the person is age 25 or over and under the age of 36, 75% of the equalized or assessed value of the property if the person is age 36 or over and under the age of 50, and 100% of the equalized or assessed value of the property if the person is age 50 or over. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.