2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 20 - EXECUTIVE BRANCH › 20 ILCS 730/ - Energy Transition Act.

(20 ILCS 730/Art. 5 heading)
Article 5.  Energy Transition
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-1)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-1. Short title.  This Article may be cited as the Energy Transition Act. As used in this Article, "this Act" refers to this Article.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-5)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-5.  Definitions.  As used in this Act:
"Apprentice" means a participant in an apprenticeship program approved by and registered with the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.
"Apprenticeship program" means an apprenticeship and training program approved by and registered with the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.
"Black, indigenous, and people of color" or "BIPOC" means people who are members of the groups described in subparagraphs (a) through (e) of paragraph (A) of subsection (1) of Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act.
"Community-based organizations" means an organization that: (1) provides employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community; (2) includes community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments; (3) has at least one main operating office in the community or region it serves; and (4) demonstrates relationships with local residents and other organizations serving the community.
"Department" means the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, unless the text solely specifies a particular Department.
"Director" means the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
"Equity eligible contractor" or "eligible contractor" means:
(1) a business that is majority-owned by equity     investment eligible individuals or persons who are or have been participants in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program, Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, or Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program;
(2) a nonprofit or cooperative that is     majority-governed by equity investment eligible individuals or persons who are or have been participants in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program, Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, or Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program; or
(3) an equity investment eligible person or an     individual who is or has been a participant in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program, Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, or Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program and who is offering personal services as an independent contractor.
"Equity focused populations" means (i) low-income persons; (ii) persons residing in equity investment eligible communities; (iii) persons who identify as black, indigenous, and people of color; (iv) formerly convicted persons; (v) persons who are or were in the child welfare system; (vi) energy workers; (vii) dependents of displaced energy workers; (viii) women; (ix) LGBTQ+, transgender, or gender nonconforming persons; (x) persons with disabilities; and (xi) members of any of these groups who are also youth.
"Equity investment eligible community" and "eligible community" are synonymous and mean the geographic areas throughout Illinois which would most benefit from equitable investments by the State designed to combat discrimination and foster sustainable economic growth. Specifically, the eligible community means the following areas:
(1) R3 Areas as established pursuant to Section 10-40     of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, where residents have historically been excluded from economic opportunities, including opportunities in the energy sector; and
(2) Environmental justice communities, as defined by     the Illinois Power Agency pursuant to the Illinois Power Agency Act, but excluding racial and ethnic indicators, where residents have historically been subject to disproportionate burdens of pollution, including pollution from the energy sector.
"Equity investment eligible person" and "eligible person" are synonymous and mean the persons who would most benefit from equitable investments by the State designed to combat discrimination and foster sustainable economic growth. Specifically, eligible persons means the following people:
(1) persons whose primary residence is in an equity     investment eligible community;
(2) persons who are graduates of or currently     enrolled in the foster care system; or
(3) persons who were formerly incarcerated.
"Climate Works Hub" means a nonprofit organization selected by the Department to act as a workforce intermediary and to participate in the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program. To qualify as a Climate Works Hub, the organization must demonstrate the following:
(1) the ability to effectively serve diverse and     underrepresented populations, including by providing employment services to such populations;
(2) experience with the construction and building     trades;
(3) the ability to recruit, prescreen, and provide     preapprenticeship training to prepare workers for employment in the construction and building trades; and
(4) a plan to provide the following:
(A) preparatory classes;
(B) workplace readiness skills, such as resume         preparation and interviewing techniques;
(C) strategies for overcoming barriers to entry         and completion of an apprenticeship program; and
(D) any prerequisites for acceptance into an         apprenticeship program.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-10)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-10. Findings.  The General Assembly finds that the clean energy sector is a growing area of the economy in the State of Illinois. The General Assembly further finds that State investment in the clean energy economy in Illinois can be a vehicle for expanding equitable access to public health, safety, a cleaner environment, quality jobs, and economic opportunity.
It is in the public policy interest of the State to ensure that Illinois residents from communities disproportionately impacted by climate change, communities facing coal plant or coal mine closures, and economically disadvantaged communities and individuals experiencing barriers to employment have access to State programs and good jobs and career opportunities in growing sectors of the State economy. To promote those interests in the growing clean energy sector, the General Assembly hereby creates this Act to increase access to and opportunities for education, training, and support services these individuals need to succeed in the labor market generally and the clean energy sector specifically.  The General Assembly further finds that the programs included in this Act are essential to equitable, statewide access to quality training, jobs, and economic opportunities across the clean energy sector.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-15)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-15. Regional Administrators.
(a) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall select 3 unique Regional Administrators: one Regional Administrator for coordination of the work in the Northern Illinois Program Delivery Area, one Regional Administrator for coordination of the work in the Central Illinois Program Delivery Area, and one Regional Administrator for coordination of the work in the Southern Illinois Program Delivery Area.
(b) The Regional Administrators shall have strong capabilities, experience, and knowledge related to program development and fiscal management; cultural and language competency needed to be effective in their respective communities to be served; expertise in working in and with BIPOC and environmental justice communities; knowledge and experience in working with employer or sectoral partnerships, if applicable, in clean energy or related sectors; and awareness of industry trends and activities, workforce development best practices, regional workforce development needs, regional and industry employers, and community development. The Regional Administrators shall demonstrate a track record of strong partnerships with community-based organizations and labor organizations.
(c) The Regional Administrators shall work together to administer the implementation of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, and the Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training Program.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-20)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-20. Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program.
(a) As used in this Section, "Program" means the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall develop and, through Regional Administrators, administer the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program to create a network of 13 Program delivery Hub Sites with program elements delivered by community-based organizations and their subcontractors geographically distributed across the State including at least one Hub Site located in or near each of the following areas: Chicago (South Side), Chicago (Southwest and West Sides), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton.
(c) In admitting program participants, for each workforce Hub Site, the Regional Administrators shall:
(1) in each Hub Site where the applicant pool allows:
(A) dedicate at least one-third of program         placements to applicants who reside in a geographic area that is impacted by economic and environmental challenges, defined as an area that is both (i) an R3 Area, as defined pursuant to Section 10-40 of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, and (ii) an environmental justice community, as defined by the Illinois Power Agency, excluding any racial or ethnic indicators used by the agency unless and until the constitutional basis for their inclusion in determining program admissions is established. Among applicants that satisfy these criteria, preference shall be given to applicants who face barriers to employment, such as low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, and language barriers; and applicants that are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system; and
(B) dedicate at least two-thirds of program         placements to applicants that satisfy the criteria in paragraph (1) or who reside in a geographic area that is impacted by economic or environmental challenges, defined as an area that is either (i) an R3 Area, as defined pursuant to Section 10-40 of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, or (ii) an environmental justice community, as defined by the Illinois Power Agency, excluding any racial or ethnic indicators used by the agency unless and until the constitutional basis for their inclusion in determining program admissions is established. Among applicants that satisfy these criteria, preference shall be given to applicants who face barriers to employment, such as low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, and language barriers; and applicants that are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system; and
(2) prioritize the remaining program placements for:     applicants who are displaced energy workers as defined in the Energy Community Reinvestment Act; persons who face barriers to employment, including low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, and language barriers; and applicants who are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system, regardless of the applicant's area of residence.
The Department and Regional Administrators shall protect the confidentiality of any personal information provided by program applicants regarding the applicant's status as a formerly incarcerated person or foster care recipient; however, the Department or Regional Administrators may publish aggregated data on the number of participants that were formerly incarcerated or foster care recipients so long as that publication protects the identities of those persons.
Any person who applies to the program may elect not to share with the Department or Regional Administrators whether he or she is a graduate or currently enrolled in the foster care system or was formerly convicted.
(d) Program elements for each Hub Site shall be provided by a community-based organization.  The Department shall initially select a community-based organization in each Hub Site and shall subsequently select a community-based organization in each Hub Site every 3 years. Community-based organizations delivering program elements outlined in subsection (e) may provide all elements required or may subcontract to other entities for provision of portions of program elements, including, but not limited to, administrative soft and hard skills for program participants, delivery of specific training in the core curriculum, or provision of other support functions for program delivery compliance.
(e) The Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs Network shall:
(1) coordinate with Energy Transition Navigators: (i)     to increase participation in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and clean energy and related sector workforce and training opportunities; (ii) coordinate recruitment, communications, and ongoing engagement with potential employers, including, but not limited to, activities such as job matchmaking initiatives, hosting events such as job fairs, and collaborating with other Hub Sites to identify and implement best practices for employer engagement; and (iii) leverage community-based organizations, educational institutions, and community-based and labor-based training providers to ensure program-eligible individuals across the State have dedicated and sustained support to enter and complete the career pipeline for clean energy and related sector jobs;
(2)  develop formal partnerships, including formal     sector partnerships between community-based organizations and entities that provide clean energy jobs, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, and worker-owned cooperatives, to ensure that Program participants have priority access to employment training and hiring opportunities; and
(3) implement the Clean Jobs Curriculum to provide,     including, but not limited to, training, certification preparation, job readiness, and skill development, including soft skills, math skills, technical skills, certification test preparation, and other development needed, to Program participants.
(f) Funding for the Program is subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund.
(g) The Department shall require submission of quarterly reports, including program performance metrics by each Hub Site to the Regional Administrator of their Program Delivery Area.  Program performance metrics include, but are not limited to:
(1) demographic data, including racial, gender,     residency in eligible communities, and geographic distribution data, on Program trainees entering and graduating the Program;
(2) demographic data, including racial, gender,     residency in eligible communities, and geographic distribution data, on Program trainees who are placed in employment, including the percentages of trainees by race, gender, and geographic categories in each individual job type or category and whether employment is union, nonunion, or nonunion via temporary agency;
(3) trainee job acquisition and retention statistics,     including the duration of employment (start and end dates of hires) by race, gender, and geography;
(4) hourly wages, including hourly overtime pay rate,     and benefits of trainees placed into employment by race, gender, and geography;
(5) percentage of jobs by race, gender, and geography     held by Program trainees or graduates that are full-time equivalent positions, meaning that the position held is full-time, direct, and permanent based on 2,080 hours worked per year (paid directly by the employer, whose activities, schedule, and manner of work the employer controls, and receives pay and benefits in the same manner as permanent employees); and
(6) qualitative data consisting of open-ended     reporting on pertinent issues, including, but not limited to, qualitative descriptions accompanying metrics or identifying key successes and challenges.
(h) Within 3 years after the effective date of this Act, the Department shall select an independent evaluator to review and prepare a report on the performance of the Program and Regional Administrators.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-25)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-25. Clean Jobs Curriculum.
(a) As used in this Section, "clean energy jobs", subject to administrative rules, means jobs in the solar energy, wind energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, solar thermal, green hydrogen, geothermal, electric vehicle industries, other renewable energy industries, industries achieving emission reductions, and other related sectors including related industries that manufacture, develop, build, maintain, or provide ancillary services to renewable energy resources or energy efficiency products or services, including the manufacture and installation of healthier building materials that contain fewer hazardous chemicals. "Clean energy jobs" includes administrative, sales, other support functions within these industries and other related sector industries.
(b) The Department shall convene a comprehensive stakeholder process that includes representatives from the State Board of Education, the Illinois Community College Board, the Department of Labor, community-based organizations, workforce development providers, labor unions, building trades, educational institutions, residents of BIPOC and low-income communities, residents of environmental justice communities, clean energy businesses, nonprofit organizations, worker-owned cooperatives, other groups that provide clean energy jobs opportunities, groups that provide construction and building trades job opportunities, and other participants to identify the career pathways and training curriculum needed for participants to be skilled, work ready, and able to enter clean energy jobs. The curriculum shall:
(1) identify the core training curricular competency     areas needed to prepare workers to enter clean energy and related sector jobs;
(2) identify a set of required core cross-training     competencies provided in each training area for clean energy jobs with the goal of enabling any trainee to receive a standard set of skills common to multiple training areas that would provide a foundation for pursuing a career composed of multiple clean energy job types;
(3) include approaches to integrate broad     occupational training to provide career entry into the general construction and building trades sector and any remedial education and work readiness support necessary to achieve educational and professional eligibility thresholds; and
(4) identify on-the-job training formats, where     relevant, and identify suggested trainer certification standards, where relevant.
(c) The Department shall publish a report that includes the findings, recommendations, and core curriculum identified by the stakeholder group and shall post a copy of the report on its public website. The Department shall convene the process described to update and modify the recommended curriculum every 3 years to ensure the curriculum contents are current to the evolving clean energy industries, practices, and technologies.
(d) Organizations that receive funding to provide training under the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, including, but not limited to, community-based and labor-based training providers, and educational institutions must use the core curriculum that is developed under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-30)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-30. Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program.
(a) As used in this Section, "Program" means the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall create and administer an Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program.  The Program shall be used to provide supportive services for individuals impacted by the energy transition.  Services allowed are intended to help eligible individuals overcome financial and other barriers to participation in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
(c) The Program shall be available to individuals eligible for participation in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
(d) The Department shall determine appropriate allowable program costs, elements, and financial supports to reduce barriers to successful participation in the Clean Jobs Workforce Program and the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program for individuals eligible for these programs.
(e) Community-based organizations and other nonprofits selected by the Department shall provide supportive services described in this Section to eligible individuals participating in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
(f) The community-based organizations that provide support services under this Section shall coordinate with the Energy Transition Navigators to ensure eligible individuals have access to these services.
(g) Funding for the Program is subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-35)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-35.  Energy Transition Navigators.
(a) As used in this Section:
"Community-based provider" means a not-for-profit organization that has a history of serving low-wage or low-skilled workers or individuals from economically disadvantaged communities.
"Economically disadvantaged community" means areas of one or more census tracts where the average household income does not exceed 80% of the area median income.
(b) In order to engage eligible individuals to participate in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program, Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, and Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program and utilize the services offered under the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program, the Department shall, subject to appropriation, contract with community-based providers to serve as Energy Transition Navigators. Energy Transition Navigators shall provide education, outreach, and recruitment services to equity focused populations, prioritizing individuals eligible for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, to make sure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce development systems. Additional strategies may include, but are not limited to, recruitment activities and events.
(c) For members of equity focused populations, prioritizing individuals eligible for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, who may be interested in entrepreneurial pursuits, Energy Transition Navigators may connect these individuals with their area Small Business Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, or economic development organization to engage in services, including, but not limited to, business consulting, business planning, regulatory compliance, marketing, training, accessing capital, government bid, and certification assistance.
(d) Energy Transition Navigators shall engage equity focused populations, prioritizing individuals eligible for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, organizations working with these populations, local workforce innovation boards, and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate outreach initiatives to promote information regarding programs and services offered under the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, and the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program. Energy Transition Navigators shall provide support where reasonable to individuals and entities applying for these services and programs.
(e) Community education, outreach, and recruitment regarding the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, and Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program shall be targeted to the equity focused populations, prioritizing individuals eligible for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
(f) Community-based providers shall partner with educational institutions or organizations working with equity focused populations, local employers, labor unions, and others to identify members of equity focused populations in eligible communities who are unable to advance in their careers due to inadequate skills. Community-based providers shall provide information and consultation to equity focused populations, prioritizing individuals eligible for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, on various educational opportunities and supportive services available to them.
(g) Community-based providers shall establish partnerships with employers, educational institutions, local economic development organizations, environmental justice organizations, trades groups, labor unions, and entities that provide jobs, including businesses and other nonprofit organizations, to target the skill needs of local industry. The community-based provider shall work with local workforce innovation boards and other relevant partners to develop skill curriculum and career pathway support for disadvantaged individuals in equity focused populations, prioritizing individuals eligible for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, that meets local employers' needs and establishes job placement opportunities after training.
(h) Funding for the Program is subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund. Priority in awarding grants under this Section will be given to organizations that also have experience serving populations impacted by climate change.
(i) Each community-based organization that receives funding from the Department as an Energy Transition Navigator shall provide an annual report to the Department by April 1 of each calendar year. The annual report shall include the following information:
(1) a description of the community-based     organization's recruitment, screening, and training efforts;
(2) the number of individuals who apply to,     participate in, and complete programs offered through the Energy Transition Workforce Program, broken down by race, gender, age, and location; and
(3) any other information deemed necessary by the     Department.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-40)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-40. Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
(a) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall develop, and through Regional Administrators administer, the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program. The goal of the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program is to create a network of hubs throughout the State that will recruit, prescreen, and provide preapprenticeship skills training, for which participants may attend free of charge and receive a stipend, to create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers who are prepared for careers in the construction and building trades and clean energy jobs opportunities therein. Upon completion of the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, the candidates will be connected to and prepared to successfully complete an apprenticeship program.
(b) Each Climate Works Hub that receives funding from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund shall provide an annual report to the Illinois Works Review Panel by April 1 of each calendar year. The annual report shall include the following information:
(1) a description of the Climate Works Hub's     recruitment, screening, and training efforts, including a description of training related to construction and building trades opportunities in clean energy jobs;
(2) the number of individuals who apply to,     participate in, and complete the Climate Works Hub's program, broken down by race, gender, age, and veteran status;
(3) the number of the individuals referenced in     paragraph (2) of this subsection who are initially accepted and placed into apprenticeship programs in the construction and building trades; and
(4) the number of individuals referenced in paragraph     (2) of this subsection who remain in apprenticeship programs in the construction and building trades or have become journeymen one calendar year after their placement, as referenced in paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(c) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall provide funding to 3 Climate Works Hubs throughout the State, including one to the Illinois Department of Transportation Region 1, one to the Illinois Department of Transportation Regions 2 and 3, and one to the Illinois Department of Transportation Regions 4 and 5. An eligible organization may serve as the designated Climate Works Hub for all 5 regions. Climate Works Hubs shall be awarded grants in multi-year increments not to exceed 36 months. Each grant shall come with a one year initial term, with the Department renewing each year for 2 additional years unless the grantee either declines to continue or fails to meet reasonable performance measures that consider apprenticeship programs timeframes. The Department may take into account experience and performance as a previous grantee of the Climate Works Hub as part of the selection criteria for subsequent years.
(d) Each Climate Works Hub that receives funding from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund shall:
(1)         recruit, prescreen, and provide     preapprenticeship training to equity investment eligible persons;
(2)    provide training information related to     opportunities and certifications relevant to clean energy jobs in the construction and building trades; and
(3)   provide preapprentices with stipends they     receive that may vary depending on the occupation the individual is training for.
(d-5)   Priority shall be given to Climate Works Hubs that have an agreement with North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to utilize the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum or successor curriculums.
(e) Funding for the Program is subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund.
(f) The Department shall adopt any rules deemed necessary to implement this Section.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; 102-1031, eff. 5-27-22; 102-1123, eff. 1-27-23.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-45)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-45. Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program.
(a) As used in this Section, "community-based organization" means a nonprofit organization, including an accredited public college or university that:
(1) has a history of providing business-related     assistance and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start, run, and grow their businesses;
(2) has knowledge of construction and clean energy     trades;
(3) demonstrates relationships with local residents     and other organizations serving the community; and
(4) demonstrates the ability to effectively serve     diverse and  underrepresented populations.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall develop, and through the Regional Administrators, administer the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program ("Program") to create a network of 13 Program delivery Hub Sites with program elements delivered by community-based organizations and their subcontractors geographically distributed across the State, including at least one Hub Site located in or near each of the following areas: Chicago (South Side), Chicago (Southwest and West Sides), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton.
(c)   In admitting program participants, for each Contractor Incubator Hub Site the Regional Administrators shall:
(1)   in each Hub Site where the applicant pool     allows:
(A)   dedicate at least one-third of program         placements to the owners of clean energy contractor businesses and nonprofits who reside in a geographic area that is impacted by economic and environmental challenges, defined as an area that is both (i) an R3 Area, as defined pursuant to Section 10-40 of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, and (ii) an environmental justice community, as defined by the Illinois Power Agency, excluding any racial or ethnic indicators used by the agency unless and until the constitutional basis for their inclusion in determining program admissions is established. Among applicants that satisfy these criteria, preference shall be given to applicants who face barriers to employment, such as low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, and language barriers; and applicants that are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system; and
(B) dedicate at least two-thirds of program         placements to the owners of clean energy contractor businesses and nonprofits that satisfy the criteria in paragraph (1) or who reside in eligible communities. Among applicants who live in eligible communities, preference shall be given to applicants who face barriers to employment, such as low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, and language barriers; and applicants that are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system; and
(2)   prioritize the remaining program placements     for: applicants who are displaced energy workers as defined in the Energy Community Reinvestment Act; persons who face barriers to employment, including low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, and language barriers; and applicants who are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system, regardless of the applicants' area of residence.
Consideration shall also be given to any current or past participant in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, or Returning Residents Clean Energy Jobs Training Program.
The Department and Regional Administrators shall protect the confidentiality of any personal information provided by program applicants regarding the applicant's status as a formerly incarcerated person or foster care recipient; however, the Department or Regional Administrators may publish aggregated data on the number of participants that were formerly incarcerated or foster care recipients so long as that publication protects the identities of those persons.
Any person who applies to the program may elect not to share with the Department or Regional Administrators whether he or she is a graduate or currently enrolled in the foster care system or was formerly convicted.
(d)   Program elements at each Hub Site shall be provided by a local community-based organization. The Department shall initially select a community-based organization in each Hub Site and shall subsequently select a community-based organization in each Hub Site every 3 years. Community-based organizations delivering program elements outlined in subsection (e) may provide all elements required or may subcontract to other entities for provision of portions of program elements, including, but not limited to, administrative soft and hard skills for program participants, delivery of specific training in the core curriculum, or provision of other support functions for program delivery compliance.
(e)   The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program shall:
(1)   provide access to low-cost capital for small     clean energy businesses and contractors;
(2)   provide support for obtaining financial     assurance, including, but not limited to: bonding; back office services; insurance, permits, training and certifications; business planning; and low-interest loans;
(3)   train, mentor, and provide other support needed     to allow participant contractors to: (i) build their businesses and connect to specific projects, (ii) register as approved vendors, (iii) engage in approved vendor subcontracting and qualified installer opportunities, (iv) develop partnering and networking skills, (v) compete for capital and other resources, and (vi) execute clean energy-related project installations and subcontracts;
(4)   ensure that participant contractors, community     partners, and potential contractor clients are aware of and engaged in the Program;
(5)   connect participant contractors with the     Department of Labor for resources, training, and technical support on prevailing wage compliance;
(6)   provide recruitment and ongoing engagement with     entities that hire contractors and subcontractors, programs providing renewable energy resource-related projects, incentive programs, and approved vendor and qualified installer opportunities, including, but not limited to, activities such as matchmaking, events, and collaborating with other Hub Sites.
(f)    Funding for the Program and independent evaluations as described in subsection (h) are subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund.
(g)   The Department shall require submission of quarterly reports including program performance metrics by each Hub Site to the Regional Administrator of their Program Delivery Area. Program performance metrics include, but are not limited to:
(1)   demographic data including: race, gender,     geographic location, R3 residency, Environmental Justice Community residency, foster care system participation, and justice-involvement for the owners of contractors applying, accepted into, and graduating from the Program;
(2)   the number of projects completed by participant     contractors, alone or in partnership, by race, gender, geographic location, R3 residency, Environmental Justice Community residency, foster care system participation, and justice-involvement for the owners of contractors;
(3)   the number of partnerships with participant     contractors that are expected to result in contracts for work by the participant contractor, by race, gender, geographic location, R3 residency, Environmental Justice Community residency, foster care system participation, and justice-involvement for the owners of contractors;
(4)   changes in participant contractors' business     revenue, by race, gender, geographic location, R3 residency, Environmental Justice Community residency, foster care system participation, and justice-involvement for the owners of contractors;
(5)   the number of new hires by participant     contractors, by race, gender, geographic location, R3 residency, Environmental Justice Community residency, foster care system participation, and justice-involvement;
(6)   demographic data, including race, gender,     geographic location, R3 residency, Environmental Justice Community residency, foster care system participation, and justice-involvement, and average wage data, for new hires by participant contractors;
(7)   certifications held by participant contractors,     and number of participants holding each certification, including, but not limited to, registration under the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act program and other programs intended to certify BIPOC entities;
(8)   the number of Program sessions attended by     participant contractors, aggregated by race; and
(9)   indicators relevant for assessing the general     financial health of participant contractors.
(h) Within 3 years after  the effective date of this Act, the Department shall select an independent evaluator to review and prepare a report on the performance of the Program and Regional Administrators.  The report shall be posted publicly.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-50)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-50. Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program.
(a)  Subject to appropriation, the Department shall develop and, in coordination with the Department of Corrections, administer the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program.
(b) As used in this Section:
"Commitment" means a judicially determined placement in the custody of the Department of Corrections on the basis of a conviction.
"Committed person" means a person committed to the Department of Corrections.
"Community-based organization" means an organization that:
(1)   provides employment, skill development, or     related services to members of the community;
(2)   includes community colleges, nonprofits, and     local governments; and
(3) has a history of serving committed persons or     justice-involved persons.
"Correctional institution or facility" means a Department of Corrections building or part of a Department of Corrections building where committed persons are detained in a secure manner.
"Department" means the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
"Discharge" means the end of a sentence or the final termination of a detainee's physical commitment to and confinement in the Department of Corrections.
"Location" means where the returning resident is physically located, such as:
(1) a correctional institution or facility;
(2) a county;
(3) a municipality or town; and
(4) a place of employment.
"Program" means the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program.
"Program Administrator" means, for each Program Delivery Area, the administrator selected by the Department pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (g) of this Section.
"Returning resident" means any United States resident who is: (i) 17 years of age or older; (ii) in the physical custody of the Department of Corrections; and (iii) scheduled to be re-entering society within 36 months.
(c) Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program.
(1) Connected services. The Program shall prepare     graduates to work in the clean energy and related sector jobs as defined in Section 5-25.
(2) Recruitment of participants. The Program     Administrators shall, in coordination with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, educate committed persons in both men's and women's correctional institutions and facilities on the benefits of the Program and how to enroll in the Program.
(3) Connection to employers. The Program     Administrators shall, with assistance from the Regional Administrators, connect Program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy jobs industries.
(4) Graduation. Participants who successfully     complete all assignments in the Program shall receive a Program graduation certificate and any certifications or credentials earned in the process.
(5)   Eligibility. A committed person in a     correctional institution or facility is eligible if the committed person:
(i)   is within 36 months of expected release;
(ii)   consented in writing to participation in         the Program;
(iii)   meets all Program and testing         requirements;
(iv)   is willing to follow all Program         requirements; and
(v)   does not pose a safety and security risk         for the facility or any person.
The Department of Corrections shall have sole discretion to determine whether a committed person's participation in the Program poses a safety and security risk for the facility or any person.  The Department of Corrections shall determine whether a committed person is eligible to participate in the Program.
(d)   Program entry and testing requirements. To enter the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program, committed persons must complete a simple application, undergo an interview and coaching session, and must score a minimum of a 6.0 or above on the Test for Adult Basic Education or the Illinois Community College Board approved assessment for determining basic skills deficiency. The Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program shall include a one-week pre-program orientation that ensures the candidates understand and are interested in continuing the Program. Candidates that successfully complete the orientation may continue to the full Program.
(d-5) Training. Once approved for the new program, candidates must receive essential employability skills training as part of vocational or occupational training. Training must lead to certifications or credentials that prepare candidates for employment.
(e)  Removal from the Program.  The Department of Corrections may remove a committed person enrolled in the Program for violation of institutional rules; failure to participate or meet expectations of the Program; failure of a drug test; disruptive behavior; or for reasons of safety, security, and order of the facility.
(f)   Drug testing. A clean drug test is required to complete the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program. A drug test shall be administered at least once prior to graduation. The Department of Corrections shall be responsible for the drug testing of applicants.
(g)   Curriculum.
(1)   The Department of Commerce and Economic     Opportunity shall design a curriculum for the Program that is as similar as practical to the Clean Jobs Curriculum and meets in-facility requirements.  The curriculum shall focus on preparing graduates for employment in the clean energy and related sector jobs as defined in Section 5-25. The Program shall include structured hands-on activities in correctional institutions or facilities, including classroom spaces and outdoor spaces, to instruct participants in the core curriculum established in this Act. The Department and the Department of Corrections shall work together to ensure all curriculum elements may be available within Department of Corrections facilities.
(2)   The Program Administrators shall collaborate to     create and publish a guidebook that allows for the implementation of the curriculum and provides information on all necessary and useful resources for Program participants and graduates.
(h)   Program administration.
(1)   The Department of Commerce and Economic     Opportunity shall select a Program Administrator for each Program Delivery Area to administer and coordinate the Program. The Program Administrators shall have strong capabilities, experience, and knowledge related to program development and economic management; cultural and language competency needed to be effective in the communities to be served; committed persons or justice-involved persons; knowledge and experience in working with providers of clean energy jobs; and awareness of clean energy and related sector trends and activities, workforce development best practices, regional workforce development needs, and community development.
The Program Administrator must pass a background     check administered by the Department of Corrections and be approved by the Department of Corrections to work within a secure facility prior to being hired by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a Program delivery area.
(2) The Program Administrators shall:
(i)   coordinate with Regional Administrators and         the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program to ensure that execution, performance, partnerships, marketing, and Program access across the State consistent with respecting regional differences;
(ii)   work with community-based organizations         approved to provide industry-recognized credentials or education institutions to deliver the Program;
(iii)     collaborate to create and publish an         employer "Hiring Returning Residents" handbook that includes benefits and expectations of hiring returning residents, guidance on how to recruit, hire, and retain returning residents, guidance on how to access State and federal tax credits and incentives and State and federal  resources, guidance on how to update company policies to support hiring and supporting returning residents, and an understanding of the harm in one-size-fits-all policies toward returning residents. The handbook shall be updated every 5 years or more frequently if needed to ensure that its contents are accurate. The handbook shall be made available on the Department's website;
(iv)   work with potential employers to promote         company policies to support hiring and supporting returning residents via employee/employer liability, coverage, insurance, bonding, training, hiring practices, and retention support;
(v)     provide services such as job coaching and         financial coaching to Program graduates to support employment longevity; and
(vi)   identify clean energy job opportunities         and assist participants in achieving employment. The Program shall include at least one job fair; include job placement discussions with clean energy employers; establish a partnership with Illinois solar energy businesses and trade associations to identify solar employers that support and hire returning residents; and involve the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Regional Administrators, and the Advisory Council in finding employment for participants and graduates in the clean energy and related sector industries.
(3)   The Department shall select community-based     organizations to provide Program elements at each facility. Community-based organizations shall be competitively selected by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Community-based organizations delivering the Program elements outlined may provide all elements required or may subcontract to other entities for the provision of portions of Program elements.  All contractors who have regular interactions with committed persons, regularly access a Department of Corrections facility, or regularly access a committed person's personal identifying information or other data elements must pass a Department of Corrections background check prior to being approved to administer the Program elements at a facility.
(4) The Department of Corrections shall aim to     include training in conjunction with other pre-release procedures and movements. Delays in a workshop being provided shall not cause delays in discharge.
(5)   The Program Administrators may establish     shortened Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training Programs to prepare and place graduates in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program or the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program following the graduate's release from commitment. Graduates of these programs shall receive training that leads to certification or credentials designed to lead to employment and shall be prioritized for placement in a Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs training program or the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
(6)     The Director of Corrections shall:
(i)    Ensure that the wardens or superintendents         of all correctional institutions and facilities visibly post information on the Program  in an accessible manner for committed individuals.
(ii)   Identify the institutions and facilities         within the Department of Corrections that will offer the Program.  The determination of which facility will offer the Program shall be based on available programming space, staffing, population, facility mission, security concerns, and any other relevant factor in determining suitable locations for the Program.
(i)      Performance metrics.
(1)  The Program Administrators shall collect and     disaggregate data by race, ethnicity, gender, age, and location to evaluate and ensure Program and participant success. This data shall be shared with the Office of Equity and shall include:
(i)   the number of returning residents who         enrolled in the Program;
(ii)   the number of returning residents who were         accepted for enrollment into the Program;
(iii)   the number of returning residents who         applied for and were denied for enrollment into  the Program;
(iv)   the demographics of each entering and         graduating class;
(v)     the percentage of graduates employed at 6         and 12 months after release;
(vi)   the number of returning residents who did         not complete the Program;
(vii)   the total number of individuals         discharged;
(viii)   the graduate employment status, such as         hire date, pay rates, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal, and separation date;
(ix)   continuing education and certifications         gained by Program graduates;
(x) the recidivism rate of Program participants         at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years after release;
(xi) the candidates interviewed and their hiring         status;
(xii) the number of returning residents who         enrolled in the Program and were removed;
(xiii) the number of returning residents who         graduated from the Program and remained employed in the clean energy industry within one year and 3 years after release. If practicable, the Department shall consult with the Department of Employment Security to also provide this data for 5, 7, and 10 years after release;
(xiv) the number of returning residents who         graduated from the Program and changed employment in the clean energy industry within one year and 3 years after release. If practicable, the Department shall consult with the Department of Employment Security to also provide this data for 5, 7, and 10 years after release;
(xv) the number of returning residents who         graduated from the Program and separated from employment in the clean energy industry and received employment in another industry within one year and 3 years after release. If practicable, the Department shall consult with the Department of Employment Security to provide this data for 5, 7, and 10 years after release; and
(xvi) the number of returning residents who         completed the Program.
(2)    The Department of Commerce and Economic     Opportunity shall publish an annual report containing these performance metrics. Data may be disaggregated by institution, discharge, or residence address of resident, and other factors.
(j)   Funding. Funding for the Program is subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund. Funding may be made available from other lawful sources, including donations, grants, and federal incentives.
(k)   Access. The Program instructors and staff must pass a background check administered by the Department of Corrections prior to entering a Department of Corrections institution or facility.  The Warden or Superintendent shall have the authority to deny a Program instructor or staff member entry into an institution or facility for safety and security concerns or failure to follow all facility procedures or protocols.  A Program instructor or staff member administering the Program may be terminated or have his or her contract canceled if the Program instructor or staff member is denied entry into an institution or facility for safety and security concerns.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; 103-198, eff. 1-1-24.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-55)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-55. Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program.
(a)   As used in this Section:
"Approved vendor" means the definition of that term used and as may be updated by the Illinois Power Agency.
"Minority business" means a minority-owned business as defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act.
"Minority Business Enterprise certification" means the certification or recognition certification affidavit from the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services Business Enterprise Program or a program with equivalent requirements.
"Program" means the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program.
"Returning resident" has the meaning given to that term in Section 5-50 of this Act.
(b)   Subject to appropriation, the Department shall develop, and through a Primes Program Administrator and Regional Primes Program Leads described in this Section, administer the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program. The Program shall be administered in 3 program delivery areas: the Northern Illinois Program Delivery Area covering Northern Illinois, the Central Illinois Program Delivery Area covering Central Illinois, and the Southern Illinois Program Delivery Area covering Southern Illinois. Prior to developing the Program, the Department shall solicit public comments, with a 30-day comment period, to gather input on Program implementation and associated community outreach options.
(c)   The Program shall be available to selected contractors who best meet the following criteria:
(1) 2 or more years of experience in a clean energy     or a related contracting field;
(2) at least $5,000 in annual business;
and
(3) a substantial and demonstrated commitment of     investing in and partnering with individuals and institutions in equity investment eligible communities.
(c-5) The Department shall develop  scoring criteria to select contractors for the Program, which shall consider:
(1)  projected hiring and industry job creation,     including wage and benefit expectations;
(2)   a clear vision of strategic business growth and     how increased capitalization would benefit the business;
(3)  past project work quality and demonstration of     technical knowledge;
(4)  capacity the applicant is anticipated to bring     to project development;
(5)  willingness to assume risk;
(6)  anticipated revenues from future projects;
(7)  history of commitment to advancing equity as     demonstrated by, among other things, employment of or ownership by equity investment eligible persons and a history of partnership with equity focused community organizations or government programs; and
(8) business models that build wealth in the larger     underserved community.
Applicants for Program participation shall be allowed to reapply for a future cohort if they are not selected, and the Primes Program Administrator shall inform each applicant of this option.
(d)   The Department, in consultation with the Primes Program Administrator and Regional Primes Program Leads, shall select a new cohort of participant contractors from each Program Delivery Area every 18 months. Each regional cohort shall include between 3 and 5 participants. The Program shall cap contractors in the energy efficiency sector at 50% of available cohort spots and 50% of available grants and loans, if possible.
(e)   The Department shall hire a Primes Program Administrator with experience in leading a large contractor-based business in Illinois; coaching and mentoring; the Illinois clean energy industry; and working with equity investment eligible community members, organizations, and businesses.
(f)   The Department shall  select 3 Regional Primes Program Leads who shall report directly to the Primes Program Administrator. The Regional Primes Program Leads shall be located within their Program Delivery Area and have experience in leading a large contractor-based business in Illinois; coaching and mentoring; the Illinois clean energy industry; developing relationships with companies in the Program Delivery Area; and working with equity investment eligible community members, organizations, and businesses.
(g)   The Department may determine how Program elements will be delivered or may contract with organizations with experience delivering the Program elements described in subsection (h) of this Section.
(h)   The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program shall provide participants with:
(1)   a 5-year, 6-month progressive course of     one-on-one coaching to assist each participant in developing an achievable 5-year business plan, including review of monthly metrics, and advice on achieving participant's goals;
(2)   operational support grants not to exceed     $1,000,000 annually to support the growth of participant contractors with access to capital for upfront project costs and pre-development funding, among others. The amount of the grant shall be based on anticipated project size and scope;
(3)   business coaching based on the participant's     needs;
(4)   a mentorship of approximately 2 years provided     by a qualified company in the participant's field;
(5)   access to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator     Program services;
(6)   assistance with applying for Minority Business     Enterprise certification and other relevant certifications and  approved vendor status for programs offered by utilities or other entities;
(7)   assistance with preparing bids and Request for     Proposal applications;
(8)   opportunities to be listed in any relevant     directories and databases organized by the Department of Central Management Services;
(9)   opportunities to connect with participants in     other Department programs;
(10)   assistance connecting with and initiating     participation in the Illinois Power Agency's Adjustable Block program, the Illinois Solar for All Program, and utility programs; and
(11)   financial development assistance programs such     as zero-interest and low-interest loans with the Climate Bank as established by Article 850 of the Illinois Finance Authority Act or a comparable financing mechanism. The Illinois Finance Authority shall retain authority to determine loan repayment terms and conditions.
(i)   The Primes Program Administrator shall:
(1)  collect and report performance metrics as     described in this Section;
(2)  review and assess:
(i)   participant work plans and annual goals;         and
(ii)   the mentorship program, including approved         mentor companies and their stipend awards; and
(3)    work with the Regional Primes Program Leads to     publicize the Program; design and implement a mentorship program; and ensure participants are quickly on-boarded.
(j) The Regional Primes Program Leads shall:
(1)   publicize the Program; the budget shall include     funds to pay community-based organizations with a track record of working with equity investment eligible  communities to complete this work;
(2)   recruit qualified Program applicants;
(3)   assist Program applicants with the application     process;
(4)   introduce participants to the Program     offerings;
(5)   conduct entry and annual assessments with     participants to identify training, coaching, and other Program service needs;
(6)   assist participants in developing goals on     entry and annually, and assessing progress toward meeting the goals;
(7)   establish a metric reporting system with each     participant and track the metrics for progress against the contractor's work plan and Program goals;
(8)   assist participants in receiving their Minority     Business Enterprise certification and any other relevant certifications and approved vendor statuses;
(9)   match participants with Clean Energy Contractor     Incubator Program offerings and individualized expert coaching, including training on working with returning residents and companies that employ them;
(10)   pair participants with a mentor company;
(11)   facilitate connections between participants     and potential subcontractors and employees;
(12)   dispense a participant's awarded operational     grant funding;
(13)   connect participants to zero-interest and     low-interest loans from the Climate Bank as established by Article 850 of the Illinois Finance Authority Act or a comparable financing mechanism;
(14)   encourage participants to apply for     appropriate State and private business opportunities;
(15)   review a participant's progress and make a     recommendation to the Department about whether the participant should continue in the Program, be considered a Program graduate, and whether adjustments should be made to a participant's grant funding, loans, and related services;
(16)   solicit information from participants, which     participants shall be required to provide, necessary to understand the participant's business, including financial and income information, certifications that the participant is seeking to obtain, and ownership, employee, and subcontractor data, including compensation, length of service, and demographics; and
(17)   other duties as required.
(k)   Performance metrics.  The Primes Program Administrator and Regional Primes Program Leads shall collaborate to collect and report the following metrics quarterly to the Department and Advisory Council:
(1)  demographic information on cohort recruiting and     formation, including racial, gender, geographic distribution data, and data on the number and percentage of R3 residents, environmental justice community residents, foster care alumni, and formerly convicted persons who are cohort applicants and admitted participants;
(2)   participant contractor engagement in other     Illinois clean energy programs such as the Adjustable Block program, Illinois Solar for All Program, and the utility-run energy efficiency and electric vehicle programs;
(3)   retention of participants in each cohort;
(4)   total projects bid, started, and completed by     participants, including information about revenue, hiring, and subcontractor relationships with projects;
(5)   certifications issued;
(6)   employment data for contractor hires and     industry jobs created, including demographic, salary, length of service, and geographic data;
(7)   grants and loans distributed; and
(8)     participant satisfaction with the Program.
The metrics in paragraphs (2), (4), and (6) shall be collected from Program participants and graduates for 10 years from their entrance into the Program to help the Department and Program Administrators understand the Program's long-term effect.
Data should be anonymized where needed to protect participant privacy.
The Department shall make such reports publicly available on its website.
(l)   Mentorship Program.
(1)   The Regional Primes Program Leads shall     recruit, and the Primes Program Administrator shall select, with approval from the Department, private companies with the following qualifications to mentor participants and assist them in succeeding in the clean energy industry:
(i) excellent standing with state clean energy         programs;
(ii) 4 or more years of experience in their         field; and
(iii) a proven track record of success in their         field.
(2)   Mentor companies may receive a stipend,     determined by the Department, for their participation. Mentor companies may identify what level of stipend they require.
(3)   The Primes Program Administrator shall develop     guidelines for mentor company-mentee profit sharing or purchased services agreements.
(4)     The Regional Primes Program Leads shall:
(i)    collaborate with mentor companies and         participants to create a plan for ongoing contact such as on-the-job training, site walkthroughs, business process and structure walkthroughs, quality assurance and quality control reviews, and other relevant activities;
(ii)   recommend the mentor company-mentee         pairings and associated mentor company stipends for approval;
(iii)   conduct an annual review of each mentor         company-mentee pairing and recommend whether the pairing continues for a second year and the level of stipend that is appropriate. The review shall also ensure that any profit sharing and purchased services agreements adhere to the guidelines established by the Primes Program Administrator.
(5)   Contractors may request reassignment to a new     mentor company.
(m)   Disparity study.  The Program Administrator shall cooperate with the Illinois Power Agency in the conduct of a disparity study, as described in subsection (c-15) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act, and in the effectuation of appropriate remedies necessary to address any discrimination that such study may find.  Potential remedies shall include, but not be limited to, race-conscious remedies to rapidly eliminate discrimination faced by minority businesses and works in the industry this Program serves, consistent with the law. Remedies shall be developed through consultation with individuals, companies, and organizations that have expertise on discrimination faced in the market and potential legally permissible remedies for addressing it.  Notwithstanding any other requirement of this Section, the Program Administrator shall modify program participation criteria or goals as soon as the report has been published, in such a way as is consistent with state and federal law, to rapidly eliminate discrimination on minority businesses and workers in the industry this Program serves by setting standards for Program participation. This study will be paid for with funds from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund or any other lawful source.
(n)   Program budget.
(1)   The Department may allocate up to  $3,000,000     annually to the Primes Program Administrator for each of the 3 regional budgets from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund.
(2)   The Primes Program Administrator shall work     with the Illinois Finance Authority  and the Climate Bank as established by Article 850 of the Illinois Finance Authority Act or comparable financing institution so that loan loss reserves may be sufficient to underwrite $7,000,000 in low-interest loans in each of the 3 Program delivery areas.
(3)   Any grant and loan funding shall be made     available to participants in a timely fashion.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-60)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-60. Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program.
(a)   In order to provide upfront capital to support the development of projects, businesses, community organizations, and jobs creating opportunity for historically disadvantaged populations, and to provide seed capital to support community ownership of renewable energy projects, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall create and administer a Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program. The grant program shall be designed to help remove barriers to project, community, and business development caused by a lack of capital.
(b)   The grant program shall provide grant awards of up to $1,000,000 per application to support the development of renewable energy resources as defined in Section 1-10 of the Illinois Power Agency Act, and energy efficiency measures as defined in Section 8-103B of the Public Utilities Act. The amount of a grant award shall be based on a project's size and scope. Grants shall be provided upfront, in advance of other incentives, to provide businesses, organizations, and community groups with capital needed to plan, develop, and execute a project. Grants shall be designed to coordinate with and supplement existing incentive programs, such as the Adjustable Block program, the Illinois Solar for All Program, the community renewable generation projects, and renewable energy procurements as described in the Illinois Power Agency Act, as well as utility energy efficiency measures as described in Section 8-103B of the Public Utilities Act.
(c)   The Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program shall include 2 subprograms:
(1) the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program; and
(2) the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant     Program.
(d)   The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program is designed to provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities for equity eligible contractors.
(1)   The Equitable Energy Future Grant shall be     awarded to businesses and nonprofit organizations for costs related to the following activities and project needs:
(i)   planning and project development, including         costs for professional services such as architecture, design, engineering, auditing, consulting, and developer services;
(ii)    project application, deposit, and         approval;
(iii)    purchasing and leasing of land;
(iv)    permitting and zoning;
(v)   interconnection application costs and fees,         studies, and expenses;
(vi)   equipment and supplies;
(vii)   community outreach, marketing, and         engagement; and
(viii) staff and operations expenses.
(2)   Grants shall be awarded to projects that most     effectively provide opportunities for equity eligible contractors and equity investment eligible communities, and should consider the following criteria:
(i)   projects that provide community benefits,         which are projects that have one or more of the following characteristics: (A) greater than 50% of the project's energy provided or saved benefits low-income residents, or (B) the project benefits not-for-profit organizations providing services to low-income households, affordable housing owners, or community-based limited liability companies providing services to low-income households;
(ii)     projects that are located in equity         investment eligible communities;
(iii)     projects that provide on-the-job         training;
(iv)   projects that contract with contractors         who are participating or have participated in the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program, or similar programs; and
(v)   projects employ a minimum of 51% of its         workforce from participants and graduates of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, and Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program.
(3) Grants shall be awarded to applicants that meet     the following criteria:
(i) are equity eligible contractors per the         equity accountability systems described in subsection (c-10) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act, or meet the equity building criteria in paragraph (9.5) of subsection (g) of Section 8-103B of the Public Utilities Act; and
(ii)   provide demonstrable proof of a historical         or future, and persisting, long-term partnership with the community in which the project will be located.
(e)   The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program shall be designed to support the pre-development and development of community solar projects that promote community ownership and energy sovereignty.
(1)   Grants shall be awarded to applicants that best     demonstrate the ability and intent to create community ownership and other local community benefits, including local community wealth building via community renewable generation projects. Grants shall be prioritized to applicants for whom:
(i) the   proposed project is located in and         supporting an equity investment eligible community or communities; and
(ii)     the proposed project provides additional         benefits for participating low-income households.
(2)     Grant funds shall be awarded to support     project pre-development work and may also be awarded to support the development of programs and entities to assist in the long-term governance, management, and maintenance of community solar projects, such as community solar cooperatives.  For example, funds may be awarded for:
(i)     early stage project planning;
(ii)   project team organization;
(iii)   site identification;
(iv)   organizing a project business model and         securing financing;
(v)   procurement and contracting;
(vi)  customer outreach and enrollment;
(vii)   preliminary site assessments;
(viii)  development of cooperative or community         ownership model; and
(ix)    development of project models that         allocate benefits to equity investment eligible communities.
(3) Grant recipients shall submit reports to the     Department at the end of the grant term on the activities pursued under their grant and any lessons learned for publication on the Department's website so that other energy sovereignty projects may learn from their experience.
(4)   Eligible applicants shall include     community-based organizations, as defined in the Illinois Power Agency's long-term renewable resources procurement plan, or technical service providers working in direct partnership with community-based organizations.
(5) The amount of a grant shall be based on a     projects' size and scope. Grants shall allow for a significant portion, or the entirety, of the grant value to be made upfront, in advance of other incentives, to ensure businesses and organizations have the capital needed to plan, develop, and execute a project.
(f)   The application process for both subprograms shall not be burdensome on applicants, nor require extensive technical knowledge, and shall be able to be completed on less than 4 standard letter-sized pages.
(g) These grant subprograms may be coordinated with low-interest and no-interest financing opportunities offered through the Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund.
(h)   The grant subprograms may have a budget of up to $34,000,000 per year. No more than 25% of the allocated budget shall go to the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-65)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-65. Energy Workforce Advisory Council.
(a) The Energy Workforce Advisory Council is hereby created within the Department.
(b) The Council shall consist of the following voting members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, chosen to ensure diverse geographic representation:
(1) two members representing trade associations     representing companies active in the clean energy industries;
(2) two members representing a labor union;
(3) one member who has participated in the workforce     development programs created under this Act;
(4) two members representing higher education;
(5) two members representing economic development     organizations;
(6) two members representing local workforce     innovation boards;
(7) two residents of environmental justice     communities;
(8) three members from community-based organizations     in environmental justice communities and community-based organizations serving low-income persons and families;
(9) two members who are policy or implementation     experts on small business development, contractor incubation, or small business lending and financing needs;
(10) two members who are policy or implementation     experts on workforce development for populations and individuals such as low-income persons and families, environmental justice communities, BIPOC communities, formerly convicted persons, persons who are or were in the child welfare system, energy workers, gender nonconforming and transgender individuals, and youth; and
(11) two representatives of clean energy businesses,     nonprofit organizations, or other groups that provide clean energy.
The President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint 2 nonvoting members of the Council.
(c) The Council shall:
(1) coordinate and inform on worker and contractor     support priorities beyond current federal, State, local, and private programs and resources;
(2) advise and produce recommendations for further     federal, State, and local programs and activities;
(3) fulfill other duties determined by the Council to     further the success of the Workforce Hubs, Incubators, and Returning Residents Programs;
(4) review program performance metrics;
(5) provide recommendations to the Department on the     administration  of the following programs:
(i) the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program;
(ii) the Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship         Program;
(iii) the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator         Program;
(iv) the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training         Program; and
(v) the Clean Energy Primes Contractor         Accelerator Program;
(6) recommend outreach opportunities to ensure that     program contracting, training, and other opportunities are widely publicized;
(7) participate in independent program evaluations;     and
(8) assist the Department by providing insight into     how relevant State, local, and federal programs are viewed by residents, businesses, and institutions within their respective communities.
(d) The Council shall conduct its first meeting within 30 days after all members have been appointed. The Council shall meet quarterly after its first meeting. Additional hearings and public meetings are permitted at the discretion of the members. The Council may meet in person or through video or audio conference. Meeting times may be varied to accommodate Council member schedules.
(e) Members shall serve without compensation and shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties from funds appropriated for that purpose.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-90)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on September 15, 2045)
Sec. 5-90. Repealer. This Act is repealed 24 years after the effective date of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/5-95)
Sec. 5-95. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/Art. 10 heading)
Article 10.  Energy Community Reinvestment Act
(The Energy Community Reinvestment Act is compiled at 20 ILCS 735/)
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/Art. 15 heading)
Article 15.  Community Energy, Climate, and Jobs Planning Act
(The Community Energy, Climate, and Jobs Planning Act is compiled at 50 ILCS 65/)
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/Art. 20 heading)
Article 20.  Illinois Clean Energy
Jobs and Justice Fund Act
(The Illinois Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund Act is compiled at 805 ILCS 155/)
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/Art. 90 heading)
Article 90.
(Amendatory and uncodified provisions; text omitted)
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-1)
Sec. 90-1. (Uncodified provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-3)
Sec. 90-3. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-5)
Sec. 90-5. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-10)
Sec. 90-10. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-15)
Sec. 90-15. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-20)
Sec. 90-20. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-23)
Sec. 90-23. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-24)
Sec. 90-24. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-25)
Sec. 90-25. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-30)
Sec. 90-30. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-35)
Sec. 90-35. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-36)
Sec. 90-36. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-37)
Sec. 90-37. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-39)
Sec. 90-39. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-43)
Sec. 90-43. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-50)
Sec. 90-50. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-55)
Sec. 90-55. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-56)
Sec. 90-56. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-57)
Sec. 90-57. The Alternate Fuels Act is amended by repealing Sections 20, 22, 24, 30, 31, and 32.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-59)
Sec. 90-59. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/90-60)
Sec. 90-60. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21; text omitted.)
(20 ILCS 730/Art. 99 heading)
Article 99.  Miscellaneous Provisions; Effective Date
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/99-95)
Sec. 99-95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/99-97)
Sec. 99-97. Severability. The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)
(20 ILCS 730/99-99)
Sec. 99-99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.
(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)