Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SB2216

LRB104 09582 AAS 19645 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB2216

Introduced 2/7/2025, by Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Energy Utility Sales Agent Licensing Act. Defines terms. Provides that no individual or entity shall act as a sales agent for an energy utility in the State without first obtaining a license from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Provides that all licensed sales agents must carry his or her license during all sales activities and provide proof of licensure upon request by consumers or the Commission. Sets forth provisions for the application for licensure; training and continuing education requirements; penalties; and rulemaking.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Energy Utility Sales Agent Licensing Act.

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Commission" means the Illinois Commerce Commission.

"Energy utility" means any public utility, as defined in Section 3-105 of the Public Utilities Act, that provides electricity, natural gas, or other energy services to consumers in this State.

"Sales agent" means any individual or entity that directly or indirectly markets, sells, or solicits energy utility services or products to consumers in this State.

"License" means a certificate issued by the Commission authorizing an individual or entity to act as a sales agent for energy utilities.

Section 10. Licensing requirement. No individual or entity shall act as a sales agent for an energy utility in this State without first obtaining a license from the Commission. All licensed sales agents must carry his or her license during all sales activities and provide proof of licensure upon request by consumers or the Commission.

Section 15. Application for license. Within 90 days of the effective date of this Act, the Commission shall create an application form for a sales agent license and make the form available on the Commission's website. Once issued by the Commission, a license is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance. Licensed sales agents shall apply for renewal at least 30 days prior to the expiration of his or her active license. The Commission may charge a reasonable fee for processing the application. Fees collected under this Act shall be deposited into the Public Utility Fund.

Section 20. Training and continuing education. All applicants shall complete training, as determined and administered by the Commission, prior to applying for a new license or renewal. All applicants must provide proof of training prior to entering the application process.

Section 25. Penalties. The Commission may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license for any violations of this Act or any rules adopted under this Act. Any individual or entity that acts as a sales agent for an energy utility without a license is subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation. Penalties collected under this Section shall be deposited into the Public Utility Fund.

Section 30. Rulemaking authority. The Commission shall adopt any rules necessary to implement and enforce this Act in accordance with the Public Utilities Act and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.