Amends the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Act. Requires the competitive solicitation issued by the Environmental Protection Agency for the statewide needs assessment, as well as the contract executed for that purpose by the Agency and the consultant, to specify that the data or information received by the consultant and Agency are to be used exclusively for purposes of the assessment. Provides that persons with data or information required to complete the statewide needs assessment shall provide an independent accounting firm selected by the Agency (rather than the Agency) with firm data or information to assist in completing the assessment. Requires the independent accounting firm to enter into a nondisclosure agreement with each person who provides data or information that is required to complete the assessment. Provides that any person aggrieved by a violation of the terms and conditions of a nondisclosure agreement may institute a civil action to recover damages. Defines "nondisclosure agreement". Makes a conforming change in the Freedom of Information Act. Effective immediately.
Senate Floor Amendment No. 2: In a provision regarding selecting a qualified consultant to conduct a statewide needs assessment to assess certain recycling and other conditions, provides that the Agency shall select the consultant on or before January 1, 2025 (rather than July 1, 2024). Provides that the Agency shall provide the draft needs assessment to the Advisory Council on or before June 30, 2026 (rather than December 31, 2025). Provides that the needs assessment shall be finalized on or before November 1, 2026 (rather than May 1, 2026).

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5 ILCS 140/7, 415 ILCS 180/10, 415 ILCS 180/20
Engrossed: 5 ILCS 140/7, 415 ILCS 180/10, 415 ILCS 180/20
Enrolled: 5 ILCS 140/7, 415 ILCS 180/10, 415 ILCS 180/20
Public Act: 5 ILCS 140/7, 415 ILCS 180/10, 415 ILCS 180/20