HB 3603

This bill amends Illinois' Public Utilities Act to modify the restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, specifically replacing the current provision that allows construction of small nuclear reactors (300 megawatts or less) with a new provision permitting the construction of "advanced nuclear reactors" beginning January 1, 2026. The bill defines advanced nuclear reactors as a distinct category of nuclear technology and removes the megawatt capacity limitation that currently exists. This change appears designed to facilitate the development of next-generation nuclear technologies in Illinois by expanding the types of nuclear reactors that can be built beyond the current size-restricted conventional reactors, while maintaining the requirement for a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission.