The following are disability-related bills and/or issues pending in the Illinois General Assembly that are scheduled to be heard in committee during the week of February 23, 2026:
House Ethics & Elections Committee
February 24, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Stratton Building, Room D-1
Springfield, IL
HB 3335, Representative Carol Ammons
Amends the Election Code. Provides that an election authority may elect to mail a vote by mail ballot to all qualified voters instead of sending notices and applications for permanent vote by mail status. Requires the election authority to make a list of all voters to whom the vote by mail ballots will be sent, publicly post that list, and send the list to the State Board of Elections. Provides that a person who has never voted before may not be sent a vote by mail ballot under the provisions unless the person first provides the election authority with sufficient proof of identity and the election authority verifies the person’s proof of identity. Provides that a person may request, in writing, to the election authority that the person not receive a ballot sent under the provisions. Provides that the election authority shall keep a record of a person who has made a request and, in all future elections following receipt of the request, shall instead send the person who made the request a notice and application for permanent vote by mail status.
HB 4529, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Election Code. Provides that no later than December 31 of each even number year, the State Board of Elections shall report to the General Assembly (rather than to the General Assembly and the Federal Election Commission) the number of accessible and inaccessible polling places in the State on the date of the next preceding general election, and the reason for any instance of inaccessibility.
House Financial Institutions & Licensing Committee
February 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 122
Springfield, IL
HB 4767, Representative Katie Stuart
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Expands the list of mandated reporters to include investment advisers, investment adviser representatives, dealers and salespersons, and employees of financial institutions who have direct contact with eligible adults who are clients of the financial institution and have access to the financial information of the institution’s clients. Permits a financial institution to place a transactional hold on an eligible adult’s account if the institution’s employees have a reasonable suspicion that a transaction or disbursement from the eligible adult’s account may involve, facilitate, result in, or contribute to financial exploitation of the eligible adult. Provides that transactional holds must be followed by an internal review that satisfies the internal policies of the financial institution that issued the hold. Further provides that a financial institution that uses a transactional hold must create internal policies regarding identifying and reporting financial exploitation of eligible adults and transactional holds. Contains provisions on the duration of initial transactional holds and extended transactional holds; requirements on notification to law enforcement, especially in cases involving financial fraud that is outside the Act’s scope; civil immunity for any financial institution and its employees who place a transactional hold on an eligible adult’s account in good faith; mandated reporter training for specified employees of a financial institution; and other matters. Makes conforming changes to the Illinois Securities Law of 1953, the Illinois Banking Act, the Savings Bank Act, Illinois Credit Union Act, and the Criminal Code of 2012. Effective January 1, 2027.
House Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee
February 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Stratton Building, Room C-1
Springfield, IL
HB 4642, Representative Sue Scherer
Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a pediatric neurologist or any other physician who diagnoses autism in a child must provide to the child’s family, at a follow-up appointment, a pamphlet listing autism-specific support services in the area.
House Education Policy Committee
February 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 122
Springfield, IL
HB 4280, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. With respect to the identification, evaluation, and placement of children, requires the State Superintendent of Education to send a copy of certain revised uniform notices by July 1 of every even-numbered year to each school district and statewide organization representing those school professions involved with individualized education programs. Requires the copy of the revised uniform notices to include an updated instruction guide and access to remote training materials. Provides that a third-party software provider that creates a platform for an individualized educational assessment form shall include a footnote that includes a reference to how to contact the State Board of Education, instructions on completing an individualized educational assessment form, an instructional video on how to fill out an individualized educational assessment form, and contact information for a person at the State Board of Education who can answer questions about completing an individualized educational assessment form. Prohibits a school district from modifying or customizing its individualized educational assessment form. Provides that the State Board of Education, in its adoption of rules regarding an individualized education program, may not include in an individualized educational assessment form a separate section regarding autism consideration.
HB 4581, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, by January 1, 2027, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program, shall establish an efficient process by which information about the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program is disseminated through the State Board to students, parents and guardians, transition planning and services coordinators at school districts, special education joint agreements, and other relevant educational agencies. Effective immediately.
SB 2427, HFA 2, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the School Code. Provides that, on or before the 2026-2027 school year, each school board (and each charter school beginning with the 2026-2027 school year) shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that (i) at a minimum, prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time, except as otherwise provided, and (ii) incorporates guidance for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices within the school building during instructional time or directs the school district superintendent or his or her designee to provide such guidance. Provides that the policy may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time (i) if a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the student’s health care and the student uses the wireless communication device as prescribed by the licensed physician, (ii) to fulfill an individualized education program or a plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the student’s health care provider’s medical orders, or another written accommodation or (iii) if the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials. Provides that the policy may allow for certain exceptions. Prohibits a school district or charter school from enforcing the policy through fees, fines, or the deployment of a school resource officer or local law enforcement officer. Requires a school board or charter school to review its policy at least once every 3 years and make any necessary and appropriate revisions to the policy. Provides that a school district or charter school shall publicly post the policy on its website. Provides that if the school district or charter school does not operate a website, then the school district or charter school shall provide a copy of the policy to the parents or guardians of every enrolled student.
- To read the full text of SB 2427: Click
- To read the full text of HFA 2: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 2427: Click
House Human Services Committee
February 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
Stratton Building, Room C-1
Springfield, IL
HB 3823, Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that the Pathways for Community Integration Network program is established in the Department of Human Services. Provides that the program shall create a network of community integration providers to foster pathways to safety, well-being, and economic security. Permits the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement the program.
HB 4112, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the ID/DD Community Care Act. Changes the definition of administrator to a person who is charged with the general administration and supervision of a facility and who is at least 21 years of age and either is licensed under the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act; is a qualified intellectual disabilities professional; or has completed at least 4 semesters of study at an institution of higher education and has at least 2 years of management experience or at least 2 years of experience in a position of progressive responsibility in health care, housing with services, or adult day care; in providing similar services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; or in behavioral health (rather than a person who is charged with the general administration and supervision of a facility and licensed, if required, under the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act). Provides that, as a condition of licensure under the Act, the administrator of a facility must participate in at least 20 hours of training every 2 years to assist the administrator in better meeting the needs of the residents of the facility and managing the operation of the facility. Makes conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2027.
HB 4324, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act. In provisions concerning per diem reimbursement for a community-integrated living arrangement provider, provides that, if it is determined by third-party medical personnel that a resident that required a medical absence is unable to return to the community-integrated living arrangement, or if the resident dies during the medical absence, the provider shall receive 100% of the per diem reimbursement for up to 20 medical absence days. Effective immediately.
HB 4379, Representative Amy Briel
Amends the Equitable Restrooms Act. Provides that the owner or operator of each State-owned building and the owner or operator of each public building (rather than only the owner or operator of each State-owned building) shall (1) ensure that one or more of the public restrooms is designated as an adult changing station, with certain requirements, (2) maintain, repair, and replace each adult changing table as necessary, (3) clean each adult changing station with the same frequency as the other public restrooms, and (4) provide sufficient floor space to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Provides that the owner or operator of each State-owned building and the owner or operator of each public building (rather than only the owner or operator of each State-owned building) shall ensure that the entrance to each restroom has conspicuous signage and that the central directory for the building, if it exists, indicates the location. Provides that any public building or State-owned building that is constructed on or after January 1, 2029, and any public building or State-owned building with an estimated renovation cost of at least $10,000 that requires the issuance of a building permit for the renovation and that is renovated on or after January 1, 2031, must contain and provide access to not less than one powered, height adjustable, adult changing table, installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations, in a single occupancy restroom that is universal to gender and available to the public. Adds and changes definitions.
HB 4517, Representative Ann M. Williams
Amends the Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act. Includes an establishment under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act in the definition of “facility”. Makes a conforming change in a the definition of “resident’s representative”.
HB 4643, Representative Yolanda Morris
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. In the definition of “material obstruction of an investigation”, defines the term to mean the intentional failure to timely report an allegation to the hotline or the interference (rather than purposeful interference) with an investigation of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation. Provides that such material obstruction may include, but is not limited to, delaying or withholding reports of allegations to the hotline for the purpose of obstructing an Office of the Inspector General investigation; the withholding or altering of documentation or recorded evidence when reporting an allegation to the hotline or during an investigation; influencing, threatening, or impeding a victim’s, complainant’s, or required reporter’s report of an allegation to the hotline or witness testimony during an investigation; or presenting untruthful information to the hotline or during an investigatory interview. Provides that any employee who fails to cooperate with an Office of the Inspector General investigation may also result in a finding of material obstruction of an investigation. Expands the list of employee conduct during an investigation that is in violation of the Act, including the failure to timely report an incident of abuse or material obstruction of an investigation committed by another employee. Makes changes to the definition of “presenting untruthful information”.
HB 4780, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Changes the name of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired to the Illinois School for the Blind. Makes conforming changes to the Personnel Code, the School Code, the School Safety Drill Act, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, and the MRSA Prevention, Control, and Reporting Act.
HB 5047, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the MC/DD Act, and the ID/DD Community Care Act. Provides that notice of closure of an establishment or facility licensed under those Acts shall be given to the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.
House Judiciary-Civil Committee
February 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114
Springfield, IL
HB 2579, Representative Suzanne Ness
Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Requires the form for an application for a marriage license to include whether either party is under a court-ordered guardianship in any State in the United States. Provides that a county clerk shall issue a license to marry and a marriage certificate form, among other requirements, upon being furnished satisfactory proof that neither party to the marriage is under a court-ordered guardianship, or that if at least one party is under a court-ordered guardianship, there has been a judicial determination that the marriage is in the best interests of the person or persons under court-ordered guardianship. Amends the Guardians For Adults With Disabilities Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Requires the court, when determining whether a marriage is in the best interests of a ward, to follow (rather than consider) specified standards. Provides that if a best interests hearing is not held before a judicial officer prior to a ward entering into marriage, then the marriage is without legal effect and void ab initio. Provides that any person who knowingly enters a marriage with a ward without following the required procedures shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
HB 3811, Representative Martha Deuter
Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that, if a physician determines that an adult patient is so disabled as to be unable to consent to discharge or placement in a facility or a physician reasonably believes an adult patient is a person with a disability in need of a guardian in accordance with the Probate Act of 1975 and there is no family, surrogate decision maker, agent under a power of attorney, trustee, or other close friend who is ready willing and able to assist that adult patient, then the hospital shall notify the Office of State Guardian and the public guardian of the county where the patient resides. Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Requires a facility to notify the Office of State Guardian and the public guardian in the county where the patient resides before executing a contract in specified circumstances where the patient has diminished capacity. Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Includes private professional guardians as individuals who may act as guardians. Establishes standards for private professional guardians before appointment. Requires a private professional guardian who serves as guardian for 15 or more persons with disabilities to be certified as a National Master Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification and imposes other requirements, including background checks. Sets forth provisions concerning private professional guardians as successor guardians and the removal of private professional guardians who fail to comply with the specified requirements.
HB 4077, Representative Rick Ryan
Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that when a child with a disability that substantially impairs the child’s ability to make independent decisions regarding parental relationships reaches the age of majority, the court may allocate parenting time by considering the specified factors as modified by the child’s capacity’s and expressed preferences.
HB 4359, Representative Nicolle Grasse
Creates the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression in Long-Term Care Bill of Rights Act. Establishes rights for a client who lives in a long-term care facility, or who receives home care services from a home care provider, from discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sex, actual or perceived sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender identity, actual or perceived gender expression, or actual or perceived HIV status. Provides that an aggrieved person may enforce violations of the Act against a long-term care facility or a home care provider and the staff of the long-term care facility or home care provider through a civil action. Sets forth provisions concerning gender identity in client records; required training for all long-term care facilities and home care providers; arbitration agreements; interpretation of the Act; and enforcement of rights, including civil penalties and other administrative actions. Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the Nursing Home Care Act, and the Home Health, Home Services, and Home Nursing Agency Licensing Act to require compliance with the Sexual orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression in Long-Term Care Bill of Rights Act. Amends the Adult Protective Services Act to include intentional misgendering and unlawful discrimination in the definition of “abuse”.
HB 4649, Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. In provisions concerning financial exploitation of an eligible adult, provides that a court may grant a temporary injunction ex parte, pending a full hearing, and may grant such relief as the court deems proper if the court makes certain findings, including, but not limited to, that an immediate and present danger of exploitation of the eligible adult exists, there is a likelihood of irreparable harm and nonavailability of an adequate remedy at law, there is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits, and the threatened injury to the eligible adult outweighs possible harm to the respondent. Sets forth the types of injunctive relief a court might grant, including, but not limited to, freezing the eligible adult’s assets or lines of credit, awarding the eligible adult temporary exclusive use and possession of his or her dwelling, if shared with the respondent, and providing directives to law enforcement. Contains provisions on the scope and effect of an ex parte temporary injunction and the grounds for its denial. Sets forth factors a court will consider to determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an eligible adult is or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of financial exploitation; notice of petition and injunction; final hearings on a petition; final cost judgments against a respondent; the transmittal of petitions, financial affidavits, hearing notices to the county sheriff or law enforcement agency; court certification of all orders orders issued, changed, continued, extended, or vacated subsequent to the original petition, notice of hearing, or temporary injunction; the enforcement of injunction violations through a civil or criminal contempt proceeding; judgment damages against a petitioner; modification or dissolution of injunction; substitute service for unascertainable respondent whose identity cannot be ascertained or whose identity is unknown; and other matters.
House Executive Committee
February 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 118
Springfield, IL
HB 3443, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Open Meetings Act. Provides that the requirement that a quorum be physically present at the location of an open meeting shall not apply to the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. Amends the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Law. Provides that a member of the Council may request permission of the chairperson to attend a meeting by video or audio conference, and that request shall be granted if the member is prevented from physically attending due to personal illness or disability or if the member is required to provide care to a family member who has a disability. Effective immediately.
House Housing Committee
February 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Stratton Building, Room 413
Springfield, IL
HB 4377, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Housing Authorities Act. Provides that, unless otherwise required by federal law or regulation, a housing authority shall not establish or implement any rules, policies, or procedures that impose time limits or work requirements as a condition of initial or continued eligibility for any rent subsidy or assistance provided to qualifying tenants of the housing authority or to qualifying individuals through any rent subsidy or other housing assistance program administered by the housing authority. Permits a housing authority to establish, implement, or encourage an applicant or recipient of a rent subsidy or assistance to participate in a voluntary employment or job training program if the program: (1) does not impact the applicant’s or recipient’s initial or continued eligibility for the rent subsidy or assistance; and (2) has one of the specified goals for program participants, including, but not limited to, (i) increasing personal income, (ii) homeownership, or (iii) expanding employment options.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools
February 25, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 115
Springfield, IL
HB 4068, Representative Michael Crawford
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that within 14 school days after receiving a written request for a federal Section 504 plan from a child’s parent or guardian, a school district shall determine whether the clinical information provided by the parent or guardian is sufficient to support the need for a Section 504 plan, whether further evaluation is warranted to make that determination, or whether there is no basis for an evaluation or plan based on available information. Provides that if the district decides not to confer eligibility based on existing information or to conduct an evaluation, the district shall provide written notice to the parent or guardian explaining the rationale for the decision. Provides that if the district agrees to an evaluation, a meeting with the parent or guardian shall be held no later than 14 school days after receiving the written request. Requires the district to convene a team that shall identify the assessments necessary to complete the evaluation. Provides that for a student with documentation from a licensed health care provider indicating the need for an individualized health care plan to address a likely medical threat to the student’s health or safety, the school’s Section 504 plan team shall meet with the parent or guardian to consider creation of an interim Section 504 plan consistent with the health care provider’s recommendations within 5 school days after receipt of the documentation, and if the Section 504 plan team agrees with the health care provider’s recommendation, implementation of the requisite accommodations shall commence no later than 5 school days after the planning meeting. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of HB 4068: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 4068: C3483: lick
HB 4397, Representative Michael Crawford
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that “school psychologist” means a psychologist who, along with other qualifications, has graduated with a specialist degree, an equivalent degree with the completion of a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, or a higher degree in school psychology (rather than a master’s degree or higher degree in psychology or educational psychology) from an institution of higher learning and has had at least 1,200 clock hours of supervised experience (rather than one school year of full-time supervised experience) in the delivery of school psychological services. Makes changes to provide that school psychological services provided by qualified specialists who hold a Professional Educator License endorsed for school psychology may include, but are not limited to: (1) providing assessments; (2) creating and implementing prevention and intervention services that support student learning; (3) providing mental and behavioral health services; (4) acting as liaisons between public schools and community agencies; (5) evaluating program effectiveness; (6) providing crisis prevention, response, and intervention within the school setting; (7) providing consultation and collaboration; (8) supervising school psychologist interns enrolled in school psychology programs; (9) screening school enrollments to identify children who should be referred for individual study; and (10) developing any other necessary program.
House Labor & Commerce Committee
February 25, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114
Springfield, IL
HB 3483, Representative Anna Moeller
Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Act. Creates the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Department of Labor. Requires the Division to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides benefits to employees. Provides that the program shall be administered by the Deputy Director of the Division. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits under the Act. Provides that a self-employed individual may elect to be covered under the Act. Contains provisions concerning disqualification from benefits; compensation for leave; the amount and duration of benefits; payments for benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund; employer equivalent plans; annual reports by the Department; hearings; penalties; notice; the coordination of leave provided under the Act with leave allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, a collective bargaining agreement, or any local county or municipal ordinance; rulemaking; and other matters. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Fund. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts certain documents collected by the Division of Paid Family and Medical Leave from the Act’s disclosure requirements. Effective immediately.
House State Government Administration Committee
February 25, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Stratton Building, Room C-1
Springfield, IL
HB 4554, Representative Laura Faver Dias
Amends the State Finance Act. Provides that the State shall not expend or invest any public funds in any organization, nonprofit organization, religious organization, or any other entity to be used for conversion therapy. Provides that the State shall not enter into any contract for the provision of conversion therapy. Provides that any contract entered into or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act that is used or will be used for conversion therapy shall be void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. Defines “conversion therapy”.
House Higher Education Committee
February 25, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 122
Springfield, IL
HB 4304, Representative Katie Stuart
Creates the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act. Provides that a student attending a postsecondary education institution in the State is entitled to the following rights: the right to an inclusive and safe learning environment; the right to equal access; the right to safety and respect; the right to accessibility; the right to free expression; the right to organize; the right to peaceful protest; the right to academic transparency; the right to fair evaluation; the right to educational records; the right to educational programs safeguarded from political interference; the right to career preparation; the right to educational quality; the right to due process; the right to representation; the right to institutional accountability; the right to financial transparency; the right to fair lending and borrowing practices; the right to timely refunds and withdrawals; and the right to transfer.
House Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee
February 26, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114
Springfield, IL
HB 2364, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Appropriates $16,358,900 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services Bureau for grants to independent living centers. Effective July 1, 2025.
HB 3043, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Creates the Criminal Justice Special Advocates Program for People with Disabilities Act. Provides that subject to appropriation for this purpose, the Department of Human Services shall establish a 3-year, 5-county pilot program to provide a minimum of one criminal justice special advocate in each selected county to serve the advocacy and support needs of an individual with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability involved in the criminal justice system of the county. Contains provisions concerning the selection of counties; the qualifications and duties of criminal justice special advocates; and Department evaluation and reporting requirements.
HB 3162, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Makes various appropriations from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services and the Illinois Housing Development Authority for housing programs and related services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Effective July 1, 2025.
HB 4238, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, subject to federal approval, beginning January 1, 2027, any individual age 22 to 64 who is diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and is determined to be a person with a disability by the Social Security Administration shall be eligible for services in a supportive living dementia care setting if the individual meets all other eligibility requirements to receive services in a supportive living dementia care setting in accordance with specified administrative rules. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for any federal waiver necessary to implement the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
HB 4449, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish reimbursement rates that build toward livable wages for frontline personnel in residential and day programs and service coordination agencies serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Provides that for community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, subject to federal approval of any relevant Waiver Amendment, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027 shall include an increase in the rate methodology sufficient to provide a $1.20 per hour wage rate increase for all direct support professionals and all other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ average wage increases and who work in residential and community day services settings. Prohibits community-based providers from using the rate increases for operational or administrative expenses. Requires rate increases that are sufficient to provide wages for all residential non-executive direct care staff. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the rates for ID/DD and MC/DD facilities for services delivered on or after January 1, 2027 shall include a $1.20 per hour wage increase for all direct support professionals and other frontline personnel who are not subject to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ average wage increases. Provides that changes to the rate methodologies are subject to federal approval. Grants emergency rulemaking authority to the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services to implement the rate increases. Effective immediately.
HB 4568, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Appropriates $352,200,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for grants and administrative expenses of the Home Illinois Program. Effective July 1, 2026.
HB 4586, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Appropriates $7,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the purpose of making a grant to the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living to administer and implement the Home Modification Program. Effective July 1, 2026.
HB 4783, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for dates of service beginning on and after January 1, 2027, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall, for healthcare common procedure coding system codes relating to complex rehabilitation technology wheelchair repair and accessories, apply a reimbursement rate under the Medical Assistance program equivalent to the maximum fee paid in Illinois under the federal Medicare program, including fees under the KU modifier, if applicable. Effective immediately.
HB 4827, Representative Anna Moeller
Appropriates $40,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services to provide on-going housing assistance for persons needing affordable housing in order to transition into less restrictive community housing from a long-term care facility regulated under Title 77, 59, or 89 of the Illinois Administrative Code. Effective July 1, 2026.
HB 4828, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that all housing assistance payments payable from funds appropriated to the Department of Human Services in State Fiscal Year 2027 for the purpose of providing ongoing housing assistance to long-term care residents seeking to transition to less restrictive community housing shall be structured to ensure that housing assistance recipients pay no more than 30% of their income as housing costs and may relocate to a different residence that meets applicable Department rules without losing eligibility for such housing assistance payments. Effective July 1, 2026.
HB 4917, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Act. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall coordinate with the Department on Aging and the Department of Human Services to ensure the maximization of all available federal financial participation and existing State revenue sources, which shall include, but not be limited to, identifying and integrating funding streams currently used for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers to support PACE enrollment and developing a unified budgeting approach under which appropriations for long-term services and supports are treated as a fungible pool, allowing funding to transition seamlessly when a participant chooses PACE over traditional waiver services. Provides that, to ensure participant choice and program flexibility, the Department shall establish a service-neutral enrollment mechanism. Provides that if an individual is on a waiting list for a HCBS waiver and chooses to enroll in PACE, the individual’s status and slot value shall be preserved and applied to the PACE capitation rate to ensure the State’s budget neutrality. Sets forth provisions concerning funding portability, transitioning between PACE and traditional HCBS models, and the use of a Unified Assessment Tool.
HB 4962, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the supportive living facilities program, provides that sites for the operation of the program shall be selected by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services based upon criteria that may include the need for services in a geographic area, the availability of funding, the site’s ability to meet the standards, and a need to increase access for Medicaid enrollees who need an alternative to nursing home care. Requires the Department to determine need utilizing the most recently available statewide report every 3 years, and to also consider the occupancy rates, vacancies, and waiting lists in surrounding operational supportive living program sites, and public comments. Provides that based on need, the Department shall make the final determination to establish geographic areas utilizing county or zip code-based geographic areas within a rate setting region as the basis for opening a competitive application process. Contains provisions on the analysis and other information required in the statewide report; primary market areas for supportive living program sites; and other matters. Effective immediately.
House Mental Health & Addiction Committee
February 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Stratton Building, Room 413
Springfield, IL
HB 4039, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Creates the Holistic Overdose Prevention and Equity Act. Creates the Harm Reduction Program Board, with certain requirements. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall issue grants to harm reduction providers, with certain requirements. Establishes a Chief Harm Reduction Officer within the Department. Provides for a place-based approach to harm reduction pilot program. Provides for local government training and continuing education. Provides that naloxone shall be made readily available to all staff and individuals in prisons and jails, with certain requirements. Provides for medication for opioid use disorder and fentanyl testing. Restricts the use of abstinence-only or sobriety requirements to housing, with certain requirements. Limits home rule powers. Makes findings. Defines terms. Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Counties Code, the County Jail Act, the Unified Code of Corrections, the Hospital Licensing Act, and the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act to make conforming changes.
HB 4495, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Strengthen Linkage to Follow-Up Care after a Behavioral Health Crisis Act. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for purposes of timely linking an individual to follow-up mental health care immediately after a behavioral health crisis, when mobile crisis response services are provided to someone in a behavioral health crisis, the Illinois Medicaid-Crisis Assessment Tool approved by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall enable the delivery of community support services, medication monitoring, and other specified services when delivered by the same provider, for up to 30 days without beginning, performing, or completing an integrated assessment and treatment plan. Provides that such services shall be billed separate from mobile crisis response services. Prohibits the Department from imposing more stringent requirements on its Illinois Medicaid-Crisis Assessment Tool than those requirements that exist on the effective date of the amendatory Act, as long as the services provided are delivered under the supervision of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts. Requires the Department to file any rules necessary to implement the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
HB 4714, Representative William “Will” Davis
Amends the Children’s Mental Health Act. In provisions concerning the Children’s Mental Health Partnership, makes changes to the Partnership’s list of duties to include (i) reviewing or facilitating needs assessments (rather than conducting research assessments) to better understand the challenges and gaps of programs, services, and policies related to children’s mental health; (ii) monitoring policy development related to children’s mental health in Illinois at the local, State, and federal level; and (iii) regularly reviewing aggregate and de-identified data on the need for children’s behavioral health services in Illinois that is collected by the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation (BEACON) portal to ensure that system transformation can continue to be driven by data. Provides that the Partnership’s membership shall include public members who reflect a diversity of sexual orientation; and that all Partnership members shall serve without compensation and with no entitlement to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Removes a provision permitting the Partnership to convene study groups. Expands the membership of the adjunct council to include up to 10 youth aged 16 to 25 (rather than up to 6 youth aged 14 to 25) and up to 4 (rather than a minimum of 4) representatives of 4 different community-based organizations that focus on youth mental health. Makes other changes.
Senate Education Committee
February 24, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 212
Springfield, IL
SB 3255, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Delays the implementation date for the direct support professional credential pilot program to State Fiscal Year 2028 (rather than 2025). Effective immediately.
Senate Transportation Committee
February 24, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 212
Springfield, IL
SB 3419, Senator Ram Villivalam
Amends the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Transit Innovation, Integration, and Reform Act. Provides that the member appointed to the Committee to represent individuals with disabilities shall either be an individual with a disability or an individual who has demonstrated experience advocating for and advancing the accessibility and transportation needs of individuals with disabilities. Amends the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act. Provides that one of the members of the Board of the Chicago Transit Authority shall be a person with a disability who lives within the Authority’s service area and uses the services provided by the Authority. Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Provides that one of the Directors of the Board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority shall be a person with a disability with expertise in transportation and shall be appointed with the advice and recommendation of a disability advocacy organization serving the Metropolitan Region. Provides that one of the directors of the Suburban Bus Board shall be the Commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (rather than appointed by the Mayor of Chicago). Provides that one of the directors of the Commuter Rail Board shall be a person with a disability who uses the services provided by the Commuter Rail Division and appointed with the advice and recommendation of a disability advocacy organization serving the Metropolitan Region. Provides that the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Board, and the Commuter Rail Board shall each establish and maintain an ADA Advisory Committee to advise the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Board, or the Commuter Rail Board on accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as it relates to fixed route and paratransit service.
Senate State Government Committee
February 25, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 409
Springfield, IL
SB 3008, Senator Paul Faraci
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act and the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Required the Department of Human Services to provide informational materials about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program to: persons who are placed in a facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act, the MC/DD Act, or the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013; persons with disabilities who receive services funded by or administered in conjunction with the Department, including, but not limited to, home and community based services, home-based support services, PUNS services, home care services, and services at a Center for Independent Living. Provides that the informational materials shall be provided when a person first enrolls for such services and as part of any annual process required for the person to maintain eligibility for such services. Requires the Office of the State Treasurer to prepare and deliver the informational materials in an electronic format to the Department and distribute the materials to eligible persons.
Senate Judiciary Committee
February 25, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 400
Springfield, IL
SB 3005, Senator Celina Villanueva
Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that a plaintiff may be awarded all forms of relief available in tort actions, including but not be limited to, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of a normal life. Provides that a plaintiff may also be awarded punitive damages.
Senate Human Rights Committee
February 26, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 409
Springfield, IL
SB 3340, Senator Graciela Guzman
Creates the Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act. Provides that all individual in the State have the right to wear protective medical equipment in any place of public accommodation where they have a lawful right to be without obligation to disclose health status or any other protected information, and no person, entity, or authority shall deny, restrict, or infringe upon this right. Provides that operators and public officials shall not discriminate against or penalize medical device wearers for exercising their right to wear protective medical equipment. Provides that discrimination under the Act includes, but is not limited to: denial of service; eviction from premises; any form of harassment to remove or refrain from wearing such equipment for any amount of time; specified actions taken by employers; and provision of unequal goods, services, facilities, advantages, or accommodations. Sets forth provisions concerning the protection against retaliation, the exceptions for security requirements, operational safety, age and identity restricted products, and financial institution customer identification, and an undue hardship exemption. Effective immediately.
NOTE: If you wish to take any action regarding any of these bills/issues, you may wish to file an electronic witness slip and/or or submit oral or written testimony to the committee holding the hearing and/or contact the members of the committee conducting the hearing and/or the legislators in your home district. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all legislators, both Representatives and Senators, can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website at www.ilga.gov. You may check this website to find out if any of the committee hearing dates or times have been changed, which may happen upon very short notice.
For additional information, please contact:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-303-8543
