LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
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 April 1, 2024.
NOTE: April 5, 2024, is the deadline to pass substantive House bills out of committee in the House.
House Appropriations—Elementary & Secondary Education Committee
April 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 118 and Virtual Room 2, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Department of Early Childhood, Early Childhood Education
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
HB 5430, Representative William “Will” Davis
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that the resident district for a student who, as a result of the student’s medically complex status resides exclusively at a full-time residential care facility, shall be the school district in which the residential facility is located if the residential facility provides the student with a regular fixed night-time residence for reasons other than placement in a specific school district and the student is not enrolled in a school district outside the district in which the residential facility is located. Provides that as a resident of the district in which the residential facility is located, the educational costs for a student shall be provided directly by the State Board of Education and shall be calculated based on the applicable per diem rate provided by the Illinois Purchased Care Review Board, with such per diem rate being based solely upon the audited submission of the cost financial report for the residential facility for special education students during the applicable school year. Provides that a residential facility shall submit monthly invoices to the State Board of Education for the education costs of a student in a residential facility. Provides that the State Board of Education shall ensure that a representative of the resident school district of the student in a residential facility attend and participate in an individualized education program meeting for the student, and shall proffer a nonpublic facility placement contract for each student and the school district shall immediately execute and return the nonpublic facility placement contract to the residential facility. Provides that for a student in a residential facility, an educational surrogate shall be appointed who shall have authority to execute an individualized education program in the place of the student’s parent or guardian on behalf of the student. Provides for restrictions on withholding payment to a residential facility. Provides that the provisions apply only to a special education student who lives at and relies on residential facility as the student’s overnight residence but who has not been enrolled by the student’s parent or guardian in a school district. Effective immediately.
House Insurance Committee
April 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Stratton Building, Room C-1
Springfield, IL
HB 4055, Representative William E. Hauter
Amends the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Changes the definition of “emergency services” to provide that for the purposes of the provisions, emergency services are not required to be provided in the emergency department of a hospital. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law, a health insurance issuer or a contracted utilization review organization may not require prior authorization or approval by the health plan for emergency services.
House Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee
April 2, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Stratton Building, Room C-1
Springfield, IL
HB 4346, Representative Bob Morgan
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Community Care Program (program), removes from the list of program services clearinghouse information provided by senior citizen home owners who want to rent rooms to or share living space with other senior citizens. In a provision requiring the Department on Aging to perform certain actions to increase the effectiveness of the program, removes a requirement that the Department ensure the determination of need tool is accurate in determining program participants’ level of need. In a provision concerning pre-service certification for in-home workers who provide housekeeping or home aide services, requires employing agencies to pay wages to in-home workers for pre-service and in-service training. Provides that the Department may authorize (rather than shall delay) program services until an applicant is determined eligible for medical assistance under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Removes a provision requiring the Department to implement co-payments under the program. Requires the Department to make annual (rather than quarterly) reports on care coordination unit performance and adherence to service guidelines. Removes expired rate levels. Requires the Department to pay an enhanced rate under the Community Care Program to those in-home service provider agencies that offer health insurance coverage as a benefit to their direct service worker employees. Provides that all final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review. Makes other changes.
HB 5051, HA 1, Representative Jenn Ladisch Douglass
Amends the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Provides that a health insurance issuer may
not require prior authorization for a prescription drug prescribed to a patient by a health care professional for 6 or more consecutive months, regardless of whether the prescription drug is a non-preferred medication pursuant to the patient’s health insurance coverage; or for specified prescription drugs, including insulin, human immunodeficiency virus prevention medication; human immunodeficiency virus treatment medication; viral hepatitis medication; estrogen; and progesterone.
- To read the full text of HB 5051: Click
- To read the full text of HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 5051, HA 1: Click
House Judiciary-Criminal Committee
April 2, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Stratton Building, Room D-1
Springfield, IL
HB 4726, Representative Kevin John Olickal
Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Repeals a provision excluding certain minors accused of committing specified crimes from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. Effective immediately.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee
April 3, 2024, 8:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114 and Virtual Room 1, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 340, HA 1, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. With regard to the
requirement that school boards provide parents of a child with prior written notice of any decision proposing to initiate or change or refusing to initiate or change the identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child, provides that the written notice must include the content required by subsection c of Section 14-8.02f of the Code. With regard to meetings to determine whether a child is eligible for special education or related services, provides that the required written notice to the parent or guardian from the local educational agency must inform the parent or guardian of their right to receive copies of all written materials that will be considered by the IEP team and the date the materials will be delivered or made available to them.
- To read the full text of HB 340, HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 340, HA 1: Click
HB 4474, Representative Nabeela Syed
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that in the development of the individualized education program for a student who is 17 years of age or older, or will be during that school year, the IEP team shall consider voter registration as an appropriate goal or competency to be included in the IEP, and, if appropriate, when and how voter registration shall be accomplished. Provides that any resulting decisions shall be included in the IEP. Effective July 1, 2024.
HB 4586, Representative Anne Stava-Murray
Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall require each school to notify students and the students’ parents or guardians twice each year on how to access any mental health services offered in school or in the community where the school is located.
House Judiciary-Civil Committee
April 3, 2024, 8:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 118 and Virtual Room 2, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 4275, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that upon the filing of a petition by a reputable person or by the alleged person with a disability himself or on its own motion, the court may adjudge a person to be a person with a disability, but only if it has been demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the person is a person with a disability and the person cannot be supported through a supported decision-making agreement. Provides that at the time of the appointment of a guardian the court shall inform the ward of his right to petition for termination of an adjudication of disability using a supported decision-making agreement. Makes other changes. Amends the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act. Changes the definition of “principal” to mean an adult (rather than an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities) who seeks to enter, or has entered, into a supported decision-making agreement with a supporter. Allows a principal to elect to nominate the supporter as the principal’s health care surrogate and may act as the principal’s health care surrogate when the standards set forth in the Health Care Surrogate Act have been met. Makes conforming changes. Amends the Health Care Surrogate Act. Provides that a supporter designated under a supported decision-making agreement has second priority to make decisions on behalf of a patient.
HB 4444, Representative Suzanne M. 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 4613, Representative Maura Hirschauer
Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Allows a ward in guardianship to get married who understands the nature, effect, duties, and obligations of marriage. Prior consent of the guardian of the person or estate or approval of the court is not required for the ward to enter into a marriage. A guardian may contest the validity of the marriage pursuant to Sections 301 and 302 of Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
HB 4821, Representative Curtis J. Tarver, II
Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Authorizes an aggrieved party to commence a civil action in the appropriate circuit court within 300 calendar days after the date that a civil rights violation allegedly has been committed.
HB 4963, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Guardians for Adults with Disabilities Article of the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that the required report that is attached to a petition for adjudication of disability and for appointment of a guardian may contain a psychological evaluation that assesses the cognitive, emotional, and functional capacities of the respondent and that has been performed by a licensed clinical psychologist under the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act within 3 months of the date of the filing of the petition or within one year of the date of the filing of the petition in the case of an individual with an intellectual disability. Provides that the court may enter an order authorizing the ward to execute a will or codicil upon the request of the ward that is accompanied by a report that states the ward possesses testamentary capacity from a current physician or a licensed clinical psychologist. Effective immediately.
HB 5649, Representative Abdelnasser Rashid
Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act for a licensed mental health professional to provide mental health services to a patient through the use of artificial intelligence without first obtaining informed consent from the patient for the use of artificial intelligence tools and disclosing the use of artificial intelligence tools to the patient before providing services through the use of artificial intelligence. Amends the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Nurse Practice Act, the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, and the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Makes corresponding changes in grounds for discipline. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may adopt rules to regulate the use of artificial intelligence tools to provide mental health services.
House Human Services Committee
April 3, 2024, 8:30 a.m.
Stratton Building, Room D-1
Springfield, IL
HB 1298, HA 1, Representative Charles Meier
Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act.
Removes provisions allowing the Department of Human Services to conduct site visits to an agency licensed under the Act, or to any program or placement certified by the agency, and inspect the records or premises, or both, of such agency, program or placement as it deems appropriate, for the purpose of determining compliance with the Act, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and applicable Department rules and regulations. Requires the Department to establish a system of regular and ongoing, and unannounced on-site inspections, that shall occur at least annually, of each agency licensed under the Act or any program or placement certified by an agency licensed under the Act under the Department’s jurisdiction. Provides that the inspections shall be conducted by the Department’s central office to achieve specified goals.
- To read the full text of HB 1298: Click
- To read the full text of HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 1298, HA 1: Click
HB 1671, HA 1, Representative Charles Meier
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that a State-operated developmental center funded, certified or licensed by the Department of Human Services must readmit, upon request, a former resident who transferred to and currently receives services in a licensed community integrated living arrangement, if the former resident, the former resident’s family or legal guardian determines that the former resident’s medical needs cannot be met by the program of services.
- To read the full text of HB 1671, HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 1671, HA 1: Click
HB 2998, HA 1, Representative Charles Meier
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that before video surveillance equipment is installed or operated in common areas of any state-operated developmental center (SODC), the Department of Human Services must obtain unanimous consent from the residents or their guardians. Also provides that if a person becomes a resident of an SODC in which video surveillance equipment is installed in common areas, the Department must obtain consent from the new resident or his/her guardian before continuing to operate the equipment. Also amends the Community Integrated Living Arrangements Licensing and Certification Act. Provides that before video surveillance equipment is installed or operated in a facility licensed under the Act in the common areas of the facility, the owner or operator must obtain unanimous consent from the residents or their guardians. Also provides that if a person becomes a resident of a facility in which video surveillance equipment is installed for purposes of monitoring common areas, the owner or operator of the facility must obtain consent from the new resident or the resident’s guardian before continuing to operate the equipment.
- To read the full text of HB 2998, HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 2998, HA 1: Click
HB 3714, HA 1, Representative Aaron M. Ortiz
Amends the Language Assistance Services Act. Provides for the use and availability of qualified medical interpreters (rather than interpreters) in health facilities. Defines “qualified medical interpreters”. Provides that employees of a health facility have the right to use a qualified medical interpreter for their own communication with a limited English proficient patient if a conversation between the limited English proficient patient and the employee would be jeopardized by the use of a volunteer interpreter. Requires the facility to annually transmit to the Department of Public Health a copy of the updated policy regarding language assistance services and to include a description of the facility’s process to ensure adequate and speedy communication between staff and patients with language or communication barriers. Provides that facilities must prepare and maintain a list of contact information for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter providers or individuals who have been identified as being proficient in sign language, as well as a list of the languages of the population of the geographical area served by the facility. Removes language allowing facilities to consider providing its nonbilingual staff with standardized picture and phrase sheets for use in routine communications with patients who have language or communication barriers. Makes other changes.
- To read the full text of HB 3714: Click
- To read the full text of HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 3714: Click
HB 4178, HA 1, Representative Jed Davis
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for a Home and Community-Based Services State Plan amendment and any federal waiver necessary to reimburse legally responsible family caregivers as providers of personal care or home health aide services under the Illinois Title XIX State Plan Home and Community-Based Services benefit and the home and community-based services waiver program authorized under the Social Security Act for persons who are medically fragile and technology dependent. Provides that to be eligible for reimbursement, a legally responsible family caregiver must be a certified nursing assistant or certified nurse aide and must provide services to a medically fragile relative who is receiving in-home shift nursing services coordinated by the University of Illinois at Chicago, Division of Specialized Care for Children. Provides that upon federal approval of the State Plan amendment and waiver, the Department shall adopt rules that define who qualifies for reimbursement as a legally responsible family caregiver, specify which personal care and home health aide services are eligible for reimbursement if the provider is a legally responsible family caregiver, establish oversight policies to ensure legally responsible family caregivers meet and comply with licensing and program requirements, and adopt any other policies or procedures necessary to implement the amendatory Act.
- To read the full text of HB 4178: Click
- To read the full text of HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 4178: Click
HB 4261, Representative Kevin John Olickal
Amends the Illinois Act on Aging. Provides that all records containing resident, participant, and complainant information collected by the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program are confidential and shall not be disclosed outside of the program without a lawful subpoena or the permission of the State Ombudsman. Permits the State Ombudsman, at his or her discretion, to disclose resident or participant information if it is in the best interest of the resident or participant. Requires the Department on Aging to establish procedures for the disclosure of program records by the State Ombudsman. Provides that the procedures shall prohibit disclosure of a resident’s identity in case records unless the resident gives consent.
HB 4364, HA 1, Representative Jay Hoffman
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the
Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish and administer a Seniors Deserve Dignity Program that provides monthly supplemental personal needs payments to persons residing in supportive living facilities who receive medical assistance and a personal needs allowance as specified in the Illinois Administrative Code. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2024, a qualifying person shall receive a monthly supplemental personal needs payment in the amount of $30 so that the person’s total monthly personal needs allowance is no less than $120. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, a qualifying person shall receive a monthly supplemental personal needs payment in the amount of $60 so that the person’s total monthly personal needs allowance is no less than $150. Requires a qualifying person’s monthly supplemental personal needs payment amount to be adjusted for inflation beginning July 1, 2026 and every July 1 thereafter. Provides that the monthly supplemental personal needs payments shall not be considered income for purposes of determining eligibility or the amount of assistance for any public aid benefit provided under State law. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective July 1, 2024.
- To read the full text of HB 4364: Click
- To read the full text of HA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 4364, HA 1: Click
HB 4522, Representative Steven Reick
Amends the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to appropriation and any necessary federal waivers or approvals, the Department of Human Services shall develop and implement a transitional benefits program for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that is designed in such a way that a TANF or SNAP beneficiary will not experience an immediate loss of benefits should the beneficiary’s income exceed the maximum allowable income under the TANF or SNAP program. Provides that the transitional benefits offered shall gradually step down the beneficiary’s monthly benefit proportionate to the increase in the beneficiary’s income. Sets forth monthly benefits amounts based on monthly household income. Requires beneficiaries to comply with TANF and SNAP work requirements. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department shall implement, by July 1, 2025, a program to allow recipients to receive transitional child care benefits without the requirement that such recipients first be eligible for full child care benefits. Provides that transitional child care benefits shall be determined on a sliding scale for recipients with household incomes in excess of the eligibility level for full benefits. Sets forth the sliding benefit schedule for the program. Requires the Department to track the number of participants in the program and issue an annual report to the General Assembly by September 1, 2026 and by September 1 each year thereafter, detailing the effectiveness of the program in encouraging recipients to secure employment earning an income greater than the maximum wage eligible for the full child care benefit. Requires the Department to pursue all necessary waivers from the federal government to implement the program. Provides that upon federal approval, the Department shall limit any initial application for the SNAP, TANF, or the Child Care Assistance Program to a one-page form that is easily accessible on the Department’s website. Provides that persons participating in TANF, SNAP, or the Child Care Assistance Program who are required to complete a periodic eligibility review form, may submit such form as an attachment to their Illinois income tax return. Requires the Department of Human Services and the Department of Revenue to adopt rules. Effective immediately.
HB 4684, Representative Tim Ozinga
Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides that,
notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, funds held in an individual retirement account, a pension plan, an employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) plan, or a plan established under the Self-Employed Individuals Retirement Act of 1962 shall be exempt and not counted as assets when determining an individual’s eligibility for services under the Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules that are consistent with the provisions of the amendatory Act.
HB 5012, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Adds provisions concerning
involuntary terminations of residency, hearings when residency is involuntarily terminated, and readmission of residents. Provides that an establishment shall notify a resident when the establishment’s ability to meet the resident’s needs may be affected. Provides that if an establishment initiates a termination of residency, then the resident shall be provided with written notice. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall (rather than may) offer assistance to an establishment and resident in preparation for a residency termination. Provides that an establishment that improperly terminates the residency of a resident shall be assessed a violation. Makes additions to provisions concerning resident rights. Makes other changes. Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Makes changes to provisions concerning the involuntary transfer or discharge of a resident, hearings when a resident is involuntarily transferred or discharged, and the readmission of residents. Provides that a resident has a right not to be unlawfully transferred or discharged from a facility. Makes other changes. Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act and the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that in certain circumstances the Department shall order immediate readmission of a resident. Provides that failure to readmit a resident after receiving an order to do so from the Department shall result in a specified daily fine. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules related to conflicts of interest for persons who conduct specified hearings.
HB 5095, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Adds (in addition to other criteria) that if a resident fails to pay or has a late payment and the facility follows the federal discharge and transfer requirements, including the issuance of a notice of facility-initiated discharge, then a facility that participates in the Medical Assistance Program may refuse to retain as a resident any person who resides in a part of the facility that does not participate in the Medical Assistance Program and who is unable to pay for his or her care in the facility without medical assistance.
HB 5236, Representative Bradley Fritts
Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish and administer pilot programs in the counties of Lee, Whiteside, Ogle, and Tazewell that allow for court-ordered involuntary treatment for persons 18 years of age or older who have a substance use disorder. Requires the pilot programs to be implemented no later than January 1, 2025 with an end date of January 1, 2029. Provides that under the pilot programs, no person shall be ordered to undergo involuntary treatment for a substance use disorder unless that person: (i) suffers from a substance use disorder; (ii) presents an imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others as a result of a substance use disorder, or there exists a substantial likelihood of such a threat in the near future; and (iii) can reasonably benefit from treatment. Contains provisions concerning the rights of persons subject to involuntary treatment; forms; jurisdiction; petition requirements; court and medical examinations; emergency hospitalization; the consequences of failing to attend examinations; summons; hospitals and treatment facilities; and defined terms. Requires the Department to submit a report to the General Assembly, no later than July 1, 2029, on the effectiveness and efficiency of each county’s pilot program. Sets out certain data and information that must be included in the report. Effective immediately.
HB 5252, Representative Sharon Chung
Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to, at least annually, provide each provider of home and community-based services an updated, detailed rate sheet for each funded client served by the provider. Provides that the Department must also, within 45 days of submission of any provider-based information to the Department, such as Inventory for Client and Agency Planning scores, which changes a client’s reimbursement rate, issue an updated rate sheet for the client. Provides that each detailed rate sheet must include full rate calculator formula transparency.
HB 5347, 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 5410, Representative Charles Meier
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, requires each long term care facility, supportive living facility, assisted living establishment, shared housing establishment, and State-operated developmental center to display, in multiple, conspicuous public places within the facility accessible to both visitors and residents and in an easily readable format, the address and statewide toll-free telephone number (rather than phone number) of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Internet web address of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program’s website. Requires each long term care facility, supportive living facility, assisted living establishment, shared housing establishment, and State-operated developmental center to post on the home page of the facility’s website the statewide toll-free telephone number of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and a link to the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program’s website.
HB 5645, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Adds (in addition to other criteria) that if a resident fails to pay or has a late payment and the facility follows the federal discharge and transfer requirements, including the issuance of a notice of facility-initiated discharge, then a facility that participates in the Medical Assistance Program may refuse to retain as a resident any person who resides in a part of the facility that does not participate in the Medical Assistance Program and who is unable to pay for his or her care in the facility without medical assistance.
House Health Care Licenses Committee
April 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 122B
Springfield, IL
HB 4506, Representative Maurice A. West
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Allows,
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. Allows, upon request, an investigator or attorney employed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation investigating any provider of mental health or developmental disabilities services who is a licensee of the Department to inspect and copy a recipient’s record or any part thereof. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits the use of a recipient’s records in an administrative proceeding conducted by the Department.
HB 5352, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act and the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Provides that administrators of facilities licensed under those Acts shall ensure that all facility staff receive annual in-service training designed to prevent retaliation against patients and residents. Provides that the training must contain a discussion of certain specified topics. Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that the Office of State Long Term Care Ombudsman shall create, and periodically update as needed, a training manual for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities that provides guidance on structuring and implementing the training required. Effective immediately.
House Housing Committee
April 3, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114 and Virtual Room 1, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 5242, Representative Kelly M. Cassidy
Amends the Environmental Barriers Act. Defines “ICC/ANSI A117.1”, as used in the Act,
as meaning either of the 2 most recent editions of the International Code Council/American National Institute Standard A117.1 (“Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities”). Provides that no public facility may be constructed or altered and no multi-story housing may be constructed or altered (rather than only constructed) without the statement of an architect registered in the State of Illinois that the plans for the work to be performed comply with the provisions of the Act and the Code promulgated under the Act unless the cost of such construction or alteration is less than $50,000. Provides that multi-story housing that is not a public facility but that is subject to specified requirements shall be deemed to be in compliance with the Code if all dwelling units in the multi-story housing are required to be adaptable dwelling units comply with the requirements for Type A units in ICC/ANSI A117.1, if dwelling units in the multi-story housing comply with the requirements for Type B units in ICC/ANSI A117.1, and if all common use and public uses spaces comply with the Code. Provides that an election to use this alternative compliance method must be explicitly identified in the required statement made by a professional engineer or a structural engineer.
HB 5525, Representative Lilian Jimenez
Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that State policy is that access to housing is a fundamental human right in preventing discrimination based on familial status or source of income in real estate transactions. Defines “source of income”. Provides that this definition prohibits a person engaged in a real estate transaction from requiring a credit check before approving another person in the process of renting real property or requiring a move-in fee in lieu of a security deposit or in addition to a security deposit.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Committee
April 3, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 115
Springfield, IL
HB 4277, Representative Janet Yang Rohr
Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Requires the world language endorsement on a Professional Educator License to include American Sign Language under rules of the State Board of Education.
HB 5619, Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall allocate sufficient funds to provide for transportation and lodging for the members of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities to attend meetings in Springfield and shall provide funds, not to exceed $5,000, for scholarships for families to attend an annual legislative breakfast organized by the Advisory Council.
House Labor & Commerce Committee
April 3, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114
Springfield, IL
HB 5570, Representative Charles Meier
Creates the Employment Choice for All Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, on
and after July 1, 2030, the Department of Labor shall award grants to eligible employers who were issued 14(c) certificates in transforming their business model from providing employment using 14(c) certificates to a business model that employs and supports individuals with disabilities by providing competitive integrated employment. Sets forth requirements and procedures for receiving the grant. Preempts home rule. Provides that the Department shall conduct an evaluation of grants awarded under the Act. Creates the Competitive Integrated Employment Task Force and sets forth the purpose and membership of the Task Force. Amends the Minimum Wage Law to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2030.
House State Government Committee
April 3, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Building, Room 118
Springfield, IL
HB 4813, Representative Yolonda Morris
Amends the Information Technology Accessibility Act. Provides that the Department of
Innovation and Technology (currently, the Department of Human Services) shall review certain accessibility standards. Removes a specific reference to the Department of Central Management Services. Effective immediately.
House Appropriations-Health & Human Services Committee
April 4, 2024, 8:30 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114 and Virtual Room 1, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Department of Public Health, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, Coroner Training Board
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
House Mental Health & Addiction Committee
April 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Capitol Building, Room 114 and Virtual Room 1, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 4475, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred
to as the Strengthening Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Act. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, or any third-party administrator administering the behavioral health benefits for the insurer, shall cover all out-of-network medically necessary mental health and substance use benefits and services (inpatient and outpatient) as if they were in-network for purposes of cost sharing for the insured. Provides that the insured has the right to select the provider or facility of their choice and the modality, whether the care is provided via in-person visit or telehealth, for medically necessary care. Sets forth minimum reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health benefits. Sets forth provisions concerning responsibility for compliance with parity requirements; coverage and payment for multiple covered mental health and substance use services, mental health or substance use services provided under the supervision of a licensed mental health or substance treatment provider, and 60-minute individual psychotherapy; timely credentialing of mental health and substance use providers; Department of Insurance enforcement and rulemaking; civil penalties; and other matters. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to authorize emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately.
HB 4706, Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act and the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that substance abuse programs and mental health or developmental disabilities facilities operating in the State shall provide verbal notice to the personal representative of the patient within 24 hours after the death of a patient and shall provide written notice to the personal representative of the patient within 5 days after the death of a patient. Effective immediately.
HB 4922, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends various Acts concerning children’s mental health. Amends the School Code. Provides that on or before October 1, 2024, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Team, the Office of the Governor, and relevant stakeholders as needed shall release a strategy that includes a tool for measuring capacity and readiness to implement universal mental health screening of students. Provides that the State Board of Education shall issue a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on school district readiness and plan for phased approach to universal mental health screening of students on or before April 1, 2025. Repeals the Wellness Checks in Schools Program Act. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall implement guidance to managed care organizations and similar care coordination entities contracted with the Department, so that the managed care organizations and care coordination entities respond to lead indicators with services and interventions that are designed to help stabilize the child. Amends the Children’s Mental Health Act. Provides that the Children’s Mental Health Partnership shall advise the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative on designing and implementing short-term and long-term strategies to provide comprehensive and coordinated services for children from birth to age 25 and their families with the goal of addressing children’s mental health needs across a full continuum of care, including social determinants of health, prevention, early identification, and treatment. Provides that the Department of Public health (rather than the Department of Healthcare and Family Services) shall provide technical and administrative support for the Partnership. Deletes provision that the Partnership shall employ an Executive Director and set the compensation of the Executive Director and other such employees and technical assistance as it deems necessary to carry out its duties. Amends the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act. Provides that the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Team in collaboration with the Department of Human Services shall develop a program to provide one-on-one in-home respite behavioral health aids to youth requiring intensive supervision due to behavioral health needs. Effective immediately.
HB 5129, Representative Dan Ugaste
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that, if a person is determined to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or to others by a physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner, whether employed by the State, by any public or private mental health facility or part thereof, or by a law enforcement official or a school administrator, then the physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner shall notify the Department of Human Services and a law enforcement official or school administrator shall notify the Illinois State Police and the appropriate local law enforcement agency (rather than shall notify the Illinois State Police), within 24 hours of making the determination that the person poses a clear and present danger.
HB 5631, Representative Anne Stava-Murray
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Prohibits the use of a
lethal restraint as a therapeutic measure to prevent a recipient from causing physical harm to himself or physical abuse to others or for any other purpose. Defines “lethal restraint” as a restraint the use of which may lead to the death or severe injury of the person being restrained.
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
