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 March 16-19, 2021:
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee
March 16, 2021, 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 2628, Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit
Creates the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission Act. Creates the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission. Provides that the Commission’s purpose is to: (i) drive the State’s strategic vision for assessing and achieving the successful transition, adjustment, and reintegration of service members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families through the coordination of the collective efforts of public and private organizations throughout the State; (ii) facilitate, collaborate, and coordinate the efforts of these organizations to effectively and responsively meet the needs of the military community; (iii) conduct planning, research, education, training, and evaluation activities to improve the operations and coordination of the systems of care and support; and (iv) coordinate its activities with those of Illinois Joining Forces and other advocacy organizations for service members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families. Contains provisions concerning the Commission’s composition; term appointments; meetings; and other matters. Provides that the duties of the Commission are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of those State programs and services related to the military community; promote coordination and efficiency among State, county, and local units of government and municipalities; issue periodic reports on its performance and progress in meeting its goals; monitor the progress of the implementation of the Strategic Action Plan on Homelessness developed by specified federal agencies and other organizations; and other matters. Provides that the Commission is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.
House Judiciary-Criminal Committee
March 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 28, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the curriculum for certified training programs in crisis intervention shall be at least 40 hours for recruit law enforcement officers. Provides that Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training programs shall be a collaboration between law enforcement professionals, mental health providers, families, and consumer advocates and must minimally include the following components: (1) basic information about mental illnesses and how to recognize them; (2) information about mental health laws and resources; (3) learning from family members of individuals with mental illness and their experiences, and (4) verbal de-escalation training and role-plays. Amends the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act. Provides that a person who is convicted of any criminal or traffic law or ordinance, other than a conviction entered upon a plea of guilty, $5 to be distributed as follows: (1) $2.50 to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for implementing crisis intervention team training for recruit law enforcement officers under the Illinois Police Training Act; (2) $2.25 to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for grants to local law enforcement agencies for continued crisis intervention team training; and (3) 25 cents to be retained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for administrative expenses. Effective July 1, 2021.
House Human Services Committee
March 16, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 43, Representative Katie Stuart
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Provides that any person may report information about the suspicious death of an eligible adult to an agency designated to receive such reports under the Act or to the Department on Aging. Provides that if a mandated reporter has reason to believe that the death of an eligible adult may be the result of abuse or neglect, the matter shall be reported to an agency designated to receive such reports under the Act or to the Department for subsequent referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the coroner or medical examiner. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against any employee who reports information about the suspicious death of an eligible adult in accordance with the Act. Provides that any mandated reporter who is required under the Act to report a suspicious death due to abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation shall testify fully in any administrative hearing resulting from such report. Provides that a referral to law enforcement may be made after a report of a suspicious death, depending upon the circumstances. Provides that all records concerning reports of suspicious deaths due to abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect and all records generated as a result of such reports shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, with some exceptions. Effective January 1, 2022.
HB 292, Representative Natalie Manley
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to increase rates and reimbursements in effect on June 30, 2021 payable to Illinois not-for-profit community-based agencies in order to increase access utilization of individual and group supported employment, increase acuity-based rate differentials in on-site and off-site community day services, and other matters. Provides that beginning January 1, 2022, for a medical assistance recipient who is a resident in a facility licensed under the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) Licensure and Certification Act, the State shall pay an amount in addition to the minimum monthly personal needs allowance authorized under the Social Security Act so that the person’s total monthly personal needs allowance from both State and federal sources equals $90. Provides that beginning no later than October 1, 2022, residents of CILA facilities who are eligible for medical assistance and are enrolled in the State’s home and community-based services waiver program for adults with developmental disabilities shall retain all earned income from employment or community day services activities. Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. In a provision requiring the State Use Committee to review the pricing of supplies and services procured by the State from a qualified not-for-profit agency for persons with significant disabilities, provides that the Committee may consider during its review certain factors including, but not limited to, amounts private businesses would pay for similar products or services. Effective immediately.
HB 422, Representative La Toya Greenwood
Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging, the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Regarding services under the Community Care Program (CCP), the Home Services Program, the supportive living facilities program, and the nursing home prescreening project, provides that individuals with a score of 29 or higher based on the determination of need assessment tool shall be eligible to receive institutional and home and community-based long term care services until the State receives federal approval and implements an updated assessment tool, and those individuals are found to be ineligible under that updated assessment tool. Requires the Department on Aging and the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules, but not emergency rules, regarding the updated assessment tool. Contains provisions concerning continued eligibility for persons made ineligible for services under the updated assessment tool. Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Prohibits the Department on Aging from adopting any rule that: (i) restricts eligibility under CCP to persons who qualify for medical assistance; or (ii) establishes a separate program of home and community-based long term care services for persons eligible for CCP services but not eligible for medical assistance. Prohibits the Department from increasing copayment levels under CCP to those levels in effect on January 1, 2016. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Deletes a provision concerning an increase in the determination of need scores, on and after July 1, 2012, from 29 to 37. Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Prohibits the involuntary discharge of an individual receiving care in an institutional setting as the result of the updated assessment tool until a transition plan has been developed. Effective immediately.
HB 452, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to prescribe and supervise courses of vocational training and to provide such other services as may be necessary for the vocational rehabilitation (rather than the habilitation and rehabilitation) of persons with one or more disabilities. Requires the Department to cooperate with State and local school authorities and other recognized agencies engaged in vocational rehabilitation services; and to cooperate with the Illinois State Board of Education and other specified entities regarding the education (rather than care and education) of children with one or more disabilities. Requires the Department to submit an annual report to the Governor that contains information on the programs, activities, and funding dedicated to vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and other community services and supports. Requires the Statewide Independent Living Council to develop a State Plan for Independent Living. Makes changes to provisions concerning grant awards to eligible centers for independent living. Repeals provisions regarding community services for persons with visual disabilities at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education. Amends the Disabilities Services Act of 2003. Repeals provisions regarding a Rapid Reintegration Pilot Program. Amends the School Code. Provides that if a child with a disability might be eligible to receive services from the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education, the school district shall notify the parents, in writing, of the existence of the school and the services provided. Effective immediately.
HB 1710, Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer
Amends the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act. Requires the Superintendent of the Illinois School for the Deaf to have a degree in educational administration, together with at least 10 years of experience in either deaf or hard of hearing education, the administration of deaf or hard of hearing education, or a combination of the 2 (rather than degrees in both educational administration and deaf education, together with at least 15 years of experience in either deaf education, the administration of deaf education, or a combination of the 2). Requires the Superintendent of the Illinois School of the Visually Impaired to have a degree in educational administration, together with at least 10 years of experience in either blind or visually impaired education, or a combination of the 2 (rather than degrees in both educational administration and blind and visually impaired education, the administration of blind or visually impaired education, or a combination of the 2). Effective immediately.
- To read the full the full text of HB 1710: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 1710: Click
HB 2420, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Amends the Illinois Act on Aging, the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that individuals with a score of 29 or higher based on the determination of need (DON) assessment tool shall be eligible to receive services through the Community Care Program, services to prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization, and services through the program of supportive living facilities. Further amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after July 1, 2023, level of care eligibility criteria for home and community-based services for medically fragile and technology dependent children shall be no more restrictive than the level of care criteria in place on January 1, 2021. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to execute, relative to the nursing home prescreening project, written agreements with the Department of Human Services and the Department on Aging to effect, on and after July 1, 2023, an increase in the DON score threshold to 37 for applicants for institutional long term care, subject to federal approval. Provides that on and after July 1, 2023 but before July 1, 2025, continuation of a nursing facility stay that began on or before June 30, 2023 by a person with a DON score between 29 and 36 may be covered when such stay would be otherwise eligible under this Code, provided the nursing facility performs certain actions. Requires the Department to, by rule, set a maximum total number of individuals to be covered and other limits on utilization that it deems appropriate. Effective July 1, 2023.
HB 2660, Representative Sonya M. Harper
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Requires the Department on Aging to develop and implement a dementia training program that must include instruction on the identification of people with dementia, risks such as wandering, communication impairments, and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with people with dementia. Provides that training of at least 2 hours shall be completed at the start of employment with the Adult Protective Services division. Provides that the training shall cover the following subjects: (i) Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; (ii) safety risks; and (iii) communication and behavior. Requires persons who are employees of the Adult Protective Services division on the effective date of the amendatory Act to complete this training within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that annual continuing education shall include at least 2 hours of dementia training covering the same subjects discussed during initial training. Grants the Department rulemaking authority.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee
March 17, 2021, 8:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Standards and instructional mandates.
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
HB 219, Representative Jonathan Carroll
Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the adoption of rules by the State Board of Education governing time out and physical restraint in the public schools. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board to create a grant program for school districts and special education cooperatives and charter schools to implement school-wide, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and restorative practices. Allows the State Board to contract with a third party to provide assistance with oversight and monitoring, and requires the State Board to establish reduction goals and a system of ongoing review, auditing, and monitoring. Makes changes in provisions concerning a school board’s use of time out and physical restraint, including providing that isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint may be used only under certain circumstances, prohibiting the deprivation of necessities and prone, mechanical, and chemical restraint, and requiring a meeting with school personnel if requested by the parent or guardian, the provision of information to parents and guardians, and written procedures. Effective immediately.
HB 290, Representative Maura Hirschauer
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Requires a school district to provide notification to the parent or guardian of a student with an individualized education program (IEP) that the student may be eligible to receive additional specified services, benefits, or resources. Provides that the written notification must be provided no later than 30 days following the implementation of the initial IEP and once a year thereafter. Effective immediately.
HB 2425, Representative Fred Crespo
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that complaints concerning delays and denials of special education services in the 2016-2017 or 2017-2018 school year by the Chicago school district as a result of the adoption of policies and procedures identified by the State Board of Education as unlawful must be filed on or before September 30, 2022 (rather than September 30, 2021). Effective immediately.
HB 2748, Representative Suzanne Ness
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that if a student turns 22 during the time in which the student’s in-person instruction is suspended for a period of 3 months or more during the school year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, then the student is eligible for special education services through the end of the following school year (rather than being eligible for such services only until the day before the student’s 22nd birthday). Effective immediately.
House Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Committee
March 17, 2021, 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 694, Representative Charles Meier
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, with respect to the supporting documentation required to obtain a plate for a veteran with a disability, the Secretary of State shall allow an applicant to redact information on the documentation that pertains to the nature of the applicant’s health issue. Effective immediately.
House Housing Committee
March 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 449, HCA 1, Representative Kathleen Willis
Creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program Act. Creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health. Provides that the Program shall provide bridge rental subsidies for individuals at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization and individuals at high risk of overdose for purposes of stabilizing their mental illness or substance abuse disorder. Provides criteria for the award, computation, and payment of bridge rental subsidies. Sets forth the responsibilities of persons receiving bridge rental subsidies. Provides for the identification and referral to the Program of persons eligible to receive bridge rental subsidies prior to their discharge from a hospital or release from a correctional facility. Provides standards for housing service providers, long-term housing, and temporary rental units. Provides that the Department will contract with an independent outside research organization to evaluate the Program’s effectiveness, and shall report the results of the evaluation to the General Assembly after 5 years. Provides rulemaking authority. Defines terms. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of HB 449: Click
- To read the text of HB 449, HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 449: Click
House State Government Administration Committee
March 17, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 721, Representative Delia C. Ramirez
Creates the Not-for-Profit Business Enterprise Act. Allows for the certification of and the preference in awarding of State contracts to minority-led not-for-profit organizations, woman-led not-for-profit organizations, and not-for-profit organizations led by a person with a disability under the Act. Provides further requirements concerning the awarding of State contracts and certification. Requires State agencies and institutions of higher education to annually file with the Business Enterprise Council a compliance plan for contracting with minority-led not-for-profit organizations, woman-led not-for-profit organizations, and not-for-profit organizations led by a person with a disability. Provides enforcement provisions. Provides for the adoption of rules necessary to implement and enforce the requirements of the Act. Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Provides the Business Enterprise Council with the authority and responsibility to devise a certification procedure for not-for-profit organizations and to make a list of all not-for-profit organizations legitimately classified as a minority-led not-for-profit organization, a woman-led not-for-profit organization, or a not-for-profit organization led by a person with a disability for purposes of the Not-for-Profit Business Enterprise Act. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that specified supplier diversity goal requirements under the Act apply to minority-led not-for-profit organizations, woman-led not-for-profit organizations, and not-for-profit organizations led by a person with a disability. Defines terms. Makes other changes.
HB 1836, Representative Bob Morgan
Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that for purposes of the ABLE account program, a designated beneficiary means the ABLE account owner. Provides that upon the death of a designated beneficiary, proceeds from an account may be transferred pursuant to a payable on death account agreement. Provides that upon the death of a designated beneficiary, the State Treasurer may require verification that the funeral and burial expenses of the designated beneficiary have been paid. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.
HB 2616, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that the Code shall not apply to the acquisition of modifications or adjustments, including assistive technology devices and services, to provide reasonable accommodations to specified persons. Effective immediately.
House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter School Committee
March 17, 2021, 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 41, HCA 1, Representative Katie Stuart
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that prior to the placement of a child in an out-of-state special education residential facility, the school district, Illinois placing agency, or court must offer to the child or the child’s parent or guardian the option to place the child in a special education residential facility located within this State that provides treatment and services comparable to those provided by the out-of-state facility. Requires the school district, Illinois placing agency, or court to review annually the placement of a child in an out-of-state special education residential facility and to offer placement in a comparable facility located within this State. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of HB 41: Click
- To read the text of HB 41, HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 41: Click
House Higher Education Committee
March 18, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 113, Representative Jonathan Carroll
Creates the Higher Education Mental Health Act. Provides for legislative findings and purposes. Requires the Board of Higher Education to establish the Advisory Commission on Serving and Supporting Students with Mental Health Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Education; provides for the membership and meetings of the Commission. Requires the Commission to conduct a study and prepare reports for the Higher Education Committee of the House of Representatives and the Higher Education Committee of the Senate; specifies the report’s requirements. Provides that the Commission is dissolved on the day after it submits its final report. Repeals the Act on June 1, 2025.
- To read the full text of HB 113: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 113: Click
House Revenue & Finance Committee
March 18, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 191, HCA 1, Representative La Shawn K. Ford
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax checkoff for the Mental Health Income Tax Checkoff Fund. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund may be used by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of making grants to providers of mental health services in the State. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of HB 191: Click
- To read the text of HB 191, HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 191: Click
House Mental Health & Addiction Committee
March 19, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
HB 205, Representative Mary E. Flowers
Creates the Children’s Mental Health Local Integrated Fund Act. Creates local children’s mental health collaboratives. Defines “local children’s mental health collaborative” as an entity formed by the agreement of representatives of the local system of care, including mental health services, social services, correctional services, education services, health services, and vocational services for the purpose of developing and governing an integrated service system. Provides that, to qualify as a local children’s mental health collaborative and be eligible to receive start-up funds, the representatives of the local system of care and nongovernmental entities such as parents of children in the target population; parent and consumer organizations; community, civic, and religious organizations; private and nonprofit mental and physical health care providers; culturally specific organizations; local foundations; and businesses, or at a minimum one county, one school district or special education cooperative, one mental health entity, and one juvenile justice or corrections entity, must agree to the following: (1) to establish a local children’s mental health collaborative and develop an integrated service system; (2) to commit resources to providing services through the local children’s mental health collaborative; and (3) to develop a plan to contribute funds to the children’s mental health collaborative.
HB 212, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the School Code to create the Mental Health Task Force for Communication, Intelligence, Empathy, Emotion, and Empowerment. Provides that the purpose of the task force is to explore and determine a method and program for all students in primary and secondary school to receive mandated mental health care. Sets forth the membership of the task force. Contains provisions concerning the intent of the program, the goals of mandated health care, and task force meetings, duties, and reporting. Repeals these provisions on January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.
HB 213, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Creates the Eating Disorder Treatment Parity Task Force within the Department of Insurance to review reimbursement to eating disorder treatment providers in Illinois as well as out-of-state providers of similar services. Provides for the membership of the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall elect a chairperson from its membership and shall have the authority to determine its meeting schedule, hearing schedule, and agendas. Provides that appointments shall be made within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Task Force shall review insurance plans and rates and provide recommendations for rules, and the findings, recommendations, and other information determined by the Task Force to be relevant shall be made available on the Department’s website. Provides that the Task Force shall submit findings and recommendations to the Director of Insurance, the Governor, and the General Assembly by December 31, 2021. Provides for repeal of the provisions on January 1, 2023. Effective immediately.
HB 1854, Representative Bob Morgan
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that the Department of Human Services when a recipient of services under this Code, whether admitted on a voluntary or involuntary basis, is being discharged from an inpatient facility, shall provide the recipient and the recipient’s conservator, guardian, or other legally authorized representative a written aftercare plan prior to the recipient’s discharge from the facility. Provides that the written aftercare plan shall include, to the extent known, all of the following components: (1) the nature of the illness and followup required; (2) medications including side effects and dosage schedules; (3) if the recipient was given an informed consent form with his or her medications, the form shall satisfy the requirement for information on side effects of the medications; 4) expected course of recovery; (5) recommendations regarding treatment that is relevant to the recipient’s care; (6) referrals to providers of medical and mental health services; and (7) other relevant information. Provides that the recipient shall be advised by facility personnel that he or she may designate another person to receive a copy of the aftercare plan.
HB 2394, Representative Robyn Gabel
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Requires the Department of Human Service and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to collaborate to develop a standardized format for specified data collection and registration no later than January 1, 2023 entities with expertise in federal requirements and form development. Provides that the Department of Human Service and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services must comply with the new standardized format within 6 months after its date of completion. Contains other provisions. Effective immediately.
HB 2426, Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that the notice of a recipient’s rights includes, if applicable, the recipient’s right to request a transfer to a different Department of Human Services facility. Provides that a recipient, his or her attorney, guardian, if any, and responsible relative, in any Department facility may make a written application to the facility director of the recipient’s current facility to transfer to another Department facility. Provides that the Department shall provide the form to make such an application to a recipient, his or her attorney, guardian, if any, and responsible relative upon request. Provides that a recipient of services shall not include a person with the primary diagnosis of a developmental disability. Provides that upon receipt of the recipient’s application, the facility director shall promptly schedule a hearing to be held within 7 days. Provides that the hearing shall be held at the recipient’s current facility. Establishes the recipient’s burden of proof at the transfer hearing. Provides that if a recipient’s application for transfer is denied, no application may be filed for 180 days. Provides that the recipient does, however, have the right to administratively appeal any decision of the utilization review committee. Effective immediately.
HB 2469, Representative Deanne M. Mazzochi
Creates the Suicide Prevention Act. Provides that for a person 18 years of age or older who is receiving or has received mental health services for an attempted suicide, the person’s therapist shall identify a family member or other person who shall consult with the therapist every 30 days following a suicide attempt for the period of one year. Provides that the period may be extended by the therapist based on need. Provides that the therapist shall be responsible for consulting with the designated person about the progress of the person who is receiving mental health services toward restoration of mental health. Provides that except as otherwise prohibited by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a therapist is not criminally or civilly liable for disclosing the recipient’s therapy or for discussing the progress of the recipient toward mental health to a person designated under the Act. Defines various terms. Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act to make conforming changes.
HB 2585, Representative Mike Murphy
Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Provides that no person may provide services as a certified peer recovery specialist unless he or she is certified by the Department of Human Services. Provides that an applicant for certification must: be 18 years of age or older; have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate; have a current or past mental illness, substance use, or co-occurring disorder; self-identify as a person who is in recovery from a mental illness, substance use, or co-occurring disorder as part of his or her personal recovery process; have demonstrated self-directed recovery for a minimum of 24 consecutive months; and have successfully completed any required specialized training or education. Provides that the Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement the amendatory Act.
HB 2595, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that every insurer that amends, delivers, issues, or renews a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a qualified health plan offered through the health insurance marketplace in the State and Medicaid managed care organizations providing coverage for hospital or medical treatment shall provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Provides that an insurer shall not limit benefits or coverage for medically necessary services on the basis that those services should be or could be covered by a public program. Provides that an insurer shall base any medical necessity determination or the utilization review criteria on current generally accepted standards of mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition care. Provides that in conducting utilization review of covered health care services and benefits for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and nervous disorders or conditions in children, adolescents, and adults, an insurer shall exclusively apply the criteria and guidelines set forth in the most recent versions of the treatment criteria developed by the nonprofit professional association for the relevant clinical specialty. Provides that an insurer shall not apply different, additional, conflicting, or more restrictive utilization review criteria than the criteria and guidelines set forth in the treatment criteria. Provides that the Director may, after appropriate notice and opportunity for hearing, assess a civil penalty between $5,000 and $20,000 for each violation. Amends the Health Carrier External Review Act. Provides that independent review organization shall comply with specified requirements for an adverse determination or final adverse determination involving mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
HB 2784, Representative Kelly M. Cassidy
Creates the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act. Provides that the Act applies to every unit of local government that provides or coordinates ambulance or similar emergency medical response or transportation services for individuals with emergency medical needs. A home rule unit may not respond to or provide services for a mental or behavioral health emergency, or create a transportation plan or other regulation, relating to the provision of mental or behavioral health services in a manner inconsistent with this Act. Provides that one plan shall describe how the EMS Region will provide mobile emergency mental and behavioral health services to individuals who do not present as a threat to the responders, and are not involved in criminal activity at the time of the response. Provides that the plan shall conform to the requirements of the Act and, recognizing the variety of systems, services, and needs across the State, provide the specific requirements and guidance appropriate for that region. Provides that the plan shall be identified as the region’s community emergency services and supports plan. Provides that the second plan shall describe the manner and extent to which responders operating under the region’s Community Emergency Services and Supports Plan coordinate with law enforcement when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that the plan shall be identified as the region’s Non-Violent Misdemeanor Coordination Plan. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
HB 2944, Representative Barbara Hernandez
Creates the Mind Strong Act. Requires the Department of Public Health, or a third party contractor with experience in successful public education and awareness campaigns selected by the Department of Public Health, to develop and lead a 2-year educational campaign within each of Illinois’ 11 health regions on the availability of adult mobile crisis response services within each region. Requires the Department to work in collaboration with community stakeholders, including certain organizations, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Human Services. Requires the public awareness campaign to begin no later than January 1, 2022. Sets forth certain requirements for the public awareness campaign, including that it be culturally competent and that any written materials be written in plain, easy-to-understand language and available in multiple languages that are representative of the communities in a particular health region. Lists the types of organizations that must be the focus of the educational campaign. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish, subject to appropriation, a grant program for adult mobile crisis response services to any adult age 18 or older experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis regardless of insurance status. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop and implement training and protocols for individuals answering crisis calls to the Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line. Contains provisions concerning the use of data to strengthen CARES line responses and adult mobile crisis response services, and other matters. Requires the Departments of Public Health, Human Services, and Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules to implement the Act. Effective immediately.
House Appropriations-Human Services Committee
March 19, 2021, 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Department of Human Rights, Human Rights Council.
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
HB 16, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the treatment of autism spectrum disorder through applied behavior analysis shall be covered under the medical assistance program for children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder when ordered by a certified, registered, or licensed health care professional with expertise in treating the effects of autism spectrum disorders when the care is determined to be medically necessary and ordered by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Provides that certain treatment shall be covered, including, but not limited to, psychiatric, psychological, rehabilitative, and therapeutic care. Effective July 1, 2021.
HB 66, Representative Mary E. Flowers
Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, on and after January 1, 2022, no recipient of medical assistance shall be required to enroll or transition to the State’s managed care medical assistance program. Provides that any recipient enrolled in a managed care health plan on January 1, 2022 shall be given the option to disenroll from the State’s managed care medical assistance program and receive coverage under the State’s fee-for-service program. Provides that on and after January 1, 2022, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall not enter into any new contract or agreement with a managed care organization (MCO) to provide services where payment for medical services is made on a capitated basis. Provides that the Department shall not renew, renter, renegotiate, change orders, or amend any contract or agreement it entered into with an MCO that was solicited under a specified request for proposals. Provides that any recipient who is enrolled in a managed care health plan administered by an MCO that entered a contract with the Department under a specified request for proposals shall be transitioned to the State’s fee-for-service program upon the expiration of the MCO’s contract with the Department. Requires the Department to establish, by rule, an appeals and grievance process that includes: an expedited internal review of an appeal involving an adverse determination; a final adverse determination; and a standard external review. Requires the Department to notify a recipient in writing of the recipient’s right to request an external review. Repeals a provision concerning procurement requirements for MCO contracts.
HB 187, Representative La Shawn K. Ford
Amends the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act by reinstituting the pharmaceutical assistance program that was eliminated by Public Act 97-689 and changing the short title to the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act. Makes conforming changes in various Acts.
HB598, Representative Norine K. Hammond
Appropriates $20,000,000 to the Department of Human Services to provide grants to county sheriffs, $10,000,000 for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for prisoners incarcerated in county jails and $10,000,000 for job reentry training and transportation to training sites of prisoners incarcerated in county jails. Effective July 1, 2021.
HB 1809, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Behavioral Health Receiving Center Grant Pilot Program to award a grant to one or more counties to develop and implement a behavioral health receiving center. Requires the Department to issue a request for proposals no later than July 1, 2021 and to award all grants before December 31, 2021. Prohibits the use of the grant to purchase land for the behavioral health receiving center. Provides that the purpose of the behavioral health receiving center project is to increase access to mental health crisis services for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis; and to reduce the number of individuals who are incarcerated or in a hospital emergency room while experiencing a mental health crisis. Requires a grant application to contain certain information including the population to which the behavioral health receiving center will serve, the type of mental health services that will be provided, and the cost of the proposed project. Requires the Department to report to certain House and Senate committees before June 30, 2022 regarding each county awarded a grant and the details of each project. Requires the Department to report to the committees before June 30, 2024 regarding certain data and recommendations for the future use of mental health crisis services in behavioral health receiving centers. Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply, no later than July 1, 2021, for a federal waiver or Title XIX State Plan amendment to provide reimbursement through a bundled daily rate for crisis management services that are delivered to an individual during the individual’s stay at a behavioral health receiving center. Effective immediately.
HB 2591, HCA 1, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to reimburse physicians, community mental health centers, and substance abuse centers that provide primary care and behavioral health services to medical assistance recipients via telehealth, including medical evaluations for individuals residing in facilities licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act and in community-integrated living arrangements. Requires the Department to establish, by rule, a method to reimburse providers for medical and behavioral health services (rather than mental health services) provided by telehealth. Requires the Department to reimburse any community mental health center, facility licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act, and community-integrated living arrangement that acts as the location of the patient at the time a telehealth service is rendered.
- To read the full text of HB 2591: Click
- To read the text of HB 2591, HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 2591: Click
HB2752, Representative Robyn Gabel
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 front-line personnel in residential and day programs and service coordination agencies serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides that the Department shall increase rates and reimbursements so that by July 1, 2021 direct support persons wages shall be increased by $2 per hour, and so that other front-line personnel earn a commensurate wage. Requires the Department to increase rates and reimbursements in effect on January 1, 2021 for community-based providers for persons with developmental disabilities in order to fund, at a minimum, a $2 per hour wage increase. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for ID/DD facilities and MC/DD facilities, the rates taking effect within 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall include an increase sufficient to provide a $2 per hour wage increase for non-executive front-line personnel, including, but not limited to, other specified staff and support personnel. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to increase the rates for ID/DD facilities and MC/DD facilities taking effect for services delivered on or after January 1, 2021 to provide a minimum $2 per hour wage increase over the wages in effect on January 1, 2021. Requires the Department to increase rates and reimbursements in effect on January 1, 2021 for community-based providers for persons with developmental disabilities in order to fund a minimum $2 per hour wage increase. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Effective immediately.
HB 2896, HCA 1, Representative Deb Conroy
Amends the Early Intervention Services System Act. Permits an early intervention provider to deliver via telehealth any type of early intervention services authorized under the Act to the extent of his or her scope of practice as established in his or her respective licensing Act consistent with the standards of care for in-person services. Requires parents to be informed of the availability of early intervention services provided through telehealth. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a policy of accident and health insurance that provides coverage for early intervention services must also provide coverage for early intervention services delivered via telehealth by providers listed under the Early Intervention Services System Act, subject to any restriction or limitation under a provider’s respective licensing Act on the delivery of early intervention services via telehealth. Amends the Telehealth Act. Expands the definition of “telehealth” to include the delivery of early intervention services provided by way of an interactive telecommunications system. Expands the definition of “health professional” to include certain professional personnel who are authorized by State law to provide behavioral health services or early intervention services (rather than mental health services). Provides that a health care professional, including any early intervention provider, may engage in the practice of telehealth in Illinois to the extent of his or her scope of practice as established in his or her respective licensing Act consistent with the standards of care for in-person services. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to reimburse early intervention providers who deliver early intervention services to medical assistance recipients via telehealth.
- To read the full text of HB 2896: Click
- To read the text of HB 2896, HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 2896: Click
House Insurance Committee
March 19, 2021, 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Telehealth in the wake of COVID-19.
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
Senate Education Committee
March 16, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 1577, Senator Robert F. Martwick
Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. With respect to the exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirement, provides that absence for cause by illness shall include the mental or behavioral health of a student for up to 5 days for which the child need not provide a medical note, in which case the child shall be given the opportunity to make up any school work missed during the mental or behavioral health absence.
SB 1821, Senator David Koehler
Amends the Children with Disabilities Article of the School Code. Provides that eligible students who reached or will reach their 22nd birthday between March 17, 2020 and the end of the 2021-2022 school year shall be afforded the option of extending the student’s eligibility through the end of the 2021-2022 school year to provide the student with an opportunity to participate in post-secondary transition activities and services and pursue the goals under the student’s most recent individualized education program. Sets forth provisions regarding the extension of eligibility. Requires each school district to provide written notification of options, including the required waiver of compensatory services claims, to each student to whom these provisions apply or to the student’s guardian or designated representative within 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Sets forth the written notification form. Effective immediately.
Senate Judiciary Committee
March 16, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 109, Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Amends the Health Care Surrogate Act. Changes certain uses of the term “qualified physician” to “qualified health care practitioner”. Provides that execution of a POLST form shall not be a requirement for admission to any facility or a precondition to the provision of services by any provider of health care services. Provides that an individual may revoke a document directing that resuscitating efforts shall not be implemented. In a Section regarding Department of Public Health Uniform POLST forms, changes the definition of “attending health care practitioner”. Provides that a health care provider facility shall comply with a POLST form, National POLST form, another state’s POLST Paradigm portable medical orders form, or an out-of-hospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order sanctioned by a State in the United States that: has been executed by an adult; and is apparent and immediately available. Provides that before voiding or revoking a uniform practitioner orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) form, National POLST form, or another state’s POLST Paradigm portable medical orders form consented to by the individual, that individual’s legally authorized surrogate decision maker shall first: engage in consultation with the attending health care practitioner; consult the patient’s advance directive, if available; and make a good faith effort to act consistently, at all times, with the patient’s known wishes, or, if the patient’s wishes are not known, using substituted judgment as the standard. Provides that when an individual’s legally authorized surrogate is making a good faith effort to act consistently with the patient’s known wishes to void or revoke a POLST form, if the patient’s wishes are unknown and remain unknown after reasonable efforts to discern them, the decision shall be made on the basis of the patient’s best interests as determined by the surrogate decision maker.
Senate Health Committee
March 16, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 142, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that drugs prescribed to residents of the following facilities are not subject to prior approval as a result of the 4-prescription limit: (i) long-term care facilities as defined in the Nursing Home Care Act; (ii) community-integrated living arrangements as defined in the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification Act; (iii) supportive living facilities as defined in the Code; (iv) intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities as defined in the ID/DD Community Care Act; and (v) medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities as defined in the MC/DD Act.
SB 346, Senator Julie A. Morrison
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that targeted dental services that are provided to adults and children under the Medical Assistance Program shall be established and paid at no less than the rates established under the State of Illinois Dental Benefit Schedule and shall include specified dental procedures. Sets forth the reimbursement rates for certain anesthesia services. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall administer and regulate a school-based dental program that allows for the out-of-office delivery of preventative dental services in a school setting to children under 19 years of age. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover charges incurred, and anesthetics provided, in conjunction with dental care that is provided in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical treatment center if the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance and the individual (1) has a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia for dental care or (2) is a person with a disability. Provides that the medical assistance program shall cover charges incurred, and anesthetics provided by a dentist, in conjunction with dental care that is provided in a dental office or other specified setting if the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance and has been diagnosed with (i) an autism spectrum disorder or (ii) a developmental disability. Requires the Department to reimburse providers at no less than the rates established under the State of Illinois Dental Benefit Schedule used for State employees. Effective January 1, 2022.
SB 478, Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. In provisions regarding the designation of distressed facilities, provides that the Department of Public Health shall, by rule, adopt criteria to identify facilities that are distressed and shall publish a list of identified facilities quarterly (rather than generate and publish quarterly a list of distressed facilities using specified criteria). Provides that no facility shall be identified as a distressed facility unless it has committed violations or deficiencies that have actually harmed residents. Removes language requiring the Department to complete a test run of any substitute criteria to determine their reliability by comparing the number of facilities identified as distressed against the number of distressed facilities generated.
SB 545, Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Amends the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Act of 2013. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish a demonstration pilot program for crisis stabilization services for residents of facilities licensed under the Act. Provides that the pilot program shall be undertaken to prevent unnecessary inpatient hospitalization for behavioral health services. Provides that the licensure of crisis stabilization units by the Department of Public Health shall not be required in order for a facility to qualify for participation in the pilot program. Requires a facility to have had a contractual relationship with a Medicaid managed care organization for the delivery of crisis stabilization services on or before the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the pilot program shall only be offered to individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans and reside in facilities that are participating in the pilot program. Requires a participating facility, in conjunction with the Medicaid managed care organization, to collect data including, but not limited to: patient diagnosis, required treatment, duration of stay, and cost of treatment. Requires the Department to collect the data from the facilities and compile a report that compares the costs of the pilot program to similar inpatient care for diagnosis. Provides that the rate for crisis stabilization services under the pilot program shall be negotiated but in no instance may it be less than 150% of the rate in effect for recovery and rehabilitation services. Provides that the pilot program shall have a 3-year duration and shall consist of no more than 40 beds. Effective July 1, 2021.
SB 1633, Senator Karina Villa
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that residents shall have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect for their individuality by employees or persons providing medical services or care, and shall have their human and civil rights maintained in all aspects of medical care. Provides that all applicable rights under the Medical Patient Rights Act apply to residents under the Act. Provides that residents shall not perform labor or services for a facility unless those activities are included for therapeutic purposes and appropriately goal-related in the resident’s individual medical record. Provides that every acute care inpatient facility, community-based residential program, and facility employing more than 2 people that provide outpatient mental health services shall have a written internal grievance procedure that, at a minimum: (1) sets forth the process to be followed; (2) specifies time limits, including time limits for facility response; (3) provides for the patient to have the assistance of an advocate; (4) requires a written response to written grievances; and (5) provides for a timely decision by an impartial decision maker if the grievance is not otherwise resolved. Makes other changes.
Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
March 16, 2012, 5:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 3 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 331, Senator Laura Fine
Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Requires the Department on Aging to develop and implement a dementia training program that must include instruction on the identification of people with dementia, risks such as wandering, communication impairments, and elder abuse, and the best practices for interacting with people with dementia. Provides that training of at least 2 hours shall be completed at the start of employment with the Adult Protective Services division. Provides that the training shall cover the following subjects: (i) Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; (ii) safety risks; and (iii) communication and behavior. Requires persons who are employees of the Adult Protective Services division on the effective date of the amendatory Act to complete this training within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that annual continuing education shall include at least 2 hours of dementia training covering the same subjects discussed during initial training. Grants the Department rulemaking authority.
SB 1575, Senator Robert F. Martwick
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall create and maintain an online database and resource page on its website. Provides that the database and resource page shall contain mental health resources specifically geared toward first responders with the goal of connecting those persons with mental health resources related to crisis services, wellness, trauma information, nutrition, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, violence prevention, suicide prevention, and substance use and of encouraging information sharing among families of first responders, first responder organizations, first responder professional organizations, and first responders. Effective immediately.
SB 1623, Senator Doris Turner
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, for the purpose of removing barriers to the timely treatment of serious mental illnesses, prior authorization mandates and utilization management controls shall not be imposed under the fee-for-service and managed care medical assistance programs on any FDA approved prescription drug that is recognized by a generally accepted standard medical reference as effective in the treatment of conditions specified in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.
SB 1707, Senator Cristina Castro
Creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program Act. Creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program within the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services. Provides that the Program shall provide bridge rental subsidies for individuals at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization and individuals at high risk of overdose for purposes of stabilizing their mental illness or substance abuse disorder. Provides criteria for the award, computation, and payment of bridge rental subsidies. Sets forth the responsibilities of persons receiving bridge rental subsidies. Provides for the identification and referral to the Program of persons eligible to receive bridge rental subsidies prior to their discharge from a hospital or release from a correctional facility. Provides standards for housing service providers, long-term housing, and temporary rental units. Provides that the Department will contract with an independent outside research organization to evaluate the Program’s effectiveness, and shall report the results of the evaluation to the General Assembly after 5 years. Provides rulemaking authority. Defines terms. Effective immediately.
SB 1786, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall create and maintain an online database and resource page on its website. Provides that the database and resource page shall contain mental health resources specifically geared toward post-secondary social workers, counselors, parents, faculty, graduate assistants, school administrators, graduate and undergraduate students, and support personnel with the goal of connecting those people with mental health resources related to crisis services, wellness, sexual health, survivor support, gender-based violence, nutrition, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, violence prevention, suicide prevention, and substance use and encouraging information sharing among educational administrators, security personnel, resource officers, faculty, students, and all other employees of a university or college. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of SB 1786: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 1786: Click
Senate Redistricting Committee
March 17, 2021, 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Redistricting principles and requirements, the Census and the boundaries of Illinois Congressional, Legislative, and Representative Districts.
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
Senate Revenue Committee
March 18, 2021, 11:30 a.m.
Virtual Room 2 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SB 1812, Senator Darren Bailey
Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax deduction in an amount equal to the out-of-pocket costs incurred by a taxpayer during the taxable year for expenses associated with long-term care for the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s family member. Effective immediately.
Senate Appropriations-Human Services Committee
March 18, 2021, 1:00 p.m.
Virtual Room 1 www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: SB420- Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, SB422- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, SB445- Illinois Council on Developmental
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
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:
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, all committee hearings are being held remotely via the Internet.
- To view instructions regarding the remote hearing process and how to submit oral or written testimony in the HOUSE: Click
- To view instructions regarding the remote hearing process and how to submit oral or written testimony in the SENATE: Click
For additional information, please contact:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-303-8543
