LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM EQUIP FOR EQUALITY
March 20, 2023
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 20, 2023. (NOTE: March 24, 2023 is the deadline for 3rd reading of substantive bills in the Senate)
House Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee
March 21, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Room 118, Capitol Building & Virtual Room 2, www.ilga.gov
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Principal Mentoring & Recruitment, Wirepoints, Youthbuild, Community Residential Service Authority
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
HB 1098, Representative Mary Flowers
Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the State Board of Education for autism programs. Effective July 1, 2023.
House Appropriations-Health & Human Services Committee
March 22, 2023, 9:00 a.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: DHS and DVA
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
HB 1099, Representative Mary E. Flowers
Creates the Children’s Mental Health Local Collaborative Transformation 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 juvenile 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. Effective January 1, 2024.
HB 1222, HCA 1, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Creates the Home Modification Program Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to establish a home modification funding system that is streamlined, effective, and administered by experts within the disability community. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish a Home Modification Program to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities for home modification projects. Requires the Department to designate a statewide association that represents centers for independent living to serve as the lead agency to administer the Program. Requires the Department to provide funding for the Program. Requires the lead agency to distribute any moneys it receives from the Department to the State’s 22 centers for independent living, covering all 102 counties. Provides that the lead agency shall ensure that each center for independent living has access to at least $105,000 to use for home modification projects, with the excess funds subject to reallocation during the 4th fiscal quarter of each year. Contains provisions concerning eligibility requirements for applicants under the Program; standards and qualifications for home modification projects; the lead agency’s establishment of a Home Modification Subcommittee to provide additional oversight of the home modification projects; and an administrative fee to the lead agency.
- To read the full text of HB 1222 (as introduced): Click
- To read the full text of HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 1222: Click
HB 1438, Representative Maurice A. West, II
Appropriates $7,500,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for the purpose of making a grant to the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living to administer and implement the Home Modification Program. Effective July 1, 2023.
HB 2080, Representative Anna Stava Murray
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval, on and after July 1, 2023, the reimbursement rates paid to providers of private duty nursing services for medically fragile and technology dependent children shall be 40% higher than the reimbursement rates in effect for nursing services on June 30, 2023. Effective July 1, 2023.
HB 2173, Representative Robyn Gabel
Amends the Rebuild Illinois Mental Health Workforce Act. In a provision concerning
Medicaid funding for community mental health services, sets forth rate increases, to begin on and after January 1, 2024, for the following rates and services: the Mobile Crisis Response Medicaid Payment rate for all services provided under the S9484 procedure code; the Crisis Intervention Medicaid Payment rate for all levels of services provided under the H2011 procedure code; the Integrated Assessment and Treatment Planning Medicaid Payment rate for all levels of services provided under the H2000 procedure code; the Group and Family Therapy Medicaid Payment rate for all levels of services provided under the H0004 procedure code; the Community Support – Group Medicaid Payment rate for all levels of services provided under the H2015 procedure code; the Telepsychiatry Originating Site Medicaid Payment rate for services provided under the Q3014 procedure code; and the Medication Monitoring Medicaid Payment rate for services provided under the H2010 procedure code for medication monitoring provided by a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, and all other levels of provider. Provides that no base Medicaid rate payment or any other payment for the provision of Medicaid community mental health services in place on January 1, 2023 shall be diminished or changed to make the reimbursement changes required by the amendatory Act. Provides that any payments required under the amendatory Act that are delayed due to implementation challenges or federal approval shall be made retroactive to January 1, 2024 for the full amount required by the amendatory Act.
HB 2370, Representative Robyn Gabel
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning the tiered exceptional care per diem rates for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities, provides that on and after January 1, 2024, each tier rate shall be increased 6% over the amount in effect December 31, 2023. Provides that any reimbursement increases applied to the base rate to providers licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act must also be applied in an equivalent manner to each tier of exceptional care per diem rates for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities. Effective immediately.
HB 2373, Representative Natalie A. Manley
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that treatment for a hoarding disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), shall be covered under the medical assistance program for persons who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance.
HB 2388, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, on and after July 1, 2023, all non-controlled FDA-approved prescription medications for the treatment of a serious mental illness shall be covered under the medical assistance program for persons otherwise eligible for medical assistance who are diagnosed with a mental disorder that meets criteria established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and which is the focus of the treatment provided, including, but not limited to, schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorders, bipolar disorders, or major depression. Exempts medications covered under the amendatory Act from any prior authorization or lifetime restriction limit mandate. Provides that, for any covered medication that contains an opioid antagonist, the prescriber shall check the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program to determine if the patient is being actively prescribed an opioid. Requires a prescriber of any medication covered under the amendatory Act to be a board-certified psychiatrist or a medical professional with prescribing authority that routinely treats patients with a serious mental illness. Effective July 1, 2023.
HB 2452, Representative Edgar Gonzalez, Jr.
Creates the Ensuring Essential Services Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to ensure the State meets its obligation to provide certain essential services for individuals with developmental disabilities at consistent quality levels in accordance with its waiver agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, all while allocating scarce taxpayer resources. Provides that any contract entered into between the Department of Human Services and an agency shall include a provision assuring the State of the uninterrupted delivery of the contracted-for services. Provides that such assurance shall provide that the agency has entered into a binding labor peace agreement with any labor organization that is the exclusive representative of the agency’s frontline and direct support staff or, where no exclusive representation has been established, that the agency has or will enter into an agreement with any labor organization that seeks to become the agency’s frontline and direct support staff’s exclusive representative. Provides that the assurance shall become a condition of any contract entered into, renewed, or amended on or after the effective date of the Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to, no later than 90 days after the effective date of the Act, apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver or State Plan amendment to allow implementation of the contracting requirements. Requires the Department of Human Services, no later than 60 days after the effective date of the Act, to adopt rules implementing the requirements of the Act. Contains provisions on contract requirements for Department of Human Services’ contracts; enforcement of contractual assurances; remedial actions for noncompliance; and other matters. Effective June 1, 2023.
HB 2456, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
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. Provides that the following shall be permitted for prescription drugs covered under the amendatory Act: (i) clinically appropriate drug utilization review (DUR) edits, including, but not limited to, drug-to-drug, drug-age, and drug-dose; (ii) generic drug substitution if a generic drug is available for the prescribed medication in the same dosage and formulation; and (iii) any utilization management control that is necessary for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to comply with any current consent decrees or federal waivers. Defines “serious mental illness”.
HB 2785, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to file an amendment to the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities authorized under the Social Security Act to incorporate telehealth services administered by a provider of telehealth services that demonstrates knowledge and experience in providing medical and emergency services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Requires the Department to pay administrative fees associated with implementing telehealth services for all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are receiving services under the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Effective July 1, 2023.
HB 2811, Representative Gregg Johnson
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, 2023 and to award all grants before December 31, 2023. 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, 2024 regarding each county awarded a grant and the details of each project. Requires the Department to report to the committees before June 30, 2026 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, 2023, 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 3049, Representative Theresa Mah
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop policies and procedures with the goal of increasing the capacity of behavioral health services provided by federally qualified health centers. Requires the Department to develop, no later than July 1, 2023, billing policies that provide reimbursement to federally qualified health centers for services rendered by graduate-level, sub-clinical behavioral health professionals who deliver care under the supervision of a fully licensed behavioral health clinician who is licensed as a clinical social worker, clinical professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical psychologist. Provides that to be eligible for reimbursement, a graduate-level, sub-clinical professional must meet the educational requirements set forth by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, or licensed clinical psychologists. Provides that an individual seeking to fulfill post-degree experience requirements in order to qualify for licensing as a clinical social worker, clinical professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical psychologist shall also be eligible for reimbursement so long as the individual complies with certain requirements. Requires the Department to work with a trade association representing a majority of federally qualified health centers operating in Illinois to develop the policies and procedures required under the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
HB 3193, Representative Tom Weber
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, for a person who resides in a facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act and who is determined to be eligible for medical assistance, the monthly personal needs allowance shall be $60.
HB 3344, HCA 1 Representative Suzanne M. Ness
Amends the Community-Integrated Living Arrangements Licensure and Certification
Act. Provides that the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Human Services shall continue, in cases of medically required absences from a community integrated living arrangement, to provide 50% of the per diem reimbursement to providers while the community integrated living arrangement holds the vacancy for the absent resident. Provides that the absent resident shall be able to return to the community integrated living arrangement when the resident is medically able to return. Defines “medically required absences”.
- To read the full text of HB 3344: Click
- To read the full text of HCA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 3344: Click
HB 3361, Representative Ryan Spain
Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to establish a School-
Based Mental Health Services Grant Program to award grants to schools for the purpose of providing supplemental mental health services to students, in addition to services provided by the employees of a school. Sets forth provisions concerning Program requirements, grant applications, awards, requirements, funding, and reporting. Provides for guidelines and rulemaking. Effective immediately.
HB 3398, Representative Lakesia Collins
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 for community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, subject to federal approval, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after July 1, 2023 shall be increased sufficiently to: (i) provide a minimum $4.00 per hour wage increase over the wages in effect on June 30, 2023 for front-line personnel; and (ii) provide wages for all other residential non-executive direct care staff, excluding direct support personnel, at the U.S. Department of Labor’s average wage as defined, by rule, by the Department. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for ID/DD facilities and MC/DD facilities, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after July 1, 2023, shall be increased sufficiently to: (i) provide a minimum $4.00 per hour wage increase over the wages in effect on June 30, 2023 for front-line personnel; and (ii) provide wages for all other residential non-executive direct care staff, excluding direct support personnel, at the U.S. Department of Labor’s average wage as defined, by rule, by the Department. Requires the same increase for front-line personnel employed at community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services emergency rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.
HB 3569, Representative Michelle Mussman
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that for community-based providers serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after January 1, 2024 shall be increased sufficiently to: (i) provide a minimum $4.00 per hour wage increase over the wages in for front-line personnel; and (ii) provide wages for all other residential non-executive direct care staff, excluding direct support personnel, at the U.S. Department of Labor’s average wage as defined in by the Department of Human Services. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for ID/DD facilities and MC/DD facilities, the rates taking effect for services delivered on or after January 1, 2024 shall be increased sufficiently to: (i) provide a minimum $4.00 per hour wage increase over the wages in for front-line personnel; and (ii) provide wages for all other residential non-executive direct care staff, excluding direct support personnel, at the U.S. Department of Labor’s average wage as defined in rule by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services emergency rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.
HB 3629, Representative Anna Moeller
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Creates the Transition and Emergency Home Services Article. Provides that within 4 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Human Services shall create a program to provide nursing services and assistance with activities of daily living sufficient to allow individuals who otherwise qualify for placement in a nursing facility to receive short-term services in the community. Provides that the short-term services shall cover both: (1) emergency home services for individuals currently receiving home services who experience a temporary need for a substitute personal assistant because of the unavailability of their other home services providers; and (2) short-term services to bridge periods between release from medical or institutional settings and establishment of long-term home services under a State waiver or other arrangements that allow the individual to live in the community. Provides that a person receiving benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act and residing in a facility, shall receive a personal needs allowance of $90 per monthly, with the Department providing $60 per month in addition to the amount required under Title XVI of the Social Security Act. Provides that facility owners, management, and employees are prohibited from retaliating against facility residents or employees who complain about facility services, including the facility’s physical condition, medical care, social supports and services, access to visitation and time outside the facility, and any other attribute connected to a resident’s experience of living in a facility. Makes other changes.
HB 3698, Representative Camille Y. Lilly
Amends the Developmental Disability and Mental Disability Services Act. Requires the
Department of Human Services to establish family centers throughout the State to provide counseling and mental health services to families who are indigent based on any behavior or mental health condition as determined by Department rule. Provides that the Department shall employ or contract with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists to provide those services.
HB 3899, Representative Nabeela Syed
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, 2023.
HB 3900, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health, to allow for hospital presumptive eligibility for medical assistance for individuals presenting in hospital emergency rooms who are in a psychiatric crisis and meet the federal criteria for hospital presumptive eligibility. Requires the Department and the Division of Mental Health, with meaningful stakeholder input, to develop a process by which those individuals are referred to a community-based mental health provider, or any other appropriate organization, to facilitate enrollment in the medical assistance program immediately following hospital or emergency room discharge and a referral for community-based treatment. Provides that if the Department’s Illinois Continuity of Care and Administrative Simplification 1115 Waiver, which includes waiving the federal requirement of hospital presumptive eligibility for medical assistance, is required to be amended to implement the amendatory Act, then the Department shall amend the 1115 Waiver within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act.
HB 3975, Representative Robyn Gabel
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for dates of service on and after July 1, 2023, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall set the per diem ventilator rate for skilled nursing facilities at a rate equal to the exceptional care per diem rate established for medically complex for the developmentally disabled facilities licensed under the MC/DD Act. Effective immediately.
HB 3977, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that for purposes of preventing a potential mental health diagnosis when mental health symptoms are present and to enable early treatment, Therapy and Counseling – Brief Intervention Services (Code H0004 TF TL) shall be covered under the medical assistance program for children under 21, and for adults ages 21 and older, who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance. Provides that completion of an Integrated Assessment and Treatment Planning service shall not be required (given the short duration of services). Provides that, at a minimum, up to 8 clinical sessions not to exceed 90 minutes per session shall be permitted. Provides that such services shall be permitted to be delivered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts; or a qualified mental health professional or mental health professional under the direction of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts. Sets forth certain billing codes that must be used when billing for therapy and counseling services. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for federal approval if necessary. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.
House Mental Health & Addiction Committee
March 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
HB 1364, HFA 1, Representative Will Guzzardi
Creates the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Task Force Act. Provides that the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Task Force shall be composed of 12 appointed members and the State’s Chief Behavioral Health Officer, or the Officer’s representative. Provides that the 2 Task Force co-chairs shall appoint experts to contribute and participate in the Task Force as nonvoting members. Provides for meetings of the Task Force and responsibilities relating to examination of the first year of implementation and use of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Illinois. Requires the development of an action plan with specified recommendations to be filed with the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2023. Includes legislative findings. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2025. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of HB 1364 (as introduced): Click
- To read the full text of HFA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on HB 1364: Click
Joint Hearing of the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education and the Senate Early Childhood Education Committee
March 22, 2023, 10:30 a.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Prenatal to Age 5 Programs in Illinois: Prevention Initiative, Early Head Start, Home Visiting, Early Intervention, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
House Appropriations-General Services Committee
March 22, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: Attorney’s General, Supreme Court, CMS, Executive Ethics Commission, PTAB
- To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click
House Appropriations-Public Safety Committee
Violence Reduction & Prevention Subcommittee
March 22, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL
HB 2291, Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
Appropriates $10,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for grants distributed under the Access to Justice Grant Program to the Westside Justice Center and the Resurrection Project. Effective July 1, 2023.
HB 3397, Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Appropriates $25,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Supreme Court to be distributed to counties for expenses for direct mental health services provided to individuals and families participating in mental health courts, or on standard adult and juvenile probation caseloads. Appropriates $9,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Supreme Court for the establishment and maintenance of crisis intervention mental health care units for regional use and availability by probation departments for adults and juveniles in need of immediate care and placement. Effective July 1, 2023.
Senate Education Committee
March 21, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 1400, SFA 1, Senator Kimberly Lightford
Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning student discipline policies, provides that the State Board of Education shall draft and publish model policy guidelines for the development of reciprocal reporting systems and school bus safety protocols and for evidence-based early intervention procedures. In provisions concerning the suspension or expulsion of students, makes changes concerning a student’s gross disobedience or misconduct posing an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or school personnel, when school exclusions should be used, the number and duration of expulsions and suspensions, the implementation of proactive evidence-based interventions that improve behavioral outcomes for all students, non-exclusionary discipline, out-of-school suspensions of 3 days or less, model policy guidelines for the re-engagement of students, professional development, and the removal of children with disabilities who violate the student discipline policies from their current placement. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
- To read the full text of SB 1400 (as introduced): Click
- To read the full text of SFA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 1400: Click
SB 1685, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Supporting Special Needs Students
Law. Amends the School Code. When computing certain completion rates, requires the State Superintendent of Education to exclude students who: are at least 18 years of age as of September 1 of the school year as reported for the fall semester and have satisfied the credit requirements for high school graduation; have not completed their individualized education program; and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, in high school districts in counties with populations greater than 800,000 but less than 4,000,000 where there are 2 high schools individually serving grades 9 through 12 and where enrollment is less than 2,500 at any school, enrollment shall be balanced across high schools within the district equally, not to exceed a 15% enrollment difference when averaged over the previous 3 consecutive years.
SB 2039, SFA 1, Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas
Amends the School Code. Provides that at least one designated employee in every public school shall ensure the opportunity to enroll in the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database is made available during annual individualized education program meetings.
- To read the full text of SB 2039 (as introduced): Click
- To read the full text of SFA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 2039: Click
Senate Health and Human Services Committee
March 21, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 2341, Senator Dale Fowler
Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the supportive living facilities program, provides that a facility selected by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to participate in the supportive living facilities program may employ direct support persons who are at least 18 years of age and have successfully completed a direct support persons training program, approved by the Department of Human Services, within 120 days of their date of hire or the date they were first assigned direct support responsibilities at the facility. Requires the facility to check the Department of Public Health’s Health Care Worker Registry to verify that an individual hired to provide direct support services is listed on the Registry as eligible to work for a health care employer. Provides that the responsibilities of a direct support person hired in accordance with the amendatory Act shall include, but not be limited to: (i) following and helping to carry out a facility resident’s written service plan; (ii) providing personal care services to facility residents, including, but not limited to, bathing, eating, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, toileting, ambulation, medication reminders, and assistance with transfer; (iii) observing a facility resident’s functioning, maintaining written records of those observations, and reporting any changes to a licensed nurse on duty at the facility; and (iv) attending initial training and in-service training sessions and staff conferences.
Senate Higher Education Committee
March 21, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SB 1558, SFA 1, Senator Laura M. Murphy
Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year and continuing for not less than 2 years, to make available to public institutions of higher education a model program of study, for credit, that incorporates the training and experience necessary to serve as a direct support professional. Requires the Board, by July 1, 2024, to submit recommendations developed in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, organizations representing community-based providers serving children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and elementary and secondary education practitioners, including, but not limited to, teachers, administrators, special education directors, and regional superintendents of schools, to the Department of Human Services for the training that would be required in order to complete the model program of study.
- To read the full text of SB 1558: Click
- To read the full text of SFA 1: Click
- To file an electronic witness slip on SB 1558: Click
Senate Appropriations Committee
March 22, 2023, 8:30 a.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL
SUBJECT MATTER: SB2542- Attorney General’s Office, SB2481- Liquor Control Commission, SB2495- Lottery, SB2509- ALPLM, SB2538- Court of Claims, SB2507- Executive Inspector General, SB2485- Procurement Policy Bd., SB2520- Courts Comm., SB 2542, SB 2481, SB 2495, SB 2509, SB 2538, SB 2507, SB 2520, SB 2485
- 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:
Cheryl R. Jansen
Public Policy Director
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-303-8543
