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Weekly Legislative Update – May 7, 2019

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 May 7, 2019:

 

House Insurance Committee
May 7, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
Room 118, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SB 1449, Representative Jonathan Carroll

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that the Department of Insurance shall form a task force to review the plans and policies for individual and group short-term and long-term disability income insurance issued and offered to individuals and employers in this State to examine the use of such insurance for behavioral health conditions. Provides that the task force shall be comprised of two representatives in the disability income insurance industry, two experts in the behavioral health conditions and treatment industry, two consumers of disability income insurance who have experienced a behavioral health condition, and members of the General Assembly. 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 the task force shall submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2020. Dissolves the task force on December 31, 2021.

  • To read full text of SB 1449: Click
  • To file an electronic witness slip on SB 1449: Click

 

House Judiciary-Criminal Committee
May 7, 2019, 3:30 p.m.
Room 118, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SB 1711, Representative Terra Costa Howard

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that the Department of State Police shall annually compile and submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly no later than May 31 of each calendar year on the number of persons reported as posing a clear and present danger to themselves or others by persons required to report that information to the Department of State Police under the Code. Provides that the report shall be based on information submitted by each county, municipality, public elementary or secondary school, private elementary or secondary school, or public or private community college, college, or university of the State without disclosing individual identifying information of the persons who pose the clear and present danger to themselves or others. Provides that if the person who poses the clear and present danger is reported by home address and the person attends a school, college, or university, then the compilation shall only include that individual once in the report for the total annual compilation.

  • To read full text of SB 1711: Click
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House Human Services Committee
May 8, 2019, 8:30 a.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL

HR 187, Representative Grant Wehrli

Declares March 2019 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to promote awareness and understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and needs of persons with developmental disabilities.

  • To read the full text of HR 187 : Click
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HR 214, Representative Jay Hoffman

Directs the Auditor General to conduct a management audit of the Department of Human Services’ process for selecting Independent Service Coordination agencies for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2019.

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HJR 54, Representative Frances A. Hurley

Creates the First Responders Suicide Task Force to pursue recommendations to help reduce the risk and rates of suicide amongst first responders.

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SB 25, Representative Mary Edly-Allen

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, after emergency admission of a respondent to a mental health facility on an inpatient basis, the respondent shall be personally examined (rather than examined) by a psychiatrist. Provides that for the purpose of this provision, a personal examination includes an examination performed in real time (synchronous examination) via an Interactive Telecommunication System as defined in the Illinois Administrative Code.

 

Provides that an examination via an Interactive Telecommunication System may only be used for certification that the respondent is subject to involuntary admission when a psychiatrist is not on-site within the time period set forth in the Code. Provides that if the examination is performed via an Interactive Communication System, that fact shall be noted on the certificate.

  • To read full text of SB 25: Click
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SB 730, Representative Frances Ann Hurley

Creates the First Responders Suicide Prevention Act. Provides that emergency services personnel and public safety personnel may refer any person to an employee assistance program or peer support counselor within the emergency services provider or law enforcement agency, or if those services are not available within the agency, to another employee assistance program or peer support counseling program that is available. Provides that any communication made by a participant or counselor in a peer support counseling session conducted by a law enforcement agency or by an emergency services provider for public safety personnel or emergency services personnel and any oral or written information conveyed in the peer support counseling session is confidential and may not be disclosed by any person participating in the peer support counseling session. Provides exemptions. Amends the Department of State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Illinois Police Training Act to require training programs for police to recognize signs of work-related cumulative stress and other related issues that may lead to suicide and offer appropriate solutions for intervention. Provides that minimum in-service training requirements, which a police officer must satisfactorily complete every 3 years shall include officer wellness. Makes other changes.

  • To read full text of SB 730: Click
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SB 1510, Representative Anna Moeller

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Removes language that requires light intermediate care to be staffed at the same staffing ratio as intermediate care. Provides that for purposes of minimum staffing ratios, all residents shall be classified as requiring either skilled care or intermediate care. Defines “intermediate care” and “skilled care”. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt rules on or before January 1, 2020 establishing a system for determining compliance with minimum direct care staffing standards and establishing penalties for noncompliance with minimum direct care staffing ratios. Provides that monetary penalties shall be imposed beginning no later than October 1, 2020 and quarterly thereafter. Provides that no monetary penalty may be issued during the implementation period of rules establishing those penalties. Provides that if a violation of staffing requirements is not more than a 5% deviation of the required minimum staffing requirements, the Department shall have the discretion to determine the gravity of the violation and, taking into account mitigating and aggravating circumstances and facts, may adjust any penalty or type or class of violation. Provides a notice form for facilities that do not meet the minimum staffing ratios. Provides that the implementation period shall be July 1, 2020, through September 30, 2020. Provides that a violation of the minimum staffing requirements is, at minimum, a Type “B” violation. Provides that a facility that has received a notice of violation for having violated the minimum staffing requirements shall display a notice stating that the facility did not have enough staff to meet the needs of the facility’s residents during the quarter cited in the notice of violation. Adds members to the Long-Term Care Facility Advisory Board. Provides that the affirmative vote of 7 (instead of 6) members of the Board shall be necessary for Board action. Contains provisions regarding the Department of Public Health’s informed consent protocol. Provides that a prescribing clinician must obtain voluntary informed consent, in writing, from a resident or the resident’s surrogate decision maker before authorizing the administration of a psychotropic medication to that resident. Provides that a violation of certain provisions concerning informed consent is a Type “A” violation and shall serve as prima facie evidence of abuse or criminal neglect of a person in a long-term care facility under the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that no facility or managed care plan shall deny admission or continued residency to a person or resident based on the refusal of the administration of psychotropic medication, unless the prescribing clinician or facility can demonstrate that the resident’s refusal would place the health and safety of the resident, the facility staff, other residents, or visitors at risk. Makes other changes.

  • To read full text of SB 1510: Click
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SB 1573, Representative Jay Hoffman

Makes technical changes to specify in provisions concerning provisional eligibility for long-term care services that: (i) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services must maintain the applicant’s provisional Medicaid enrollment status until a final eligibility determination is approved or the applicant’s appeal has been adjudicated and eligibility is denied; (ii) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or the managed care organization, if applicable, must reimburse providers for services rendered during an applicant’s provisional eligibility period; (iii) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services must submit payment vouchers for all retroactive reimbursement due to the Office of the Comptroller within 10 business days of issuing provisional eligibility to an applicant; and (iv) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services must adopt rules.

  • To read full text of SB 1573: Click
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SB 2026, Representative Joyce Mason

Amends the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971. Prohibits the State from applying for any federal waiver that would reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was in effect on January 1, 2017, including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions and coverage for services identified as essential health benefits under the ACA. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Prohibits the State from applying for any federal waiver that would permit an individual or group health insurance plan to reduce or eliminate any protection or coverage required under the ACA that was in effect on January 1, 2017, including, but not limited to, any protection for persons with pre-existing conditions and coverage for services identified as essential health benefits under the ACA. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Prohibits the State or an agency of the executive branch from applying for any federal Medicaid waiver that would result in more restrictive standards, methodologies, procedures, or other requirements than those that were in effect in Illinois as of January 1, 2017 for the Medical Assistance Program, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or any other medical assistance program in Illinois operating under any existing federal waiver authorized by specified provisions of the Social Security Act. Provides that the State or an agency of the executive branch may apply for such a waiver only if granted authorization by the General Assembly through joint resolution.

  • To read the full text of SB 2026: Click
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House Judiciary-Civil Committee,
Commercial Law Subcommittee
May 8, 2019, 8:30 am.
Room D-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL

SB 1518, Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Provides that, in a case regarding temporary guardianship, if no limited or plenary guardian has been appointed in a case regarding temporary guardianship, the court may grant an extension up to an additional 60 days or until a limited or plenary guardian has been appointed. Provides that the court may appoint separate individuals or entities or co-guardians to act as the guardian of the person and the guardian of the estate of a person with a disability under certain circumstances. Provides that a guardian is entitled to reasonable and appropriate fees, if certain conditions are met. Provides that fees awarded to a guardian shall be considered as a first-class claim for administrative expenses and paid from the guardianship estate from the decedent’s estate. Adds procedures regarding the succession of a new Public Guardian. Makes formatting changes in Sections concerning: definitions; statutory forms; short-term guardians; preliminary hearings; domestic violence orders of protection; sterilization of the ward; and notice of rights of the ward. Changes references to “best interest” to “best interests”. Amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. Provides that if an agent seeks guardianship of the principal, the petition for guardianship must delineate the specific powers to be granted to the guardian that are not already included in the power of attorney.

  • To read full text of SB 1518: Click
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House Health Care Licenses Committee
May 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
Room 122B, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SB 1702, Representative Robyn Gabel

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Permits an advanced practice psychiatric nurse to order restraints or seclusion for a recipient of treatment. Provides that an advanced practice psychiatric nurse may examine a respondent and execute a certificate which states that the respondent is subject to involuntary admission on an inpatient basis and requires immediate hospitalization. Defines “advanced practice psychiatric nurse” as a nurse who is licensed to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse under the Nurse Practice Act and has been certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

  • To read full text of SB 1702: Click
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House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter School Committee
May 8, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
Room 115, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

HR 88, Representative Elizabeth Hernandez

Urges the General Assembly to enact legislation to amend The School Code of Illinois, requiring the Illinois State Board of Education to establish criteria, standards, and competencies to be required of qualified bilingual language interpreters for parents of limited English proficiency participating in IEP meetings.

  • To read the full text of HR 88: Click
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SB 1731, Representative Maurice A. West, II

Amends the School Code. With regard to the in-service training program on the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth, provides that a school district may utilize the Illinois Mental Health First Aid training program, established under the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act and administered by certified instructors trained by a national association recognized as an authority in behavioral health, to provide the training. Provides that if licensed school personnel or an administrator obtains mental health first aid training outside of an in-service training program, he or she may present a certificate of successful completion of the training to the school district to satisfy the training requirements.

  • To read full text of SB 1731: Click
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House State Government Administration Committee
May 8, 2019, 2:00 p.m.
Room 122B, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SB 122 , Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Requires the Department of Central Management

Services to submit an annual report concerning certifications issued to veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Requires the Department to conduct a minimum of 2 outreach events per year to ensure that veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses know about the procurement opportunities and certification requirements with the State. Adds additional requirements concerning the certification program for veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Provides that the Department of Central Management Services, in consultation with the Department of Veteran Affairs, may develop programs and agreements to encourage cities, counties, towns, townships, and other certifying entities to adopt uniform certification procedures and certification recognition programs. Provides that a business shall be certified by the Department of Central Management Services as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business if the Department determines that the business has been certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the business has provided to the Department with specified information. Provides that the policies of the Department of Central Management Services regarding recognition of the Vets First Verification Program shall be reviewed annually.

  • To read full text of SB 122: Click
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SB 1090, Representative Jim Durkin

Amends the Attorney General Act. Requires the Attorney General to compile data concerning accessibility violations and post that information on the Internet website of the Attorney General. Provides that the Attorney General shall identify the various types of construction-related physical access violations alleged in complaints, and shall tabulate the number of claims alleged for each type of violation in the complaints and the number of complaints in which the alleged violations were founded. Requires the Attorney General to periodically, but not less than every 6 months beginning July 31, 2020, post on the Internet website of the Attorney General a list, by type, of the 10 most frequent types of accessibility violations alleged in the complaints and the number of alleged violations for each listed type of violation for the prior 2 quarters, as well as the number of complaints in which the alleged violations were founded. Requires the Attorney General to, on a quarterly basis, identify and tabulate the number of accessibility violation complaints received by the Office of the Attorney General and the number of those complaints received by the Attorney General in which the alleged violations were founded, including whether such complaints were filed in State or federal court, and post that information of the Internet website of the Attorney General. Provides that beginning in 2020, and for each year thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly on or before January 31 of the specified tabulated data for the preceding calendar year.

  • To read full text of SB 1090: Click
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SB 1136, Representative Bob Morgan

Amends the Department of Central Management Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that each State agency shall designate one or more persons with hiring responsibilities to annually attend a presentation provided by the Department of Central Management Services regarding programs created by the Department that were developed and implemented to increase the number of qualified employees with disabilities working in the State.

  • To read the full text of SB 1136: Click
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SB 1680, Representative Mary Edly-Allen

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that each chief procurement officer has authority to designate as veteran small business set-asides a fair proportion of construction, supply, and service contracts for awards to qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or veteran-owned small businesses. Provides further requirements concerning veteran small business set-aside designations. Requires each chief procurement officer to report to the General Assembly (currently, Department of Central Management Services) on specified information concerning qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses, and requires that the number of bids or offers will be delineated between contracts that were designated as set-aside and those that were not designated as set-aside. Makes other changes.

  • To read full text of SB 1680: Click
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SB 2035, Representative Kambium Buckner

Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Requires the Department of Central Management Services to by rule further establish committed diversity goals for State contracts awarded to businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities under the Act, including further concerted outreach efforts to businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

  • To read full text of SB 2035: Click
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House Appropriations-Human Services Committee
May 9, 2019, 8:00 a.m.
Room C-1, Stratton Building
Springfield, IL

SUBJECT MATTER: HB 2148, HB 2191, HB 2524, HB 2637

  • To read full text of HB 2148: Click
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  • To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click

 

SB 637, Representative Dan Brady

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that coverage for custom prosthetic and orthotic devices under the fee-for-service medical assistance program and under any Medicaid managed care plan shall be no less favorable than the terms and conditions that apply to substantially all medical and surgical benefits provided under the fee-for-service medical assistance program or the Medicaid managed care plan. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to set a rate of reimbursement under the fee-for-service medical assistance program for custom prosthetic and orthotic devices at a rate no less than the Medicare rate for the year minus 6%. Provides that the Department must ensure that all Medicaid managed care plans comply with network adequacy requirements for custom prosthetic and orthotic device services. Requires the Department and contracted managed care organizations to comply with the Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act when making payments for custom orthotic and custom prosthetic devices.

  • To read full text of SB 637: Click
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SB 1696, Representative Yehiel M. Kalish

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that during the first quarter of State Fiscal Year 2020, the Department of Healthcare of Family Services must convene a technical advisory group consisting of members of all trade associations representing Illinois skilled nursing providers to discuss changes necessary with the federal implementation of Medicare’s Patient-Driven Payment Model. Provides that implementation of Medicare’s Patient-Driven Payment Model shall, by September 1, 2020, end the collection of the MDS data that is necessary to maintain the current RUG-IV Medicaid payment methodology. Requires the technical advisory group to consider a revised reimbursement methodology that takes into account transparency, accountability, actual staffing as reported under the federally required Payroll Based Journal system, changes to the minimum wage, adequacy in coverage of the cost of care, and a quality component that rewards quality improvements.

  • To read full text of SB 1696: Click
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House Revenue & Finance Committee
May 9, 2019, 8:00 a.m.
Room 118, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SB 1199, Representative Monica Bristow

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that a taxpayer who has been granted a homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities need not reapply if he or she has been found by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled. Provides when any change occurs in use or ownership of property that has been granted a homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, the transferee shall notify the chief county assessment officer of the change in writing within 90 days. Provides that the chief county assessment officer shall ensure that, if the property ceases to qualify for the exemption as a result of the change in use or ownership, then the exemption shall be removed beginning with the next taxable year after the change occurs.

  • To read full text of SB 1199: Click
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SB 1579, Representative Michael T. Marron

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that, if a veteran with a surviving spouse was in the process of review to receive the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, but the veteran died before the exemption was approved, then the application process shall continue and any subsequent approval granted to the veteran shall carry over to the spouse as long as the spouse meets the requirements for carry over.

  • To read full text of SB 1579: Click
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House Mental Health Committee
May 9, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
Room 114, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SB 1425, Representative Anne Stava-Murray

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the duties of the Department shall include, but shall not be limited to: (1) coordinating suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention programs, services, and efforts statewide; (2) developing and submitting proposals for funding from federal agencies or other sources of funding to promote suicide prevention and coordinate activities; (3) with input from the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, preparing the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan and coordinating the activities necessary to implement the recommendations in that Plan; (4) with input from the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, providing an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly; and (5) providing technical support for the activities of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance. Requires the Department, in consultation with the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, to submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on the effectiveness of the activities and programs undertaken under the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan that includes any recommendations for modification to Illinois law to enhance the effectiveness of the Plan (instead of an annual report by the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance). Changes what shall be contained in the Plan. Provides that the Department shall provide technical assistance to the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance and implement a general awareness and screening program. Provides that the program shall include an annual statewide suicide prevention conference.. Provides that the Department shall establish programs that are consistent with the Plan. Amends the Suicide Prevention, Education, and Treatment Act. Makes changes concerning the findings of the General Assembly.

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Senate Appropriations II Committee
May 7, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SUBJECT MATTER: FY 20 Budget request for the following agency: ISBE

  • To file an electronic witness slip for the subject matter hearing: Click

 

Senate Public Health Committee
May 7, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

HB 2767, Senator Bill Cunningham

Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the curriculum for police officer training schools shall include recognizing signs and symptoms of work-related cumulative stress, issues that may lead to suicide, and solutions for intervention with peer support resources. Provides that the minimum in-service training requirements, which a police officer must satisfactorily complete every 3 years, shall include officer wellness. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall create, develop, or approve an in-service course addressing issues of officer wellness and suicide prevention. Provides that the course shall include instruction on job-related stress management techniques, skills for recognizing signs and symptoms of work-related cumulative stress, recognition of other issues that may lead to officer suicide, solutions for intervention, and a presentation on available peer support resources.

  • To read full text of HB 2767: Click
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HB 3511, Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins

Creates the Maternal Mental Health Conditions Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. Provides that a general acute care hospital or special hospital that has a perinatal unit, in collaboration with medical staff, shall by January 1, 2021 develop and implement a program to provide education and information to appropriate health care professionals and patients about maternal mental health conditions. Provides that the educational program shall include: (i) education and information for postpartum women and families about maternal mental health conditions, post-hospital treatment options, and community resources; (ii) education and information for hospital employees regularly assigned to work in the perinatal unit, including, as appropriate, registered nurses and social workers, about maternal mental health conditions; and (iii) any other service the hospital determines should be included in the program to provide optimal patient care.

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Senate Human Services Committee
May 7, 2019, 3:00 p.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

HB 3065, Senator Sue Rezin

Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Provides that when conducting any investigation concerning a report of suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of an eligible adult, the Department on Aging shall contact as many of the eligible adult’s family members, neighbors, and friends as reasonably possible under the circumstances.

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Senate Judiciary Committee
May 7, 2019, 3:00 p.m.
Room 400, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 

HB 2766, Senator Terry Link

Creates the First Responders Suicide Prevention Act. Provides that an emergency services provider, law enforcement agency, union, or other entity providing counseling support, referrals, information, or other social services to public safety personnel or emergency services personnel that creates an employee assistance program is subject to the Act. Provides for applicability and exemptions in the Act. Amends the Counties Code and Municipal Code. Requires employment of at least one mental health specialist for every 1,000 persons employed for sheriff offices, police departments, and firefighter stations. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act, Department of State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Counties Code, and the Probation and Probation Officers Act. Provides that the employer of a Conservation Police officer, State Police officer, law enforcement officer, or probation officer shall not make possession of a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card a condition of continued employment if the officer’s Firearm Owner’s Identification Card is revoked or seized because the officer has been a patient of a mental health facility and the officer has not been determined to pose a clear and present danger to himself, herself, or others as determined by a physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner. Provides that a collective bargaining agreement already in effect on this issue on the effective date of the amendatory Act cannot be modified, but on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the employer cannot require a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card as a condition of continued employment in a collective bargaining agreement. Amends the Uniform Peace Officers’ Disciplinary Act. Provides that the employer shall document if and why an officer has been determined to pose a clear and present danger. Makes other changes.

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Senate Appropriations I Committee
May 8, 2019, 9:00 a.m.
Room 212, Capitol building
Springfield, IL

SUBJECT MATTER HEARING: Rate Increase Legislation.

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Senate Financial Institutions Committee
May 8, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

HB 2837, Senator Julie A. Morrison

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Modifies and reorganizes provisions concerning the ABLE account program. Provides that a designated representative under the program includes, among other persons, the account owner’s guardian of the person or any other State-appointed guardian. Provides that the State Treasurer may enter into agreements with other states to either allow Illinois residents to participate in a plan operated by another state or to allow residents of other states to participate in the Illinois ABLE plan. Modifies terms under the Act. Amends the Probate Act of 1975. Modifies provisions concerning duties of a guardian of a minor, duties of a personal guardian, and duties of an estate guardian to allow a specified guardian to, without an order of court, open, maintain, and transfer funds to an ABLE account on behalf of the ward and the ward’s dependent children as specified under the ABLE account program. Makes conforming and other changes.

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Senate Insurance Committee
May 8, 2019, 4:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

HB 2438, Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires an accident and health insurer to develop a maternal mental health program designed to promote quality and cost-effective outcomes. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Nurse Practice Act, and the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987. Provides that licensed physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician’s assistants who provide prenatal and postpartum care for a patient shall ensure that the mother is offered screening or is appropriately screened for mental health conditions. Makes other changes.

 

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning mental and emotional disorders, provides that “mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorder or condition” includes any mental health condition that occurs during pregnancy or during the postpartum period and includes, but is not limited to, postpartum depression.

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HB 3503, Senator Jennnifer Bertino-Tarrant

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code, the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code to require coverage for hearing instruments and related services for all individuals 65 years of age and older when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing instrument. Provides that an insurer shall offer, for an additional premium and subject to the insurer’s standard of insurability, optional coverage or optional reimbursement for hearing instruments and related services for all individuals when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing instrument to augment communication when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing instrument to augment communication.  Provides that nothing in the provisions precludes an insured from selecting a hearing instrument that costs more than the amount covered by a plan of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan and paying the uncovered cost at his or her own expense

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Senate Agriculture Committee
May 9, 2019, 8:30 a.m.
Room 409, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

HB 3671, Senator Ram Villivalam

Creates the Assistance and Service Animal Integrity Act. Provides that a landlord who receives a request from a person to make an exception to the landlord’s policy prohibiting animals on the landlord’s property because the person requires the use of an assistance animal or service animal may require the person to produce reliable documentation, which may be a standardized form, of the disability and disability-related need for the animal only if the disability or disability-related need is not readily apparent or known to the landlord. Provides that a landlord may require additional supporting documentation when necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of either the requested accommodation or any identified alternative accommodation. Provides that a landlord shall not be liable for injuries caused by a person’s assistance animal or service animal permitted on the landlord’s property as a reasonable accommodation to assist the person with a disability. Provides that a landlord may require a tenant to cover the costs of repairs for damage the animal causes to the tenant’s dwelling unit or the common areas, reasonable wear and tear excepted; however, a landlord may not require a tenant to pay a pet-related deposit that is otherwise required for tenants who are not requesting accommodation. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

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Joint Hearing of Senate Appropriations II Subcommittee on Capital and Senate Transportation Subcommittee on Capital
May 9, 2019, 1:00 p.m.
Room 212, Capitol Building
Springfield, IL

SUBJECT MATTER: Capital Infrastructure Needs

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 attend the committee 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. You may also use this website to file an electronic witness slip for any bill that is posted for hearing by clicking on “GA Dashboard” on the homepage. You may also watch or listen to committee hearings on this website by clicking on “Audio/Video” under the headings Senate or House and then clicking on the room number in which the committee hearing is being held. For additional information, please contact:

Cheryl R. Jansen
Director of Public Policy
Equip for Equality
cherylj2@equipforequality.org
217-544-0464 ext. 6013

 

 

 

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