AFR-AMERICAN HIV/AIDS RESPONSE

Creates the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act. Requires that each of the following designate an African-American HIV/AIDS Response Officer, responsible for coordinating efforts to address the African-American AIDS crisis within his or her respective Office or Department and serving as a liaison to governmental and non-governmental entities: the Office of the Governor; the Department of Human Services; the Department of Public Health; and the Department of Corrections. Provides that a State agency that operates a facility that (i) is accessible to the public, (ii) is a high-traffic facility, and (iii) serves a high-risk community must provide the following in each such facility where space and security reasonably permit: space for free HIV counseling and antibody testing. Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois; provides that on its official Web site, the Department shall provide Web-friendly and printer-friendly versions of educational materials in connection with HIV and AIDS, targeted to persons presently or previously committed to the Department of Corrections or confined in a county jail, as well as family members and friends of such persons. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code; provides that certain prohibitions against eligibility for cash assistance under the Code for persons convicted of certain drug offenses do not apply to an individual who has tested positive for HIV; requires the Department of Public Aid to seek federal approval to expand access to health care under the Medicaid program for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections; requires the Department of Corrections to provide committed persons, their family members, and visitors with certain materials and services in connection with HIV/AIDS, including testing, counseling, and medical care. Amends the County Jail Act, and imposes similar requirements on sheriffs and wardens of county jails. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2006.