UNEMPLOYED PROTECTED STATUS

Amends the Public Utilities Act, Pharmacy Practice Act, Public Aid Code, Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, Non-Support Punishment Act, and Income Withholding for Support Act. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision, if a person is either an unemployed individual who is eligible for unemployment benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act or an unemployed individual who is no longer eligible for extended benefits because the individual has exhausted his or her extended benefits under that Act, then (i) a public utility company that receives any federal or State funds shall not terminate or cut off the gas or electrical services, (ii) a pharmacy or pharmacist who receives any federal or State funds shall not refuse to dispense prescription medication, or (iii) the unemployed individual shall not be sentenced to any period of imprisonment for failure to make child support payments. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision, no person may bring a forcible entry or detainer action for the possession of lands or leased premises against any person who is an unemployed individual who is eligible for unemployment benefits or who is no longer eligible for extended unemployment benefits. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision, no mortgagee who receives any federal or State funds may institute foreclosure proceedings against any mortgagor who is an unemployed individual who is eligible for unemployment benefits or who is no longer eligible for extended unemployment benefits. Defines "receives any federal or State funds". Effective immediately.