Creates the Agriculture Equity Commission Act. Establishes the Agriculture Equity Commission. Provides for membership of the Commission. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Provides for the filling of Commission vacancies. Provides for administrative and other support to the Commission. Provides for the duties of the Commission. Requires the Commission to annually report to the Governor and the General Assembly on its findings, recommendations, and other relevant matters concerning and based upon its duties.
Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code is repealed on January 1, 2028 (instead of January 1, 2023). Amends the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code. Defines "email address of record". Removes a provision providing that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall maintain rosters of the licensees and those whose licenses were suspended, revoked, denied renewal, or otherwise disciplined. Provides that licensees shall provide a valid email address to the Department and inform of any change of the email address. Removes a provision that provides that licensees who have not engaged in the practice of funeral directing for at least 40 years by January 1, 2016 shall not receive the continuing education exemption after that date. Provides that the Department shall determine an inactive licensee's fitness to resume active status and may require successful completion of a practical examination or any other method the Department deems appropriate. Provides that the licensee is authorized to effect a final disposition of unclaimed cremated remains if no person lawfully entitled to the custody of the remains makes or has made a proper request for them within 60 days (instead of 1 year) of the date of death of the cremated person. Allows licenses to be applied for electronically. Allows the written notice of proceedings to be served by email. Provides that the Department shall provide a certified shorthand reporter to take down the testimony and preserve a record of all proceedings at specified hearings. Includes additional factors that the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing and Disciplinary Board may take into consideration in making recommendations for any disciplinary action. Provides that any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds one's self out as a funeral director, embalmer, or embalmer intern without being licensed shall pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense. Repeals provisions concerning: Social Security Numbers on license applications; consent orders; and conflicts of interest. Makes other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 80/4.33 5 ILCS 80/4.38 225 ILCS 41/1-10 225 ILCS 41/1-15 225 ILCS 41/1-30 225 ILCS 41/5-7 225 ILCS 41/5-10 225 ILCS 41/5-15 225 ILCS 41/5-18 225 ILCS 41/5-20 225 ILCS 41/10-7 225 ILCS 41/10-20 225 ILCS 41/10-30 225 ILCS 41/10-43 225 ILCS 41/15-10 225 ILCS 41/15-15 225 ILCS 41/15-18 225 ILCS 41/15-20 225 ILCS 41/15-21 225 ILCS 41/15-22 225 ILCS 41/15-30 225 ILCS 41/15-40 225 ILCS 41/15-41 225 ILCS 41/15-65 225 ILCS 41/15-75 225 ILCS 41/15-80 225 ILCS 41/15-91 225 ILCS 41/10-22 rep. 225 ILCS 41/15-17 rep. 225 ILCS 41/15-100 rep. Adds reference to: 5 ILCS 140/7.5 225 ILCS 510/3 from Ch. 111, par. 953 225 ILCS 510/5 from Ch. 111, par. 955 225 ILCS 510/7 from Ch. 111, par. 957 225 ILCS 510/13 from Ch. 111, par. 963 225 ILCS 510/14 from Ch. 111, par. 964 225 ILCS 510/14.1 225 ILCS 510/14.3 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Nurse Agency Licensing Act. Defines "covenant not to compete" and "employee". Changes the definitions of "health care facility" and "nurse". Provides that an application for licensure shall contain evidence of general and professional liability insurance (rather than only professional liability insurance) in the amount of at least $1,000,000 (instead of $500,000) per incident and $3,000,000 (instead of $1,000,000) in the aggregate and workers' compensation coverage (rather than only in the aggregate). Provides that for the renewal of a license, the licensee shall also submit an attestation detailing specified information. Provides that prior to employing, assigning, or referring a certified nurse aide to a position at a health care employer or long-term facility, the nurse agency shall review the information provided on the Health Care Worker Registry to verify that the certified nurse aide is not ineligible for the position. Provides that knowingly employing, assigning, or referring to a health care facility a nurse or certified nurse aid with an illegally or fraudulently obtained or issued diploma, registration, license, certificate, or background study constitutes negligent hiring and is a violation of the Act. Changes the minimum standards for the operation of nurse agencies. Provides that no less than 100% of the nurse or certified nurse aide hourly rate shall be paid to the nurse or certified nurse aide employee. Provides that nurse agencies are prohibited from entering into covenants not to compete with nurses and certified nurse aides. Provides that a nurse agency shall submit a report quarterly to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for each health care entity with whom the agency contracts. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall publish on its website the reports yearly by county. Provides that the Department of Labor shall compel production of the maintained records by the nurse agencies. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall establish a system of reporting complaints against a health care staffing agency. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall publish on its website how an interested party may submit a complaint of a violation of the Act to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that complaints against a nurse agency shall be investigated by the Department of Labor. Increases the civil penalty for violation of the Act to $10,000 per occurrence (currently $1,000 per day for each violation). Provides that any nurse staffing agency that has been found not to have paid an employee 100% of the hourly wage rate identified in the contract shall be liable to the employee for the actual amount of the underpayment, plus damages of 5% of the amount of the underpayment. Provides that a contract entered into on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act between the nurse agency and health care facility must contain specified provisions. Provides that a party's failure to comply with the requirements of the provisions concerning a contract between a nurse agency and a health care facility shall be a defense to the enforcement of a contract between a nurse agency and a health care facility. Provides that a prevailing party may recover specified damages, specified fees and costs, and other relief for each violation. Makes other changes. Makes a corresponding change in the Freedom of Information Act. Effective July 1, 2022.
Amends the Conveyances Act. Provides that special warranty deeds may be made in a specified form. Provides that every deed in substance in the specified form shall be deemed and held a conveyance in fee simple, to the grantee, his or her heirs and assigns, with specified covenants on the part of the grantor. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that a form for a special warranty deed shall have a blank space 3 inches by 5 inches (rather than 3 and one-half inches by 3 and one-half inches).
Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date of the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act from January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2028. Amends the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act. Provides that all applicants and licensees shall provide a valid address and email address to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; other activities subject to licensure; exemptions; the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Board; examinations; qualifications; inactive status; use of title; investigation, notice, and hearing; record of hearing; motion for rehearing; orders and certified copies; certification of records and receipt; and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Repeals provisions concerning Social Security Numbers on license application; rosters; and surrender of license. Effective January 1, 2023, except provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act take effect immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 30/5 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-5 225 ILCS 30/10 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-10 225 ILCS 30/12 new 225 ILCS 30/17 225 ILCS 30/20 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-20 225 ILCS 30/30 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-30 225 ILCS 30/35 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-35 225 ILCS 30/40 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-40 225 ILCS 30/45 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-45 225 ILCS 30/70 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-70 225 ILCS 30/75 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-75 225 ILCS 30/80 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-80 225 ILCS 30/105 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-105 225 ILCS 30/110 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-110 225 ILCS 30/125 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-125 225 ILCS 30/140 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-140 225 ILCS 30/165 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-165 225 ILCS 30/175 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-175 225 ILCS 30/37 rep. 225 ILCS 30/90 rep. 225 ILCS 30/150 rep. Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date of the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act from January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2028. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 30/5 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-5 225 ILCS 30/10 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-10 225 ILCS 30/12 new 225 ILCS 30/15 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-15 225 ILCS 30/15.5 225 ILCS 30/17 225 ILCS 30/20 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-20 225 ILCS 30/30 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-30 225 ILCS 30/35 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-35 225 ILCS 30/40 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-40 225 ILCS 30/45 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-45 225 ILCS 30/70 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-70 225 ILCS 30/75 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-75 225 ILCS 30/76 new 225 ILCS 30/80 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-80 225 ILCS 30/100 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-100 225 ILCS 30/105 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-105 225 ILCS 30/110 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-110 225 ILCS 30/125 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-125 225 ILCS 30/140 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-140 225 ILCS 30/165 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-165 225 ILCS 30/175 from Ch. 111, par. 8401-175 225 ILCS 30/37 rep. 225 ILCS 30/90 rep. 225 ILCS 30/150 rep. Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill and makes the following changes. Includes various additions and changes to the definitions. Provides that no person may provide, offer to provide, or attempt to provide medical nutrition therapy whether for remuneration or hold oneself out as a licensed dietitian nutritionist or qualified provider of nutrition care services unless the person is licensed in accordance with the Act. Provides that any person who provides, offers to provide, attempts to provide, or holds oneself out as qualified, licensed, or being able to provide medical nutrition therapy or holds oneself out as licensed or qualified to practice dietetics and nutrition without being licensed under the Act shall pay a civil penalty to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense as determined by the Department. Provides that the Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity. Provides that the civil penalty shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. Provides that a licensed dietitian nutritionist may order patient or resident diets. Provides updated provisions concerning exemptions from the Act. Provides that 4 (instead of 2) of the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Board members shall be a registered dietitian. Includes updated provisions on qualifications for a dietitian nutritionist. Provides that an individual licensed as a dietitian in the State as of the effective date of the Act shall be eligible to maintain and renew a license as a licensed dietitian nutritionist in the State consistent with the Act if the individual meets the renewal requirements set forth in the Act. Provides that the use of an earned, federally trademarked nutrition credential is not prohibited, but such use does not give an individual the right to practice dietetics or nutrition or provide medical nutrition therapy unless the individual is licensed under the Act. Provides for the use of an order enjoining a violation or enforcing compliance under this Act by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. Effective January 1, 2023, except provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act take effect immediately.
Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Division of Real Estate General Fund. Repeals provisions creating the Real Estate Audit Fund, the Home Inspector Administration Fund, and the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Fund. Amends the Auction License Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning requirements for an auctioneer license and application; expiration, renewal, and continuing education; fees and disposition of funds; grounds for disciplinary actions; returned checks and dishonored credit card charges; and the Auction Advisory Board. Creates provisions concerning confidentiality; citations; illegal discrimination; and no private right of action. Amends the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Board; fidelity insurance and segregation of accounts; licenses, renewals, restoration, and persons in military service; and fees. Amends the Home Inspector License Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; renewal of licenses; unlicensed practice; civil penalties; and surcharges. Creates provisions concerning illegal discrimination. Amends the Real Estate License Act of 2000. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; requirements for license as a residential leasing agent; good moral character; offices; expiration and renewal of licenses; continuing education requirements; agency relationship disclosure; dual agency; grounds for discipline; citations; restoration of a suspended or revoked license; administrative review venue; the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board; and licensing of education providers. Amends the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; renewal of licenses; and the Real Estate Appraisal Administration and Disciplinary Board. Amends the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act concerning qualifications for registration, reports, and good moral character. Amends the Professional Limited Liability Company Act concerning the nature of business. Amends the Real Estate License Act of 2000 concerning broker licensure. Repeals the Real Estate Regulation Transfer Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately, except provisions repealing provisions of the State Finance Act take effect July 1, 2023. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 458/15-15 Removes language providing that the designated community association manager or the community association management firm must provide a current certificate of fidelity insurance and a current certificate of general liability and errors and omissions to all community associations to which it provides community association management services no later than 10 days following the renewal date of the insurance. Provides instead that the community association manager or the community association management firm shall provide a current certificate of fidelity insurance and a current certificate of general liability and errors and omissions to a community association for which it provides community association management services within 10 days of a request for such certificates by the community association for its records. Removes language providing that funds shall not be commingled with the supervising community association manager's or community association management firm's funds. Makes other changes. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Changes references from January 1, 2023 to July 1, 2023 and a reference from July 1, 2023 to October 1, 2023. Changes the effective date for Section 10 to October 1, 2023 (rather than July 1, 2023).
Amends the School Code. Provides that every school district shall include safe gun storage information in schools' student handbooks. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.83 new 105 ILCS 5/34-18.78 new Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/27-17 from Ch. 122, par. 27-17 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that the safety education that school boards and other boards may provide instruction in includes safe gun storage.
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Provides that citations and notice of violations may be sent to an employer by email to an email address previously designated by the employer for purposes of receiving notice. Provides that a public employer that intentionally violates specified provisions may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 per violation (rather than $10,000). Provides that a person may not discharge or in any way discriminate against an employee because the employee has discussed health or safety concerns with a co-worker or authorized employee representative. Provides that in discrimination actions the Department of Labor shall be represented by the Attorney General. Makes changes in provisions concerning occupational safety and health standards; employers' records; informal review; and hearings. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: In provisions concerning discrimination against employees, provides that a person may not discharge or in any way discriminate against an employee because the employee has reported potential violations of the Act to a member of management with authority to address the concerns (rather than discussed health or safety concerns with a co-worker or authorized employee representative). House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 820 ILCS 219/25 820 ILCS 219/60 820 ILCS 219/65 820 ILCS 219/80 820 ILCS 219/85 820 ILCS 219/90 820 ILCS 219/100 820 ILCS 219/110 Adds reference to: 820 ILCS 140/2 from Ch. 48, par. 8b Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the One Day Rest In Seven Act. Provides that specified provisions of the Act do not apply to employees for whom work hours, days of work, and rest periods are established through the collective bargaining process.
Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to remove the Collection Agency Act from the provisions of the Act. Amends the Financial Institutions Code. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Division of Financial Institutions of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Amends the Collection Agency Act. Provides that no action may be filed against any licensee for violation of the terms of the Act or its rules unless the action is commenced within 5 years after the discovery of the alleged violation (rather than the occurrence of the alleged violation). Makes changes to provisions concerning definitions; unlicensed practice, violations, and civil penalties; application for original licensure; qualifications for licensure; fees; disciplinary action; communication in connection with debt collection; powers and duties of the Department; investigation, notice, and hearing; administrative review and venue; and expiration, renewal, and restoration of licenses. Repeals provisions concerning: informal conferences; the Collection Agency Licensing and Disciplinary Board; records of hearings; findings and recommendations; rehearings; appointment of hearing officers; orders or certified copies; restoration of licenses from discipline; and surrender of licenses. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2023. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 80/4.36 225 ILCS 425/11 rep. 225 ILCS 425/13.1 rep. 225 ILCS 425/17 rep. 225 ILCS 425/19 rep. 225 ILCS 425/20 rep. 225 ILCS 425/21 rep. 225 ILCS 425/22 rep. 225 ILCS 425/23 rep. 225 ILCS 425/24 rep. Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 425/11 from Ch. 111, par. 2036 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act. Removes language repealing specified provisions of the Collection Agency Act. Restores language providing that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may obtain written recommendations from the Collection Agency Licensing and Disciplinary Board regarding standards of professional conduct, formal disciplinary actions, and the formulation of rules affecting these matters. Restores language providing that at the discretion of the Secretary, after having first received the recommendation of the Board, the accused person's license may be suspended or revoked, if the evidence constitutes sufficient grounds for such action. Provides that an adjudicated finding (rather than a finding) by the Federal Trade Commission or other federal or State agency that a licensee violated the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or its rules is grounds for discipline. Makes other changes. Further amends the Collection Agency Act. In provisions concerning informal conferences, provides that informal conferences shall be conducted with at least one member of the Board in attendance after a formal hearing is requested (rather than informal conferences shall be conducted with at least one member of the Board in attendance). Effective January 1, 2023.
Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the alternative retirement annuity provisions apply to a Tier 2 investigator for the Office of the Attorney General. Authorizes a Tier 2 investigator for the Office of the Attorney General to convert up to 8 years of certain service credit established before the effective date of the amendatory Act into eligible creditable service under the alternative retirement annuity provisions upon application and payment of a specified contribution. Provides that any benefit increase that results from the amendatory Act is excluded from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.
Amends the Community Development Loan Guarantee Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may establish the Loan Guarantee Program by establishing one or more Loan Guarantee Accounts at approved financial institutions (currently, one Account as a special account outside the State treasury with the State Treasurer as custodian). Provides that moneys in a Loan Guarantee Account may be paid to a participating financial institution to cover losses on guaranteed loans up to the full amount in the Account or the amount of loss, whichever is lesser. Provides that the State of Illinois and the State Treasurer shall not be responsible for any losses in excess of the full amount in the Loan Guarantee Account designated for a participating financial institution. Provides that the State Treasurer may withdraw funds from any Loan Guarantee Account for a financial institution's failure to comply with Program requirements. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that until June 30, 2024, the service retirement pension of a service retirement pensioner shall not be cancelled if the service retirement pensioner is employed in a subject shortage area and the employer that is employing the service retirement pensioner meets specified requirements. Provides that an employer of a teacher who is unable to continue employment with the employer because of documented illness, injury, or disability that occurred after being hired by the employer is exempt from specified job posting requirements for 90 school days, but must on an ongoing basis comply with those requirements. Provides that the employer must submit documentation of its compliance to the regional superintendent. Provides that upon receiving satisfactory documentation from the employer, the regional superintendent shall certify the employer's compliance with the requirements to the Fund. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an insured or any other person who may be the owner of rights under a policy of life insurance may make an irrevocable assignment of all or a part of his or her rights under the policy to a funeral home in accordance with a specified provision of the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act. Provides that a policy owner who executes a designation beneficiary form irrevocably waives and cannot exercise certain rights. Amends the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act. In a provision concerning pre-need contracts funded through the purchase of a life insurance policy or tax-deferred annuity contract, provides that nothing shall prohibit the purchaser from irrevocably assigning ownership of the policy or annuity to a person or trust or from irrevocably assigning the benefits of the policy or annuity to a funeral home for the purpose of obtaining favorable consideration for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or another public assistance program. Requires the insured or any other person who may be the owner of rights under the policy of whole life insurance to sign a guaranteed pre-need contract with the provider that describes the cost of the goods and services to be provided upon the person's death, up to $6,774, except that any portion of a contract that clearly represents the purchase of burial space is exempt regardless of value. Amends the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to exempt certain prepaid funeral or burial contracts from consideration when making an eligibility determination for medical assistance, provides that at any time after submitting an application for medical assistance and before the Department makes a final determination of eligibility, an applicant may use available resources to purchase one of the exempted prepaid funeral or burial contracts. Exempts up to $6,774 (rather than $5,874) in funds under an irrevocable prepaid funeral or burial contract when determining an individual's resources and eligibility for medical assistance. Contains provisions concerning exemptions; irrevocable designation of beneficiary forms; and other matters. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 215 ILCS 5/245.3 new 225 ILCS 45/2a 225 ILCS 45/2b new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision requiring the Department of Human Services to exempt certain prepaid funeral or burial contracts from consideration when making an eligibility determination for medical assistance, provides that at any time after submitting an application for medical assistance and before a final determination of eligibility has been made by the Department, an applicant may use available resources to purchase one of the exempted prepaid funeral or burial contracts. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 215 ILCS 5/245.3 new 225 ILCS 45/2a 225 ILCS 45/2b new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an insured or any other person who may be the owner of rights under a policy of life insurance may make an irrevocable assignment of all or a part of his or her rights under the policy to a funeral home in accordance with a specified provision of the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act. Provides that a policy owner who executes a designation beneficiary form irrevocably waives and cannot exercise certain rights. Amends the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act. In a provision concerning pre-need contracts funded through the purchase of a life insurance policy or tax-deferred annuity contract, provides that nothing shall prohibit the purchaser from irrevocably assigning ownership of the policy or annuity to a person or trust or from irrevocably assigning the benefits of the policy or annuity to a funeral home for the purpose of obtaining favorable consideration for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or another public assistance program. Requires the insured or any other person who may be the owner of rights under an existing policy of life insurance to sign a guaranteed pre-need contract with the provider that describes the cost of the funeral goods and services to be provided upon the person's death, up to $7,248, except that any portion of a contract that clearly represents the purchase of burial space, as that term is defined for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income program, is exempt regardless of value. Provides that the form to effectuate the irrevocable assignment and thereby provide for the irrevocable designation of beneficiary of one or more life insurance policies shall be prepared by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or such form, approved by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, that has been prepared by an insurance company licensed to operate in the State of Illinois. Contains provisions concerning disclosure statements under pre-need contracts with cash advances; the distribution of proceeds under a life insurance policy upon the death of the insured; and other matters. Amends the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that at any time prior to or after submitting an application for medical assistance and before a final determination of eligibility has been made, an applicant may use available resources to purchase one of the prepaid funeral or burial contracts exempted under the Article. Provides that existing life insurance policies are exempt if there has been an irrevocable assignment in compliance with a specified provision under the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act. Requires a person to sign a contract with a funeral home, which is licensed under the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act, that describes the cost of the funeral goods and services to be provided upon the person's death, up to $7,248, except that any portion of a contract that clearly represents the purchase of burial space, as that term is defined for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income program, is exempt regardless of value. Provides that the amount shall be adjusted annually for any increase in the Consumer Price Index. Requires the licensed funeral home to which the life insurance policy benefits have been irrevocably assigned to retain copies for inspection by the Comptroller and to report annually to the Comptroller certain information. Provides that certain provisions under the amendatory Act shall be subject to federal approval. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for any necessary federal waivers or approvals to implement certain changes made under the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
