Rep. Katie Stuart

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Illinois School Code to require students and their parents to either file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or sign a waiver explaining why they are not applying. Starting in the 2020-2021 school year, high school districts must ensure every student completes this step as a condition for receiving a diploma, though the requirement is paused for the 2023-2024 academic year. The law also mandates that schools provide necessary assistance to families and allows for exceptions if a student cannot comply due to extenuating circumstances after the district has made a good faith effort to help.

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a local government that has submitted a distressed location project as defined by Department of Natural Resources rule shall be eligible for assistance up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement projects on distressed location projects. Provides that no less than 10% of the amount appropriated under the Act in any fiscal year shall be made available as grants to distressed communities.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In a provision requiring the Department on Aging to require an annual audit from all personal assistant and home care aide vendors contracting with the Department, provides that the annual audit shall assure that each audited vendor's procedures are in compliance with the Department's financial reporting guidelines requiring an 80% or higher employee wage and benefits cost split and an administrative cost split of no more than 20% (rather than an administrative and employee wage and benefits cost split as defined in administrative rules). Provides that subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2025, rates for homemaker services shall be increased to $32.75 to sustain a minimum wage of $20 per hour for direct service workers. Provides that rates in subsequent State fiscal years shall be no lower than $32.75 upon federal approval. Requires providers of in-home services to be required to certify to the Department that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers. Provides that fringe benefits, including, but not limited to, paid time off and payment for training, health insurance, travel, or transportation, shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases. Provides that subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2025, the Department shall pay a rate add-on under the Community Care Program to those in-home service provider agencies that attest and document their direct service workers attend paid, quarterly, in-person training sessions to fulfill the in-service training requirements. Provides that the add-on shall be 1% of the homemaker services rate. Requires the Department to adopt rules.

Amends the State Treasurer Act. Provides that the State Treasurer may establish and administer a non-profit investment pool to supplement and enhance investment opportunities otherwise available to not-for-profit corporations in the State. Provides that the Treasurer may receive funds paid into the pool for the purpose of holding and investing those funds. Provides for surety bonds payable to not-for-profit corporations who participate in the pool. Makes changes to provisions concerning the direct deposit of State payments. Amends the Accountability for the Investment of Public Funds Act. Provides that the Treasurer shall adopt rules for the efficient administration of the pool. Provides that each State agency shall make available on the Internet, and update at least monthly, no later than the end of each month (rather than by the 15th of the month), sufficient information concerning the investment of any public funds held by that State agency to identify specified information. Effective immediately.

Directs the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct the analysis and financial modeling required to evaluate the implications of implementing the recommended maximum caseloads for school social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, school nurses, and speech-language pathologists working in schools. Requests the Professional Review Panel and the Illinois State Board of Education to submit their findings in a written report to the General Assembly and Governor by December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Officer Luis M. Huesca, a Chicago Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty in April 2024. The text formally expresses the sadness of the Illinois House of Representatives regarding his death and extends condolences to his family, friends, and community. It also directs that a copy of the resolution be given to the Huesca family as a gesture of sympathy. This legislative action serves to acknowledge his service and sacrifice rather than to change laws or policies.

Declares May 15, 2024 as Getting to Zero Illinois Day in the State of Illinois to recommit to a hopeful and achievable path toward virtually eliminating new HIV transmissions and improving overall health care access in Illinois so that all Illinoisans can thrive. Expresses support for the goals and priorities of the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) plan, including the recently updated Getting to Zero Illinois Plan 2.0, with the goal to achieve zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. Expresses support for continued funding for prevention, care, and treatment services for communities impacted by HIV and people living with HIV in Illinois. Expresses support for efforts to reduce health disparities and improve access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment in the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.

Declares October of 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and supports and commends the efforts of the people and organizations who work tirelessly to help victims break free of the devastating effects of domestic abuse.

Declares June 15, 2024 as History Day in the State of Illinois. Recognizes all those who volunteer at historical societies in Illinois for all they do to preserve and spread our history.

Declares February 5 through February 9, 2024 as School Counseling Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages all Illinoisans to join in recognizing school counselors who have worked diligently to ensure all students in the State are afforded more equal opportunities in their education and personal growth.