Rep. Kevin Schmidt

Maddy summarySB 914 updates the definition of who qualifies for free hunting licenses in Illinois by clarifying rules for landowners, tenants, and business owners. The bill establishes specific criteria for "bona fide equity" members of corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, requiring them to hold their interest for at least five years and hunt only on the business's land. It also expands eligibility to include family members who collectively own at least 40 acres but do not all live on the property. These changes aim to streamline the process for issuing free permits to eligible individuals while maintaining restrictions on non-resident fees and hunting outside the specified land.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 798 is a technical amendment to the Agency Energy Efficiency Act that updates the official short title of a specific section within the law. This change does not alter any existing policies, funding, or operational requirements for state agencies or the public. The bill's sole purpose is to correct the naming convention for clarity in the legislative text.

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Provides that the Office of the Secretary of State shall install and maintain electronic monitoring devices at each entrance to the State Capitol Complex and shall install and maintain safety call boxes around the State Capitol Complex. Provides that any video or audio recording created or maintained under the provision is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Defines terms. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article and the Administration Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Removes a provision requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to cover kidney transplantation services for noncitizens under the medical assistance program. Removes provisions permitting the Department to provide medical services to noncitizens 42 years of age and older. Removes a provision requiring the Department to cover immunosuppressive drugs and related services associated with post kidney transplant management for noncitizens. Removes provisions concerning the adoption of emergency rules and other matters regarding medical coverage or services for noncitizens.

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 February 21, 2024 as John Lewis Day in the State of Illinois to honor the life and legacy of American hero and civil rights leader John Robert Lewis.

Amends the Use Tax Act, the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act, and the State Finance Act. Provides for a sales tax holiday on school supplies during the first 7 days of August of each calendar year. Effective immediately.

Declares April 2024 as Minority Health Month. Urges all Americans to learn their LDL-C level. Urges the Illinois Department of Health to update the State's cardiovascular plan to accelerate quality improvements and measures to achieve improved health outcomes for CVD patients. Urges the Illinois Department of Health to develop campaigns to increase cholesterol tests during the month of April. Urges providers to treat all CVD patients in accordance with American College of Cardiology treatment guidelines.