Rep. Michael Kelly

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Strengthening Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Act. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, or any third-party administrator administering the behavioral health benefits for the insurer, shall cover all out-of-network medically necessary mental health and substance use benefits and services (inpatient and outpatient) as if they were in-network for purposes of cost sharing for the insured. Provides that the insured has the right to select the provider or facility of their choice and the modality, whether the care is provided via in-person visit or telehealth, for medically necessary care. Sets forth minimum reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health benefits. Sets forth provisions concerning responsibility for compliance with parity requirements; coverage and payment for multiple covered mental health and substance use services, mental health or substance use services provided under the supervision of a licensed mental health or substance treatment provider, and 60-minute individual psychotherapy; timely credentialing of mental health and substance use providers; Department of Insurance enforcement and rulemaking; civil penalties; and other matters. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to authorize emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act to allow the Department of Children and Family Services to use a "differential response program" for handling child abuse and neglect reports. Under this new system, the department can choose between conducting a full investigation or a less intrusive "family assessment" for reports that do not involve substantial child endangerment. A family assessment focuses on evaluating family strengths and needs to determine if services are required, rather than fact-gathering to prove abuse occurred. If a report initially assigned for investigation is later deemed to require only a family assessment, the department must document the reason for this change and notify law enforcement if they are jointly involved. Additionally, the bill requires an independent evaluation of the program for its first three years to ensure it meets its goals.

Congratulates Fire Chief Marty Feld of the Niles Fire Department on the occasion of his retirement. Thanks him for his more than 38 years of service and dedication to the Village of Niles and the State of Illinois.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and career of former Illinois State Representative Brent Hassert, who passed away in August 2024. The document outlines his background, including his work in landscaping and service on the Will County Board, before detailing his 16 years in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1992 to 2008. It highlights his legislative contributions, such as helping to restructure the state's electricity industry, shaping laws for riverboat casinos, and overseeing administrative rules. The resolution concludes by formally expressing the legislature's condolences and directing a copy of the document to Hassert's wife, Lee Ann Goodson.

Congratulates Fire Chief Andrew Dina of the Warrenville Fire Protection District on receiving the 2024 Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. Recognizes his continual commitment to providing dedicated and empathetic service to his community as well as his masterful direction of the Warrenville Fire Protection District over the past four years.

Congratulates the Naperville Fire Department on its 150 years of service. Commends all individuals who have served and are currently serving the Naperville Fire Department for their commitment to the safety of their community and the residents of the City of Naperville. Honors all firefighters who have perished in the line of service to the Naperville Fire Department, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice while protecting their community.

Congratulates Chief Michael Simo of the Morton Grove Police Department on the occasion of his retirement. Thanks him for his service. Wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates Chief Luis C. Tigera on his retirement after more than 40 years in law enforcement. It recognizes his extensive career, which included roles at the Niles Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Broadview Police Department, as well as his leadership at the Illinois Gaming Board. The resolution expresses appreciation for his dedication and leadership while authorizing the presentation of a copy of the document to him as a symbol of respect.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Defines terms. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2025, a retail establishment may not sell or distribute in this State a disposable food service container that is composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam. Exempts specified entities from the prohibition until one year after the amendatory Act's effective date. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Removes language providing that the examination of an applicant for a driver's license or permit who is 75 years of age or older or, if the Secretary of State adopts rules to raise the age requirement for actual demonstrations, the examination of an applicant who has attained that increased age or is older shall include an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control of the operation of a motor vehicle. Effective January 1, 2025.