Rep. Edgar González

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that the showing of interest in support of a petition filed for the purpose of selecting a labor organization as the representative of the employees in a bargaining unit may be evidenced by electronic communications, and such writing or communication may be evidenced by the electronic signature of the employees. Provides that the showing of interest shall be valid only if signed within 12 months prior to the filing of the petition. Provides that a secret ballot election held for the purpose of selecting a labor organization as the representative of the employees in a bargaining unit may be conducted electronically, using an electronic voting system, in addition to paper ballot voting systems. Provides that it shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer to promise, threaten, or take any action because of an employee's specified participation in a strike. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 115 ILCS 5/7 from Ch. 48, par. 1707 115 ILCS 5/8 from Ch. 48, par. 1708 115 ILCS 5/14 from Ch. 48, par. 1714 Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. With respect to the recognition of exclusive bargaining representatives, provides that the showing of interest in support of certain petitions may be evidenced by electronic communications and such writing or communication may be evidenced by the electronic signature of an employee as provided under the Electronic Commerce Security Act. Provides that the showing of interest shall be valid only if signed within 12 months prior to the filing of the petition. In provisions regarding elections, provides that a secret ballot election may be conducted electronically, using an electronic voting system, in addition to paper ballot voting systems. Adds as an unfair labor practice promising, threatening, or taking any action (i) to permanently replace an employee who participates in a strike, (ii) to discriminate against an employee who is working or has unconditionally offered to return to work for the employer because the employee supported or participated in such as a strike, or (iii) to lockout, suspend, or otherwise withhold from employment employees in order to influence the position of such employees or the representative of such employees in collective bargaining prior to a strike. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Specifies that it shall be an unfair labor practice for public employers and educational employers to promise, threaten, or take specified actions against their employees concerning a lawful strike. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall establish criteria and guidelines for State-designated cultural districts. Specifies powers and duties of the Department. Provides requirements concerning certification of State-designated cultural districts. Provides State-designated cultural district reporting requirements. Defines "State-designated cultural district". Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish an advisory committee to advise the Department on program rules and the certification process. Provides for the members of the advisory committee. Modifies and provides further requirements concerning certification of State-designated cultural districts. Makes other changes. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of Senate Amendment No. 1, and makes a change providing that the advisory committee to advise the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on program rules and the certification process shall include 4 community representatives (rather than 2) appointed by the Governor representing diverse racial, ethnic, and geographic groups not captured in the membership of the other designees, with the input of community and stakeholder groups. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 605/605-1055 new Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 605/605-1057 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with changes. Modifies the powers and duties of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity regarding the establishment of State-designated cultural districts. Modifies the composition of the advisory committee. Provides that the advisory committee shall reflect the diversity of the State of Illinois, including geographic, racial, and ethnic diversity. Provides further requirements concerning certification of State-designated cultural districts. Provides that the Department shall award no more than 5 State-designated cultural districts every year, and that the total amount of State-designated cultural districts shall be more than 15. Provides that any State-designated cultural district that fails to file the specified required report for 2 consecutive years shall lose its status. Repeals provisions on July 1, 2031. Makes other changes. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Provides for the appointment of members to the advisory committee by the Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require each long-term care facility in the State, as a condition of facility licensure, to adopt and implement written policies, provide for the availability of technology to facility residents, and ensure that appropriate staff and other capabilities are in place to prevent the social isolation of facility residents. Contains specified requirements for the social isolation prevention policies. Provides that the Department shall distribute civil monetary penalty funds, as approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and any other available federal and State funds, upon request, to facilities for communicative technologies and accessories needed for the purposes of the provisions. Provides that whenever the Department conducts an inspection of a long-term care facility, the Department's inspector shall determine whether the long-term facility is in compliance with the provisions and the policies, protocols, and procedures adopted pursuant to the provisions. Requires the Department to adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions within 60 days after the amendatory Act's effective date (and makes conforming changes in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act). Contains other provisions. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Removes language providing that the Department of Public Health shall require each long-term care facility in the State to perform specified actions as a condition of facility licensure. Provides that the social isolation prevention policies shall not be interpreted as a substitute for in person visitation, but shall be wholly in addition to the existing in person visitation policies. Provides that a resident's individualized visitation plan shall give priority to the resident's preferences over the preferences of the resident's representative. Provides that a long-term care facility may apply for (rather than the Department shall distribute) civil monetary penalty fund grants, and may request other available federal and State funds to obtain assistive and supportive technologies and related accessories that would facilitate communication between residents and other family members, friends, and external support systems. Provides that the Department (rather than the Department's inspector) shall determine whether a long-term care facility is in compliance with the provisions whenever the Department conducts an annual licensure and certification survey, when a complaint is received, or as frequently as may be necessary (rather than whenever the Department conducts an inspection of a long-term care facility). Provides that a noncompliant long-term care facility shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty as a Type "C" violation. Provides that implementation of an administrative penalty as a Type "C" violation under the provisions shall not be imposed prior to January 1, 2023. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 In provisions amending the Nursing Home Care Act, provides that the social isolation prevention policies adopted by each long-term care facility shall be consistent with the rights and privileges guaranteed to residents and constraints provided under specified provisions of the Nursing Home Care Act. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Adds provisions regarding legislative findings. Replaces references to specified types of equipment with references to assistive and supportive technology and devices. Requires appropriate staff to develop and update an individualized virtual visitation schedule while taking into account the individual's requests and preferences (rather than to assess and regularly reassess the individual needs and preferences of facility residents). Requires appropriate staff to develop an individualized virtual visitation schedule (rather than an individualized visitation plan) with specified requirements. Provides that specific protocols and procedures shall be developed to ensure that the quantity of assistive and supportive technology and devices maintained on-site at a facility remains sufficient, at all times, to meet the assessed social and activity needs and preferences of each facility resident. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act. Requires private educational lenders to obtain from the relevant institution of higher education at which the borrower will use the loan proceeds certifications regarding cost, enrollment status of the borrower, and financial assistance available to the borrower. Provides that private educational lenders must file reports with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Student Loan Ombudsman. Provides that loan statements must be provided not less frequently than quarterly. Requires institutions of higher education to certify compliance with provisions of the Act to the Board of Higher Education or Illinois Community College Board as a condition to operate. Defines terms. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Revises a cross-reference to certain certifications required under the Act to be made by an institution of higher education. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Defines the term "annual percentage rate" and requires disclosure of that rate. Provides an exemption from reporting for private educational lenders that fund 10 or fewer educational loans in a calendar year. Adds disclosure requirements for income share agreements.

Amends the Community Benefits Act. Provides that the Act applies to all nonprofit and public hospitals licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act (rather than not applying to a hospital operated by a unit of government, a hospital located outside of a metropolitan statistical area, or a hospital with 100 or fewer beds). Requires community benefits plans to describe activities the hospital is undertaking to address health equity, reduce health disparities, and improve community health. Provides that, in order to increase transparency and accessibility of charity care and financial assistance data, the Attorney General shall post on the Attorney General's website: all community benefits plans contained in reports submitted by hospitals; and a compiled report that summarizes information from completed community benefits plans. Provides that an electronic version of the compiled report shall be sent to the Governor and each member of the General Assembly. Provides a late filing fee for nonprofit hospitals for community benefits plans of $2,500 per month that the report is late (rather than $100). Makes other changes. Amends the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. Provides that a hospital, other than a rural hospital or a Critical Access Hospital, shall provide a discount from charges to specified uninsured patients for all medically necessary health care services exceeding $150 (rather than $300) in any one inpatient admission or outpatient encounter. Provides for civil monetary penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 (rather than $500) for a violation. Requires the Attorney General to publish an annual report that outlines complaints received related to hospital uninsured discount programs and financial assistance applications. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 210 ILCS 76/5 210 ILCS 76/25 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill and makes the following changes. Removes language specifying that the Act applies to all nonprofit and public hospitals licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or operated under the University of Illinois Hospital Act. Removes language changing the provisions concerning a nonprofit hospital that fails to make a report of the community benefits plan. Removes language increasing civil monetary penalties. Provides that hospitals shall permit an uninsured patient to apply for a discount within 90 days (rather than 60 days) of the date of discharge or date of service. Provides that hospitals shall offer uninsured patients who receive community-based primary care provided by a community health center or a free and charitable clinic, are referred by such an entity to the hospital, and seek access to nonemergency hospital-based health care services with an opportunity to be screened for and assistance with applying for public health insurance programs if there is a reasonable basis to believe that the uninsured patient may be eligible for a public health insurance program. Changes the effective date from immediate to January 1, 2022. Makes other changes. House Committee Amendment No. 1 In provisions of the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act regarding patient responsibility, provides that hospitals may make the availability of a discount and the maximum collectible amount under the Act contingent upon the uninsured patient first applying for coverage under public health insurance programs (rather than public programs) if there is a reasonable basis to believe that the uninsured patient may be eligible for such program.

Creates the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act. Provides that the Act applies to every unit of local government that provides or coordinates ambulance or similar emergency medical response or transportation services for individuals with emergency medical needs. A home rule unit may not respond to or provide services for a mental or behavioral health emergency, or create a transportation plan or other regulation, relating to the provision of mental or behavioral health services in a manner inconsistent with this Act. Provides that one plan shall describe how the EMS Region will provide mobile emergency mental and behavioral health services to individuals who do not present as a threat to the responders, and are not involved in criminal activity at the time of the response. Provides that the plan shall conform to the requirements of the Act and, recognizing the variety of systems, services, and needs across the State, provide the specific requirements and guidance appropriate for that region. Provides that the plan shall be identified as the region's community emergency services and supports plan. Provides that the second plan shall describe the manner and extent to which responders operating under the region's Community Emergency Services and Supports Plan coordinate with law enforcement when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that the plan shall be identified as the region's Non-Violent Misdemeanor Coordination Plan. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Dept. of Human Services) The fiscal impact to IDHS to provide for the establishment and oversight on the committees would be minimal. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Provides that each 9-1-1 call center and provider of emergency services dispatched through a 9-1-1 system must coordinate with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services so that the following State goals and State prohibitions are met whenever a person interacts with one of these entities for the purpose seeking emergency mental and behavioral health care or when one of these entities recognizes the appropriateness of providing mobile mental or behavioral health care to an individual with whom they have engaged. Provides that the Division of Mental Health is also directed to provide guidance regarding whether and how these entities should coordinate with mobile mental and behavioral health services when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that 9-1-1 call centers, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 call centers, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Division of Mental Health must coordinate their services so that certain specified State prohibitions are avoided. Provides that the Division of Mental Health shall establish regional advisory committees in each EMS Region to advise on emergency response systems for mental and behavioral health. Provides that the Act applies to persons of all ages, both children and adults. Provides that the Act does not limit an individual's right to control his or her own medical care. No provision of this Act shall be interpreted in such a way as to limit an individual's right to choose his or her preferred course of care or to reject care. Provides that no provision of this Act shall be interpreted to promote or provide justification for the use of restraints when providing mental or behavioral health care. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to make conforming changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 50 ILCS 750/4 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Community Emergency Services and Support Act. Provides that each 9-1-1 call center and provider of emergency services dispatched through a 9-1-1 system must coordinate with the mobile mental and behavioral health services established by the Division of Mental Health of the Department of Human Services so that the following State goals and State prohibitions are met whenever a person interacts with one of these entities for the purpose seeking emergency mental and behavioral health care or when one of these entities recognizes the appropriateness of providing mobile mental or behavioral health care to an individual with whom they have engaged. The Division of Mental Health is also directed to provide guidance regarding whether and how these entities should coordinate with mobile mental and behavioral health services when responding to individuals who appear to be in a mental or behavioral health emergency while engaged in conduct alleged to constitute a non-violent misdemeanor. Provides that 9-1-1 PSAPs, emergency services dispatched through 9-1-1 PSAPs, and the mobile mental and behavioral health service established by the Division of Mental Health must coordinate their services so that the State goals listed in this Section are achieved. Appropriate mobile response service for mental and behavioral health emergencies shall be available regardless of whether the initial contact was with 9-8-8, 9-1-1 or directly with an emergency service dispatched through 9-1-1. Provides that the Division of Mental Health shall establish a Statewide Advisory Committee to review and make recommendations for aspects of coordinating 9-1-1 and the 9-8-8 mobile mental health response system most appropriately addressed on a State level. Provides that the Division of Mental Health shall establish Regional Advisory Committees in each EMS Region to advise on regional issues related to emergency response systems for mental and behavioral health. Provides that the exemptions from civil liability in the Emergency Telephone Systems Act apply to any act or omission in the development, design, installation, operation, maintenance, performance, or provision of service directed by the Act. Provides that the Act applies to persons of all ages, both children and adults. This Act does not limit an individual's right to control his or her own medical care. No provision of this Act shall be interpreted in such a way as to limit an individual's right to choose his or her preferred course of care or to reject care. No provision of this Act shall be interpreted to promote or provide justification for the use of restraints when providing mental or behavioral health care. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Make technical and stylistic changes in the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1. Adds additional responsibilities for 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point telecommunicators and emergency service providers. Places the applicability and home rule preemption provisions in a separate Section of the bill.

Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that the Supreme Court may implement a program to issue a Hope Card to the petitioner of a plenary order of protection for the petitioner to distribute to any individual who may need to be aware of the order. Adds provisions concerning the design and details of a Hope Card. Provides that a Hope Card shall have the same effect as the underlying plenary order of protection. Provides that the program may provide for the issuance of a temporary Hope Card at the time of the entry of the plenary order of protection. Provides that the first Hope Card shall be free, and the Supreme Court may establish a fee for any additional Hope Card, not to exceed $7 per Hope Card. Makes a corresponding change. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the Supreme Court shall (rather than may) implement a program to issue a Hope Card to the petitioner of a plenary order of protection. Provides that 3 three Hope Cards per protected party (rather than the first Hope Card) issued shall be free. Allows the Supreme Court to establish a fee for any additional Hope Card, not to exceed $5 (rather than $7) per Hope Card. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the contents of the introduced bill and House Amendment No. 1, but provides that the Supreme Court may (rather than shall) implement a program to issue a Hope Card to the petitioner of a plenary order of protection.

Amends the School Code and the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. Provides that if a school district issues an identification card to pupils in any of grades 7 through 12, the district shall provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a local suicide prevention hotline on the identification card. Provides that if a public college or university issues an identification card to students, the public college or university must provide on the identification card (i) contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and a local suicide prevention hotline and (ii) the campus police or campus security telephone number or a local nonemergency telephone number. Effective July 1, 2022. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.73 new 105 ILCS 5/27A-5 110 ILCS 58/25 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.75 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Beyond Charity Law. Amends the School Code. Provides that each school district that serves pupils in any of grades 6 through 12 and that issues an identification card to pupils in any of grades 6 through 12 shall provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and either the Safe2Help Illinois helpline or a local suicide prevention hotline or both on the identification card. Requires the contact information to identify each helpline that may be contacted through text messaging. Provides that the contact information shall also be included in the school's student handbook and student planner if a student planner is custom printed by the school for distribution to students in any of grades 6 through 12. Effective July 1, 2022. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.73 new 105 ILCS 5/27A-5 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/10-20.75 new 110 ILCS 58/25 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Beyond Charity Law. Amends the School Code. Provides that each school district that serves pupils in any of grades 6 through 12 and that issues an identification card to pupils in any of grades 6 through 12 shall provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and either the Safe2Help Illinois helpline or a local suicide prevention hotline or both on the identification card. Amends the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. Provides that if a public higher education institution issues student identification cards to its students, the institution must provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and a local suicide prevention hotline on the identification card. Requires the contact information on the school's or institution's card to identify each helpline that may be contacted through text messaging. Provides that the contact information shall also be included in the student handbook and student planner if a student planner is custom printed by the school or institution. Effective July 1, 2022.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that, in determining income eligibility for child care benefits beginning in State fiscal year 2022, the income threshold shall be no less than 200% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size. Effective July 1, 2021. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that the income threshold established for the child care program in the amendatory Act shall be in effect notwithstanding any other provision of law or administrative rule to the contrary.

Creates the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alex's Law. Provides that a person who, in good faith, seeks or obtains emergency medical assistance for someone experiencing an opioid overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substance or a controlled substance analog if certain conditions are met. Provides that a person who is experiencing an overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substance or a controlled substance analog if evidence for the possession charge was acquired as a result of the person seeking or obtaining emergency medical assistance. Provides that a person's pretrial release, probation, furlough, supervised release, or parole shall not be revoked based on an incident for which the person would be immune from prosecution under the provisions. Effective August 16, 2021. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: New Act Adds reference to: 720 ILCS 570/414 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as Alex's Law. Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. In a provision concerning overdose and limited immunity, provides that specified violations must not serve as the sole basis of a violation of parole, mandatory supervised release, probation, conditional discharge, a person's pretrial release, or furlough, or any seizure of property under any State law authorizing civil forfeiture so long as the evidence for the violation was acquired as a result of the person seeking or obtaining emergency medical assistance in the event of an overdose. Effective January 1, 2022.