Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado

Amends the Language Assistance Services Act. Provides for the use and availability of qualified medical interpreters (rather than interpreters) in health facilities. Defines "qualified medical interpreters". Provides that employees of a health facility have the right to use a qualified medical interpreter for their own communication with a limited English proficient patient if a conversation between the limited English proficient patient and the employee would be jeopardized by the use of a volunteer interpreter. Requires the facility to annually transmit to the Department of Public Health a copy of the updated policy regarding language assistance services and to include a description of the facility's process to ensure adequate and speedy communication between staff and patients with language or communication barriers. Provides that facilities must prepare and maintain a list of contact information for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter providers or individuals who have been identified as being proficient in sign language, as well as a list of the languages of the population of the geographical area served by the facility. Removes language allowing facilities to consider providing its nonbilingual staff with standardized picture and phrase sheets for use in routine communications with patients who have language or communication barriers. Makes other changes.

Creates the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act. Contains only a short title provision. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 5 ILCS 100/5-45.8 new 35 ILCS 5/704A Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Investing in Illinois Works Tax Credit Act. Provides that each owner or operator, as defined in the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act, may apply for a credit against withholding payments due under the Illinois Income Tax Act for each member of its skilled and trained workforce who is also a qualifying graduate. Provides limitations on the credit. Creates the Access to Apprenticeship Act. Provides that no preapprenticeship or apprenticeship program may require a recommendation from a union member or any other person as a condition of acceptance. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and the Illinois Income Tax Act to make conforming changes. Creates the Illinois Hazardous Workforce Materials Training Act. Requires workers at high hazard facilities to obtain minimum approved safety training, provided by the Occupational and Safety Health Administration, and to file a certificate of completion with the Department of Labor. Contains enforcement provisions. Provides that the Act does not apply to any owner or operator that has an executed national or local labor agreement in effect pertaining to the performance of construction work at a given facility or site under the terms of the agreement. Requires applicable apprenticeship and training programs, approved by and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship, providing minimum approved safety training for workers in high hazard facilities and contractors employing workers at high hazard facilities to file an annual report with the Department and the Illinois Works Review Panel. Provides that an owner or operator who violates the requirements of the Act shall be subject to a minimum civil penalty of $10,000 for each violation. Requires all moneys received by the Department as fees and civil penalties under the Act to be deposited into the Illinois Works Fund to be used to recruit, prescreen, and provide preapprenticeship skills training. Contains other provisions. Effective January 1, 2022. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of House Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. In provisions creating the Investing in Illinois Works Tax Credit Act, makes changes to provisions concerning definitions. Provides that each owner or operator may claim an amount equal to $2,500 (rather than may apply for a credit up to 45% of qualified wages paid) against a tax imposed under specified provisions of the Illinois Income Tax Act for each member of its skilled and trained workforce who is also a qualifying graduate. Contains provisions regarding the application process for the credit. Provides that the credit shall not be awarded more than an aggregate of $20,000,000 in total tax credits. Contains provisions regarding penalties and recapture. Makes other changes. In provisions creating the Illinois Hazardous Workforce Materials Training Act, provides that the Illinois Department of Labor (rather than the Attorney General's Workers Rights Bureau, in conjunction with the Department) must certify that an emergency warrants noncompliance with the Act. Makes other changes. In provisions amending the Illinois Income Tax Act, removes changes to the reporting periods upon which the amount computed for maximum credit is based. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2022. Fiscal Note, House Floor Amendment No. 2 (Dept. of Labor) There is no fiscal impact to the Department of Labor by the Illinois Works Tax Credit Act and the amendments to the Illinois Income Tax Act. The fiscal impact to the Department of Labor by the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act is estimated as follows: 3 Labor Conciliators (salary, benefits, and expenses): $179,917.93 each; 1 Information Services Specialist (salary, benefits, and expenses): $155,960.06; Total Department of Labor fiscal impact: $695,713.85. State Debt Impact Note, House Floor Amendment No. 2 (Government Forecasting & Accountability) HB 3437, as amended by House Amendment 2, would not change the amount of authorization for any type of State-issued bond, and, therefore, would not affect the level of State indebtedness. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 35 ILCS 5/704A Adds reference to: 35 ILCS 5/232 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. In provisions creating the Investing in Illinois Works Tax Credit Act, makes changes to provisions concerning definitions. Provides that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023 (rather than for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022) an owner or operator may claim as a credit against the tax imposed under specified provisions of the Illinois Income Tax Act an amount equal to the amount of Illinois income tax withheld from the compensation paid to each qualifying employee and paid to the Department of Revenue, not to exceed (rather than equal to) $2,500 per calendar year for each qualifying employee. Provides that for partners and shareholders of Subchapter S corporations, there shall be allowed a credit to be determined in accordance with the determination of income and distributive share of income under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Removes language providing that specified provisions are exempt from specified provisions of the Illinois Income Tax Act. Makes other changes. In provisions creating the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act, provides the findings of the General Assembly. Makes changes to provisions concerning definitions. Provides that within 3 days after an emergency resulting in a failure to comply with the Act, an owner or operator must notify the Department that such an event occurred and provide documentation supporting its claim that compliance with the Act was impracticable. Makes changes to provisions concerning enforcement and reporting requirements. Requires the Department of Labor to consider the gravity of a violation in determining the amount of the penalty for the violation. Provides that if the Department finds that a contractor or owner or operator failed to pay the prevailing rate of wages to construction workers at a stationary source as required under the Act, the Department shall have the ability to recover unpaid or underpaid wages, plus a 5% monthly penalty, on behalf of and payable to the workers. Makes other changes. Removes language allowing the Department of Labor to adopt emergency rules under the amendatory Act. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Contains provisions regarding the Investing in Illinois Works Tax Credit (rather than amending provisions regarding employers' returns and payments withheld). Provides an effective date of January 1, 2023 (rather than January 1, 2022).

Amends the Medical Patient Rights Act. Provides that if a patient unknowingly and through no fault of his or her own receives care from a health care professional or health care provider who is not among the network of health care providers for the patient's health care plan, the health care professional or health care provider may not charge or bill that patient for that care. Defines "health care professional". Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may provide medical services to noncitizens 19 years of age through 64 years of age who (i) are not eligible for medical assistance under the Medical Assistance Program due to their not meeting the citizenship requirements under the Code and (ii) have income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level plus 5% for the applicable family size as determined under applicable federal law and regulations. Provides that persons eligible for medical services under the amendatory Act shall receive benefits identical to the benefits provided under the Health Benefits Service Package as defined under the Medical Assistance Article of the Code.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Public Health, subject to appropriation or other available funding, shall conduct a program to promote awareness of firearms restraining orders to the general public. Provides that beginning July 1, 2022, the program must include the development and dissemination, through print, digital, and broadcast media, of public service announcements that publicize the options victims of domestic violence have to seek help with special emphasis on the firearms restraining order. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall develop and approve a standard curriculum for a training program on the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Provides that the Board shall conduct a training program that trains officers on the use of firearms restraining orders, how to identify situations in which a firearms restraining order is appropriate, and how to safely promote the usage of the firearms restraining order in a domestic violence situation. Officers who have successfully completed this program shall be issued a certificate attesting to their attendance. Amends the Firearms Restraining Order Act. Provides that a firearms restraining order includes the seizure of the respondent's ammunition. Provides that "family member of the respondent" includes a former spouse and a person with whom the respondent has or allegedly has a child in common. Provides that a petition for a firearms restraining order may be filed in any county where an incident occurred that involved the respondent posing an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to the respondent or another by having in his or her custody or control, or purchasing, possessing, or receiving, a firearm or ammunition. Includes printing a petition for a firearms restraining order for which no fees may be charged by the circuit clerk. Provides that the Illinois State Police shall submit a yearly report to the General Assembly concerning the applications and issuance of firearms restraining orders.

Amends the Telehealth Act. Provides that the Act applies to all health insurance coverage offered by health insurance issuers regulated by the Department of Insurance or the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the medical assistance program authorized under the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that any policy, contract, or certificate of health insurance coverage that does not distinguish between in-network and out-of-network providers shall be subject to the Act as though all providers were in-network. Provides that health insurance issuers shall cover all telehealth services rendered by a health care professional to deliver any clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services. Restricts health insurance issuers from engaging in specified activities. Provides that health care professionals and facilities shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to privacy laws. Changes the term "telehealth" to "telehealth services". Makes corresponding changes. Defines terms. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, makes changes to definitions. Provides that coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services delivered by health care professionals and facilities shall comply with the Telehealth Act. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department and managed care organizations shall comply with the Telehealth Act and removes provisions concerning behavioral health and medical services via telehealth. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 100/5-45.10 new 225 ILCS 150/20 new 225 ILCS 150/25 new 225 ILCS 150/30 new 225 ILCS 150/35 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall cover all telehealth services rendered by a health care professional to deliver any clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services, and shall not engage in specified activities. Provides that any policy, contract, or certificate of health insurance coverage that does not distinguish between in-network and out-of-network providers shall be subject to the Act as though all providers were in-network. Provides that health care professionals and facilities shall determine the appropriateness of specific sites, technology platforms, and technology vendors for a telehealth service, as long as delivered services adhere to privacy laws. Provides that there shall be no restrictions on originating site requirements for telehealth coverage or reimbursement to the distant site. Defines terms. Amends the Telehealth Act. Changes the term "telehealth" to "telehealth services". Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and managed care organizations shall comply with specified provisions of the Illinois Insurance Code and removes provisions concerning behavioral health and medical services via telehealth. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to provide for emergency rulemaking. In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, removes language that provides that coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services delivered by health care professionals and facilities shall comply with the Telehealth Act. Removes changes to the Telehealth Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 In provisions in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act concerning emergency rulemaking, provides that provisions allowing the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt emergency rules are repealed on January 1, 2022 (rather than January 1, 2026). In provisions concerning coverage for telehealth services, provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall not require that in-person contact occur between a health care professional and a patient (rather than in-person contact shall not occur between a health care professional and a patient, except before an initial e-visit or virtual check-in in order to establish a patient relationship).

Amends the Landlord and Tenant Act. Provides that the total amount of a security deposit and nonrefundable move-in fees, except for any additional fee for pets, may not exceed the amount of the first full month's rent for the tenant's dwelling unit.

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that members of the Children of Incarcerated Parents Task Force shall be appointed by the Secretary of Human Services (rather than the Lieutenant Governor), unless otherwise indicated. Provides that the Department of Human Services (rather than the Lieutenant Governor) shall provide administrative and technical support to the Task Force and shall be responsible for administering its operations, appointing a chairperson, and ensuring that the requirements of the Task Force are met. Repeals a provision providing that an Article of the Code regarding the Task Force is repealed on January 1, 2022. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides the procedure for filling a vacancy of a Senator or Representative in the General Assembly. Provides that within 3 days after a vacancy, the committee for that legislative or representative district shall create a uniform application for candidates seeking appointment and determine the date, time, and location at which the committee shall make the appointment (allowing for at least 7 days of public notice). Provides that applications received within 2 days before the appointment shall be made publicly available. Provides that candidates shall be granted an opportunity to present their credentials publicly and take questions from the committeepersons. Provides that a State Senator or Representative who is also a committeeperson is prohibited from participating in the appointment of his or her successor. Provides for a proxy for a committeeperson who is ineligible to vote for an appointment. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act to provide that if an individual's benefit year begins on or after March 8, 2020, but before the week following the last week of a disaster period established by the gubernatorial disaster proclamations in response to COVID-19, recovery by suit in the name of the People of the State of Illinois or recoupment from benefits payable to an individual for any week shall be permanently waived if the sum was received by the individual without fault on his or her part. Provides that, in cases of such permanent waiver of recovery or recoupment, the Director of Employment Security may not request the Comptroller or the Secretary of the Treasury to withhold a sum of benefits for which an individual is found to be ineligible. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Dept. of Employment Security) The legislation may have a fiscal impact on the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The reported data indicates that for the programs payable under Illinois state law: (1) Fiscal Year 2019, non-fraudulent recovery totaled approximately $14,303,046.00; (2) Fiscal Year 2020, non-fraudulent recovery totaled approximately $16,552,059.00; and (3) First and Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2021, non-fraudulent recovery totaled approximately $10,147,378.00. Based on the above data, it appears the legislation could forgive $3.5 million to $5.1 million for each quarter the waiver provision remained in effect. While the system is generally designed to replenish the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund account by charging employers for benefits paid from the account, employers would not be directly charged for the forgiven overpayments as the bill is currently written.