Rep. Delia C. Ramirez

Amends the Illinois Freedom to Work Act. Expands the scope of the Act to apply to all employees (rather than only low-wage employees). Prohibits all covenants not to compete. Effective immediately. Fiscal Note (Dept of Labor) This legislation has no fiscal impact on the Department. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate.

Creates the Polygraph Exam Integrity Act. Provides that every polygraph question submitted for the administration of a polygraph exam by a State agency or entity shall be screened by independent legal counsel to ensure compliance with the Illinois Constitution and the United States Constitution and federal and State law. Provides that screenings shall be paid by the entity requesting the service. Fiscal Note (Illinois State Police) The Illinois Attorney General serves as the legal counsel for the state of Illinois. The Illinois Attorney General would have to approve a Special Assistant Attorney General for this purpose. The Illinois Attorney General typically requires reimbursement for travel expenses from the agency being represented. Therefore, we would defer to the Illinois Attorney General concerning costs associated with this legislation becoming law. If the Illinois Attorney General were to agree the Illinois State Police should hire outside legal counsel, the Illinois State Police would be required to cover the attorney's fees. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate.

Commends the Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs on their dedication to the youth of Illinois and applauds all of the 2019 Illinois Youth of the Year nominees.

Amends the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Minors and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Years of Age and Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products Act. Prohibits the sale or furnishing of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products to a person under 21 years of age. Prohibits the purchase of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products by a person under 21 years of age. Makes changes regarding definitions, age verification, penalties, possession, and other matters. Repeals the Smokeless Tobacco Limitation Act. Amends other Acts to make conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2019. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Makes technical changes.

Supports school-based health centers and declares February 2019 as "School-Based Healthcare Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois.

Declares April 2, 2019 as Pay Equity Day.

Amends the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that, if the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation refuses to issue a license or certificate or grant registration to an applicant based upon a criminal conviction or convictions, the Department shall include in its notification to the applicant an explanation of how the conviction directly relates to and would prevent the person from effectively engaging in the position for which a license, registration, or certificate is sought. Provides that the Department shall post on its website a list of all State and federal licensing restrictions that would prohibit an applicant from working in a position for which a license is sought. In provisions concerning an annual report summarizing statistical information relating to new license, certification, or registration applications during the preceding calendar year, requires the Department to include the types of criminal convictions that contributed to the denial of a license, certificate, or registration.

Creates the Children's Mental Health Ombudsman Program Act. Provides that the Children's Mental Health Ombudsman Program (Program) is created in the Office of the Governor for specified purposes, including for the purposes of advocating on behalf of children with mental health disorders, identifying barriers to effective mental health treatment and proposed solutions; monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, regulations, rules, and policies pertaining to children's behavioral health services; and investigating complaints that a State or a government agency has engaged in activities, practices, or omissions that constitute violations of applicable court orders, statutes, or regulations or that may have an adverse effect upon the health, safety, welfare, or rights of children. Provides that the Governor shall appoint the Children's Mental Health Ombudsman (Ombudsman). Requires the Ombudsman, in consultation with other specified persons, to establish policies and procedures as needed to facilitate compliance with the provisions of the Program, including procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints. Grants the Ombudsman subpoena powers. Requires the Ombudsman to: (i) monitor federal, State, and local statutes, rules, regulations, and policies regarding services and supports for children with mental health disorders; (ii) maintain complete records of complaints received; (iii) submit annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly on the activities of the Program; (iv) adopt rules that are necessary for performing the required activities of the Program; and other matters. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Exempts from disclosure all information and records acquired by the Ombudsman during the performance of his or her duties.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Creates a procurement preference for not-for-profit organizations owned by women, minorities, and persons with a disability. Amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act. Allows for the certification of and the preference in awarding of State contracts to not-for-profit organizations owned by women, minorities, and persons with a disability under the Act. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that specified supplier diversity goal requirements under the Act apply to not-for-profit female-owned (women-owned), minority-owned, veteran-owned, and person with a disability-owned companies or businesses.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Requires a business that extends credit to consumers in the conduct of its business to provide to consumers a document that explains to the consumer the interest rate applied to the transaction, the manner of calculating the interest rate, and the payments required under the terms of the credit extended. Provides that a violation constitutes an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act.