Rep. Fred Crespo

Amends the Department of Public Health Act. Provides that the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council created by Public Act 103-8 is continued within the Department of Public Health, with modifications to its duties and composition. Amends the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing provisions regarding the Council.

Maddy summaryHB 4669 designates the Italian beef sandwich as Illinois' official state sandwich under the State Designations Act. This bill directly affects all Illinois residents by formally recognizing a popular local food item in state law. The key provision adds Section 110 to the State Designations Act, explicitly naming the Italian beef sandwich as the state's official sandwich. It has no regulatory or financial impact, serving solely as a ceremonial designation.

Recognizes the rapid responders of Illinois for their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting communities. Acknowledges the vital role rapid responders play in supporting immigrant families, promoting safety and awareness, and strengthening unity across all communities.

Expresses gratitude to Larry Gies and to Beth Gies for their acts of profound generosity to the University of Illinois System. Expresses continuing and undiminished gratitude to those who have fallen in service to the United States of America, this gratitude being symbolized by the recognition of those from the University of Illinois who served and died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. Expresses the belief that on October 28, 1924, the University of Illinois made a solemn pledge at the dedication ceremony of Memorial Stadium to those whose names are inscribed on its columns, a pledge that should not be altered for the sake of obtaining funding from alumni or any other entity. Calls upon the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and Larry and Beth Gies to agree that an alternate means of acknowledging their gift is appropriate. Urges that the name of the structure standing between First and Fourth Streets on the campus of the University of Illinois be permanently restored to "Memorial Stadium".

Amends the Secretary of State Act. Provides that the Secretary of State shall provide for the publication of the Illinois Blue Book no later than 90 days after the inauguration of each new General Assembly.

Creates the Labor Compliance Disclosure for Health Care Facilities Act. Requires each applicant to submit a labor compliance disclosure statement as a condition of approval by the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority for any project involving State-supported bonds or financing. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority shall consider disclosed labor violations as part of their assessment of: (1) financial feasibility; (2) management capability; and (3) public interest and community impact. Sets forth provisions concerning verification and interagency coordination and penalties for non-disclosure or misrepresentation. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority shall adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the Act no later than 90 days after the effective date of the Act.

Urges the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education to conduct a formal review of the Local School Wellness Policy provision prohibiting pork products. Urges such a review to include identification and disclosure of the original rationale and supporting documentation for the prohibition, consultation with nutrition experts and food service professionals, and consideration of stakeholder input. Encourages the CPS Board of Education to evaluate whether limited menu testing or pilot programs allowing pork products would better align with current nutrition science, cultural inclusion, fiscal stewardship, and full utilization of available USDA foods.

Amends the Public Community College Act. Allows the board of trustees of a community college district to establish and offer a baccalaureate degree program and confer a bachelor's degree if specified conditions are met. Requires the board of trustees to demonstrate that the community college district has the expertise, the resources, and sufficient student demand to offer a baccalaureate degree. Sets forth the application requirements. Prohibits a community college district from using semester credit hours generated in a baccalaureate degree program for certain grants. Sets forth limitations on community college districts for establishing baccalaureate programs. Requires a community college district that offers a baccalaureate degree program to submit an annual report to the Illinois Community College Board. Requires the Illinois Community College Board and the Board of Higher Education to conduct a statewide evaluation of all baccalaureate degree programs established under the amendatory Act and report the results of the evaluation on or before 5 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act, in addition to being made publicly available online. Effective immediately.

Expresses reflecting on the heinous Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and remembers the lives of the civilians, soldiers, and defenders who expressed unwavering support for the State of Israel. Extends sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this brutal assault, including the families of the 46 American citizens who lost their lives. Expresses standing steadfast in the face of terrorism and violent acts and remaining committed to lasting peace and stability for the State of Israel.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that, if the payment of a retirement annuity is made to an annuitant more than one month after that retirement annuity payment became payable, then the Fund shall pay interest to the annuitant in an amount equal to 6% of that payment of the retirement annuity. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning the municipal employee's continuance privilege, provides that if an employee has elected to have the monthly premium deducted by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund from the employee's monthly pension payment, then the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund shall promptly remit the premium payments to the insurance company, regardless of whether the employee's monthly pension payment has been paid to the employee. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.