Creates the Consumer Remedies Protection Act. Provides that consumer adhesion contracts are void as a matter of public policy. Creates a private right of action for consumers whose rights are violated. Authorizes recovery of actual and statutory damages in addition to attorney's fees and costs. Defines terms.
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning a safe resident handling policy.
Congratulates Sister Elizabeth on her retirement from St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center.
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections concerning certificates of good conduct and certificates of relief from disabilities. Provides that the certificate may be granted to an eligible offender who has demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence (rather than by clear and convincing evidence) that he or she has been a law-abiding citizen and is fully rehabilitated. Provides that the applicant has conducted himself or herself in a manner warranting the issuance of the certificate of good conduct for a minimum period of one year (rather than 3 years if the person was convicted of a felony and one year if the person was convicted of a misdemeanor).
Amends the Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities Task Force Act. Provides that the Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities Task Force shall operate with administrative support from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (rather than operate under the auspices of the Governor's office). Effective immediately.
Creates the Consumer Alternatives Program Act. Directs the Department of Human Services to implement the Consumer Alternatives Program to prevent or avoid the unnecessary institutional care treatment of individuals with mental disorders or a co-occurring disorder of mental illness and substance abuse or addiction and to provide cost effective, community alternatives and supports that enable these individuals to live successfully in the community. Requires implementation of the Program during fiscal year 2013. Makes implementation of the Program dependent upon funds appropriated by the General Assembly. Provides that participants in the program may receive certain services such as a comprehensive evaluation that includes an assessment of skills, abilities, and potential for living in the community and work placement; family or individual support services; case coordination services; and vocational training. Prohibits the denial of program services because of age, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, ability to pay (except when contrary to law), degree of disability, or illness. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to assist the Department of Human Services in developing housing assistance programs aimed at promoting the ability of individuals with a mental disorder to move from institutions to the most integrated community residence. Effective July 1, 2012.
Amends the Rental Housing Support Program Act. In regard to the Illinois Housing Development Authority adopting rules on grant awards for affordable housing, removes a provision requiring the Authority to adopt a rule restricting local administering agencies and developers from using funding under the grant to develop or support housing that requires that a tenant has a particular diagnosis or type or presence of disability as a condition of eligibility for occupancy. Adds a severability clause. Effective immediately.
Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Sets forth provisions concerning health care cooperatives. Provides that in addition to all other provisions of the Article concerning domestic mutual companies, a company seeking to organize as a health care cooperative shall meet certain requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning the naming of and applications for entities seeking to organize as health care cooperatives. Amends the Co-operative Act. Exempts domestic mutual insurance companies licensed as health care cooperatives by the Director of Insurance from the prohibition against using the term "Co-operative" as part of a corporate or other business name or title without complying with the provisions of the Co-operative Act. Sets forth provisions concerning health benefit purchasing cooperatives. Provides that the purpose of a health benefit purchasing cooperative is to provide health care benefits for certain eligible individuals under a single group health care policy or plan through a contract between the health benefit purchasing cooperative and an insurer authorized to do health insurance business in the State. Sets forth provisions concerning the design, the articles, the membership basis and capital stock, the membership criteria, the health care benefits, and the annual progress report of health benefit purchasing cooperatives. Effective immediately.
Amends the State Universities Civil Service Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning temporary appointments.
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the supervision of persons on parole or mandatory supervised release.
