Rep. Joyce Mason

Creates the Legislative Accessibility Act. Provides that the General Assembly shall make all efforts to increase the accessibility of the General Assembly for people with disabilities. Provides that the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate shall each appoint an accessibility coordinator who, in consultation with the Architect of the Capitol, shall be responsible for addressing accessibility needs for his or her corresponding house. Provides that the Illinois General Assembly website shall include either an email address, webform, or other similar mechanism to request reasonable accommodations to meet the accessibility needs of people with disabilities attending legislative events. Establishes the General Assembly Accessibility Task Force. Provides for the membership and meetings of the Task Force. Provides that members and ex officio members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Provides administrative support for the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall examine issues concerning accessibility of persons with a disability. Requires the Task Force to make recommendations to the General Assembly concerning General Assembly accessibility no later than December 31, 2021. Repeals specified provisions January 1, 2023. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Removes provision requiring the General Assembly Accessibility Task Force to be convened by the Department of Central Management Services in coordination with the Secretary of State. Modifies the appointment of members to the Task Force. Provides that the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minority Leader of the Senate, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall each appoint 2 members to the Task Force (rather than the Governor appointing 15 members). Provides for the appointment of the Task Force chair. Provides that appointees shall include persons who self-identify as having a disability or advocates for such persons. Provides for specified State officials to serve on the Task Force as ex officio members. Provides that the Architect of the Capitol (rather than the Department of Central Management Services) shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Requires the Task Force to issue its recommendations to the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2023 (rather than December 31, 2021). Repeals the Task Force on January 1, 2025 (rather than January 1, 2023). Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Further amends the Legislative Accessibility Act. Provides that the Illinois General Assembly website shall include an email address, web form, or other similar mechanism to meet the accessibility needs of persons attending legislative meetings, hearings, floor proceedings, and press conferences at the Capitol Complex (rather than persons attending legislative events, including, but not limited to, all hearings and floor proceedings). Makes a technical change.

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Deletes language providing that: all counseling sessions shall be confidential; and communications in counseling shall not be used in any manner in litigation nor relied upon by any expert appointed by the court or retained by any party. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill, and makes the following change: Provides that court-ordered counseling is subject to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 750 ILCS 5/607.6 Adds reference to: 750 ILCS 5/103 from Ch. 40, par. 103 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning jury trials. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 750 ILCS 5/103 from Ch. 40, par. 103 Adds reference to: 430 ILCS 65/1.1 from Ch. 38, par. 83-1.1 725 ILCS 5/112A-4.5 725 ILCS 5/112A-23 from Ch. 38, par. 112A-23 725 ILCS 5/112A-28 from Ch. 38, par. 112A-28 750 ILCS 60/222.5 750 ILCS 60/223 from Ch. 40, par. 2312-23 750 ILCS 60/302 from Ch. 40, par. 2313-2 820 ILCS 180/20 820 ILCS 180/30 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Changes the definition of "protective order" to include substantially similar protective orders issued by the court of another state, tribe, or United States territory or military tribunal. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a petition for a civil no contact order or a petition for a stalking no contact order may be filed by a service member of the Illinois National Guard or any reserve military component serving within the State who is a victim of non-consensual sexual conduct who has also received a Military Protective Order or the Staff Judge Advocate of the Illinois National Guard or any reserve military component serving in the State on behalf of a named victim who is a victim of non-consensual sexual conduct who has also received a Military Protective Order. Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Requires the Illinois National Guard to file a certified copy of any military order of protection with the clerk of the court in a judicial circuit in which the person entitled to protection resides or if the person entitled to protection is not a State resident, in a judicial circuit in which it is believed that enforcement may be necessary. Amends the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act. Provides that an employer shall not fail to hire, refuse to hire, discharge, constructively discharge, or harass any individual, otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the individual, or retaliate against an individual in any form or manner, and a public agency shall not deny, reduce, or terminate the benefits of, otherwise sanction, or harass any individual, otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the amount, terms, or conditions of public assistance of the individual, or retaliate against an individual in any form or manner, because the individual involved attended, participated in, prepared for, requested leave to attend, participate in, or prepare for a court-martial or nonjudicial punishment proceeding pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Justice relating to an incident of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any criminal violence of which the individual or a family or household member of the individual was a victim, or requested or took leave for any other reason. Effective immediately.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Provides that the chief county assessment officer in a county of more than 3,000,000 residents, and in any other county where the county board has authorized such action by ordinance or resolution, may automatically renew the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities without application for any person who applied for the exemption and presented a Disability Identification Card stating that the claimant is under a Class 2 disability. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds provisions to the introduced bill providing that an applicant for the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities may be examined by an optometrist if the person qualifies because of a visual disability. Provides that provisions of the introduced bill concerning automatic renewal (i) apply for taxable years 2021 through 2026 and (ii) apply if the person presents proof of eligibility (in the introduced bill, a Disability Identification Card stating that the claimant is under a Class 2 disability). Provides that the chief county assessment officer shall not automatically renew the homestead exemption for persons with disabilities if the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, optometrist, or physician assistant who examined the claimant determined that the disability is not expected to continue for 12 months or more. House Committee Amendment No. 3 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 2505/2505-805 new 35 ILCS 200/9-275 35 ILCS 200/15-10 35 ILCS 200/15-169 35 ILCS 200/15-170 35 ILCS 200/15-172 35 ILCS 200/15-175 35 ILCS 200/18-185 35 ILCS 200/18-190.7 new 105 ILCS 5/17-1.3 new 105 ILCS 5/17-2A from Ch. 122, par. 17-2A 320 ILCS 30/3 from Ch. 67 1/2, par. 453 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, for levy years 2022 and later, the taxing district's aggregate extension base is the greater of (A) the district's last preceding aggregate extension limit or (B) the district's last preceding aggregate extension, subject to certain adjustments. Provides that the term "aggregate extension limit" means the district's last preceding aggregate extension if the taxing district had utilized the maximum limiting rate permitted without referendum for each of the 5 immediately preceding levy years. Provides that the maximum reduction under the General Homestead Exemption is $10,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and counties that are contiguous to a county of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and $6,000 in all other counties (currently, $10,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and $6,000 in all other counties). Provides that the maximum reduction under the senior citizens homestead exemption is $8,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and counties that are contiguous to a county of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and $5,000 in all other counties (currently, $8,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and $5,000 in all other counties). In provisions concerning the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, makes changes concerning the surviving spouse. Provides that the interest rate under the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act is reduced from 6% to 4%. Amends the School Code. Contains provisions concerning interfund transfers and disclosure of cash reserve balances. Amends the Department of Revenue Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to require the Department of Revenue to conduct a study concerning the homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 5 Makes changes to the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 3 to provide that the maximum amount of the general homestead exemption is $10,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, $8,000 in counties that are contiguous to a county of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, and $6,000 in all other counties (rather than $10,000 in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and counties that are contiguous to a county of 3,000,000 or more inhabitants and $6,000 in all other counties).

Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall notify each owner of record of land included in a right-of-way over which the utility seeks in its application to construct a high-voltage electric line of the time and place scheduled for the initial hearing on the public utility's application by certified mail (rather than registered mail). Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 220 ILCS 5/8-406 220 ILCS 5/8-406.1 Adds reference to: 720 ILCS 5/24-5.1 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, offer to sell, or transfer an unserialized unfinished frame or receiver or unserialized firearm, including those produced using a three-dimensional printer, unless the party purchasing or receiving the unfinished frame or receiver or unserialized firearm is a federal firearms importer, federal firearms manufacturer, or federal firearms dealer. Provides that 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly possess, transport, or receive an unfinished frame or receiver, unless: (A) the party possessing or receiving the unfinished frame or receiver is a federal firearms importer or federal firearms manufacturer; (B) the unfinished frame or receiver is possessed or transported by a person for transfer to a federal firearms importer or federal firearms manufacturer; or (C) the unfinished frame or receiver has been imprinted with a serial number issued by a federal firearms importer or federal firearms manufacturer as specified. Provides that 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, unless the party receiving the firearm is a federal firearms importer or federal firearms manufacturer, it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly possess, purchase, transport, or receive a firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number by (1) a federal firearms importer or federal firearms manufacturer in compliance with all federal laws and regulations regulating the manufacture and import of firearms or (2) a federal firearms manufacturer, federal firearms dealer, or other federal licensee authorized to provide marking services in compliance with the unserialized firearm serialization process. Specifies requirements for the firearm serialization process. Requires the Director of the Illinois State Police to issue a public notice regarding the provisions concerning serialization of unfinished frames or receivers, prohibition on unserialized firearms, exceptions, and penalties within 30 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides exemptions and establishes penalties for violations. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In provisions concerning the Council on Aging, provides that at least 7 citizen members shall represent underrepresented communities, including, but no limited to: one member who is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer individual; one member who is a transgender or gender-expansive individual; one member who is an African-American or Black individual; and one member who is an Asian-American or Pacific Islander individual. Creates the Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging to investigate, analyze, and study the health, housing, financial, psychosocial, home-and-community-based services, assisted living, and long-term care needs of LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers. Requires the Commission to make recommendations to improve access to benefits, services, and supports for LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers. Requires the Commission to: examine the impact of State and local laws, policies, and regulations on LGBTQ older adults and make recommendations to ensure equitable access, treatment, care and benefits, and overall quality of life; and examine strategies to increase provider awareness of the needs of LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers and to improve the competence of and access to treatment, services, and ongoing care, including preventive care; and carry out other duties. Contains provisions concerning: members appointed to the Commission; Commission meetings and reports; an LGBTQ Older Adult Advocate to advocate for LGBTQ older adults and older adults living with HIV who experience barriers to accessing and utilizing services; an LGBTQ Older Adult Curriculum and Training Program; and other matters. Effective immediately.

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may issue a certified registered nurse anesthetist license to an advanced practice registered nurse who does not have a graduate degree, applies for licensure before July 1, 2028 (instead of July 1, 2023), and submits the other required information to the Department.

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that counties must maintain documentation on the disposal of any demolition debris, clean or general, or uncontaminated soil generated during the demolition, repair, or enclosure of a building for a period of 3 years identifying the hauler, generator, place of origin of the debris or soil, the weight or volume of the debris or soil, and the location, owner, and operator of the facility where the debris or soil was transferred, disposed, recycled, or treated. Amends the Municipal Code. Makes similar changes for municipalities. Amends the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Protection Act. Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the documentation required by the provisions do not apply to a permitted pollution control facility that transfers or accepts construction or demolition debris, clean or general, or uncontaminated soil for final disposal, recycling, or treatment. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 415 ILCS 5/21 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill, as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1, with the following changes: Provides that counties and municipalities must maintain documentation submitted from a contractor (rather than just maintain documentation) on the disposal of specified demolition debris, clean or general, or uncontaminated soil. Removes changes to the Environmental Protection Act.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Creates the Foster Care Investigative Reports Commission as an executive agency of State government to investigate all adverse reports submitted by foster parents to the Department of Children and Family Services (Department) concerning the children placed in their care. Provides that the Commission shall consist of 9 members appointed by the Governor. Contains provisions concerning the term limits of Commission members, compensation, Commission meetings, and other matters. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Commission shall hire a Director and staff to process and investigate all adverse reports referred by the Department to the Commission in order to determine whether the information and allegations set forth in each report are true or false. Requires the Commission to review the findings and recommendations of the Director for each investigated adverse report. Provides that if, after its review, the Commission determines that an adverse report is false or inaccurate, the Commission shall issue a final written report of its determination to be filed with the foster child's official records. Permits the Director, the Director's staff, and the Commission to inspect and copy any materials held by the Department that are relevant to the investigation of an adverse report. Contains provisions concerning the confidentiality of Department records, Commission reporting requirements, and Commission rules. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 20 ILCS 505/5.26 new 225 ILCS 10/2.22a 225 ILCS 10/4 from Ch. 23, par. 2214 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following additions: Further amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure that an exit interview is conducted with every child age 5 and over who leaves a foster home, unless clinically contraindicated. Provides that the interview shall be conducted by a caseworker, mental health provider, or clinician from the Department's Division of Clinical Practice. Requires the interview to be conducted within 5 days of the child's removal from the home. Requires the interviewer to comply with the provisions of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act if the child discloses abuse or neglect. Requires the interviewer to immediately inform the licensing agency if the child discloses any information that would constitute a potential licensing violation. Contains provisions on (i) documentation of the interview; (ii) determinations on whether the interview is clinically contraindicated; (iii) information and subject areas that are required to be addressed during the interview; (iv) the development of interview procedures and an interview form by the Department no later than January 1, 2023; and (v) quarterly postings on the Department's website that summarize the exit interviews. Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Expands the definition of "quality of care concerns applicant" to include a foster care license applicant or any person living in the applicant's household who has requested a youth in care's removal from the home on 5 or more occasions. In provisions concerning applications for a foster family home license, requires the Department to review information regarding all child exit interviews regarding the home. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 505/17a-16 new Removes provisions creating the Foster Care Investigative Reports Commission.

Amends the Foster Children's Bill of Rights Act. Expands the list of rights under the Foster Children's Bill of Rights to include: (i) the right to participate in a formal intake process immediately after placement in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services during which the youth will be instructed on inappropriate acts of affection, discipline, and punishment by guardians, foster parents, foster siblings, or any other adult responsible for the youth's welfare; (ii) the right to have access to intervention and counseling services within the first 24 hours after removal from the home in order to assess whether the youth is exhibiting signs of a post-traumatic stress disorder, special needs, or mental illness; (iii) the right to have monthly assessment visits with a staff member of the Department's Division of Child Protection to determine the youth's well-being and emotional health following placement, to determine the youth's relationship with his or her guardian or foster parent or with any other adult responsible for the youth's welfare, and to determine what forms of discipline, if any, the youth's guardian or foster parent or any other responsible adult uses to correct the youth; (iv) the right to be gradually transitioned out of foster care and not systematically aged out of State care; (v) the right to be enrolled in an independent living program prior to his or her transition out of foster care where the youth will receive phased in classes and instruction on independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals, and housing as well as help in developing life skills and long-term goals; and (vi) the right to be assessed by a third-party entity or agency prior to enrollment in any independent living program in order to determine the youth's readiness for a transition out of foster care based on the youth's individual needs, emotional development, and ability, regardless of age, to make a successful transition to adulthood. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Foster Children's Bill of Rights Act. Expands the list of rights under the Foster Children's Bill of Rights to include the following: (1) The right to participate in an age and developmentally appropriate intake process immediately after placement in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, during which, the Department shall: (i) provide the youth a document describing inappropriate acts of affection, discipline, and punishment by guardians, foster parents, foster siblings, or any other adult responsible for the youth's welfare; and (ii) review and discuss the document with the child. (2) The right to participate in appropriate intervention and counseling services after removal from the home of origin in order to assess whether the youth is exhibiting signs of traumatic stress, special needs, or mental illness. (3) The right to receive a home visit by an assigned child welfare specialist, per existing Department policies and procedures, on a monthly basis or more frequently as needed. (4) The right to be enrolled in an independent living services program prior to transitioning out of foster care where the youth shall receive classes and instruction, appropriate to the youth's age and developmental capacity, on independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals, and housing as well as help in developing life skills and long-term goals. (5) The right to be assessed by a third-party entity or agency prior to enrollment in any independent living program in order to determine the youth's readiness for a transition out of foster care based on the youth's individual needs, emotional development, and ability, regardless of age, to make a successful transition to adulthood.

Amends the Employee Sick Leave Act. Removes language exempting from coverage under the Act an employee of an employer subject to the provisions of Title II of the federal Railway Labor Act. House Committee Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Employee Sick Leave Act. Provides that the rights afforded under the Act serve as the minimum standard in a negotiated collective bargaining agreement.