Rep. Suzanne Ness

Urges the P-20 Council to convene a geographically representative College and Career Readiness (CCR) Funding and Governance Task Force to address the following: (1) Local and national best practices pertaining to regional college and career readiness system governance and funding, including the roles of regional partners including secondary districts, community colleges, and employers, (2) Recommendations for a regional college and career readiness governance model inclusive of Career and Technical Education, the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act, the Dual Credit Quality Act, and the Education and Workforce Equity Act and addressing the State's equity-based postsecondary attainment targets, (3) Recommendations to ensure the State's Career and Technical Education fund disbursement methodology supports the State's CTE vision as outlined in the State's Perkins V plan to "empower and support all students to achieve their life and career goals through an aligned, equitable, and high-quality career pathway system", and (4) Recommendations to clarify and affirm the role of regional college and career readiness systems in addressing State goals as outlined in State agency plans, including the State Perkins Plan, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State Plan, the Higher Education Strategic Plan, and any plan emerging from the P-20 Council's work to meet the requirements of HB2170.

Creates the Infrastructure Development Act. Provides that the State Treasurer shall segregate a portion of the Treasurer's State investment portfolio in the Infrastructure Development Account, an account that shall be maintained separately and apart from other moneys invested by the State Treasurer. Allows the State Treasurer to make investments concerning the Infrastructure Development Account. Provides for Infrastructure Development Account-Recipient Funds created by Illinois infrastructure development firms in which the State Treasurer places money. Provides further requirements concerning Infrastructure Development Account-Recipient Funds. Provides for the adoption rules. Provides that the Infrastructure Development Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury, which may receive a portion of earnings from the Infrastructure Development Account and may be used by the State Treasurer to pay expenses related to the Act. Defines terms. Amends the State Finance Act to provide for the Infrastructure Development Fund. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that the Infrastructure Development Fund is created as a non-appropriated trust fund (rather than a special fund) within the State Treasury. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: New Act 30 ILCS 105/5.935 new Adds reference to: 5 ILCS 70/1 from Ch. 1, par. 1001 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Statute on Statutes. Makes a technical change in a Section regarding the application of the Act. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 70/1 Adds reference to: 10 ILCS 5/2A-1.1b 10 ILCS 5/7-4 from Ch. 46, par. 7-4 10 ILCS 5/7-10 from Ch. 46, par. 7-10 10 ILCS 5/8-8 from Ch. 46, par. 8-8 25 ILCS 130/9-2.5 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Election Code. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provisions relating to voting by mail, for the 2022 general primary election, electors may request vote by mail ballots for the general primary election beginning on March 30, 2022 but no later than June 23, 2022. In provisions relating to petitions for nominations, for the 2022 general primary election only, the petition circulator shall certify that the signatures on the sheet were signed during the period of January 13, 2022 through March 14, 2022 or certify that the signatures on the sheet were signed during the period of January 13, 2022 through the date on which this Statement was sworn or affirmed to. Amends the Legislative Commission Reorganization Act of 1984. Provides that in 2022 the period during which newsletters and brochures may not be mailed begins on May 15, 2022 (currently, February 1). Defines "State Central Committeeperson". Effective immediately.

Amends the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act. Adds student loan borrowers to the definition of "consumer". Adds to the definition of "debt settlement provider" any person or entity engaging in, or holding itself out as engaging in, or any person who solicits for or acts on behalf of such person or entity engaging in or holding itself out as engaging in, the business of student loan debt relief services in exchange for any fee or compensation assessed against or charged to a consumer. Excludes institutions of higher education from the definition of "debt settlement provider". Defines other terms. Requires a specified notice and disclosure to student loan borrowers to be included in advertising and marketing communications concerning student loan debt relief services. Requires providers of student loan debt relief services to provide a specified notice and disclosure before a student loan borrower signs a contract. Provides that any fees charged to a student loan borrower in exchange for student loan debt relief shall comply with a provision concerning fees. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 429/10 225 ILCS 429/105 225 ILCS 429/115 225 ILCS 429/125 Adds reference to: 225 ILCS 429/1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the short title. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 225 ILCS 429/1 Adds reference to: 230 ILCS 5/19.5 230 ILCS 5/21 from Ch. 8, par. 37-21 230 ILCS 5/31 from Ch. 8, par. 37-31 230 ILCS 10/8 from Ch. 120, par. 2408 230 ILCS 10/8.1 new 230 ILCS 10/13 from Ch. 120, par. 2413 230 ILCS 15/1 from Ch. 85, par. 2301 230 ILCS 15/2 from Ch. 85, par. 2302 230 ILCS 40/5 230 ILCS 40/25 230 ILCS 40/27 230 ILCS 40/30 230 ILCS 40/45 230 ILCS 40/50 230 ILCS 40/65 230 ILCS 40/90 new 230 ILCS 45/25-10 230 ILCS 45/25-15 230 ILCS 45/25-25 230 ILCS 45/25-30 230 ILCS 45/25-35 230 ILCS 45/25-40 230 ILCS 45/25-50 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides the application process for the issuance of an organization license for the standardbred racetrack in Cook County. Changes the bond requirement for an applicant for an organization license. Makes changes to the qualifications for stallions for the Illinois Standardbred Breeders Fund breeding. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Provides that an applicant for a suppliers license under the Act that already holds specified licenses issued by the Illinois Gaming Board is entitled to licensure as a supplier under the Act without additional Board investigation or approval, except by a vote of the Board. Provides for the term of such a license. Adds provisions concerning harmonization of supplier category licenses. Makes changes in provisions concerning the wagering tax. Amends the Raffles and Poker Runs Act. Allows raffle licenses to be issued to fire protection agencies and associations that represent fire protection officials. Defines "fire protection agency" to mean a State, local government, or intergovernmental agency vested with the duty and authority to provide public fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services or an organization that provides support or assistance to such an agency. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Creates a sales agent and broker license to solicit or receive business from current or potential establishments licensed under the Act. Allows a qualified fraternal organization and a qualified veterans organization that derive their charters from a national organization to apply for a license allowing video gaming if the proposed establishment meets specified criteria. Makes changes concerning the fees that may be imposed by units of government and distribution of license fees. Adds provisions concerning regulation by the State. Limits home rule powers. Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Changes the renewal period for a supplier license from one year to 4 years. Provides that beginning 4 years after issuance of the initial supplier license, a holder of a supplier license shall pay a $150,000 annual license fee. Until July 1, 2023, allows tier 1 sports wagers that are not related to an individual athlete's performance and are made in person on Illinois collegiate teams. Provides that the requirement that an individual create a sports wagering account in person at a facility to participate in sports wagering over the Internet or through a mobile application applies until the issuance of the first master sports wagering license issued to an online sports wagering operator or March 5, 2022, whichever occurs first. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 Updates a version of existing law regarding the wagering tax that is used in the bill and makes changes concerning certain transfers from the State Gaming Fund. In provisions of the Video Gaming Act regarding the sharing of fees imposed by units of government between the terminal operator and the video gaming establishments, provides that the provisions apply to fees under the Act (rather than the Section). In the definition of "sports facility" in the Sports Wagering Act, provides that the exception for a facility that holds a seating capacity of greater than 10,000 persons is applicable in a municipality (rather than county) with a population of more than 1,000,000. Provides that a home rule municipality that has adopted an ordinance imposing an amusement tax on persons who participate in the playing of video gaming terminals before November 1, 2021 (rather than on or before November 1, 2021) may continue to impose such amusement tax pursuant to such ordinance but shall not increase, expand, or extend the tax or tax rate on such persons participating in playing video gaming terminals in excess of that tax or rate set forth in such ordinance and shall not otherwise impose any other tax upon certain entities or persons.

Creates the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act. Provides for the licensure of certified professional midwives by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and for certain limitations on the activities of licensed certified professional midwives. Creates the Illinois Midwifery Board. Sets forth provisions concerning application; qualifications; exemptions; title protection; informed consent; consultation and referral; grounds for disciplinary action; reporting; and administrative procedures. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to set a repeal date for the new Act of January 1, 2032. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 5 ILCS 80/4.41 new Adds reference to: New Act 5 ILCS 80/4.37 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Further amends the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act. Creates provisions concerning Social Security Numbers on license applications; inactive status; grounds for disciplinary action; restoration of license; surrender of license; temporary suspension of license; rehearing; administrative review and certification of records; injunctions; investigation, notice, and hearings; hearing reports; hearing officers; motions for rehearing; certification of records by Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; violations; and fees. Make changes in provisions concerning definitions; exemptions; the Illinois Midwifery Board; powers and duties of the Department; licensure; expiration and renewal of licensure; scope of practice; annual reports; and vicarious liability. Further amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides for repeal of the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act on January 1, 2027 (rather than January 1, 2032). Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes: Amends the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act. In provisions concerning the Illinois Midwifery Board, provides that all board members must be residents of the State. Provides that all board members, except for the public member, must be licensed in good standing and, at the time of appointment, actively engaged in their respective professions. In provisions concerning licensure, provides that applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; Social Security Numbers on license applications; exemptions; informed consent; scope of practice; transfer; annual reports; grounds for disciplinary action; and investigations, notice, and hearings. Removes references to the Disciplinary Board. Adds a January 1, 2022 effective date. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as amended by Senate Amendment No. 1 with the following changes: Provides that no physician, nurse, emergency medical personnel, hospital, or other health care institution shall be liable for any act or omission resulting from the provision of services by any licensed certified professional midwife solely on the basis that (rather than even if) the physician, nurse, emergency medical personnel, hospital, or other health care institution has consulted with or accepted a referral from the licensed certified professional midwife. Changes the effective date to October 1, 2022.

Amends the Counties Code and Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that a county board, board of county commissioners, or corporate authorities of a municipality may, by resolution, waive or provide credit for any application or permit costs, fees or other licensing or registration costs for businesses, including, but not limited to, professional or business licensing, liquor licenses, construction, insurance, sales, builders, contractors, food service, delivery, repair, consultation, legal services, accounting, transportation, manufacturing, technology, assembly, tourism, entertainment, or any business, industry, or service the county or municipality is permitted by law to regulate or license. Provides that a waiver of business fees or costs shall be subject to an application or review process and a demonstration of need based upon any financial or logistical hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides that any such waiver or credit shall not be construed to apply to any of the business and licensing costs of the State or any of its agencies or departments and is not an exemption from safety, health, or regulatory requirements or inspections of a county, municipality, or the State. Effective immediately.

Declares October of 2021 as Hindu Heritage Month.

Declares the month of October 2021 as Menopause Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. Supports raising awareness of menopause is critical to dispelling the myths and ensuring that the symptoms of menopause are recognized and that treatment is identified and secured where needed. Further supports raising awareness of all aspects of a woman's reproductive cycle as it is critical to ensuring understanding, compassion, and support for those experiencing menopause while dispelling the myths and shattering the stigma associated with menopause.

Amends the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act. Creates the Illinois Thirty-By-Thirty Conservation Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall review and make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding conservation of Illinois land and implementation of strategies to conserve and protect 30% of land in Illinois by 2030. Adds provisions containing membership, meetings, compensation, and administrative support. Abolishes the task force and repeals the provisions on January 1, 2023. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 525 ILCS 30/4.01 new Adds reference to: New Act Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as introduced, with the following changes: Creates the Illinois Thirty-by-Thirty Conservation Task Force Act, rather than creating the Illinois Thirty-by-Thirty Conservation Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall hold listening sessions regarding ways in which Illinois can protect 30% of its land and water resources by 2030. Provides that the Task Force shall hold a minimum of three separate listening sessions in geographically distinct areas of the State. Makes other changes. Provides legislative findings. Provides for a repeal of the Illinois Thirty-by-Thirty Conservation Task Force Act and the dissolution of the Task Force on July 1, 2023. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Corrects a drafting error. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides for an additional Illinois Thirty-by-Thirty Conservation Task Force member who shall be a representative of a statewide outdoor sportsman organization. Makes technical corrections.

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may adopt a policy providing that if a student is suspended or expelled for any reason from any public or private school in this or any other state, the student must complete the entire term of the suspension or expulsion before being allowed to attend the school district in person (rather than before being admitted into the school district). Provides that this policy must require the provision of an educational continuity plan for suspended or expelled students; sets forth requirements for the plan. Makes changes concerning the State Board of Education's standard form that Illinois school districts are required to provide to any student who is moving out of the school district. Makes other changes concerning the transfer of a student and the suspension or expulsion of a student. Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.13a from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.13a 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6 from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.6 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-10 105 ILCS 5/22-90 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. In provisions about appointment of members by the State Superintendent of Education to a committee relating to kindergarten assessment, includes state policy advocates, early childhood administrators, and other stakeholders as members. Adds, as a goal of the Whole Child Task Force, recommending legislation, policies, and practices to prevent learning loss in students during periods of suspension and expulsion, including, but not limited to, remote instruction. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds one member who represents an organization representing regional offices of education to the membership of the Whole Child Task Force.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is authorized to establish the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program for the purpose of fostering research and development in key industry clusters leading to the creation of new products and services that can be marketed by Illinois businesses. Provides that the Department may award innovation vouchers to eligible businesses to offset a portion of expenses incurred through a collaborative research engagement with an Illinois institution of higher education. Provides for the award of matching funds in the form of innovation vouchers. Provides eligibility requirements for receiving innovation vouchers. Provides requirements for administering the Program. Provides for the adoption of rules. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Allows the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program to be administered by a governmental entity with expertise in innovation, technology, economic development, research and development, and public private partnerships. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, subject to appropriation, shall be authorized to provide to the entity administering the Program an administrative fee in an amount not to exceed 10% (rather than 15%) of the total value of vouchers estimated by the Department to be issued in each fiscal year. Makes the awarding of innovation vouchers subject to appropriation. Makes other changes. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: New Act 30 ILCS 105/5.935 new Creates the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund Act. Provides for the creation of the Illinois Broadband Adoption Program for the purpose of expanding availability of broadband Internet connectivity throughout the State. Provides for the creation of the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund for the purpose of providing financial assistance under the Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services may determine qualifications for broadband Internet provider participation and enter into an agreement with each provider. Provides eligibility requirements for financial assistance. Provides that the Department may provide financial assistance to the individual or to the broadband Internet provider designated by the individual in the form of one or more vouchers to pay for specified expenses. Provides that a provider that receives a voucher from an individual household who subscribes to the provider's broadband Internet service shall deduct the amount of the voucher from the amount owed by the subscriber for the provider's provision of broadband Internet service to the individual household on a monthly basis. Removes provision allowing the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program to be administered by an entity other than the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Makes a conforming changes. House Floor Amendment No. 3 Provides that the Illinois Broadband Adoption Fund is established as a special fund within the State treasury for the purpose of providing financial assistance. Provides that if the Department of Human Services determines that an individual is eligible for financial assistance, the Department may provide financial assistance to the individual or to the broadband Internet provider designated by the individual in the form of one or more vouchers, each in an amount up to (rather than in the amount of) $50, that can be used by the individual to pay one or more specified expenses.