Rep. Maurice West

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that a Medicaid managed care plan amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act must provide individuals under 21 years of age coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders to the extent that the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by the Medicaid managed care plan. Provides that the coverage provided for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders shall not be subject to any limits on the number of visits to a service provider, but shall be subject to copayment, deductible, and coinsurance provisions of a Medicaid managed care plan to the extent that other medical services covered by the Medicaid managed care plan are subject to these provisions. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act shall not be construed as limiting benefits that are otherwise available to an individual under a Medicaid managed care plan and benefits provided under the amendatory Act may not be subject to dollar limits, deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance provisions that are less favorable to the insured than the dollar limits, deductibles, or coinsurance provisions that apply to physical illness generally. Requires a provider of treatment for autism spectrum disorders to furnish, upon request to the reimbursing managed care organization, medical records, clinical notes, or other necessary data that substantiate that initial or continued medical treatment is medically necessary and is resulting in improved clinical status. Defines terms. Makes other changes.

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that it is the public policy of the State to secure for all individuals within Illinois the freedom from discrimination against any individual because of his or her political affiliation.

Amends the Energy Assistance Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning eligibility for and participation in the energy assistance program.

Creates the Mental Health Modernization and Access Improvement Act. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver or State Plan amendment, or both, within 6 months after the effective date of the Act to develop and implement a regulatory framework that allows, incentivizes, and fosters payment reform models for all Medicaid community mental health services provided by community mental health centers or behavioral health clinics. Requires the regulatory framework to: (i) allow for and incentivize service innovation that is aimed at producing the best health outcomes for Medicaid enrollees with mental health conditions; (ii) reward high-quality care through annual incentive payments to community mental health centers and behavioral health clinics; (iii) require community mental health centers and behavioral health clinics to report on specified quality and outcomes metrics; and other matters. Provides that all documentation and reporting requirements under the regulatory framework must comply with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and the State mental health parity requirements under the Illinois Insurance Code. Contains provisions concerning quality and outcomes metrics reporting; data sharing; the establishment of a Stakeholder Quality and Outcomes Metrics Development Working Group; statewide in-person trainings to ensure provider readiness for the regulatory framework; quality and patient safety protections; implementation timeline; certification of community mental health centers that opt into the regulatory framework; and other matters. Provides that the Act shall be implemented upon federal approval and only to the extent that federal financial participation is available. Effective immediately.

Creates the Healthy Workplace Act and amends the State Finance Act. Requires employers to provide specified paid sick days to employees. Sets forth the purposes for and manner in which the sick days may be used. Contains provisions regarding employer responsibilities, unlawful employer practices, and other matters. Provides that the Department of Labor shall administer the Act. Authorizes the imposition of civil penalties. Authorizes individuals to file civil actions with respect to violations. Creates the Healthy Workplace Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.

Mourns the passing of Justice Charles E. Freeman.

Urges support for funding the physical infrastructure of early childhood education programs.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit for taxpayers who replace a lead water service pipe with a copper water service pipe at a qualified residence. Provides that the credit shall be equal to the lesser of (i) 25% of the cost of replacing the lead water service pipes in each taxable year for which the credit is taken or (ii) $2,500 in each such taxable year. Provides that the credit may be taken for the taxable year in which the pipes are replaced and in each of the next 3 consecutive years. Provides that the term "qualified residence" means a single family residence that is owned and occupied by the taxpayer as his or her primary residence. Effective immediately.

Directs the Illinois Gaming Board to conduct a disparity study on whether minority-owned businesses face any barriers that prevent their equitable participation in the business of legalized sports wagering.

Commends essential workers, whose sacrifice makes the health and safety of all remain possible. Mourns the loss of those who have died in the line of duty as a result of COVID-19. Further offers the deepest appreciation and heartfelt support for the medical professionals, first responders, and all essential workers who remain on the job to keep communities and the State strong.