Rep. Maurice West

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions prohibiting prior authorization mandates and utilization management controls under the fee-for-service and managed care medical assistance programs on specified FDA-approved prescription drugs for mental illness, provides that the prohibition shall apply if a preferred or non-preferred drug is prescribed to an adult patient to treat a serious mental illness and during the preceding 60 days, the patient who experienced an inadequate response was prescribed and unsuccessfully treated with a 14-day treatment trial of a drug for the same clinical condition that is included on the preferred drug list. Removes provisions conditioning the receipt of prescription drugs without prior authorization on: (i) the patient changing providers while receiving a previously authorized prescription drug; (ii) the patient changing insurance coverage while receiving a previously authorized prescription drug; and (iii) the patient's prescription for a previously authorized drug modifies the dosage, dosage frequency, or both, of the drug as part of the same treatment for which the drug was previously prescribed.

Congratulates the Mu Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for their continuous commitment to our youth and contributions to the success and prosperity of our great state on the occasion of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship initiative's 21st anniversary. Urges January 18, 2025 to be recognized as a day to honor the past, embrace the present, and envision a promising future for the Mu Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the people of Illinois.

Maddy summaryHR 52 is a formal memorial resolution honoring former Illinois State Representative Charles E. Jefferson, who served the 67th District from 2001 to 2014. The resolution commemorates his military service, community leadership, and legislative work on issues including veterans' rights, infrastructure, and minority representation. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is solely a tribute to his legacy. The resolution was co-sponsored by multiple current Illinois House members.

Creates the Land Bank Authority Act. Authorizes the corporate authorities of a municipality or county, or 2 or more municipalities or counties, to create a land bank by ordinance (for the corporate authorities of a home rule municipality or county), by entering into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement (for the corporate authorities of 2 or more municipalities and counties), or by authority already provided to a county, municipality, or other taxing district prior to the effective date of the Act. Includes provisions relating to legislative findings and purpose, definitions, and interpretation of the Act. Effective immediately.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. To provide for the safety of mental health care patients and staff members, provides for no fewer than 2 registered nurses and no fewer than 2 mental health technicians to be assigned to any unit at any time in the following State-operated hospitals: (1) the Alton Mental Health Center, at Alton; (2) the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center, at Chicago; (3) the Clyde L. Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, at Anna; (4) the Elgin Mental Health Center, at Elgin; (5) the John J. Madden Mental Health Center, at Hines; and (6) the Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard Mental Health Center, at Springfield. Provides that, if a registered nurse or mental health technician is assigned to 2 or more units, the calculation of the number of registered nurses or mental health technicians who are assigned to a unit shall be calculated for each registered nurse or mental health technician as one divided by the number of units to which the registered nurse or mental health technician is assigned. Effective immediately.

Creates the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act. Defines terms, including that "board" means a government agency, board, department, or other government entity that regulates a lawful occupation and issues an occupational license or government certification to an individual. Provides that, notwithstanding any other State law to the contrary, a board in the State shall issue an occupational license or government certification to a person who holds an occupational license or government certification in another state if the person satisfies specified conditions. Provides that, notwithstanding any other State law to the contrary, a board shall issue an occupational license or government certification to a person upon application based on work experience in another state if the person satisfies specified conditions. Sets forth provisions concerning State law examinations; decisions of a board; appeals; State laws and jurisdiction; exceptions to the Act; limitations of the Act; application fees; and emergency powers. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Requires school districts with a population of 3,000 or more students to interview a minimum percentage of minority candidates for teaching positions. Exempts teaching positions within an English as a Second Language program from the requirement. Sets forth the formula for the school district to use to calculate the minimum percentage required. Provides that if the school district is unable to interview the required minimum percentage of minority candidates for 2 consecutive years, the school district must implement a program for school district employees interested in obtaining a Professional Educator License. Effective immediately.

Directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the Illinois Coroner Training Board's administration of the Coroner Training Board Act, including its creation, implementation, and execution of basic and continuing education training for coroners. Urges that the Illinois Coroner Training Board and any other State agency, entity, or person that may have information relevant to this audit to cooperate fully and promptly with the Auditor General's Office in its conduct of this audit. Directs the Auditor General to commence this audit as soon as possible and report his findings and recommendations upon completion in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-14 of the Illinois State Auditing Act.

Creates the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Nelson Mandela Act. Provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Act, the use of isolated confinement in correctional facilities in the State shall be restricted as follows: (1) a committed person may not be placed in isolated confinement for more than 10 consecutive days; (2) a committed person may not be placed in isolated confinement for more than 10 days in any 180-day period; and (3) while out of cell, committed persons may have access to activities, including, but not limited to: job assignments, educational classes, vocational classes, meals, recreation, yard or gymnasium, day room, bathing facilities, medical appointments, visits, and group therapy. Provides that a committed person in protective custody may opt out of that status by providing informed, voluntary, written refusal of that status. Provides that nothing in the Act is intended to restrict any rights or privileges a committed person may have under any other statute, rule, or regulation. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall post on the Department's official website quarterly reports on the use of isolated confinement. Provides that these reports shall not include personally identifiable information regarding any committed person. Defines terms. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the Department's powers and duties.