Rep. Dave Vella

Congratulates the citizens of Rockford and Ferentino, Italy on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of their sister city partnership in recognition of the thousands of Ferentino-descended individuals who have made and continue to make Rockford a richer, stronger, and more vibrant community. Commends the Saint Ambrogio Society, Rockford's other Italian social clubs, and all of the many organizations, businesses, and countless individuals and elected officials, here and abroad, that have worked to sustain the steadfast bonds between Rockford and Ferentino for over a century.

Creates the Labor Compliance Disclosure for Health Care Facilities Act. Requires each applicant to submit a labor compliance disclosure statement as a condition of approval by the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority for any project involving State-supported bonds or financing. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority shall consider disclosed labor violations as part of their assessment of: (1) financial feasibility; (2) management capability; and (3) public interest and community impact. Sets forth provisions concerning verification and interagency coordination and penalties for non-disclosure or misrepresentation. Provides that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board and the Illinois Finance Authority shall adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the Act no later than 90 days after the effective date of the Act.

Reaffirms the commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister-state relationship between the State of Illinois and Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC). Reaffirms support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and supports Illinois businesses referring to Taiwan as "Taiwan". Endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) with the United States. Supports the further strengthening of a closer economic and trade partnership between the State of Illinois and Taiwan with multiple possible approaches, including signing an economic and trade memorandum of understanding, exploring the possibility of establishing an Illinois Office in Taiwan, and sending Illinois high-level officials to visit Taiwan without being threatened by any adversary forces. Supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, which impact the well-being of the peoples of Taiwan, the State of Illinois, the U.S., and the world. Opposes any distortion or misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 to attempt to deny Taiwan's aspiration to make contributions in international societies.

Urges the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to ensure that pharmacies participating in Medicaid managed care networks are reimbursed for covered outpatient prescription drugs at a rate no less than the reimbursement that would be paid under the Illinois Medicaid fee-for-service pharmacy program. Urges HFS to implement such reimbursement parity through Medicaid managed care organization contracts and pharmacy benefit manager agreements. Urges HFS to monitor and report to the General Assembly on the impact of reimbursement parity on pharmacy network participation, patient access to medications, and pharmacy closures within the State. Encourages HFS to evaluate the effect of reimbursement parity on pharmacy deserts, rural health access, and Medicaid beneficiary access to pharmacist-provided patient care services.

Amends the Illinois State Police Law. Repeals provisions requiring the Illinois State Police to develop a separate statewide statistical police contact recordkeeping system for the study of juvenile delinquency. Amends the Criminal Identification Act and the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to make conforming changes.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that, subject to federal approval, on and after January 1, 2027, rates for in-home services shall be increased to $33.92 to sustain a minimum wage of $20.75 per hour for direct service workers. Requires rates in subsequent State fiscal years to be no lower than the rates put into effect upon federal approval. Provides that in order for a provider of in-home services to be eligible to receive the $33.92 rate, the provider must pay a minimum wage of $20.75 per hour to all direct service workers employed by the provider. Requires providers of in-home services to certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers. Requires each provider of in-home services to submit cost reports to the Department consistent with a specified administrative rule in order to be eligible for the $33.92 rate for in-home services. Provides that fringe benefits shall not be reduced in relation to the described rate increases. Requires the Department, beginning January 1, 2027, to ensure that each in-home service provider spends a minimum of 79% of the total payments the provider receives for home care aide services it furnishes under the Community Care Program on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. Requires annual direct service worker cost reports from providers; and requires the Department to amend existing rules on financial reporting and minimum direct service worker costs to reflect the increase in the direct service worker spending requirement from 77% to 79%.

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. In provisions concerning the Medicaid Access Adjustment payments to nursing facilities, provides that for dates of service beginning January 1, 2027, the Medicaid Access Adjustment shall be increased by $5.75 to $10.50 per diem. Provides that beginning January 1, 2027, facilities located outside of Rate Areas 6, 7, and 8 shall have the Medicaid percent of occupied bed days to be at least 60% of all occupied bed days adjusted quarterly to qualify for the Medicaid Access Adjustment. Provides that the remaining facilities shall have their threshold remain at 70%.

Creates the Police Mental Health Leave Act. Provides that a law enforcement officer suffering from a mental illness as a result of a traumatic event shall be entitled to use 5 days of paid mental health leave during any 12-month period. Requires a law enforcement agency to adopt a mental health leave policy that includes specified provisions. Sets forth provisions concerning existing leave policies; employee protections; retaliation; and recordkeeping. Provides for a private right of action.

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that it is an unlawful practice for any third-party hotel booking service to facilitate the reservation or booking of a physical accommodation in the State without providing specified disclosures to the consumer. Sets forth requirements for the disclosure, including that it is clear and conspicuous. Defines terms. Effective January 1, 2026.

Amends the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. Changes the income eligibility levels used to determine eligibility for reduced vehicle registration fees for seniors and persons with disabilities.