Rep. Sharon Chung

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Early Childhood Education Act to establish a framework for early childhood education in Illinois. A specific provision within the legislation ensures that the rights, benefits, and employment status of state employees and their agencies remain unchanged by the new act. It explicitly states that the law does not affect existing personnel codes, labor relations, collective bargaining agreements, or pension plans. The bill was signed into law and became effective on June 25, 2024, with some provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish and administer a program to provide grants to crisis walk-in centers that provide services in a homelike environment to persons experiencing a mental health crisis who would otherwise be placed in improper care settings. Provides that to be eligible for a grant under the program a crisis walk-in center must provide crisis intervention and support services to adults 18 years of age or older at a facility that operates a minimum of 8 to 16 hours per day, 5 to 7 days a week. Requires staff at the crisis walk-in center to include at least one certified peer recovery support specialist and at least one licensed mental health professional who is available during the center's hours of operation to assess the severity of a client's mental health crisis, assist in developing a safety plan, and connect a client to appropriate community resources and other long-term behavioral health providers. Provides that grants awarded under the program may be used to fund increased staffing, facility improvements, or security measures at existing crisis walk-in centers. Provides that grants may also be awarded to behavioral health providers for the establishment or operation of crisis walk-in centers in underserved communities. Permits the Department to adopt rules on application requirements and any other rules necessary to implement the program.

Authorizes the Director of Natural Resources to execute and deliver a quitclaim deed to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation for specified real property located in DeKalb County, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Officer Luis M. Huesca, a Chicago Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty in April 2024. The text formally expresses the sadness of the Illinois House of Representatives regarding his death and extends condolences to his family, friends, and community. It also directs that a copy of the resolution be given to the Huesca family as a gesture of sympathy. This legislative action serves to acknowledge his service and sacrifice rather than to change laws or policies.

Declares May of 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in honor of the contributions made by Asian American and Pacific Island residents and communities across Illinois.

Declares October of 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and supports and commends the efforts of the people and organizations who work tirelessly to help victims break free of the devastating effects of domestic abuse.

Declares February 21, 2024 as John Lewis Day in the State of Illinois to honor the life and legacy of American hero and civil rights leader John Robert Lewis.

Amends the Illinois Pension Code. In the General Provisions Article, provides that beginning on January 1, 2024, the annual earnings, salary, or wages of a Tier 2 participant under the Cook County Article shall track with the Social Security wage base (rather than shall not exceed $106,800, adjusted annually). Makes conforming changes in the Cook County Article and provides that the county's contribution shall be paid through a tax levy and any other lawfully available funds. Provides that beginning on January 1, 2025, the Fund shall not use contributions received by the Fund for subsidy for an annuitant health care program. Deletes a restrictive date in a provision concerning establishing credit for military service. Beginning on December 1, 2023, provides that the president of the county shall appoint 2 additional members to the board of trustees. Requires the retirement board to retain an actuary who is a member in good standing of the American Academy of Actuaries to produce an annual actuarial report of the Fund and provides criteria for the report. Provides that the annual audit required of the Fund may include the preparation of the annual actuarial report. Provides that the annual report submitted to the county board shall include the annual actuarial report. Requires that the minimum required employer contribution shall be submitted annually by the county and provides the method of determining the minimum required employer contribution. Provides that the Fund shall (rather than may) pay for an annuitant health care program administered by the Fund (rather than any of the county's health care plans). Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.

Declares February 5 through February 9, 2024 as School Counseling Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages all Illinoisans to join in recognizing school counselors who have worked diligently to ensure all students in the State are afforded more equal opportunities in their education and personal growth.

Declares March 10-16, 2024 as "MS Awareness Week" in the State of Illinois and encourages all Illinoisans to learn more about multiple sclerosis and what they can do to support individuals with MS and their families. Recognizes the importance of finding the cause and cure of MS and expresses appreciation for the dedication that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has shown toward creating a world free of MS.