Rep. Sue Scherer

Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act. In provisions concerning hospitals and their agents pursuing collection actions, provides that, for any legal action initiated against a patient for unpaid medical debt, a hospital may not file for or be granted a lien upon that patient's primary residence or on any other real property owned by the patient. Effective January 1, 2027.

Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that a pediatric neurologist or any other physician who diagnoses autism in a child must provide to the child's family, at a follow-up appointment, a pamphlet listing autism-specific support services in the area.

Maddy summaryHB 878 amends the State Comptroller Act. It makes a technical change to a section within the Act that concerns its short title. This bill primarily affects the text of the existing law rather than introducing new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 226 amends the Illinois Fairness in Lending Act. The bill makes a technical change specifically to the section of the Act that concerns its short title.

Declares March 26, 2026 as Equal Pay Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of this State to learn about the pay gap that women experience in society and to learn about these various dates that bring attention to the pay gap that specific groups experience.

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.

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%.

Condemns any statements, threats, or insinuations of political violence, from any official, including the President of the United States, that seek to intimidate or punish elected representatives for upholding the Constitution or for reaffirming the duty of service members to refuse unlawful orders. Reaffirms the constitutional and statutory obligations of all uniformed military personnel to obey only lawful orders, to protect the Constitution of the United States, and to reject any directive that violates the rights of the people or the rule of law.

Amends the State Employee Article of the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that a member who is eligible to receive an alternative retirement annuity may elect to receive an estimated payment that shall commence no later than 30 days after the later of either the member's last day of employment or 30 days after the member files for the retirement benefit with the System. Provides that the estimated payment shall be the best estimate by the System of the total monthly amount due to the member based on the information that the System possesses at the time of the estimate. Provides that if the amount of the estimate is greater or less than the actual amount of the monthly annuity, the System shall pay or recover the difference within 6 months after the start of the monthly annuity. Excludes a benefit increase resulting from the amendatory Act from the definition of "new benefit increase". Effective immediately.