Rep. Harry Benton

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and career of former Illinois State Representative Brent Hassert, who passed away in August 2024. The document outlines his background, including his work in landscaping and service on the Will County Board, before detailing his 16 years in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1992 to 2008. It highlights his legislative contributions, such as helping to restructure the state's electricity industry, shaping laws for riverboat casinos, and overseeing administrative rules. The resolution concludes by formally expressing the legislature's condolences and directing a copy of the document to Hassert's wife, Lee Ann Goodson.

Congratulates the Naperville Fire Department on its 150 years of service. Commends all individuals who have served and are currently serving the Naperville Fire Department for their commitment to the safety of their community and the residents of the City of Naperville. Honors all firefighters who have perished in the line of service to the Naperville Fire Department, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice while protecting their community.

Amends the Flag Display Act. Provides that a government official who, in the course of the official's duties, knowingly displays or knowingly causes to be displayed the United States national flag with the union down on government property, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property, commits a Class 4 felony. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 that provides coverage for prescription drugs shall require that a covered individual's defined cost sharing for each prescription drug shall be calculated at the point of sale based on a price that is reduced by an amount equal to at least 100% of all rebates received in connection with the dispensation or administration of the prescription drug. Provides that an insurer shall apply any rebate amount in excess of the defined cost sharing amount to the health plan to reduce premiums. Provides that the provisions shall not preclude an insurer from decreasing a covered individual's defined cost sharing by an amount greater than the stated amount at the point of sale. Provides that the Department of Insurance may adopt rules to implement the provisions.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a vehicle or combination of vehicles that uses alternative fuel as a motor fuel or is operated by an engine fueled wholly or partially by an electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric fueling system may exceed the weight limitations by up to 2,000 pounds between the westernmost end of West 143rd Street and west of South Van Dyke Road on West 143rd Street in the Village of Plainfield.

Amends the Flag Display Act. Provides that a government official who, in the course of the official's duties, knowingly displays or knowingly causes to be displayed the United States national flag with the union down on government property, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property, commits a business offense punishable by a fine of not more than $25,000. Effective immediately.

Amends the School Code. Provides that each school district must create, implement, and maintain an age-appropriate policy on race-related harassment and discrimination. In provisions concerning bullying prevention, provides that the required policy on bullying shall also include age-appropriate information about the definitions of harassment and sexual harassment, the procedures for reporting harassment, and the protections and relief available under Illinois Human Rights Act. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that harassment by an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative or the failure of an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education to take remedial action or appropriate disciplinary action against a student or an elementary, secondary, or higher education representative employed by the institution (if the institution knows that the student or representative committed or engaged in harassment) is a civil rights violation. Provides that each institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education shall establish, implement, and maintain a continuing race-related discrimination and harassment program. Sets forth requirements concerning policies and procedures, a model training program, and reporting. Makes other changes. Effective August 1, 2024.

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that the operating procedures of the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board may provide for the inclusion of nonvoting, ex officio members on the Board. With respect to a for-profit or not-for-profit entity being recognized as an educator preparation institution, provides that any for-profit or not-for-profit entity with a presence in this State must also be approved by the Board of Higher Education or the Illinois Community College Board (instead of providing that any for-profit or not-for-profit entity must also be approved by the Board of Higher Education).

Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys in the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Fund may not be appropriated, assigned, or transferred to another State fund. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Removes language providing that the examination of an applicant for a driver's license or permit who is 75 years of age or older or, if the Secretary of State adopts rules to raise the age requirement for actual demonstrations, the examination of an applicant who has attained that increased age or is older shall include an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control of the operation of a motor vehicle. Effective January 1, 2025.