Sen. Cristina Castro

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that rates for homemaker services shall be increased to $29.64 beginning July 1, 2023 to sustain a minimum wage of $18 per hour for direct service workers. Requires rates in subsequent State fiscal years to be no lower than the rates in effect on July 1, 2023. Requires providers of in-home services to be required to certify to the Department on Aging that they remain in compliance with the mandated wage increase for direct service workers. Provides that fringe benefits, including, but not limited to, paid time off and payment for training, health insurance, travel, or transportation, shall not be reduced in relation to the rate increases described in the amendatory Act. Effective July 1, 2023.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that an amount equal to 10% of the net revenue realized from the State income tax during the preceding month shall be transferred from the General Revenue Fund to the Local Government Distributive Fund (currently, the amount transferred is equal to the sum of (i) 6.16% of the net revenue realized from the tax imposed upon individuals, trusts, and estates, (ii) 6.85% of the net revenue realized from the tax imposed upon corporations, and (iii) 6.16% of the net revenue realized from the tax imposed upon electing pass-through entities). Effective immediately.

Creates the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Act. Provides for the licensure of certified anesthesiologist assistants by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sets forth provisions concerning: administrative procedures; the applicability of the Act; using titles, advertising, and billing; supervision requirements; application for licensure; unlicensed practice, violations, and civil penalties; the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Advisory Committee; qualifications for licensure; the expiration and renewal of a license; the inactive status of a license; and grounds for disciplinary action. Amends the Medical Practice Act of 1987. Provides that, under delegation from a supervising anesthesiologist, a licensed certified anesthesiologist assistant is authorized to select, order, and administer drugs and apply the appropriate medical devices in the provision of anesthesia services under the anesthesia plan agreed to by the supervising anesthesiologist. Amends the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center Act and the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that a licensed certified anesthesiologist assistant under the supervision of an anesthesiologist with clinical privileges granted by the medical staff and ambulatory surgical center or at the hospital may administer anesthesia services. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to provide for the repeal of the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Act on January 1, 2033.

Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Provides that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, each individual who serves as a volunteer emergency worker for at least 9 months during the taxable year and does not receive compensation for his or her services as a volunteer emergency worker of more than $10,000 for the taxable year is entitled to a credit against specified taxes in an amount equal to $500. Defines "volunteer emergency worker". Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides for emergency rulemaking. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Changes the term "non-compliant identification card" to "standard identification card". Changes the definition of "limited term REAL ID compliant identification card" to include cards that have been issued to an individual who has an approved application for asylum in the United States or has entered the United States in refugee status. Allows the Secretary of State to accept, as proof of date of birth and written signature of an applicant for a standard identification card, any passport from the applicant's country of citizenship or a consular identification document validly issued to an applicant. Prohibits the Secretary from releasing highly restricted personal information or personally identifying information or disclose documents to any immigration agent unless it is necessary to comply with a lawful court order, judicial warrant, or subpoena for individual records. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into or maintaining any agreement regarding the sharing of such information or documents. Provides that no temporary visitor's driver's licenses shall be issued after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that every driver's license application shall state the social security number of the applicant; except if the applicant is applying for a standard driver's license and is ineligible for a social security number, then if the applicant has documentation authorizing the applicant's presence in the country, the applicant shall provide such documentation instead of a social security number. Provides that, if the applicant does not have documentation authorizing the applicant's presence in the country, the applicant must submit documentation establishing that the applicant has resided in the State for a period in excess of one year and a passport validly issued to the applicant from the applicant's country of citizenship. Makes conforming changes in those Acts and the Consular Identification Document Act and the Election Code. Effective January 1, 2024.

Congratulates David R. Schuler, Ph.D., on his appointment as the next executive director of the School Superintendents Association (AASA). Commends his long career in public education.

Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Provides that beginning 4 years after issuance of the initial supplier license, a holder of a supplier license shall pay a $50,000 license fee for each additional 4-year renewal period (rather than a $150,000 annual license fee). Effective immediately.

Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that the definition of "dog dealer" does not include a person who sells dogs at retail to the public. Provides that a person who sells dogs at retail to the public, shall not be considered an animal shelter under the Act. Defines "at retail to the public". Provides that the Illinois Department of Agriculture may refuse to issue or renew or may suspend or revoke a license for operating without a proper license under the Act.

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Supporting Special Needs Students Law. Amends the School Code. When computing certain completion rates, requires the State Superintendent of Education to exclude students who: are at least 18 years of age as of September 1 of the school year as reported for the fall semester and have satisfied the credit requirements for high school graduation; have not completed their individualized education program; and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, in high school districts in counties with populations greater than 800,000 but less than 4,000,000 where there are 2 high schools individually serving grades 9 through 12 and where enrollment is less than 2,500 at any school, enrollment shall be balanced across high schools within the district equally, not to exceed a 15% enrollment difference when averaged over the previous 3 consecutive years.

Amends the Business Assistance and Regulatory Reform Act. Provides that, within 30 days after the beginning of its fiscal year, each State agency shall publicly report its expenditures for the previous fiscal year by submitting a report with specified information to the General Assembly electronically or in writing. Requires the report to be made available to the 10 news outlets in the State that have the highest circulation, listenership, or viewership.