Amends the School Code. Provides that the dyslexia handbook developed by the State Board of Education shall include guidelines on the administration of a universal screener and dyslexia screening, the interpretation of data from these screeners, and the resulting appropriate instruction within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary to ensure that a student will be screened for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth guidelines for developing a universal screening. Sets forth which students are required to be screened. Provides that no later than January 1, 2025, the State Board of Education shall employ at least 5 dyslexia specialists or dyslexia therapists with a minimum of 5 years of field experience in screening, identifying, and treating dyslexia and related disorders. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through 2 for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that if a student is determined to be either at risk or at some risk for dyslexia after the universal screener has been administered, the school district must administer a dyslexia screening of the student. Provides that if a student's dyslexia screening indicates that the student has characteristics of dyslexia, the dyslexia intervention services provided to the student must utilize a structured literacy approach as outlined in the State Board of Education's handbook. Makes other changes.
Sponsored bills
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Changes the repeal date for provisions authorizing natural gas surcharges to provide for recovery of costs associated with investments in qualifying infrastructure plants from December 31, 2023 to July 1, 2023. Effective immediately.
Amends the Minimum Wage Law and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Provides that wages recovered by the Department of Labor shall be deposited into the Department of Labor Special State Trust Fund, from which the Department shall disburse the sums owed to the employee or employees. Provides that the Department shall conduct a good faith search to find all employees for whom it has recovered unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation. Provides that beginning July 1, 2023, or as soon as is practical, and each July 1 thereafter, the Department may direct the State Comptroller and State Treasurer to transfer up to 15% of the balance of the moneys due to employees who cannot be located and that have been held by the Department in the Department of Labor Special State Trust Fund for 3 or more years from the Department of Labor Special State Trust Fund to the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund. Makes other changes. Amends the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
Amends the Unemployment Insurance Act. In provisions concerning the directory of new hires, provides that the definition of "newly hired employee" includes an individual under an independent contractor arrangement. Effective January 1, 2024.
Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that, in connection with the issuance of certificates of participation or bonds, the governing board of a public institution of higher education may enter into contracts in excess of 10 years but not to exceed 35 years for the purpose of financing or refinancing real or personal property.
Amends the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Defines "enclosed, locked facility" to mean a room, greenhouse, building, outdoor canopy space, or other enclosed area (currently room, greenhouse, building, or other enclosed area) equipped with locks or other security devices that permit access only by cannabis business establishment agents working for the licensed cannabis business establishment or acting to cultivate, process, store, or distribute cannabis. Makes conforming changes.
Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Provides that an off-premises retail licensee or a person in the business of manufacturing, importing, or distributing alcoholic liquors directly or indirectly offering or providing coupons to consumers that are redeemable by the person offering the coupon or third-party agent does not constitute a violation under the Act if specified conditions are met. Provides that any person who funds, offers, or redeems coupons shall maintain complete, accurate, and itemized records of reimbursements. Provides that the person offering a coupon shall provide notice of the coupon with specified information at least 7 days prior to the issuance of the coupon on the licensee's publicly available website or social media pages and, in the case of an off-premises retailer offering the coupon, conspicuously on its licensed premises.
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a voucher program to promote the use of electric vehicles by offering, subject to appropriation, a voucher in specified amounts per electric vehicle purchased or leased. Requires vouchers to be (1) made available for electric vehicles that are registered in Illinois or recognized under the International Registration Plan, (2) issued only to applicants who have a primary residence in Illinois, and (3) made available for direct purchases, purchases through third-party bulk orders, and leasing of electric vehicles. Provides that an applicant shall submit a proof of purchase, lease, or other binding contract regarding the electric vehicle in order to be awarded the voucher. Contains other requirements. Defines "electric vehicle". Contains other provisions.
Amends the Election Code. Provides that a person who is otherwise qualified to vote may preregister to vote on or after that person's 16th birthday, with the registration held in abeyance by the State Board of Elections until that individual attains the required age to vote. Provides that an individual who is 17 years of age, will be 18 years of age on the date of the immediately following general or consolidated election, and is otherwise qualified to vote shall be deemed eligible to circulate a nominating petition or a petition proposing a public question. Provides that a person who is 16 years of age or older shall be deemed competent to execute and attest to any voter registration forms. Makes a conforming change. Effective July 1, 2024.
Amends the Fair Patient Billing Act. Requires hospitals to screen patients for health insurance and financial assistance. Prohibits the sale of a patient's medical debt by a hospital. Prohibits hospitals from offering a payment plan to an uninsured patient without first exhausting any discount available to the uninsured patient under the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act and from entering into a payment plan for a bill that is eligible to be discounted by 100% under the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. Makes other changes. Amends the Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. Provides that hospital may not make the availability of a discount and maximum collectible amount contingent upon an uninsured patient's eligibility for specified programs if the patient declines to apply for a public health insurance program on the basis of concern for immigration-related consequences to the patient, which shall not be grounds for the hospital to deny financial assistance under the hospital's financial assistance policy.