Sen. Thomas Cullerton

Mourns the death of Harry Volkman.

Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985. Deletes a section allowing cessation of a water commission by annexation or consolidation. Effective immediately.

Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2016, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall implement a pilot project requiring that every new or refilled prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance containing hydrocodone shall only be dispensed in a non-reusable medicine locking closure package. Defines "medicine locking closure package" and "Schedule II controlled substance". Provides that the medicine locking closure package must be dispensed by the pharmacy with instructions for patient use. Provides that the manufacturer of the medicine locking closure package must make available assistance online or through a toll-free number for patient use. Provides that prescriptions reimbursed via Medicare Part D and Medicaid and prescriptions for individuals residing in facilities licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act are exempt from the requirements of the pilot project. Repeals the provisions creating the pilot project on January 1, 2017. Effective immediately.

Creates the Fair Practices in Contracting Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall address the disparity in State procurement awards to African-American-owned businesses. Provides for the composition and administrative support of the Task Force. Provides a schedule of meetings that the Task Force shall follow. Provides that the Task Force shall submit its final report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 31, 2017. Repeals this Act on January 2, 2019.

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code and the Illinois Public Aid Code. With regard to the respective requirements concerning coverage and payment for screening by low-dose mammography for all women 35 years of age or older for the presence of occult breast cancer, includes a screening MRI when medically necessary, as determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, and if the American Cancer Society's guidelines for appropriate use for women at high risk for breast cancer are met. Further amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that on and after January 1, 2016, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall ensure that all networks of care for adult clients of the Department include access to at least one breast imaging Center of Imaging Excellence as certified by the American College of Radiology. Provides that on and after January 1, 2017, providers participating in a breast cancer treatment quality improvement program approved by the Department shall be reimbursed for breast cancer treatment at a rate that is no lower than 95% of the Medicare program's rates for the data elements included in the breast cancer treatment quality program. Makes changes concerning the case-managing and patient navigation pilot program. Sets forth provisions concerning departmental requirements for networks of care. Provides that on and after January 1, 2016, the Department shall ensure that provider and hospital reimbursement for certain required post-mastectomy care benefits are no lower than the Medicare reimbursement rate. Provides that on and after January 1, 2016 and subject to funding availability, the Department shall administer a grant program to build the public infrastructure for breast cancer imaging and diagnostic services across the State. Effective immediately.

Amends the Equal Pay Act of 2003. Provides that the Act applies to all employers rather than only those with more than 3 employees. Increases the maximum civil penalty for all violations of the Act or a rule from $2,500 to $5,000.

Mourns the death of Steven Nincic of Wood Dale.

Mourns the death of Julie Carr D'Agostino of Elmhurst.

Mourns the death of Chase Froese of Carol Stream.

Amends the Raffles and Poker Runs Act. Redefines "poker run". Allows bona fide not-for-profit organizations to be licensed to hold poker runs. Provides that the governing body of any county shall (rather than may) establish a system for the licensing of organizations to operate poker runs. Makes changes concerning which organizations shall be issued poker run licenses under the Act and the purposes for these licenses. Removes the requirement that poker runs by an organization be under the supervision of a single manager designated by the organization and associated bond requirements. Makes changes in provisions concerning records. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.