Sen. Laura Murphy

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning Medicare supplement policy minimum standards, provides that if an individual is at least 65 years of age but no more than 75 years of age and has an existing Medicare supplement policy, then the individual is entitled to an annual open enrollment period lasting 45 days, commencing with the individual's birthday, and the individual may purchase any Medicare supplement policy with the same issuer or any affiliate authorized to transact business in the State (instead of only the same issuer) that offers benefits equal to or lesser than those provided by the previous coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state laws to require specific health benefits for employees of the State Employees Group Insurance Program and for employees of self-insured county governments. It mandates that these health plans cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including procedures like in vitro fertilization and genetic screening, starting on January 1, 2024. The coverage is limited to a two-year period ending on July 1, 2026, and applies only when procedures meet established medical standards and are performed at accredited facilities. Additionally, the bill ensures that fertility medications are treated the same as other prescription drugs regarding cost-sharing and restrictions.

Amends the School Construction Law. In provisions concerning early childhood construction grants, removes a provision that specifies that grants made in fiscal year 2024 may be made only to public school districts. Provides that a not-for-profit early childhood entity that rents or leases from another not-for-profit entity shall be considered an eligible entity. Effective immediately.

Amends the Accident and Health Article of the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that if a generic drug is unavailable due to a supply issue and dosage cannot be adjusted, a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2025 shall provide coverage for a brand name eligible prescription drug until supply of the generic drug is available. Defines "eligible prescription drug" and "generic drug". Makes conforming changes in the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code.

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that all records containing resident, participant, and complainant information collected by the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program are confidential and shall not be disclosed outside of the program without a lawful subpoena or the permission of the State Ombudsman. Permits the State Ombudsman, at his or her discretion, to disclose resident or participant information if it is in the best interest of the resident or participant. Requires the Department on Aging to establish procedures for the disclosure of program records by the State Ombudsman. Provides that the procedures shall prohibit disclosure of a resident's identity in case records unless the resident gives consent.

Amends the School Boards Article of the School Code. Provides that, in addition to required professional development leadership training, every voting member of a school board of a school district elected or appointed for a term beginning after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall complete a minimum of 3 hours of training every 2 years on continuous improvement planning and leveraging instruction, funding, and support to improve student outcomes. Provides that this training must be completed within one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act or the first year of a school board member's term and must be completed at least every 2 years thereafter. Provides that, subject to the requirements of the Open Meetings Act, school board members may take this training together. Provides that the training may be provided by an association established under the Code for the purpose of training school board members or by other qualified providers approved by the State Board of Education, in consultation with an association so established.

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that it is not a defense to a prosecution for hazing that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing.

Authorizes the Director of Natural Resources to convey the described parcel in Will County to the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Effective immediately.

Creates the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. Requires the Department of Agriculture to develop and administer a Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program to enhance local food processing, aggregation, and distribution within the State through the award of annual grants. Specifies that eligible grant applicants include certain entities that store, process, package, aggregate, or distribute farm products raised in Illinois. Provides that grant awards shall be between $1,000 and $150,000. Describes match requirements for grant recipients. Describes allowable expenses. Requires the Department to create an independent Steering Committee to guide the implementation and evaluation of the grant program. Describes the Steering Committee's composition and responsibilities. Establishes various grant application requirements. Requires the Director of Agriculture to report certain information to the Governor and General Assembly each year. Limits the liability of program administrators. Contains provisions concerning termination of a grant agreement under the Act. Defines terms. Effective immediately.

Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Provides that owners of a facility must submit a transition plan upon a change of ownership. Requires the transition plan to include a detailed explanation of how resident care and appropriate staffing levels shall be maintained until the license has been obtained and the transfer of facility operations occurs. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall not approve any change of ownership without a sufficient transition plan. Provides penalties for failure to provide a transition plan and ensure residents are provided adequate care during the change of ownership process. Provides that the transferor's liability includes failure to have a sufficient transition plan during the change of ownership process. Effective immediately.