Sen. Julie Morrison

Creates the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Provides requirements concerning disclosure and review of prior authorization requirements, denial of claims or coverage by a utilization review program, and the implementation of prior authorization requirements or restrictions. Provides requirements concerning a utilization review program's obligations with respect to prior authorizations in nonurgent circumstances, urgent health care services, and emergency health care services. Provides that a utilization review program shall not require prior authorization under specified circumstances. Provides requirements concerning the length of prior authorizations. Provides that health care services are automatically deemed authorized if a utilization review program fails to comply with the requirements of the Act. Provides that the Director of Insurance may impose an administrative fine not to exceed $250,000 for violations of the Act. Defines terms. Amends the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act to provide that an insurer that provides prescription drug benefits must comply with the requirements of the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Provides that if prior authorization for covered post-stabilization services is required by a health care plan, the plan shall comply with the requirements of the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide that all managed care organizations shall comply with the requirements of the Prior Authorization Reform Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2021.

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Removes the requirement for each Legislative District to be divided into 2 Representative Districts. Modifies provisions concerning legislative redistricting. Provides specified requirements for each Legislative District, Representative District, and Congressional District for redistricting purposes. Replaces the current method of legislative redistricting with a 17-member Commission, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the most senior Supreme Court Justice of a different political party in accordance with specified criteria. Specifies requirements for the Commission concerning redistricting plans. Adds provisions concerning the membership of the Commission and budgetary matters related to the Commission. Provides the Supreme Court with original and exclusive jurisdiction over redistricting matters. Defines terms. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective upon being declared adopted and applicable to redistricting beginning in 2021 and to the election of General Assembly members beginning in 2022.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2022, a store may not sell or distribute in this State a disposable food service container that is composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt rules to implement the amendatory Act's provisions.

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code. Provides that when a State contract is to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, an otherwise qualified bidder who will fulfill the contract through the use of compostable foodware or recyclable foodware may be given preference over other bidders unable to do so. Prohibits the procurement and use of single-use plastic disposable foodware at State parks, natural areas, and the Illinois State Fair. Provides that the prohibition does not apply to the procurement of single-use plastic disposable straws if a State agency is servicing medically vulnerable persons. Defines terms.

Urges local emergency response planning officials to partner with school districts in their region in order to disseminate information pertaining to safety threats related to the storage and transport of hazardous substances, including petroleum oil and HHFTs, to the parents of attending students, faculty and staff, and schools at risk of being negatively impacted by storage facilities and/or the transport of such hazardous materials. Further urges local emergency response planning officials to include school districts in their region in the development and implementation of oil spill response plans specific to incidents involving the storage and transport of hazardous materials, including petroleum oil and HHFTs.

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to examine child care institutions, maternity centers, child welfare agencies, day care centers, day care agencies, and group homes, and the persons responsible for the care of children therein. Provides that the Department shall not allow any person to examine those facilities who has not passed an examination demonstrating familiarity with the Act and appropriate standards. Provides that with the exception of day care centers, day care homes, and group day care homes, licenses shall be issued by DHS and shall be valid for 4 years. Provides that licenses issued for day care centers, day care homes, and group day care homes shall be valid for 3 years. Provides that DHS may issue one 6-month permit to a newly established facility to allow that facility reasonable time to become eligible for a full license. Permits DHS to issue an emergency permit to a child care facility taking in children as a result of the temporary closure of another facility due to a natural disaster. Permits DHS to visit facilities, without notice, to determine if they are compliant with the Act and rules. Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Removes a provision requiring the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to examine child care institutions, maternity centers, child welfare agencies, day care centers, day care agencies, and group homes. Removes a provision concerning the licensure of certain facilities by DCFS. Removes language permitting DCFS to issue an emergency permit to a child care facility taking in children because of a temporary closure due to a natural disaster. Requires DCFS to monitor foster family homes. Effective immediately.

Creates the Illinois Container Fee and Deposit Act. Provides for a deposit value of 5 cents to be paid by consumers on each beverage container sold in the State by a dealer for consumption. Provides that upon the return to a dealer or person operating a redemption center, the dealer or redemption center shall pay the value of the deposit back to the consumer as a refund. Sets forth requirements for the administration of the program. Provides certain exemptions to the program. Requires that the refund value be clearly indicated on all beverage containers sold in the State. Provides for the Environmental Protection Agency to certify redemption centers. Prohibits snap-top beverage containers. Provides that persons violating the Act shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Prohibits the manufacture of certain plastic metal beverage containers. Prohibits the disposal of beverage containers at sanitary landfills. Provides that deposits not passed on to the consumer through bottle redemption shall be distributed as follows: 75% to the Agency for environmental and conservation-related programs, and 25% to each distributor in proportion to the amount of beverage containers each distributor sold in the State. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Illinois Container Fee and Deposit Fund. Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that a full service restaurant or quick service restaurant shall not provide single use plastic disposable foodware items to a consumer ordering or purchasing dine-in food unless requested by the consumer. Contains other specified requirements for full service or quick service restaurants and provides civil penalties for any violations. Effective July 1, 2021.

Mourns the passing of Daniel M. "Dan" Pierce.

Mourns the passing of Edward E. "Ed" Link.

Mourns the passing of Patricia Ann "Pat" Bruce.