Sen. Julie Morrison

Mourns the death of James Francis Gallagher of Highland Park.

Mourns the death of Kelly Shawn Moore of Lake Forest.

Mourns the death of Roger W. Carlson of Deerfield.

Mourns the death of Paula Ballin of Highland Park.

Mourns the death of Mary Fiocchi of Highland Park.

Mourns the death of Raymond J. Holtz of Mount Prospect.

Creates the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Provides that administrators and insurers, prior to going to market, must file with the Department of Insurance for review and approval a description of the services to be offered through a network plan, with certain criteria included in the description. Provides that the network plan shall demonstrate to the Department, prior to approval, a minimum ratio of full-time equivalent providers to plan beneficiaries and maximum travel and distance standards for plan beneficiaries, which shall be established annually by the Department based upon specified sources. Provides that the Department shall conduct quarterly audits of network plans to verify compliance with network adequacy standards. Establishes certain notice requirements. Provides that a network plan shall provide for continuity of care for its beneficiaries under certain circumstances and according to certain requirements. Provides that a network plan shall post electronically a current and accurate provider directory and make available in print, upon request, a provider directory subject to certain specifications. Provides that the Department is granted specific authority to issue a cease and desist order against, fine, or otherwise penalize any insurer or administrator for violations of any provision of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2018.

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Contains provisions concerning the establishment of various programs and services for the benefit of veterans including a proactive outreach program for veterans that served in high casualty units, in units that experienced high conflict areas, and in units where at least one service member committed suicide following his or her service; a public awareness campaign concerning the trauma and internal injuries suffered by veterans; specified training concerning mental health services for employees of veterans service organizations, Veterans Assistance Commissions, and veterans' service associations; educational success programs for veterans experiencing specified difficulties in higher education; a family preparation course for the families of returning veterans; a licensing program for therapy dogs for veterans; a transition program for returning veterans that reside in the State; a system that allows veterans to file a specified federal form immediately upon discharge; creation of an employer training program; and a standard statewide peer-to-peer training program to familiarize veterans with the veterans' services available at the local, State, and federal levels. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to adopt any rules necessary to implement these provisions.

Creates the Protection of Individuals with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System Task Force consisting of up to 25 members appointed by the Attorney General. Provides that the members shall reflect the racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the State. Specifies the categories of individuals to serve on the Task Force. Provides that the members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation. Provides that the Office of the Attorney General shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force. Provides that the Task Force shall consider issues that affect adults and juveniles with disabilities with respect to their involvement with the police, detention and confinement in corrections facilities, representation by counsel, participation in the criminal justice system, communications with their families, awareness and accommodations for their disabilities, and concerns for the safety of the general public and individuals working in the criminal justice system. Provides that the Task Force shall make recommendations to the Governor and to the General Assembly regarding policies, procedures, legislation, and other actions that can be taken to protect the public safety and the well-being and rights of individuals with disabilities in the criminal justice system. Provides that the Task Force shall submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, and the General Assembly on or before March 31, 2018. Repeals the Act on June 30, 2018. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois False Claims Act. Provides that a person who commits certain acts is liable to the State for a civil penalty of not less than the minimum amount and not more than the maximum amount allowed for a civil penalty for a violation of the federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729 et seq.) as adjusted by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2461) (instead of a penalty of not less than $5,500 and not more than $11,000). Effective immediately.