Sen. Julie Morrison

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" includes emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations as are designated or authorized by proper State or county authorities. Provides that the definition of "police vehicle" includes any vehicle, recreational off-highway vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device that is designated or authorized by proper State or county authorities for police use.

Amends the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Act. Provides that the Director of the Illinois State Police shall serve as chair of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee. Provides that, after expiration of the initial appointments, all members shall hold office for 2 years, with terms expiring on the second Monday in January immediately following the expiration of their terms and every 2 years thereafter. The Governor may remove a member for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or inability to serve.

Amends the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that a school building's emergency and crisis response plan, protocol, and procedures shall include a plan for local law enforcement to rapidly enter a school building in the event of an emergency.

Amends the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall require a hospital licensed under the Act to annually notify the hospital staff of the staffs' rights under the Nurse Staffing Improvement Act. Provides that notification shall provide a phone number and an email for staff to report noncompliance of the staff’s rights as described in the Nurse Staffing Improvement Act. Provides that notification should be provided via email and the United States Postal Service. Provides that the Department shall monitor and enforce the notification requirements.

Amends the University of Illinois Hospital Act and the Hospital Licensing Act. Provides that, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, hospitals organized or licensed under the Acts shall not require a patient in the hospital's emergency room to pay a copayment before receiving treatment for the patient's medical emergency.

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Department of Human Resources shall partner with the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for the provision of mental health care during school days with the goal of increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students. Provides that the Department shall report to the General Assembly on the implementation of the technical assistance provision no later than July 1, 2025. Provides for rulemaking by the Department and the State Board of Education.

Amends the Illinois Plumbing License Law. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall adopt a rule requiring that for each drinking fountain in any construction where a drinking fountain is required under the Illinois Plumbing Code, there shall also be a bottle filling station or a combined bottle filling station and drinking fountain. Provides that the rules required to be adopted shall take effect and be implemented by July 1, 2026. Defines "bottle filling station".

Amends the Park District Code. Provides that a park district may levy and collect annually a tax for maintaining a police system, for implementing and maintaining public safety and security measures, or both (currently, only for maintaining a police system) within the parks, playgrounds, and other facilities maintained by the district. Defines "public safety and security measures". Makes conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Reschedules various Schedule I and Schedule IV controlled substances. Defines "isomer".

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county with a population of less than 1,000,000 may establish minimum requirements for new building design and construction to lessen the risks caused by new building design and construction to wildlife and sensitive habitats. Effective immediately.