Sen. Julie Morrison

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. In provisions concerning billing for services provided by nonparticipating providers or facilities, provides that if attempts to negotiate reimbursement for services provided by a nonparticipating provider do not result in a resolution of the payment dispute within 30 days after receipt of written explanation of benefits by the health insurance issuer, then the health insurance issuer, nonparticipating provider, or the facility may initiate binding arbitration to determine payment for services provided on a per-bill or a batched-bill basis (instead of only a per-bill basis) in accordance with specified law.

Amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act. Provides that, before commencing construction of a new establishment or an alteration or addition to an existing establishment, the owner or operator of the establishment shall submit architectural drawings and specifications for the construction, alteration, or addition to the Department of Public Health for review and approval. Contains requirements for submissions, review of submissions, and notice provided under the provisions. Provides fees based upon the estimated dollar value of constructions, alterations, or additions. Creates the Health Establishment Plan Review Fund and makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. Requires fees collected under the provisions to be deposited into the Fund and used by the Department only to pay the costs of conducting reviews under the provisions. Contains other provisions.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that an election authority establishing a vote center (where a voter in its jurisdiction is allowed to vote on election day regardless of the precinct in which they are registered) under the Section shall identify the location, hours of operation, and any health and safety requirements by the 40th day preceding an election (rather than the 2022 general primary election and the 2022 general election) and certify such to the State Board of Elections. Removes a repeal date of July 1, 2023 for the vote center provisions. Effective immediately.

Amends the Election Code. Provides that election authorities may authorize service of objections to candidate nominations through electronic mail instead of personal service if the election authority responsible for convening the electoral board requires candidates to provide an electronic mail address where notices of objections and electoral board proceedings may be sent electronically instead of through personal service, requires objectors to provide an electronic mail address where notices and electoral board proceedings may be sent electronically instead of through personal service, and publishes notice of its decision to authorize service of objections to candidate nominations through electronic mail on its website within 5 business days after the effective date of the amendatory Act.

Amends the Property Tax Code. Reduces the interest rate for delinquent taxes in Cook County to 0.75% for tax year 2023 and thereafter.

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Defines terms. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2025, a retail establishment may not sell or distribute in this State a disposable food service container that is composed in whole or in part of polystyrene foam. Exempts specified entities from the prohibition until one year after the amendatory Act's effective date. Effective immediately.

Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that, if a unit of local government, including, but not limited to, a mosquito abatement district, intends to engage in mosquito abatement activities requiring the application of a pesticide, then the unit of local government shall provide notice of its intent to apply the pesticide to those individuals who reside within the geographic area where the pesticide is to be applied. Specifies that the notice must be supplied to the affected individuals not less than 4 days before the pesticide is to be applied for mosquito abatement purposes. Authorizes the notice to be provided by radio or television advertisements, mailings to potentially affected individuals, or electronic notices posted on the website of the unit of local government. Provides that, if a unit of local government is notified by an individual that the individual does not wish to have pesticides applied near the individual's place of residence, then the unit of local government shall not apply pesticides within 200 feet of that residence. Effective January 1, 2024.

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, shall develop a comprehensive list of children and youth under the age of 18 who are diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities or with a mental illness and are referred to a children's group home, an Illinois public school, a therapeutic day school, or a private in-state or out-of-state residential program or hospital due to their need for behavioral health services and supports. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services (Department) to work in conjunction with other specified State agencies to (i) track the referrals, monitor any possible overlap between agencies, track funding streams, track the number of available facilities, staff, and beds, and establish clear processes and memoranda of understanding for the exchange of this information; and (ii) establish a Short-Term Stabilization Home Model to serve eligible children and youth who have behavioral challenges that have not been stabilized despite interventions to support such children and youth in their communities. Provides that the Department and other specified entities shall be responsible for making referrals to the short-term stabilization homes. Provides that the Department shall work in conjunction with individual service coordination agencies in the child or youth's geographic area to identify potential short-term stabilization home participants. Requires the Department to establish a Transition to Adulthood Model as an intensive transition program that serves young adults from the age of 18 to the day before their 26th birthday. Provides that the Transition to Adulthood Model shall include educational services so that young adults receiving services under the model can learn how to navigate within their own community, use public transportation, plan and purchase meals, self-advocate, plan social activities, and attend institutions of higher learning, among other social activities. Effective immediately.

Recognizes and applauds the historic significance of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States, Illinois, and Israel and commits to strengthening these bonds. Commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats to its security and existence. Reaffirms enduring support for Israel as the country pursues peace. Extends best wishes to the State of Israel and its people for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Mourns the passing of Bruce Howard Balonick.